How to Take Care of Your Hands While Crocheting and Knitting

Anyone who has crocheted or knitted for a long period of time can tell you how hard it is on your hands. Fortunately, there are some precautions you can take to help keep your hands from hurting. Here are some tips to keep you able to comfortably crocheting and knitting to get your projects finished.

The first step to keeping your hands comfortable while you are crocheting or knitting is to be sure your hook or needle can be comfortably held. Each person has different needs when it comes to what is right for your hand size, so be sure to try several different types before choosing. Try holding each hook or needle as you would hold it when working on a project. This will help you make a decision before you buy the instruments. It is also possible to add rubber grippers that are used for pens and pencils to crochet hooks to make them more comfortable to hold.

While you are working be sure you have adequate support for the various parts of your body. Your shoulders and back should not slouch while you are working. Allow the project you are working on to rest in your lap. This will keep the strain of supporting large amounts of yarn away from your hands and wrists. Your arms and elbows should also be adequately supported while you are crocheting or knitting.

You may need to take frequent brakes to keep your hands from hurting. This is especially true if you are using yarn that has a rough texture or is difficult to hold onto. Stretch your fingers out for a count of ten several times during these resting periods. You should stretch them as far out as possible to get the best effect. Rotating your wrists both clockwise and counter-clockwise will also help any strain that you have put them through. If your shoulders are stiff, do some shrugs and circles to help the muscles relax.

There are also products that can help with hand problems caused by crocheting and knitting. Many craft stores will sell therapeutic gloves or braces that can be worn while working on your project. You may also find something to use for support at your local pharmacy.

If you experience any tingling or numbness in your hands you should seek medical care as soon as possible. You may have injured yourself and need the care of a professional. Even if your discomfort is temporary, it is wise to get the opinion of someone who knows how to fix or prevent further problems.

Knitting and crocheting should not hurt. And, taking care of your hands will ensure you can create many more finished items. Hopefully, these tips will help you keep your hands healthy so you are able to knit and crochet as much as you like.