Knitting can be a relaxing and creative hobby, but it can also cause discomfort or pain if not done with proper care.
Use a light grip and don’t hold the needles too tightly
Holding your needles or yarn too tightly can strain your hands and wrists. Try to relax your grip and hold your needles and yarn gently. Over time, you’ll find a balance between control and relaxation.
Choose lighter yarn and needles
Heavy yarns and large needles can put extra strain on your hands and wrists. If you experience pain, try switching to lighter-weight yarns or smaller needles which require less effort to handle.
Use proper lighting in your craft room
Poor lighting can cause eye strain and lead to tension in your neck and shoulders from squinting. Make sure your knitting space is well-lit so you don’t strain your eyes. Use a bright, adjustable lamp if necessary.
Take regular breaks from your hobby
Repetitive motion can cause strain on your hands, wrists, and shoulders. Every 30 minutes, take a break to stretch your hands, wrists, and arms. Get up and move around to prevent stiffness.
Once you are ready to get going again, you may want to try a new project. Aran yarn is a great choice for creating warm, textured items like sweaters, scarves, and blankets. It is medium-weight and works well for a variety of projects. Aran yarn is obtainable from stockists such as Wool Couture.
Choose ergonomic needles
Consider using ergonomic needles that are designed to reduce hand fatigue. Needles with softer grips, such as bamboo or wooden needles, can also provide better comfort than metal or plastic ones. The Sun has some ideas for pre-Christmas projects, including cosy scarves which make a wonderful present.
Keep hydrated and drink plenty of water
Dehydration and poor nutrition can exacerbate muscle and joint pain. Always drink plenty of water and maintain a healthy diet to support your muscles and joints while knitting.
Maintain a good posture
A poor posture can lead to back, neck, and shoulder pain. Try to avoid slouching or hunching over your knitting.
