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Compression gloves for crocheting and other crafts
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- Half-finger compression gloves in thin fabric. Best for: Crochet, hand sewing and embroidery. See options on Amazon
- Open-fingertip cotton compression gloves. Best for: Knitting and longer craft sessions. See options on Amazon
- Ergonomic crochet hooks with soft rubber grips. Best for: Crocheters who find thin hooks make them pinch. See options on Amazon
- Bamboo or birch knitting needles. Best for: Knitters whose hands feel cold or achy on metal needles. See options on Amazon
- Reusable hand warmers. Best for: Warming stiff hands before you start. See options on Amazon
What gloves can do for a crafter's hands
The Arthritis Foundation describes compression gloves as a way to enhance circulation and support hand joints during needlework, and suggests checking with your doctor or physical therapist first. The evidence on what gloves achieve is modest. In the A-GLOVES trial of 206 people with inflammatory arthritis, compression gloves did no better than loose gloves after 12 weeks, though 73% in each group found their gloves beneficial and participants valued the warmth. So expect comfort and warmth, not a fix for painful joints.
Crafting can also bring on repetitive strain. The NHS lists pain, stiffness, tingling, cramps and swelling in the hands and wrists among RSI symptoms, caused by repeated use of a body part.
Glove styles for different crafts
| Craft | Glove style | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Crochet | Half-finger or open-tip, thin fabric | Feel the yarn tension and hook |
| Knitting | Open-tip, smooth fabric | Yarn slides without catching |
| Hand sewing and embroidery | Half-finger, thin | Fine needle control |
| Quilting with rotary cutters | Open-tip with palm grip | Steadier hold with less squeeze |
Brownmed says the open fingertips on its IMAK arthritis gloves allow freedom to feel, touch and grip, which is the point for crafts. Avoid gloves with grip dots on the fingers for knitting and crochet, as yarn can snag on them.
Changes that help as much as gloves
- Breaks on a timer. The Arthritis Foundation suggests standing, walking or stretching for three to five minutes every 30 to 45 minutes.
- Lighter, warmer needles. It suggests switching from metal to lightweight birch or bamboo needles, which are warmer to the touch.
- Grippy hooks. Choose crochet hooks with rubberized grips, or build up handles with tape if standard hooks make you pinch.
- Warm up stiff hands. Gentle warming with paraffin dips or hand warmers may improve comfort before starting, but the Arthritis Foundation says to avoid heat if joints are red and inflamed.
- Supportive seat. An adjustable chair that supports your back and lets you rest your elbows takes strain off the hands.
When hands hurt after a session
The NHS suggests a cold pack or bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours for RSI flare-ups, and says not to rest the area for more than a few days. Shorten sessions rather than stopping crafting altogether, and see a GP if symptoms are not going away or are getting worse. Night-time numbness and tingling in the thumb and fingers may be carpal tunnel syndrome; see compression gloves for carpal tunnel for why a splint is the usual first step.
Fit tips for craft gloves
- Measure your hand and use the maker's chart; avoid one-size gloves if you are between sizes.
- Choose thin, smooth fabric so yarn does not catch.
- Check the finger openings sit flat without digging in.
- Take gloves off for breaks so your skin can breathe, and wash them often, as fibres and hand cream build up.
For more on glove styles, see fingerless compression gloves and compression gloves for arthritis.
What to look for when you buy
Half-finger compression gloves in thin fabric
Best for: Crochet, hand sewing and embroidery
Leaves fingertips free to feel yarn and needles while adding warmth to the hand.
Watch out: Less warmth on the fingers themselves.
See options on AmazonOpen-fingertip cotton compression gloves
Best for: Knitting and longer craft sessions
Brownmed describes open fingertips as giving freedom to feel, touch and grip, and cotton breathes over long sessions.
Watch out: Cotton can catch fine or fuzzy yarns.
See options on AmazonErgonomic crochet hooks with soft rubber grips
Best for: Crocheters who find thin hooks make them pinch
The Arthritis Foundation suggests hooks with rubberized grips to ease pinching.
Watch out: Wider handles take a little getting used to.
See options on AmazonBamboo or birch knitting needles
Best for: Knitters whose hands feel cold or achy on metal needles
The Arthritis Foundation suggests lightweight birch or bamboo needles, which are warmer to the touch.
Watch out: Yarn moves a little slower on wood than on smooth metal.
See options on AmazonReusable hand warmers
Best for: Warming stiff hands before you start
The Arthritis Foundation says gentle warming with hand warmers may improve mobility and comfort before crafting.
Watch out: Skip heat if joints are red and inflamed, and avoid it on numb skin.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Do compression gloves help with crocheting?
- Many crafters find them comfortable and warm. Trial evidence suggests warmth may matter as much as compression, so choose a thin, open-finger pair that keeps yarn feel.
- How often should I take breaks when crocheting?
- The Arthritis Foundation suggests three to five minutes of standing, walking or stretching every 30 to 45 minutes.
- Are arthritis gloves good for crafters?
- Yes, if they leave the fingertips free. The Arthritis Foundation suggests asking your doctor or physical therapist about compression gloves.
- Why do my hands hurt after knitting?
- Repeated hand use can cause strain. The NHS lists pain, stiffness and tingling among RSI symptoms; see a GP if it does not settle.
Sources
- Make Needlework Less Painful (arthritis.org), Arthritis Foundation
- Repetitive strain injury (RSI) (nhs.uk), NHS
- The effects of arthritis gloves on hand pain in people with rheumatoid or inflammatory arthritis: a randomised controlled trial (A-GLOVES trial) (salford-repository.worktribe.com), Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, EULAR abstract (University of Salford repository)
- IMAK Compression Arthritis Gloves (www.brownmed.com/product/imak-compression/arthritis-gloves/), Brownmed