Taylor Gotfrid, Kelly Mack, Kathryn J. Lum, Evelyn Yang, Jessica K. Hodgins, Scott E. Hudson, Jennifer Mankoff: Stitching Together the Experiences of Disabled Knitters. CHI 2021: 488:1-488:14
Knitting is a popular craft that can be used to create customized fabric objects such as household items, clothing and toys. Additionally, many knitters find knitting to be a relaxing and calming exercise. Little is known about how disabled knitters use and benefit from knitting, and what accessibility solutions and challenges they create and encounter. We conducted interviews with 16 experienced, disabled knitters and analyzed 20 threads from six forums that discussed accessible knitting to identify how and why disabled knitters knit, and what accessibility concerns remain. We additionally conducted an iterative design case study developing knitting tools for a knitter who found existing solutions insufficient. Our innovations improved the range of stitches she could produce. We conclude by arguing for the importance of improving tools for both pattern generation and modification as well as adaptations or modifications to existing tools such as looms to make it easier to track progress
The displayed doll images look like crochet to me, not knitting. The knitting table with fixed-needle apparatus recalls the knitting belts worn by Shetland isle knitters. Are there any plans to bring your design to market?
You are right, we ended up interviewing folks who used both crochet and knit. No plans currently to go to market, but I’d be very curious about the knitting belts you mention!
Hi, I struggled for a couple years knitting with really bad arthritis. Then I found out I had melanoma on my thumbnail and nail bed. They had to amputate my thumb. Oh gosh, it is so hard to do so many things with no thumb. But knitting calmed my mind and I missed it so much. I took up my needles again this week and I’m trying to make a shawl. On an amputee support group I’m on, a woman with an amputated arm still knits!! She is my freaking hero!! Just wondered if you had any amputee knitters? And just my thought……….I want to knit normal stuff. Not dolls that are handicapped. I already feel abnormal as it is. Just my feelings.