Where Are We Now?
Why not read Our Theories So Far?
(Select your version: Full, larger print A4 size or Booklet size - print on A4 landscape to obtain an A5 booklet.)
Why research if we already know it works? Click here to find out.
We have been gathering ‘evidence’ since 2005. This has been invaluable in helping us form a number of theories, but will also be used as a basis to
enable us to apply for a grant to fund a large university/hospital/primary care research project.
Expert in depression, Dr Ulrich von Hecker from Cardiff University has been overseeing a pilot study which is looking at whether the automatic nature of knitting is pushing out automatic, negative thought cycles and rumination. We should have results soon.
There’s no doubt that knitting and stitching are transforming people’s lives. The question is, though, how to tease apart - or independently test - the various mechanisms that might be involved in the beneficial effects, as they are all intertwined. This is the task we’re currently working on.
The skills and feelings experienced whilst knitting and stitching can also be used to facilitate the learning of techniques taught on pain management courses, or in the treatment of depression to make their benefits available to a wider population. In addition, valuable life skills are developed, which can be utilised in education and the workplace.
Click to read Therapeutic Stitching in Brief and the Benefits in Brief document.
This Jigsaw Pieces document is a summary of our initial findings.