Knitting and crocheting with hand arthritis

[storynanny]

Has anyone with arthritis tried the square knitting needles? My hand and finger arthritis is getting worse and I can't bear the thought of giving up something I've enjoyed doing from a child to age 59!
I have starting using soft grip crochet hooks which seem to be less painful. I've swapped from metal to bamboo knitting , needles but have seen that the square ones are described as ergonomically correct. They are quite expensive though so wonder if anyone has tried them out. Thanks in advance.

I haven't but they're definitely worth a go.

Also, you could try a different style of knitting - which may be less strain on your hands. I knit Portuguese style, which I find makes my hands feel less tense than how I used to knit. And apparently, am not the only one!

www.knittinghelp.com/forum/showthread.php?t=78791

If you go on YouTube and Ravelry, and search for Portuguese knitting, you'll find loads of info and how-tos.

Also, some people find knitting the traditional way with a knitting stick, to help with hand problems.

www.oldandinteresting.com/knitting-sheaths.aspx

I do sometimes knit with either a knitting stick or belt - I got my belt from Jamiesons & Smiths in the Shetlands.

www.shetlandwoolbrokers.co.uk/Leather-Knitting-Belt

And knitting stick from Alison, here:

alisonandhughshandmadethings.co.uk/?page_id=480

There are some really nice knitting belts here:

www.journeyman-leather.co.uk/knittingbelt8.html

Good luck with your quest and let us know how you get on!

Not regarding the knitting itself, but have you tried wax treatments for your hands? They are really beneficial for arthritis sufferers. You can have them as part of a manicure, or you can even get your own kit from Amazon - they're not too expensive.

Wouldn't bamboo sticks make it harder to knit? I get that they're warmer, but the fibres stick to the needle more and make it harder for me to knit, i do tend to knit tightly though.

Forgot to say but there are some lovely vintage plastic/bakelite/cassein needles on eBay and in vintage shops. I just got a job lot of what look like 1950s/60s cassein or plastic needles for 33p per set, on eBay (was buying a job lot as I'm teaching knitting and want to give some away for people who attend the class). I've heard that these are much kinder to arthritic hands.

I also have some vintage 19thC bone needles (with silver ends!) They have long been one of my favourite pairs of needles and seem very easy on the hands.

Hi I am really happy to know that in-spit of arthritis your wish to keep your hobby. Hands off. Recently I came accrossed some tutorials where people are hand knitting to make things like scarf etc. Have a look at these [[http://sadtohappyproject.com/how-to-arm-knit-an-infinity-scarf-in-just-30-minutes-diy DIY hand knitting]] tutorials. I think if you know how to make pattern to make other things then it will be more useful

Well I tried the square needles and didn't find them any different really so will have to knit through the pain.
It is def getting worse though and now having trouble opening childproof lids such as the ones on bleach bottles. Am wondering if it is rsi rather than arthritis though. I have arthritis in knees and one finger so just assumed it was that.