How Knitting Changed My ADHD Journey (without me even knowing I was on one)

Knitting for mental health has been a topic of discussion for some years now. Repetitive movements, soft materials, and a sense of accomplishment are all contributors to the benefits of craft for our well-being. Knitting and crochet as an invaluable tool for those with ADHD, though, is a less explored topic. I’m hoping to change that.  Walk with me for a minute while I share a little about the journey I only recently became aware that I was on.

Over the past 20-ish years of my career as a professional knitter, I’ve carved a path that is uniquely mine—one that thrives on creative agility and self-expression. It requires a myriad of modalities and boundless strategizing and pivoting, with no clear path or singular definition of success. This allows me to make it up as I go along and offers a more graceful (less socially awkward) entry point—thanks to the commonality of craft—to build community through connection with people from all walks of life around the world. It gives me the ability to have an idea, see it come to fruition relatively quickly, and put something positive out into the world, while also redefining the power of what was once looked down upon as “women’s work.”

ADHD, Knitting, and Me

It wasn’t until a few months ago, after being diagnosed with ADHD as a middle-aged woman, that I fully realized how some yarn and needles have been at the forefront of my coping skills. They’ve helped with everything from dealing with the antsiness at the park with my first child to feeling suffocated by the thought of a monotonous job. Knitting changed my ADHD journey without me even knowing it. Honestly, my mind is kind of blown.

So, I have questions—and now my decades-long mission to spread empowerment through creativity has found intersectionality with a desire to use fiber crafting as a gateway. I aim to piece together a patchwork of information, support, and creative coping strategies for women with ADHD. Questions get answered through conversations, and my chat with Tracy on an episode of her podcast “ADHD for Smart-Ass Women” was, for me, the first step toward exploring how we work—and also, how we can work for each other.

Knowledge is power, my neurodivergent sisters, and we are powerful. I hope you’ll give the episode a listen.

 

Continuing the Conversation About Knitting for Mental Health

I believe that one of the greatest gifts knitting and crochet can give is bringing together humans from all different backgrounds. The commonality of fiber-craft opens the people connection gateway, allowing us — even if it is unwittingly — to build our own diverse networks. Those groups offer a breadth of knowledge and experience that we might never otherwise tap into if it weren’t for the unique space that craft creates. Certainly, that’s been the case for me, and it’s my goal to nurture that phenomenon whenever possible.

ADD, Knitting & We 

To continue the conversation about everything from late diagnosis and creative coping skills to the emotional benefits of crochet and knitting for mental health, I’ve started an ADHD & We group within Stitchwell Social Club. It’s a private, safe space for neurodivergent knitters and the like to candidly share stories and swap information.

Are you a fiber crafter with ADHD, or curious about learning more? Please join us. Simply become a Stitchwell Social Club Member, where you’ll be able to access the ADHD & We “room”. 

Here’s to education and commiseration!

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