Try These Hand Therapy Tips When Stitching Bargello Needlepoint

Do your hands get tired or achy when you stitch? When working on a typical Bargello needlepoint project, you will most likely make thousands of repetitive stitches before you’re done; so anything you can do to soothe your hands and keep them nimble will help.

Try these hand therapy tips when stitching Bargello needlepoint.

1.  Stitch with both hands to minimize strain on any one hand.

I can’t stress this enough. Use stretcher bars and a floor stand to eliminate the extra hand motion caused by holding your Bargello needlepoint project while simultaneously trying to make a stitch. If necessary, wear a support glove to ease wrist pain.

2.  Stitch with your elbows close to your sides

Take the pressure off of wrists, hands and fingers by making your arms do more of the work. To exercise your forearms and get them to do most of the work, support your elbows with cushions. If your upper arms need a workout, let them carry the load by keeping your elbows close to your sides without any additional support.

3.  Take a break from stitching every 30 minutes

Even if you’re not tired yet, take a break to stretch and limber up. Place a hand exerciser or squeeze ball in both hands and squeeze several times to help increase your strength. As you stand and walk around during this break, let your arms hang limp from your shoulders, and then shake and wiggle them a couple of times. Athletes do this often to keep hand, wrist and arm muscles limber and loose.

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