When asked why they knit, some knitters will reply with how the craft is soothing or calming. The motions made are repetitive and help to clear the mind, or making something useful helps give a sense of control when the knitter is dealing with a stressful situation.
There are online communities set up for people who practice the textile arts to chat, visit, share patterns and experiences. Some of these sites are places for social networking like ravelry, knitting daily or the garden web.
Other sites have a more specific focus. One such place is stitchlinks.com. This site offers a place for crafters to discuss what they are making and how their craft helps them cope with daily life, stress or chronic medical conditions among other situations.
What makes this site unusual is that it also has researchers who are studying the benefits of knitting and this information is made available to those who are interested in using knitting as therapy.
When practicing knitting as therapy, comfort is important. Some knitters have a special place where the lighting is good and either the chair or sofa is comfortable. Playing music that is pleasing to the knitter helps them to settle in and relax. Other knitters will turn on a favorite television program or movie, and work on a project. What background noise, if any, is not as important as being able to relax, focus on the needles and knit.
Ask a knitter and they will tell you what research is starting to bear out, knitting is therapeutic.
Comments