How to Sew by Hand With Arthritis
- 1). Make a fist with your hands as tight as you can, then stretch them open as far as possible. Repeat 10 times.
- 2). Extend your arms forward, then extend your fingers and stretch them as far as is comfortable. Let your wrists disengage, and allow your hands to flop toward the ground with your arm still extended. Repeat 10 times. These exercises will enable you to sew for extended periods of time without becoming sore.
- 3). Wrap your hands in therapeutic gloves like Handeze therapeutic gloves. Therapeutic gloves can be purchased online or at drugstores nationwide. The gloves will allow your hands to stay supported throughout strenuous activity. Place leather thimbles on your dominant thumb and index finger to prevent unnecessary stress on your fingers.
- 4). Cut any fabric with cushion-handled scissors. Cushion-handled scissors can be purchased at your local craft store. They are specifically designed to help with joint pain and arthritis.
- 5). If you experience pain while sewing, stop immediately and dip your hands into a bowl of ice water. The ice will stop the swelling of your joints and allow for more flexibility of your fingers.
