Ergonomics of Cross stitching

Ergonomics is the science of fitting the environment and occupation to the user (Ergonomics, 2011). It is one of the important factors to consider when a client is engaging in meaningful occupation which should include person-occupation-environment aspects.

For the likes of my cross stitching it is important that I love to do it, have time set aside each week which allows me to stitch, having the skills to read a pattern, transfer it to canvas and to have the patience to sit there for hours on end is quite necessary. Cross stitching is a slow paced craft which requires a certain amount of time depending on its complexity. Its more physically demanding in terms of keeping both hands engaged in the activity at all time but not so much cognitively. This means that I am able to take my mind else where, whether its thinking about things, listening to others or watching tv so in that sense this craft to me is quite flexible.

I can do this craft whenever and any where in an inside environment. I have to make sure that a pattern I want to do is within my budget. I then collect any resources I require to complete the pattern from specialised stores. Once all the resources have been gathered then I can proceed. Having enough space to sit down somewhere and be able to place threads, pattern, scissors next to me is the easiest way for me to do this occupation. I may have different ways from how others may do a cross stitch in terms of where to start, the direction the stitches are, marking off the completed areas on the pattern, and the frames I use.

Caulton and Dickson, 2007, describes ergonomics as being able to "constantly make slight invisible adjustments to an activity to adapt to the needs of those taking part and ensure that it continues to work for it's intended purpose" (p. 93). This fits in quite well also with how we as OT's will need to be able to adapt and make adjustments for a client's intervention.  

An OT could adapt this craft to meet the needs to the client by using canvas that has bigger holes, a plastic canvas which is generally larger holes, using a needle with a bigger eye so that the client is able to thread the cotton more easily or using a plastic needle in conjunction with the plastic canvas. This will allow the client to still be able to actively engaged working with materials on a larger scale. Also the types of patterns that are selected for/by the client will depend on skill level, time available, budget, and resources at hand.