Hand sewing tip for people with arthritis

[rickdroid]

I have arthritis and hand sewing can get painful at times.  The problem is having to grip the needle hard enough to be able to pull the needle through several layers of leather or, sewing some really tough leather.  I have been using nitrile gloves (the same ones I use for dying leather) to give me some extra grip on the needle.  Problem is they make your hands sweaty and are pretty uncomfortable for a long sewing session. 

A few days ago i came across a container of  'fingertip moistener',  trade name "Tacky Finger" that is normally used by people who have to handle lots of paperwork.  'Tacky Finger' is used instead of having to continually wet your fingers when sorting through reams of paperwork.  I used to use the stuff and remembered that it did make my fingers feel tacky so i thought that i would try it to see if it was of any help - and it worked very well.  It makes my fingers tacky enough to be able to grip the needles without feeling like i have to squeeze them in half.  The grip is pretty close to what i got with the nitrile gloves but didn't cause any problems handling the thread.

Thought this tip might be of use to some of you.

[JD62]

 "Thanks!"

Edited June 5, 2017 by JD62

[electrathon]

http://www.michaels.com/bead-landing-mini-flat-nose-pliers/10443467.html#q=pliers&start=8

You might try these.  if my holes are tight I use them to pull, or push, the needle.

[rickdroid]

3 hours ago, electrathon said:

http://www.michaels.com/bead-landing-mini-flat-nose-pliers/10443467.html#q=pliers&start=8

You might try these.  if my holes are tight I use them to pull, or push, the needle.

I've got a pair or those and occasionally need to user them but they really slow me down.  The Tacky Finger allows me to work at a pace closer to people who don't have arthritis.  Saves me a lot of time and a fair amount of pain.

I just thought that some others might find the information helpful.

[480volt]

I started waxing my thread with shoemaker's wax, and I find it makes a huge difference in gripping the needles. 

[JD62]

Hmm wish I could find needles for that thread!

[JLD]

Great tip thank you

[LumpenDoodle2]

On 06/06/2017 at 3:22 AM, JD62 said:

Hmm wish I could find needles for that thread!

    

Imagine the size of the cow the leather came off.

[plinkercases]

Great tip and I was just daydreaming about sometime like this today!! and here I find the answer. I have a bad thumb....

one question or concern is.. if it gets on the leather from handling before it is finished how does it affect the leather taking colour etc.?

Currently I use the vinyl gloves And needle nose when needed AND I have a plug of bees wax on the side of my horse and pony jaws and I 'dip" my awl in it ever hole or two so the wholes are waxed and the needles pick some up along the way.

shoe makers wax on the thread would likely act the same way and I will look into it

I am about to experiment with finger cots to avoid the sweaty hand action:

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/100Pc-Orange-Natural-Latex-Rubber-Finger-Cots-Sleeve-Textured-End-Tacky-Multiuse-/131813555791?hash=item1eb0b33e4f:g:fS4AAOSwInxXNpKq

I can t find Tacky Finger in Canada but seem that SortKwik is essentially the same thing and available at staples.

 

[rickdroid]

9 hours ago, plinkercases said:

Great tip and I was just daydreaming about sometime like this today!! and here I find the answer. I have a bad thumb....

one question or concern is.. if it gets on the leather from handling before it is finished how does it affect the leather taking colour etc.?

I have never noticed any reaction between veg-tan and Tacky Finger or SortKwik but as always Test Test Test.

I can t find Tacky Finger in Canada but seem that SortKwik is essentially the same thing and available at staples.

I have used both Tacky Finger. and Sort Kwik or a similar spelling without any problem.

Thanks

rick