Understanding Disabled Knitters


Taylor Gotfrid
Kelly MackKathryn J. LumEvelyn YangJessica K. HodginsScott 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

2 thoughts on “Understanding Disabled Knitters”

  1. 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?

    1. 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!

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