Crafting is joyful. It brings immense joy to feel yarn slipping through your fingers, the click-clack of knitting needles and the movement of a crochet hook, and the satisfaction of creating something from nothing. However, many knitters and crocheters do not feel that pleasure. Why? Their hands can’t keep up with the heart; the heart is full of ideas, but the hands slow down. The reason- Arthritis! The medical condition of swelling and inflammation in the hands’ joints brings pain, discomfort and stiffness. Joy makes way for discomfort. However, there’s good news. With the right tools and techniques, crafting with arthritis can still be a fulfilling and pain-free experience. And, with comfort being your top priority, you can practice knitting and crocheting, and ultimately mindfulness which offer mental health benefits that improve the quality of life.
In this blog, we’ll explore the best knitting needles and crochet hooks for arthritis and share helpful tips to support comfortable crafting.
Why Arthritis Affects Knitting and Crochet
Arthritis in the hands, wrists, and fingers limits joint movement and reduces grip strength. Symptoms such as stiffness, inflammation, and pain make it harder to hold the knitting needles or crochet hooks and maintain yarn tension.
However, with ergonomic tools, the pain and discomfort can be minimized, allowing for crafting joy.
So, what are Arthritis-Friendly Crafting Tools?
The right tools can make all the difference between pain and pleasure. Standard knitting needles and crochet hooks are challenging to use. So, it’s time to explore options that reduce grip strain, minimize wrist movement and do not feel heavy. It is believed that lightweight materials, mostly bamboo and warm wood, minimize fatigue. Larger sizes and easier to grip with affected joints. Warm and smooth materials as cold exacerbate arthritis pain.
Personal preference plays a significant role in finding the right needles. Many knitters find success with circular knitting needles as they distribute the weight of the project more evenly. At the same time, there are many who prefer longer single-pointed needles that they can rest on their lap or tuck under their arms. Many knitters also recommend changing or experimenting with knitting techniques also have good results. Explore how to knit continental style to see a change in comfort.
Best Crafting Tools for Arthritis
Cubics are innovative square-shaped knitting needles that offer an ergonomic grip that requires less pressure to hold. It is the top knitting needle option for Arthritis. Refer to our previous blog on why use square knitting needles. The unique shape provides better control and evenly distributes tension across your hands and fingers, making them ideal for anyone managing arthritis.
Available in straight, circular, and double-pointed options as well as sets. Explore J'adore Cubics if you prefer wood. Nova Cubics are basically traditional knitting needles in an innovative cubic shape. Both needle ranges are compatible with most yarn types and knitting styles. Available in standard sizes that can be meas
Warm Birchwood Needles - Birchwood knitting needles, like those from KnitPro Dreamz, Ginger or Basix collection, are not only lightweight but also naturally warm to the touch. This warmth helps relax hand muscles and eases stiffness caused by cold metal tools. Bamboo needles are also considered an arthritis-friendly option. They’re light, flexible, and provide excellent grip for slippery yarns.
When it comes to crochet hooks, ergonomic design is everything. Look for hooks with soft-grip handles or wider shafts to reduce the need for constant hand tension.
Many experienced crocheters consider these the best Crochet Hooks for Arthritis. Waves 2.0 offers soft rubber handles that assist with a comfortable grip. Oasis is an innovative interchangeable single-ended crochet with one ergonomic handle and different hook sizes. The handles fit comfortably in your hands, and the grooves on the handle ensure a firm grip, ensuring long hours of crafting comfort without any hand fatigue. The natural grain variations of birchwood are soft and warm, and the grooves on the handle provide a firm grip while crocheting for long hours. Zing with smooth aluminium and thumb grip is also a good choice.
Tips for Pain-Free Crafting with Arthritis
Even with the best tools, techniques and setup is essential for reducing discomfort. Here are some expert-approved tips:
1. Warm Up Before with simple exercises. Make a routine of rotating your wrists, stretching your fingers wide, and doing gentle thumb rolls.
2. Take frequent breaks and avoid long stretches of stitching. Try the "20-20 rule" every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to stretch and rest your hands.
3. Support the arms so they don't tire you. Use armrests or pillows to position your elbows comfortably and support your wrists. This prevents tension from building in your shoulders and hands.
4. Use larger crochet hook or knitting needles sizes. Larger sizes reduce the number of tight movements needed per stitch and are easier to grip. They’re especially helpful for those with limited finger mobility. So, try and work with worsted weight yarn that are ideal for quick projects.
5. Choose Soft, Smooth Yarns. Opt for soft merino, bamboo, or wool blends that glide smoothly and stitch easily.
Arthritis doesn’t mean giving up what you love. You can keep crafting comfortably and joyfully for years to come. With KnitPro, explore tools designed for you to enjoy what you love most!
