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Side-by-side silhouettes comparing correct and incorrect sitting postures at a machine knitting table. One woman demonstrates proper ergonomic position while the other shows poor posture

Machine Knitters: Save your Back and Shoulders

machine knitting
Get comfortable at your machine

Position at the machine is most important. A good chair, stool, or bench, etc. is essential. But that is no good if it doesn't give you the ease and comfort you want for knitting!~ Norma Sweet


The change in movement of the carriage with knitting on the machine is amazing. You will know when "it's just right". You as a knitter have greatly added to your knitting pleasure!!!

Article by Norma Sweet (used with permission)


1 Don't Push Down

When you sit at your machine ready to knit, put your hand on the handle of the carriage as you usually do.


  • Never, never press down. Use a push pull action, not an "ironing" action

  • Use both hands and alternate pushing and pulling the carriage


Use a push pull action, not an "ironing" action

2 Arm, hand and wrist position

STOP! LOOK AT THE POSITION OF YOUR HAND AND WRIST IN RELATION TO YOUR ELBOW

Many knitters will find their elbow is below the level of the wrist and hand.

Knitting in this position, after a time, will create an ache and pain through the neck and across the shoulders.

Try sitting higher so that your elbow is slightly above the wrist and hand.


3More tips

  • A stool for your feet may be needed or your machine table or stand may have to be lowered.

  • If you have a stand to use your machine, the same elbow position is needed. (elbows slightly above the hands)

  • Try standing to knit. Use an adjustable table to keep the elbow position correct. Here's what I use

  • Good lighting is a must

  • A clean (and oiled) machine bed and carriage are essential.

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5 COMMENTS
Cindy V
 Dec 12, 2021
I find if I am too high I am bend my neck too much when I am hanging stitches, etc and that will fatigue my neck very quickly.

Nancy M
 Dec 8, 2021
Great tips. Good posture is a must... also taking breaks to stretch and hydrate will cut down on those aches and pains from tense muscles.....this is advice I wish I had followed before I learned the hard way !

Beverley G
 Dec 7, 2021
Good suggestions. I do find standing has made a big difference on my neck and shoulders. I will pay more attention to my wrist in relation to my elbows.

Lynda B
 Dec 7, 2021
Love this! Pragmatic and very useful! Thank you!!! Lynda B

Darlene S
 Dec 7, 2021
These are all pertinent and easy to understand. Thank you!!!!

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