Knitting can be a joy. Unfortunately, knitters can be injured or aggravate a chronic condition by
knitting—usually too long or too intensely.
So what’s a knitter to do? Here are 7 quick tips for preventing knitting injuries:
1. Talk to your doctor. You may have a condition limiting your physical
activities. Or maybe you have a chronic condition still making knitting possible with some
accommodations.
Your doctor is probably the best person to determine your individual limitations. If she can’t
determine your ideal level of activity, she may refer you to a specialist. One who can thoroughly
evaluate your individual needs, helping you plan your knitting routine.
If you develop any unusual or new symptoms, including pain, numbness, weakness, stiffness, or
swelling—stop knitting—and check with your doctor.
2. Use a timer. Knitting is soothing and rhythmic. And it relieves stress.
Unfortunately, in concentrating on the stitches, it’s also easy to lose track of time. Doing
the same movements repetitively for long periods of time can lead to stress injuries.
Set a timer so you take frequent breaks. How long you work at one time depends upon your individual
circumstances and medical advice. Be sure to take a real break: get up, walk around, stretch, even
do something else.
3. Limit the size of your project. Knitting a large project in one piece, such as an
afghan, may be too heavy. Try knitting something smaller. Or, divide the project into manageable
panels, strips or blocks. After knitting, sew the individual pieces together into the larger
project.
4. Use circular needles. Circular needles distribute the weight of your knitting better
than straight needles. Instead of bunching the weight on one needle, circular needles distribute the
weight over both hands and your lap. In close-knit quarters, like an airplane, they take up less
room than straight needles, making them less likely to poke your neighbor!
5. Adjust your position. You may benefit from a chair with arms, or pillows placed
strategically for support. The flip side of this is some people use a chair with arms too high,
causing strain on the shoulders. Sitting with good posture while working reduces strain, and helps
prevent muscle overwork.
6. Use larger needles. Larger size needles are easier to grip. They cause less
stress on your hands and wrists. You may need to check out patterns for larger needles, or modify
patterns yourself.
7. Be patient. You’re an individual, and your situation unique. If you can
only knit a few stitches comfortably, but it benefits you in other ways, and you have your
doctor’s permission, do it. Maybe tomorrow…next week…or next month you’ll
do more.
Knitting should be a pleasure, and feel free to do it at your own pace.
