Help! I have arthritis and need a hook that will work with my hands!?

Question

I am working an a tunisian baby blanket with a size j bates hook with the flexable expansion. The hook part is so short it hurts to hold it. I don't want to quit, but I need to find a hook that will hold all the stitches in a row. I think a longer hook would work, but do they make them long enough to hold all the stitiches?

Answer 1

I don't quite know what your particular hook looks like, but there are a number of suggestions for making things like crochet hooks, pencils, and other tools easier to grip, especially for those with arthritis or other problems, on this page at my site if you want to check it out:

http://glassattic.com/polymer/disabilities.htm
(...click on the category called TOOLS, then scroll down a screen or two to the area that discusses "handles" of various types and other things)

(...and more on just the clay handles is here:
http://glassattic.com/polymer/tools_Dremels_worksurfaces.htm
......click on HANDLES...)


Good luck!

Diane B.

Answer 2

I used to find afghan hooks that were 12 inches long, which I liked. I am not sure that is long enough for your project however.
I trick I use for regular crochet is that I buy those foam things that make pencils and pens more comfortable for kids to use. I put that on the crochet hook, and it makes working with the hook much more comfortable. I can use a metal hook because even if it gets cold, the foam stays warm. The most comfortable ones are the 3 cornered ones, but they all help.

Answer 3

At one time they used to sell an item called an afghan hook which where 14" long. I haven't seen them in a while but maybe someone might know where to find them. The other option would be to slip a straw over the needle shank and tape it in place. This may make it a bit difficult to slide the yarn over but it would fairly easy to get used too. Not as convenient as a long smooth shank but it might help. Good luck in your search and with your desire to complete your project.