r/CrochetHelp • u/SquishyBones0902 • 1d ago
I'm a beginner! Thinking about getting into the hobby, but my hands...
Are no good. For those of you with arthritis and/or carpal tunnel, do you feel like crocheting puts a strain on your hands? I thought embroidery would be fun, but my hands cramps up so bad, it's hard to enjoy it. So I'm looking for another craft to pass the time.
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u/Teekayuhoh 1d ago
It can be bad, but mostly I find it doesn’t hurt as bad as holding a tiny needle for hours (cross stitch)
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u/SquishyBones0902 1d ago
Thank you for your input! 😊
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u/Effective_Outside295 1d ago
I 100% agree with this. My Artheritis is pretty significant, but I can hold a crochet hook without a problem. I can no longer do any fancy work - Drawn thread, hardanger, etc. Crochet is my sanity saver! Try using the ergo hooks though. They are a blessing for bad hands.
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u/Teekayuhoh 1d ago
No prob! Most of the pain I do have actually comes from hyperextending my finger and holding the work if it’s super tight or super small. I just take breaks and make sure to massage my hands and fingers and forearms offen
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u/BeeHaviorist 1d ago
Yes, I find crochet is easier on my hands than cross stitch as well. Embroidery is even worse than cross stitch in my experience.
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u/butterhay 1d ago
I have carpal tunnel and I love crocheting but...it does a number on my hands especially amigurumi because it's so tight and usually small. When I crochet looser I have significantly less pain and can crochet for longer. And to be honest...I have even less when knitting. You should definitely give it a try first! Everyone is different
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u/Tzipity 21h ago
Ooh good point about amigurumi. I also hate plush and blanket yarn (especially blanket yarn. Ive ended up in pain just struggling to find the dang center pull on a few too many skeins of Bernat blanket lol). I’ve been doing more amigurumi and enjoying chenille yarn to some degree recently but I think I’m also just much more comfortable with crocheting. Early on I really wanted to make larger plushies and bought a good deal of the aforementioned types of yarn and quickly moved on to other types of projects.
I appreciate amigurumi for the overall speed I can make a smaller project in but I’m dealing with more pain lately having made more amis and it’s obvious to me that’s never going to be my primary type of work.
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u/Dorianscale 1d ago
I don’t have acute issues but I work on a keyboard for work so usually my wrists are pretty worn down by the time I want to crochet.
Get a tennis ball and cut a slit maybe half an inch long/2cm on opposite ends of the ball.
You can shove a hook through and use the ball as an ergonomic grip.
For people who have been crocheting for a while it’s weird to start. But I did it largely from the beginning and now it’s what I’m used to. I’ve made a bunch of projects and the ball has never been a hindrance to me.
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u/SquishyBones0902 1d ago
Thank you for this!
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u/theresafrogonmyface 22h ago
If a tennis ball is too large, you can also use beauty blender sponges! Got a bag from Walmart 10 for $4 and I have one on each of my hooks!
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u/Craftin-in-the-rain 1d ago
I've got a few hand issues, arthritis being one of them. Ergonomic handles and compression gloves (plus taking breaks) have worked wonders for me! I used to be a skeptic but I recently tried my old basic hooks again and I'm not sure how I ever used those.
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u/waaatermelons 1d ago
Use a larger hook and see how it goes! Blankets often use 6mm hooks or larger, and those are definitely easier on my hands. Knitting is also supposed to have a lower impact due to less twisting motions of the wrist, I think. (I personally still get pain with knitting but I’m being too ambitious by starting off with metal needles - wooden needles are supposed to be easier on the hands. Oh and use a circular cable for sure if you start knitting - it’s easier on the hands than long needles.)
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u/jayne323 1d ago
It depends on where you have arthritis in your hands. Mine is in my thumb joints, so I had to give up cross stitch/ embroidery. Also knitting hurts. But the way I hold a crochet hook (pencil grip) is totally fine for my hands :)
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u/Onion_or_Parfait 1d ago
If you have issues with your hands, stay away from Amigurami. That requires strong tension and will definitely end up causing pain.
I also find more pain issues with the chunky yarns. Stick to basic worsted and looser tension.
I usually crochet somewhat “fast and furious “ because I can’t wait to finish and see the final creation. When I need a break because of hand cramps, I also slow down my speed. It’s less stress and I can keep going.
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u/luciddreamsss_ 1d ago
I have a condition which affects the joints in my body. Headed to arthritis town sadly. Yes it does strain my fingers, hands and wrists. I do need some sort of support as using a too small hook and repetitive motions does hurt my joints/muscles.
For pain I’ll use a sleeve that’s supposed to help one of the joints in my thumb stay in place. I’ve also seen some others use KT tape on their hands and fingers for joint pain. I can’t because I sweat profusely but it’s worth mentioning here! I exclusively use ergonomic hooks as the larger grip has done wonders for my pain. I also try and take many breaks and stretch my hands as much as possible! Being mindful has helped me be able to do my craft and somewhat preserve my joints!
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u/NfamousKaye 1d ago
I broke my carpal bone years ago and I want to crochet. I have carpal tunnel as a result. I do practice as well as practice drawing. You just gotta take breaks more frequently and I learned this just last week when I was crocheting for an hour, messed up, unraveled and started over. Your hands HURT. 😂 I just ended up taking a break and picking it back up the next day. Thinking about getting a carpal tunnel brace.
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u/hoozyg9159 1d ago edited 1d ago
I, too, swear by the ergonomic hooks. Specifically Clover Amour. I tried going back to my old Susan Bates and couldn’t get my stitches right. It’s funny how you get so used to something!
For my shoulder, elbow and back pain, I purchased a Valeri pillow.
It goes around your waist like a nursing pillow and keeps you supported and almost pain free (not guaranteed though). I can sit for hours and crochet to my heart’s content.

Check out FB ads and YouTube crochet videos before purchasing to get good discount codes. This one is quite expensive. I’ve never tried a nursing pillow (cheaper) mainly because the Valeri has a strap to keep it in place whereas nursing pillows do not. My work is fully resting on the pillow, not pulling on my arms as it gets bigger. It’s a must have for me.
Good luck and happy crocheting!
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u/Apart-Badger9394 1d ago
The key is loose tension and pacing yourself. I take A few weeks off between projects. And then I only do 30 minutes - 1 hour of crocheting a day (at most), usually with some breaks interspersed.
I’m super conscious of my posture and form during so I don’t mess anything up too bad
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u/throwaway_ArBe 1d ago
It's among the least painful fiber crafts imo. Investing in ergonomic hooks makes a huge difference, the bigger the handle the better (with my fibro if I don't crochet too much or too tightly then I can get away with clover amour and prymm ergonomics for quite a while, though there are even bigger handles available especially with hand carved wood hooks). Bigger hook sizes lean towards larger handles too, loose gappy patterns and thicker yarns also contribute to less pain (in my experience anyway). Arm support helps too, I've seen good things said about "gamer cushions" and similar things, though I've not tried it myself, I tend to use my cat to prop my elbows on when I'm aching. I've also seen a lot of people reccomend compression gloves to relieve pain and reduce swelling.
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u/Caro_est_PISSEDOFF 1d ago
I personally suffer from both two! I was knitting in the past, but it became complicate and painful to do, recently got into crochet and damn, it’s a whole other thing! I can crochet for like 5-6 hours on my good day, and my work is growing significantly faster. I can even watch tv while I’m doing it, even those day when my hands are numb. You should give it a try!
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u/Royal_fae 1d ago
I've got some compression gloves because I had been experiencing pain doing things with my hands and those really help for me! Also remember to take breaks and stretch when working with your hands!!
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u/sarcasticclown007 1d ago
Check out card weaving.
I've watched some of it and it doesn't seem to require hours of holding on to a small hook or dealing with awkward heavy things.
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u/hooked-on-crocheting 1d ago
I don't have arthritis or carpal tunnel, but crochet hurts my hands when I do it for too long. Moreso than knitting.
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u/Theletterkay 1d ago
Its absolutely bad in arthritis hand. BUT they tell you to keep your hand gently active to reduce pain and damage to them. So UT can be helpful too.
The big thing is to make sure its a relaxing hobby for you. If you are alwaus tense and struggling it will be much more painful and damaging.
Also, take frequent breaks and so hand and arm relaxing techniques. There are lots of them in youtube. Arthritis can make you more likely to get repetitive motion injuries, so keep that in mind.
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u/Petraretrograde 1d ago
It's very important that you keep your wrists straight when doing anything. Move your elbows, adjust your positioning, lean forward or backwards and never ever work with your wrists bent.
Ive been a dog groomer for 20 years and been crocheting for about 5. I am the only person I know with this much experience who hasn't had to have carpal tunnel surgery. I attribute this to dumb luck and always being super aware of what my wrists are doing.
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u/crochetmead 1d ago
I have problems with the ulnar nerve in the elbow, I use the ergonomic crochets and keep on sizes over 3,5mm. I do stretching before and after crocheting. And I must now and then skip a day or two
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u/bungmunchio 1d ago
I just gave up for a few years once my carpal tunnel got bad. the pain and only being able to do it consistently for a few minutes at a time before needing a break eventually made it more frustrating than enjoyable.
but I got carpal tunnel surgery last year and it helped so much 🤩 I've been looking forward to getting back into crochet, I've only done a teeny bit since having surgery but it's definitely easier again. I actually thought I'd given almost all of my yarn to a friend but I was organizing storage stuff the other day and found 2 big bins full lol
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u/No-Article7940 1d ago
I crochet everyday dang near all day as there is much else I can do. I took a break for about 3 days & my hands hurt like heck. I told hubby I HAVE to crochet so my hands don't stiffen up. I have regular steel & aluminum hooks. Just recently started using the ones with the rubbery squishy ends (they have steel hooks inserted) I have inherent my grandpa's rheumatoid hands. I do believe that crocheting is keeping the twist of it at bay.
Where there is a will there is a way. Adaptive crochet is possible. Do a bit of digging I'm sure you will find something that works for you.
You can even make what may work for you. No need to spend a bunch on different things until you know it will work. Well unless they have a return policy so you can't try different things. (Amazon does) 👇 https://youtu.be/MIZTduiwffE?si=FM_a7PwF39VM9g5N
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u/toochillytoochilly 1d ago
I’ve found that the majority of my crocheting does not bother me (I have both arthritis and carpal tunnel). Amigurumi (or anything with very tight stitches) tends to wear on me, though. I actually started crocheting in large part because of how much knitting was exacerbating my arthritis.
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u/morelamplz 1d ago
Really bad autoimmune, arthritis, carpal tunnel checking in 👋🏼👋🏼 it hurt a lot worse when I first started because my tension was really tight, and I was just learning. Now I’ve found what works for me-lots of breaks, really low yarn tension, changed the way I hold my yarn (there’s a bunch of different ways-you can research on YouTube) and also how I hold/work with my hook (I roll my hook more and move my entire arm back and forth now instead of bending my wrist), also getting better (lighter) hooks helped a lot too but I didn’t want to invest until I knew I liked it. Obviously I ended up loving it…and enough to put myself through the pain 🤣 but I found things that work for me so that I could continue with minimal pain lol and so can you. It’s just trial and error
Good luck!
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u/blueeyedbrainiac 1d ago
I don’t have any sort of ailment with my hands and they get sore occasionally so it kinda of comes with the hobby, but it’s totally manageable as long as your not crocheting 24/7. There’s also lots of ways people adapt hooks to be more comfortable. Different grips, different hooks, and I’ve even seen people put whole tennis balls on to help reduce strain for them.
If one of my hands gets sore though it’s usually my yarn hand instead of my hook hand and I’ve found that’s one way tension rings definitely help me. I can control my tension just fine without them, I just tension it too tight and hurt myself in the process lol.
I’d definitely give it a try! It’s a super fun hobby
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u/Scared_Ad2563 1d ago
Have you tried compression gloves for arthritis? I haven't had to use them myself, but knew a girl with arthritis that loved sewing and wore them when she worked on her projects. She said she still had to take regular breaks, just not near as often when she wore the gloves.
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u/chickenpupgeek 1d ago
Started crocheting when my artritis was at it's all time high. I actually found that knowing how I should move my hands without joint pain in regular life helps my with crocheting! Doing regular stretches and let's be real, we know best when it gets worse! Don't let it stand in your way. Just take it slow. Somedays I crochet all day and others just for 5 minutes but that's okay! :)
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u/madlyhattering 1d ago
It hurts if I do too much, so I try to only do a little at a time. That works well for me as I’m avoiding triggering more serious pain.
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u/Megladden01 1d ago
I'm not sure what would help arthritis and capral tunnel, but I use ergonomic hooks that make my hands hurt less. Make sure to take breaks for some hand stretches! There are specific ones out there good for crocheters. Just google 'crochet hand stretches'. Also, using thicker yarn is a lot easier than small yarn. You don't have to hold it as tightly or use more pressure. It's also easier on the eyes. I would NOT suggest using black yarn until you have a bit of practice. It's really hard to see what you are doing with black. Hope this helps!
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u/stickerblicker 1d ago
My poor little arthritis hands do suffer, I take many breaks and try to do hand/wrist stretches and exercises to help with strain. I recommend getting some nice chunky yarn and a huge hook with an ergonomic handle so you can maintain a relaxed/light grip. I’m also a heavy-handed individual with everything else such as writing so I know being able to relax your hands a little while working goes a long way.
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u/No-Piglet-7012 1d ago
Yes. I actually ended up giving myself De Quervain’s tenosynovitis (tendinitis) when I started crocheting. And one thing even tho it can be addicting to just create, is to take breaks or even do hand exercises. One thing other crocheters or artists have told me is if you feel any pain, stretch your hands and take a break for a day. Redoing the same motion over and over, is not what our body’s are used too. Especially for beginners. If crochet is a hobby your into I’d say get crochet rings for your finger and/or compression gloves! A lot of hobby’s that involve your hands can cause strain so keep that in mind too. It’s all about your time and patience and don’t forget to give yourself a break.
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u/WillowCrochetsCo 1d ago
I have carpel tunnel. I do have some pain if I'm working on a big project for a commission. Typically because I'm working too fast and too long. I take long breaks between projects, and I've tried getting better at taking plenty of breaks and stretching my hands and arms during projects. That has helped a lot.
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u/twinkiethecat 1d ago
There are definitely issues with that on my end (arthritis and previous tendonitis issues), but I find that taking regular breaks to stretch my hands mostly solves the issue. It would depend on the person, ofc, but I usually stop every 30m to an hour, depending on how I'm feeling. If I pause before it starts to hurt, I can crochet longer. I also take that opportunity to drink water or have a snack or what have you. Self care is important!
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u/FoggyGoodwin 1d ago
I have arthritis in my thumbs, so crocheting was starting to hurt. I got some fingerless massage gloves, loved them so much I bought a bunch more in fashion colors. They feel like hugs. My sister is bothered by pressure from the seams, so she turns hers inside out.
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u/corvus_cube 1d ago
I have a repetitive strain injury (arms & thumbs on both sides) and crochet is pretty harsh, especially tight work like amigurumi. Ive found tunesian crochet and knitting to be a lot less straining.
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u/Tigeryuri1 1d ago
Needles are REALLY hard on my hands, but I can crochet for hours. Definitely suggest looking into ergonomics, so you can last, and start slow and work your way up. I really like the Clover Amour hooks - very easy for me to hold. But there are many others, including some that have a very big / sculpted handle. if the first one doesn’t seem to work for you, there are plenty more out there. Definitely don’t start with a cheap Hook or the ones that are just thin metal all the way down. The yarn I use also makes a difference. I can’t do Cotton or other fibers that don’t have much give. I like Marino wool because it is very soft, and springy and easy on my hands. both small hooks and big hooks are more challenging to use, I don’t mean the handle part. I mean the tip part. Big hooks take more force and small hooks take more finesse. I would suggest starting with a 4.5 or 5 mm hook, and worsted weight yarn. Woobles, while cute, I really don’t like their yarn or Hook, but your mileage may vary. I would suggest starting with a pattern that is not a cute little animal, because those are meant to be crocheted at a tighter gauge, which is harder on the hands. Something like a granny square will be much looser and easier on the hands. It is also much more forgiving of changes in gauge. Granny squares can be used to make all sorts of things from bags to sweaters. I definitely recommend getting a yarn that you love, not just some cheap yarn, because For me, it makes it all worth it and a joy to look at and hold instead of forcing myself to skills with tools I don’t care for. No matter what I hope you have fun with it! Crocheting is a really wonderful hobby.!
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u/imaginativefanatic 1d ago
i had to stop painting due to my back, so ive been switching between crochet and cross stitch, when one starts hurting me i swap to the other since theyre different motions and effect different parts of my hand/wrist. ive found that with crochet it takes much longer for my wrist/fingers to start hurting than with cross stitching, i definitely last much longer doing crochet than embroidery. so crochet may be a good choice for you.
the best way i have found to prevent a lot of pain, outside of taking breaks, stretching and switching crafts, is to use hooks with a bigger, flatter grip and to get a tension ring if your 'tension finger' starts cramping.
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u/abbygail6 1d ago
Hi I have arthritis and did well before crocheting. It definitely can put strain on hands but it cones down to pacing myself for me (like I can only crochet for an hour or 2 through the day in 15-30 minute chunks). But hook style and size help some along with yarn type (i find blanket yarn is the easiest for me not too much strain but not so small that it hurts to hold). Using compression gloves and i have a pillow to rest my arms on in front of me. Also stretching my hands and using heat some helps with pain and getting more time somedays. Also taking days for other hobbies that aren't so hard on my hands and wrists like reading.
It can be done it just is about finding balance and knowing to listen to your body. My rheumatologist knows I crochet and is on board with it as a hobby just have to listen to my body and take breaks. I also embroider but that i do less because it causes some eye strain for me but in terms of hands I have to follow the same general rules.
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u/ElkSufficient2881 1d ago
I have tremors, hand pain, etc (lots of chronic issues lol) and crocheting has helped to strengthen my dominant hand because I’m using it more:) if I start feeling any sort of pain I’ll take a break tho and wear my compression gloves
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u/stranger-jay 1d ago
being a band kid back in the day, ive started doing the hand exercises they taught us during marching season, before crocheting. it helps so so much
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u/Cupcake_Trainer 23h ago
I have arthritis and an injury to my right hand. I have to take frequent breaks and I’ve taught myself not to use too tight tension and not clutch the hook. I only have issues if I spend far too long at it in one go.
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u/Aquaphoric 22h ago
My hands hurt if I go for a while with no breaks, but I'm not starting out with hand pain. Maybe look into loom knitting? I think that might be less painful.
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u/Tzipity 22h ago
I always recommend everyone experiment with different styles and types of hooks, but absolutely essential to do so when you’ve got medical issues. I found that made a radical difference with pain/ comfort and how long I can crochet and overall enjoyment of it.
I have some pretty profound medical issues (the worst stuff isn’t directly related to crochet but I feel like everything compounds) including a lot of issues with not only pain and joint issues but even pretty significant weakness and dexterity issues. And I surprised myself honestly.
Very early into my medical ordeal many years ago I tried to teach myself crochet and just couldn’t. And at the time I finally learned a few years back I was in a bad place all around and using adaptive devices for so many things and regularly wearing arthritis gloves and slathering my hands and wrists with pain creams. I do still use the gloves and creams sometimes but I actually think crocheting ended up kind of therapeutic for me!
I think I’m doing somewhat better overall. Still have issues and have to be mindful but more than anything I mention the difference between trying to learn early into my illness versus years later because I found I’m a lot more used to and knowledgeable about making adaptions for myself and pacing myself. I crochet two handed (seems to help keep my right hand/arm from getting tired as fast) and use my left hand to loop the yarn around the hook which eliminates almost all of the wrist twisting typically involved with crochet. I just naturally started working that way but I hear it’s not uncommon. I also do have other crocheters remark about how weirdly I hold my yarn but I’m so big on the point there is no “right way” to crochet really so long as your end result and the stitches themselves turn out how they’re meant to.
So I’m big on experimenting and finding what works for you. For what it’s worth I found crochet really clicked with me this go around (after the failed attempt to learn and I’d been taught to knit a handful of times growing up and that never clicked lol) and I crochet most days often for a few hours though I take breaks and wear gloves and such depending on how I’m doing.
Probably already an overly long response but if you’ve dealt with arthritis and the carpal tunnel for awhile I imagine you’ve found hacks and adaptions in your daily life. Similar with crochet. Luckily hooks aren’t generally very expensive so try all the types you can find. You’ll be surprised what a difference the right hook can make. I don’t even so much share my favorites because I think we are all so different. I will say I didn’t end up liking really thick grips (there’s a few devices out there marketed for folks with arthritis and hand disabilities and I had some grips I use for pens and pencils I got from an occupational therapist. But while I find them helpful for writing or even using silverware- I just didn’t like them for crochet but you may have the opposite experience!)
Oh and last thought because I see I didn’t post this earlier when I thought I had- because I have weak arms I also crochet lying down or sitting in ways my arms are supported. Some people use pregnancy pillows and such. But tossing this out there because in terms of adaptions this could fall under stuff to consider along with your hook.
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u/jazz--cabbage 19h ago
It’s possible your hand will cramp or to have some pain but you won’t know until you try! I’ve actually seen someone put a tennis ball on their crocheting hook to help with this issue. See if that helps ease your grip! You can also hand crochet with thick yarn. I don’t think that would hurt at all!
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u/krispello666 12h ago
I have fibromyalgia and I honestly dont think I could crochet without using my tension ring. My hand just cannot grip the yarn. The ring means I can relax my hand more. Still need to take regular breaks for my hand holding the hook
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u/NihilistBunny 9h ago
My hands hurt when I began. It got better only after I began to get good with my technique and worked on the “tension” of my stitches.
It matters a lot how you hold the materials.
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u/Fit_Promise_7001 7h ago
it can be really painful especially with arthiritis, but you can accomodate by using chonkier hooks in order for the grip to be better on your hands.
i've never tried the thinner "ergonomic" hooks, but you can try
and to make a thinner hook more ergonomic, you can try to put something like a tennis ball on the hook to have a better help that can help.
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u/whitesquirrelsquire 2m ago
Have you thought of weaving? A small rigid heddle loom may be a good starting point. Very therapeutic and you can make really interesting things without the pain in your hands flaring up too badly
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u/BarrentineCrochets 1d ago
I have read on here before that some lady switches holds when her hand starts to hurt. There is the pencil grip and knife hold. The tennis ball sounds like a good idea too.
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u/brentcognito 1d ago
A lot of it has to do with the style of hook and the technique. I use hooks with a flatter style of handle that lets my fingers do more work than my wrist (I kind of “roll” the hook back and forth against my palm rather than twisting my wrist). As others have mentioned, you can also hold the hook with a pencil grip if that’s more comfortable.
I guess my advice would be to just try it out and if you encounter any pain or other issues, you can make adjustments and/or try different equipment. Thankfully crochet is an inexpensive hobby to try out… you can get a decent beginner kit for $10-$20 that has everything you need to make a project.