Are Hand Cramps Cramping Your Knitting Style?
Hand cramps are a curse to knitters. We've all been there -- knitting away -- not wanting to stop. But then, your hand starts cramping up. Once they start, it's difficult to stop them. If you have this problem, follow these tips for hand cramps and get back to knitting right away.
Knit "English" style
Knitting "English" style is generally easier on hands due to the fact that you are not "throwing" the yarn. Instead, carrying it with your finger over the needle is the technique. Using your left hand guide the needle and your right hand only carries the yarn across.
Relax
When you knit, make a conscious effort of relaxing your fingers. Don't grip your knitting needles too tightly. This leads more quickly to hand cramping.
Rest
I know you love to knit. And I also know how hard it is to put down a new project or one that you're dying to complete. But... take a rest. Just like you need to rest your eyes from long periods of reading or computer work, your hands need a rest from the constant motion of knitting. Take this time and browse new knitting patterns or organize your yarn stash.
Exercises
Some stretch exercises to keep your hands from cramping is hold your hands in the prayer position, palms flat together, but right over the solar plexus which puts the fingers up and the forearms to the side, creating a 45 degree angle. Hold for a slow count of 3 to 5. Then reverse your hands so they're back to back in the same position.
Drop your hands a little more towards your belly button and get a full stretch, or pivot your wrists so the finger tips touch your sternum for this pose. It helps to switch back and forth a few times before you feel relaxation.
Also try finger wiggles several times, then clench hands into loose fists a couple of times.
Gloves
Therapeutic gloves are the answer for some avid knitters. These are fingerless compression gloves, much like support hose, and they help many knitters from getting cramps in the hands. These gloves are found by searching for arthritis gloves.
Don't let hand cramps keep you from the thing you love. Try these tips and take frequent breaks. You'll find that your knitting is much less interrupted by those annoying hand cramps.
