Have some space to fill on your leg sleeve? Want to connect tattoo work on the top of your thigh to your lower leg? Then knee tattoos are exactly what you’re looking for. The knee is an interesting pl...

Top Designs for Knee Tattoos

Have some space to fill on your leg sleeve? Want to connect tattoo work on the top of your thigh to your lower leg? Then knee tattoos are exactly what you’re looking for. The knee is an interesting place for ink, because it’s uniquely-shaped space that allows for a ton of creativity in the design and overall tattoo idea. We’re looking into the knee a little bit more to explain why it’s a good spot to consider, how much pain you can expect, and what kinds of designs will work best.

Why the Knee?

Frankly, why not? We say if you have skin, it’s fair game to tattoo. There are a number of reasons why the knee is a great choice for a tattoo spot, depending on your tattoo wants and needs. The shape of the area itself allows for some extra creativity in the design, because you could be looking at getting a knee tattoo as a standalone piece, something that extends above, around or underneath the knee, or it can be designed in a such a way that it connects tattoos on different parts of your leg into one cohesive piece.

The size of the knee sets no limits on the size of your desired tattoo, because it’s a very adaptable and workable spot. Large, small, tiny, or simple, any type of tattoo will work well in the knee area. For some people, knee tattoos make a statement of attitude or masculinity, but it’s also just a highly visible area that works perfectly to showcase your ink in warmer weather. The tattoo design possibilities are endless for knee tattoos but there are some kinds that work best with that particular body part. Some of the most popular tattoo designs for the knee tend to be things with a naturally rounded shape to fit better for the area, like roses, webs, eyes, face or skulls.

Pain Level

Tattoo Pain Graphic

Getting your knee tattooed it no walk in the park, but it’s worth in the end if you have a kickass tattoo design to look forward to. Still it’s a good idea to know what to expect before you make any final decisions on getting inked on the knee. The level of pain to expect can vary depending on where, exactly, you get the knee tattoo. The back of the knee, for instance, tends to be more painful than the front, because the skin is thinner and full of nerves, ligaments and blood vessels. The front of the knee, on the other hand, is made up of thicker skin and the area is covered with more muscle.

Thicker, tougher skin doesn’t equal a less painful tattoo experience, however. Because the skin is so rough, it can require a harder press to really get the ink deep enough into the tissue. The knee cap…well, that’s probably the least fun of all. With thin skin and all bone, you’ll want to be 100% sure you want that tattoo before committing to this tattoo placement. If you’re game for the temporary pain that getting the tattoo done will involve, then you have a well-earned and unique tattoo to rep in a highly visible spot.

15 Knee Tattoos to Inspire Your Knee-ativity

Get it? We will not apologize for the cringe-inducing pun. We found some of the best knee tattoos the internet has to offer to help you come up with your very own unique knee tattoo ideas. Check out some of these popular design ideas to see what sorts of creativity they inspire.

The knee is a great tattoo spot for a variety of reasons. Tattoos are easily displayed and seen in this area, designs can work in any size, and extravagant artwork goes perfectly in this region. No matter what you want in a tattoo, if you want one on your leg, the knee could be the best spot to go with – provided you can handle the pain!

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