Ergonomic Tools and Accessories

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Tool manufacturers from all industries are now designing tools to be more ergonomic or body-friendly. Tools used repetitively over an extended period of time can cause injury if they’re not ergonomically designed. and sewing tools are no exception to this rule. Each year, manufacturers of and tools are creating more items that are kinder to our hands, backs and necks. It is important that sewers, whether young or old, take as much care as possible when sewing as there is plenty of repetitive motion! This guideline focuses on tools. For information on ergonomic chairs, see Guideline 21.110.

Snips & Fiskars Bent-Handle Scissors are durable There are several varieties of scissors and and offer consistent, exceptional cutting snips engineered with ergonomic handles performance. The ergonomic handle is that provide a comfortable, pain-free grip designed for very comfortable cutting, and when used for long hours at a stretch. the plastic is molded to fit comfortably in your hand. The scissors are designed Below are some choices of ergonomically specifically to avoid touching pressure designed scissors and snips. points and to distribute resistance across Omnigrid® Scissors Ergonomic more of the hand during cutting, thus Snips: These scissors are a good basic pair providing comfortable cutting action. An for many of your sewing needs. They have adjustable tension screw allows you to soft, cushioned handles that greatly reduce reduce or fatigue and are perfect for those with increase the arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome. The cutting-motion snips fit comfortably in your hand for resistance. making small and precise cuts. (Made by Fiskars also Prym Consumer USA.) offers a line of ergonomic Fiskars® Softouch® Sheers and Micro-Tip® pinking and Scissors: These scissors give exceptional scalloping cutting performance. The micro-tip blades scissors. provide easy detail cutting for sewing and crafts. The spring action reduces hand Dritz Ergonomic Softgrip Electric fatigue by gently opening the blades after Scissors Set: These lightweight, electric each . For safe storage or travel, the easy scissors are designed to be very user slide lock secures the blades closed. The friendly as the handle is ergonomically cushioned handles help absorb some of the engineered to fit the shape of your hand. cutting force, reducing the impact on your Since they are electric, they require no hand hands. The grip also features a tacky finish motion, which is especially good when that prevents the scissors from slipping in arthritis is an issue. They remain stable your hands and when cutting intricate patterns and come reduces the with two blades: one for straight cutting amount of and a shoe blade for patterns and fabric. physical force Rotary Cutters required to hold the scissors OLFA® Deluxe Rotary Cutter: This steady. ergonomically designed cutter has a comfortable handle and a positive grip. For safety when you release the handle, a guard Ergonomic Tools and Accessories

21.115 Page 2 automatically cover the Sewing Area Accessories blade. You can lock the The Tilt’able™ was developed blade into the cutting to promote better sewing position when cutting for posture and provide optimal long periods of time. This view of the ’s feature relieves your hand of needle area. You can sit the strain of holding the straight up and have direct blade in the cutting position. view of the needle area The cutter also locks with without bending your neck. the cover in place, to reduce The Tilt’able is a portable the chance of injury. The platform, measuring 9" deep Deluxe is available in 45 mm and 18" long, that sits under the sewing machine to tilt and 60 mm blade sizes. it forward. It has adjustable feet for six different The Fiskars Rotary Cutter positions. Aside from a better view of the needle area, has an ergonomically by tilting the sewing bed up, your hands and wrists rest designed contoured at a more natural position for sewing. handle and a convenient The Sure Foot System™ is handle loop. This design made up of three separate distributes the cutting pieces: a footrest for the force over a larger area of nonsewing foot, a nonskid the hand for comfort and pad for the bottom of the control. The Softgrip finish foot pedal, and a nonskid applied to the handle mat for the pedal and footrest to sit on. The products further reduces hand position both feet at the same angle, so the legs are in fatigue by reducing the the same position and the hips stay balanced in the amount of force required chair. All of which creates superior sewing posture. The to hold the cutter steady. nonslip pads prevent the foot pedal and footrest from “walking around” under the sewing table, eliminating Rippers the common hunt for the foot pedal. The Clover white-handle : A seam ripper is a must for quilters, sewers and needle artists. This seam ripper has an ergonomically designed plastic handle that is comfortable to hold and lends itself to precise use. It is especially good for those with arthritis and has a nonslip rubber tread for safety.

References:

Ergonomic Advantage LLC Clover Needlecraft Inc. (The Tilt’able and Sure Foot System) www.clover-usa.com 888-SEW-TILT (739-8458) www.ergonomicadvantage.com OLFA North America www.olfa.com Fiskars Brand Inc. 800-962-OLFA 866-348-5661 www.fiskars.com and www.fiskarscrafts.com Prym Consumer USA (Dritz and Omnigrid Products) 5/06 www.dritz.com