Adaptive knitting and crochet equipment

Adrian_Scope

Hi guys, we've had a request from a writer hoping to write a feature about specialised equipment for disabled people who knit and crochet. They're interested in hearing about companies or gadgets who produce gadgets, special knitting needles, or crochet hooks who might be useful to people with Cerebral Palsy.

Do you have any suggestions? Do you use aids to help your craft? What have you found that helps you crochet or knit?

April2018mom

I use ergonomic crochet hooks. You can buy them here https://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/knitting-and-crochet/accessories-and-tools/crochet-hooks

Ails

I don't use any special knitting needles or other gadgets for my knitting, @Adrian_Scope, but know of an organisation called ReMap who specialise in gadgets for the disabled.  Here is their link:-

https://www.remap.org.uk/

Adrian_Scope

Thanks both.

Lis

Hi @Adrian_Scope

I've not found many aids for knitting and crochet, there's this knitting aid that didn't work for me as an amputee but could help for CP. The ergonomic crochet hooks are good and I use those. 

So far I've only found hacks, so I use a strap that was given to hold my knife when eating to hold the hook to my amputee hand. But any kind of velcro strap might work. (I used an extra strap that came with iphone sports band for a while).

However it's better if there's something that will hold the hook in place. Things like Sugru are great for doing homemade stuff, I plan to experiment more with it.

I have knitting/crochet tutorials on YouTube if that's helpful to look at. I did get feedback on videos that some people cannot use their second hand like I can so I looked into possible alternatives to hold a hook or needle.

For crochet, I thought these ties might work to hold a hook if you can stick them to a piece of wood or something that could keep the crochet hook stable.

For knitting, I hold one needle under my arm, but you can also hold it between your legs pretty successfully. I also have suggested trying a vice or clamp to hold one needle.

I hope that helps! Keen to hear if there are any other specialist aids that I've not heard of.

Elisabeth

Chloe_Alumni

Thanks for sharing this @Lis! I too find ergonomic hooks are best as my hands don't work properly. I'm glad you've found ways around things and I'll have to check out your channel!

Adrian_Scope

Hi @Lis, thank you so much for sharing your tips and for linking us through to your YouTube tutorials! How long have you been knitting and crocheting?

Lis

Hey @Adrian_Scope about 6 years