I’ve been binge-watching knitting content ever since getting sucked into Game of Wool. My latest obsession is the 90-minute YouTube program, Fruity Knitting, and episode 142’s discussion on “craft psychology” with researcher Dr. Anne Kirketerp is worth a special recommendation.
In particular, the interview discusses how knitting is good for mental health. As Dr. Kirketerp described her research, I was nodding in agreement the whole way through. For people with crafting hobbies, I think we instinctively recognize these benefits without ever saying them aloud. In this way, the research is very validating, at least for a knitter with big ideas on knitting’s benefits.
The exact segment is embedded below, but I highly recommend watching the whole episode (and many others).
The research suggests that crafting supports mental health by fulfilling three basic human needs: autonomy, competence, and community relatedness. According to Simply Psychology:
- Autonomy is the “need to feel self-governing and independent,”
- Competence is the “need to be effective in dealing with the environment,”
- Relatedness is the “need to have close, affectionate relationships.”
Watching the interview made me think a bit about my next project. As a gift, it provides a special connection between me and the recipient. I have chosen every detail of the project and feel confident in my ability to complete the gift. Before I even begin, the future project feeds something within.
From experience, I know this positive project feeling will grow from here. Once I start actually knitting, I’ll find that delightfully peaceful flow state. Knitting is a gift to my soul, to say the least, and I’m blessed to have the time and opportunity to explore the many aspects of the craft.
Crafting is medicine. And from now on, if anyone asks, we’ve got the research to prove it!
P.S. I finished knitting my first Christmas gift of the season yesterday! I really loved knitting “Christian’s Hat” by Agnes Kutas on my green Caspian shorty set from Knit Picks! Yarn is Rowan Pure Wool Superwash in Sage.)
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