KNITTING PROBLEM SOLVERS

Try these solutions to your worst knitting woes.

Author Unknown 

     Knitting can be both physically and emotionally therapeutic.  But if joint pain and stiffness have forced you to retire your needles, there is hope.

Problem:       Yarn is too rough or too heavy

Solution:       Choose a soft, smooth, light, or medium gauge yarn, such as light worsted (DK) or worsted (Aran).  Coarse or fluffy yarns are hard on the hands.  Fine gauges are difficult to grip, and although bulky gauges may be easier to hold, the make the knitting heavy.

Problem:       Metal needles are stiff and cold.

Solution:       Try wooden needles.  Many knitters with hand problems say that wooden needles have more “give” and feel warmer to the touch than metal ones.  But beware of the cheaper varieties that can be rough and prevent your stitches from sliding.

Problem:       Back, neck, arms, or hands get sore.

Solution:       Circular needles have a flexible cable that allows your knitting to sit in your lap, taking the weight off of your arms.  Support your arms with pillows, and avoid looking down too much by clipping your pattern to a copyholder.

     Even if your form is good, you may be sore from knitting too much or too fast.  Pace yourself.  Take frequent brakes.  Stand up and stretch your hands, arms, and back when they start to ache.  You will gradually build stamina as you become accustomed to the activity.

Try these tools to make it easier on your joints:

Handeze gloves, starting at $20, www.handeze.com .  Made of Lycra, these full or partially fingerless gloves support weakened muscles and ligaments and help reduce the pain and swelling associated with repetitive motion,

Stitch Simply, starting at $75, www.knittingaid.com.  This gadget supports wrists and holds the bottom end of the needles, requiring your hands to maneuver only the needle’s tips in order to form stitches.

The Knitting Board, starting at $20, www.knittingboard.com.  The weave and hook movement across the pins of this loom-like device produces a double sided knitted material without using needles.