Sorry to hear about your arthritis. What I use to pull the needle is, and I wear it all the time I am quilting, a rubber finger that they use to count money or handle papers. I get them at Staples or any office supply. What I do is cut the top off (only a little) to let air in. I love wearing it all the time because I don't have to be picking something up and putting it down. I just quilt away. Hope this helps.