Are you sitting comfortably? Then let’s begin!
Seriously though, just how are you sitting down to crochet?
The very first thing I cover in my workshops and lessons (before we even touch the yarn or hooks) is physical ergonomics - this is the science concerned with human anatomical, anthropometric, physiological and biomechanical characteristics as they relate to physical activity. (Relevant topics include working postures, materials handling, repetitive movements, work-related musculoskeletal disorders, workplace layout, physical safety and health.) This definition is provided by The International Association for Ergonomics. It makes an interesting read, if you want to learn more.
Let’s simplify this into something quick and easy to remember:
PREP, POSTURE and PAUSE!
Here’s my tips on how to apply this when you crochet.
PREP:
- Stretch out first, maybe roll your shoulders and do a neck stretch.
- Find a comfortable chair with a back (preferably) and with light coming from behind, if possible.
POSTURE:
- Place your feet flat on the floor - not cross-legged (I know, really hard!).
- Sit upright (but not too rigidly), resting your back on the chair.
- Relax your shoulders and hold your arms loosely by your sides, bent gently at the elbow.
- Hold the yarn and hook (ergonomic, if you have one) comfortably and not too tightly. Knife hold is believed to be the least likely to incur injury (your wrist moves less, so there’s less likelihood of repetitive stress injury) but you need to find what’s most comfortable for you.
- Either rest your hands lightly on a table in front of you or use a cushion on your lap - this is to avoid “air crochet”, which could lose your relaxed posture. Extra tip: use a light coloured cushion when crocheting with dark yarn and vice versa.
- Try not slouch or bend at the neck to view your work. Your cushion/table should bring your hands to the correct height.
PAUSE:
Make sure to pause every half an hour (maximum) - stop (mid row if needs be), put your yarn and hook down, get up, move around, stretch, make a cuppa, go for a walk, come back and start again!
Extra Tip: You might find it useful to set a timer on your phone. It’s so easy to tell yourself you’ll stop after the next row, then the next and so on - and you don’t end up pausing!