3D Printed Felting Needle Holder for Arthritis and Fine Motor Challenges

This 3D printed felting needle holder is a great tool for those with arthritis or those who struggle with fine motor challenges.

If you are a felter, you know felting needles are quite thin and difficult to grip for long periods of time.  As a person with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (arthritis), I know gripping the felting needle tightly is hard on me. It can also impact the amount of time I can spend felting. This gripping often causes me pain afterwards. By adding this 3D printed felting needle handle, I no longer needs to grip as tightly with the thumb and forefinger. This reduces my pain and fatigue immensely.

This 3D printed felting needle holder is great for teachers who like to felt with their students. Many schools have 3D printers in their libraries, and this device can be printed for a few cents. This low cost solution can be a great assistive technology solution for students with disabilities. This is also a great adaptive solution for younger students felting in the classroom. If you're a teacher, check out our cross curricular felting lesson plans and our Wooley Wonders program!

Here is how the Needle Holder is Assembled

Thanks to my former work colleague Jake McIvor at Makers Making Change for designing this device. This version of the Felting Needle Holder is a preliminary design.  Jake and I would love if you could try it out and let us know what you think. We can make modifications if you send me a video and description of what you'd change!

Request the 3D file for the Assistive Felting Needle Holder here

Don't have a 3D printer?

Make a request for this device by signing up for www.makersmakingchange.com  and clicking 'Submit an Idea'