Knitting with Arthritis: How I Found a Pain-Free Way to Keep Crafting

For many years, I thought my knitting days were over. Arthritis in my wrists made it difficult, and sometimes painful, to hold my needles. As someone who has always found peace and creativity in knitting, the idea of giving it up was heartbreaking. But I wasn’t ready to let arthritis take this craft away from me.

Determined to keep knitting, I explored different ways to adapt my technique and reduce the strain on my wrists. After some trial and error, I found a way to hold my needles that allowed me to knit without pain. The key was in adjusting my grip to minimize tension and using lighter, more ergonomic needles that were easier on my joints.

Here are a few tips for anyone else who loves knitting but struggles with arthritis:

• Use ergonomic needles: These are designed to reduce strain on the hands and wrists. I find that using a circular needle is most helpful. Bamboo and lightweight needles are often easier to manage. I find that needles with a square shaft are much easier to hold. I like to use Knit Picks Options Square Wood Interchangeable Knitting Needle Set.

• Adjust your grip: Instead of gripping the needles tightly, I learned to hold them more loosely and let the yarn move more freely through my fingers.

• Take breaks: Knitting in shorter bursts helps prevent stiffness and overuse of the joints.

• Use larger needles: Working with chunkier yarn and larger needles can lessen the strain, as it requires fewer stitches and less movement.

If you have arthritis, it doesn’t mean you have to stop knitting. With a few adjustments, you can continue enjoying this wonderful craft. I’m proof that it’s possible to keep knitting without pain, and I’ll be sharing more tips and techniques that worked for me in future posts.