Prevent knitting injuries

Have you ever had a knitting injury? I have, and it is NOT fun! Here are some great exercises to make sure you prevent knitting injuries while knitting. (Disclaimer: I am not a doctor.)

Knitting injuries can happen from constant repetitive movements, hand strain from trying a new technique, knitting for too long without a break, and even eye strain. I hurt my hand knitting during Sock Madness a couple years ago. I was trying a new, difficult technique, and I was of course trying to do it fast. Never again will I attempt knitting welts fast!

WRISTS

Rotate your hands in slow circles in each direction. You can do it with your hands separated or interlock your fingers together and roll your wrists together that way.

FOREARMS

Extend your arm out straight, forearm up, and fingers pointing to the ground with your palm facing away from you. Take your other hand to your flat palm and gently pull your fingers towards your body, hold for a few seconds. Repeat with the other arm.

ARMS

Extend your arms out and move them in circles, big and small. You can also drop your arms to your sides and rotate your shoulders in circles.

NECK

Gently roll your head in circles in each direction, it may be helpful to put your hands behind your neck for some support. You can also tip your head from side to side and forward and backward, holding for a few seconds in each spot. Make sure you are sitting up straight!

EYES

Knitting for long periods of time means your eyes are focused on your knitting at a close range. Be sure to take breaks and look at things far away, or maybe even close your eyes for a bit.

BACK

Time for yoga! Doing cats and cows can help with any back stiffness and soreness. Get on all fours like you are doing to act like a table - hands on the floor under your shoulders and knees on the floor under your hips. Cow - droop your stomach down to the floor and look up. Cat - arch your back like a cat and look at the floor or towards your knees. Rotate slowly between these two stretches.

BODY

Don't forget to take breaks, get up and walk around, drink water and have a snack.

The last thing you want is to become injured and not be able to knit for a few weeks, possibly even months! Once you've had injury, it's likely to happen again if you aren't careful.

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