We recently had the opportunity of welcoming Andrea Lui to teach a class on crafting ergonomics, and it was so inspiring. Andrea is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Orthopedic Specialist, and NASM-certified Personal Trainer and, like many of us, a fellow maker herself.
Andrea’s journey began with her studies at Wellesley College, followed by earning her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from the MGH Institute of Health Professions. With her certification as a clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy, she helps people manage both chronic and acute pain while focusing on education and self-empowerment.
Her interest in crafting ergonomics grew from noticing a gap in resources for knitters, crocheters, and other makers who wanted to protect their bodies while continuing to pursue their hobbies. This led her to create short, accessible videos with tips on stretches, strengthening exercises, and ways to craft safely.
As makers, it’s easy to get swept up in the rhythm of knitting, crocheting, or weaving, losing track of time and forgetting just how much our bodies are working too. Andrea reminded us that small adjustments in posture and movement can make a huge difference, not just for comfort in the moment but for our longevity as crafters.
We got to chat with Andrea to learn more about her work and what advice she has for the making community.
How did you first become interested in teaching ergonomics specifically for crafters?
I first became interested when I realized there weren't many classes on ergonomics available specifically for crafters. It’s such an important topic, and after enjoying a short stint as a TA, I realized I really liked teaching; so I figured I would give it a try.
What makes your perspective on crafting and ergonomics one we should really pay attention to?
Many people tend to think in black and white terms - so either their posture is bad or good. I believe that posture and ergonomics can be more of a grey area, since all bodies are different and how they respond to stressors are different. I hear a lot that other healthcare practitioners will tell crafters to stop crafting to deal with their pain, and while that can be accurate for extreme cases, often times a middle area of scaling back crafting time while rehabilitating your body is an equally good approach.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned from working with crafters?
One of the most surprising things I’ve learned is how often crafters are dismissed by other PTs or doctors and how important crafting is to them. They do not address their pain with their crafting seriously.
If you could give crafters just one tip to make a huge difference, what would it be?
Tuck your chin in gently before looking down! This will keep your head and neck in good posture and provide muscular support to prevent neck pain from looking down.
Some knitting positions can put unnecessary strain on your body. Andrea shows a few to avoid in this short video here.
What’s the most common posture mistake you see crafters make?
They spend hours sitting in one posture - which usually leads to stiffness and sometimes pain when they eventually get up.
Andrea shares an easy posture tip that can make a big difference while crafting, watch the short video here.
What steps can crafters take immediately when they notice discomfort or stiffness?
The first step is to notice where the discomfort is coming from. Once you identify the area, small adjustments can make a big difference, like using pillows or cushions to support that part of your body and ease the strain.
Andrea shares a simple exercise to help with back discomfort watch the short video here.
What’s the most memorable story you’ve heard from a crafter about posture or pain?
It always makes me giggle when crafters tell me they can hear my voice in their heads, telling them to sit up straight or tuck their chin!
Why do you love supporting crafters in doing what they’re passionate about?
As a crafter myself, I deeply understand the joy and satisfaction that comes from our making. Being able to help makers continue to do their craft is a privilege and so rewarding.
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It’s tempting to brush off our aches or stiffness as “just part of the process,” but Andrea reminds us that taking care of our bodies is an essential part of the creativity too.
If you’d like to learn more from Andrea, she offers both courses and one-on-one consultations, especially helpful if you’re experiencing pain while crafting. During these sessions, you’ll work on your project for the first 5-10 minutes, and then Andrea will review your posture and provide individualized tips to optimize your comfort and reduce strain. It’s a hands-on way to keep crafting safely and enjoyably.
You can also find her on Instagram and YouTube, where she shares simple exercises and practical tips for healthier, pain-free making. Check out her website for more information!
ptandrea.com
Andreas Instagram
Andreas YouTube
