Abstract:

This descriptive and qualitative research explored the art and practice of hand knitting and assessed whether engagement in this activity promoted psychological and spiritual well-being, enhanced coping skills, and improved overall quality of life from a subjective viewpoint. Sixty-two self-selected women (59 Caucasians, 2 Asian Americans, and 1 Hispanic), 92% living in the San Francisco Bay Area and ranging in ages from 26 to 84, were recruited from knitting networks, shops, classes, and other sources. The 62 women knitters were asked to complete a Hand Knitting Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics summarized the questionnaire results. In addition, 12 participants from the 62 were selected to be personally interviewed and provided an in-depth perspective. These participants reflected diversity in age, occupation, ethnicity, national origin, and various other aspects of their practice including the number of hours they knit per week and how long they had been knitting. The 12 interview participants were invited to share knitting stories, memories, thoughts, attitudes, feelings, and experiences in their own words, in accordance with the Feminist approach to research. Qualitative data were evaluated through content analysis, allowing themes and patterns to emerge. The data reported by participants suggested that knitting can promote positive changes. A marked sense of well-being, joy, and contentment was revealed along with themes of self-soothing, relaxation, creative self-expression, and an enhanced sense of self-efficacy and competence. A transcendent aspect of hand knitting also emerged in terms of a connection with knitters past, present, and future, to a greater whole, and through knitting for others, suggesting that knitting may be considered a transpersonal experience. Knitting may potentially have a positive impact on mental health and overall quality of life and serve as a powerful metaphor for knitting together and mending the torn fabric of society.