Needle turn applique and hand fatigue

[Vicki G.]

Does anyone have any tips or techniques that can help with hand fatigue when using the needle turn applique method? I'm working on a fun little applique project and can not applique for more than 1/2 hour at a time or my hands get stiff and tingle. I use Ricky Tims Stable Stuff under the applique piece, I find it easier to turn the edges. I'm going to be starting a new project and if my hands keep tingling, I might just have to machine applique. Thanks!

[Robin G.]

Vicki, I think the first thing you need to do is figure out the cause of the tingling, so try sitting in a different chair, in a different position, etc. It might be that you're inadvertently pinching a nerve. Often, tingling in the hands can be caused by something as far away as your neck, so check that you're not bending over too much. If you're finding you're bending your head down, you might need better lighting or a magnifying glass. If the tingling is caused by carpal tunnel in your wrist, then a brace, or icing your wrist periodically might help. You might also try Googling "wrist exercises" to look for exercises to help. I seem to recall a discussion on the Forum about wrist/hand issues. Was it Rosemary who provided a link to some helpful exercises? You might do a search in the Forum to see if you can find it. In my case, what I thought was tendonitis turned out to be arthritis in my wrist, so the doctor put me on an anti-inflammatory drug, and oh my, it's made a huge difference! I can now appliqué for long periods, for which I'm very grateful. I wish you success in finding a solution! Be sure to post what works for you because it might help others, too.

[Robin G.]

Actually, it was Rita's exercises, but Rosemary posted the link: http://forum/the-healthy-quilter/605...rist-exercises.

[Margo C.]

Great advice, Robin! Vicki, you might also try a Google search of "ergonomics hand sewing" for some treat tips and advice!
Good luck!

[Vicki G.]

Thank you Robin and Margo. I bet it has to do with the way I am sitting, I think it might be time for new glasses too - I seem to be having issues focusing so am bending by neck and bringing my hands up closer. I'm sure there's some carpal tunnel issues after 27 years sitting at the keyboard and adding machine for work, my wrists do get tired. Great video, I'm definitely going to try those exercises and see if they help.

Vicki

[Judy B.]

I once took a beading class where the instructor stopped us
to do a few shoulder-rolls and hand exercises about every 15 minutes.
I've learned to set a timer to remind myself to change positions or
do a few exercises and have much less pain.

[Vicki G.]

Thanks Judy, that's a good idea also!

Vicki

[Melissa T.]

I don't know how you're "set up" of course, but you may want to consider some sort of pillow on your lap/under your hands to support you and your work as well. I was recently touring Burano, Italy (fabulous lace making) and a lady demonstrating hand making lace was using a lap pillow that was a cross between a round ball and a neck roll. Something I will definitely try with my next hand applique project. I do also use crafting gloves which I like a lot.

[Robin G.]

Melissa, that's a good idea! Recently, I've been using a kidney-shaped board (I bought it from Levenger years ago for my copyediting work, http://levenger.com/Levenger-Lap-Desk-614.aspx) that rests on my chair arms and provides a table for my hand-stitching work, but any large pillow or lap desk might help.

[Vicki G.]

So with the pillow or board, you actually would rest your arms on it while appliqueing? That sounds like a good idea too. I think part of my problem is with my left hand, while I'm holding the applique in place, I am squeezing really tight to get the edges perfectly straight or rounded. I think if I turn the edges under and glue them, that might solve that problem. I'll have to try the pillow next to see if that helps with the right hand.

Thanks again for all your input!
Vicki

[Vicki G.]

Another thing: If you are gripping the needle tightly, you can get fatigue in your hands or arms. I find that my thumb joint gets sore from holding the needle after a while, so I can only applique or even do binding in very small doses. Needle turn applique is a repetitive motion so it is a good idea to stop and stretch out your hands and fingers often. Perhaps every 15 min or so, since a half hour is when your pain starts.

I also agree with a support for your arms. I often place a pillow on my lap when I read or sew. It helps not only the arms but the neck too. Perhaps you can get one of those pillow-bottom hard top lap desks, esp now that it's almost back to school time. A place like Bed Bath and Beyond would have them.

[Vicki G.]

Thanks, Michelle.

I tried again today after giving it a rest for a few days, the pillow did help. I don't think that gluing the turned edges under first will work, the glue made it harder to push the needle through the edge. It did help with my left hand though, the pinky and ring finger didn't get as stiff. I think I'm going to do my new project by machine applique, the way Margo demonstrated for the BOM and continue to do the current project by hand, using all the tips you all have given.

Thanks again!
Vicki

[Margo C.]

Vicki, you may also find the if you just "pinch" all of the seam allowances under before you start stitching (instead of gluing them), it makes turning the edges under with the needle much easier. The cotton fabrics just want to roll under along that crease, and it take some of the pressure off your wrists because you aren't having to work so hard to get the seam allowances turned with the needle. Yes, it takes some prep time, but it makes the sewing go more quickly. Hope that helps.

[Vicki G.]

Thanks Margo, I'll give that a try too!
Vicki

[Vicki G.]

A 'score line' made with needle/fine edged item along the hemming line would also make it easier to turn under the seam allowance.