Research from the University of Gothenburg has identified knitting as a beneficial activity for individuals managing mental health conditions, presenting it as a means to instil calm and introduce structure into their lives. The popularity of knitting has surged recently, further evidenced by hand-knitted items being named the Christmas gift of the year in Sweden in 2022. This surge in interest supports the broader research narrative that knitting enhances personal health and enriches the quality of life, aligning with cultural trends that embrace craft and mindfulness.
The study, published in the Journal of Occupational Science, was led by Joanna Nordstrand, an occupational therapist and PhD candidate at the University of Gothenburg. Nordstrand, who also knits in her free time, suggests that knitting is more than a hobby; it is a therapeutic endeavour that helps individuals cope with life’s challenges and improves mental health. Her findings are based on analyses of 600 posts from Ravelry, an international online fibre arts forum where individuals share their experiences and discuss their hobbies.
The research identified three main ways knitting aids in mental health: it provides a relaxing escape, offers a sense of identity and community among knitters, and introduces a structured routine to the daily lives of those involved. These elements collectively contribute to significant improvements in mental health, making knitting a valuable, low-stakes social context for many.
Participants in the study expressed profound appreciation for knitting, noting it as an occupation that provides immediate relaxation and mental clarity and contributes to long-term health benefits. Some described how knitting helped clarify their thoughts, making mental processes more accessible to manage. The engagement in knitting during stressful times, such as waiting in hospital rooms or managing anxiety, was frequently highlighted as more beneficial than traditional medical interventions like medication.
Nordstrand and her fellow researchers advocate for recognising knitting’s therapeutic potential within the health system. They emphasise that occupational therapy aims to facilitate manageable and fulfilling daily lives, and the simple act of knitting with needles and yarn could be an underutilised tool in achieving this goal. The personal anecdotes from the study underline knitting’s role as a powerful alternative to more conventional therapeutic practices, offering immediate and enduring mental health advantages.
More information: Joanna Nordstrand et al, Promoting health through yarncraft: Experiences of an online knitting group living with mental illness, Journal of Occupational Science. DOI: 10.1080/14427591.2023.2292281
Journal information: Journal of Occupational Science Provided by University of Gothenburg
