Avoiding Finger Pain

Knitting should NOT be a pain
by Jackie E-S

QUESTION —

I knit the "continental method" and am experiencing pain in my pointer finger (the finger that holds the yarn away from the needle). At the base it is starting to feel painful. My thoughts are that I probably am holding my finger too far away from the needle and that I put too much strain on it. What are your thoughts?

ANSWER —

Ummm ... yes, if you are holding your finger finger away from the needle, that could cause strain and soreness over an extended period of time ... Sort of like holding up exercise weights for a long period of time. When I knit continental style, I just rest my finger lightly against the needle with the yarn tensioned across the tip of the finger, then scoop or pick the yarn off the finger with point of the working needle to make a stitch. There shouldn't be any stress or strain. Hope this helps you enjoy your knitting more.

Do you have a Question about knitting technique or skill? Please email me and I will consider it for an upcoming Q&A.

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