I am new to knitting and I hold the yarn in my right hand. I’m noticing that I’m getting a callous (which is sore) on my right index finger. Is this supposed to happen? 
If so does anyone have any ideas of what to do or is this part of knitting that gets better over time? :??
Knitting Fingers
Is it where the yarn drapes over your finger to hold tension?
The same thing has happened to me, but now I’m calloused like a bass player and I can’t feel a thing, so it should get better. If it gets raw, try some triple antibiotic ointment on it overnight.
I had a sore finger experience just recently when I broke out a set of vintage plastic dpns from my late grandmother’s cache. They’re really sharp, and I got a raw sore spot on the tip of my finger where I’d brace the needle tip to scooch the loops up. Youch!
I have callouses from knitting, too. If I’m working on a long project, I’ll build them up in particular spots. I’ve had to use bandaids for very sharp needles because I must be consistent–I’d poke the same sore spot every single time!
Protect it while it’s raw, and your skin will get used to it.
I’ve used pieces of moleskin that I cut and place on my fingers as well, the yarn and the needles rip up the moleskin and leave my fingers alone. After I take it off, the adhesive comes off with a little acetone nail polish remover.
That’s a cool idea. I’ll have to try it!
I’ve had to train myself not to push the tip of the needles against my fingertips when I’m getting stitches off the end of the needle because I would get really sore spots.
[color=purple]Interesting…
I work my yarn with my left hand and I have never experienced calloused fingers.
Sore thumb joints required me to modify my technique several years ago.[/color] :help:
I learned how to continental knit so that I won’t have sore fingers with dpns, at least. I like it for working seed stitch, too.
I have gotten sore fingertips before as well. When working fast on a LONG project the pads on my fingers hurt from pushing on the tip of the left needle
I use leather thimbles to protect my fingertips. It was a little funky to get used to at first, but after a while it got really easy. They have a little plastic barrier that is perfect to use instead of my tender fingers!
-hh
I have found these Thimble-Its to be VERY helpful. They come in packages of 64 and are reusable. I found them at Michael’s for $3.99 a package, but they can be ordered on line, also. With Michael’s 40% coupon, they would be even less expensive. I think they are investment. They hold up to the knitting needles.