Where Are We Now? - the research projects

We have been collecting narratives since 2005 and continue to do so from knitters, stitchers and crocheters around the world. The stories we’ve collected so far have been themed and have been invaluable in helping us form a number of theories, which are now ready to be tested in a range of projects.

Completed studies

Knitting and Free Recall of Words – a pilot study. Jeni Hewlett, Dr Ulrich von Hecker, Cardiff University.
Results showed a difference between knitters and non-knitters but this wasn’t statistically significant. However, findings showed a positive trend which suggests that after knitting, memory performance, as measured using Free Recall, may be enhanced by a short period of knitting that immediately precedes the recall attempt. A further study under more controlled conditions is being planned to explore this effect further (see below).

Exploring the Effects of Knitting on the Experience of Chronic Pain. Betsan Corkhill, Stitchlinks; Carol Davidson, Nurse Practitioner, Pain Management Unit, Royal United Hospital, Bath.
A Poster presentation at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the British Pain Society April 2009. Click here to download pdf of poster.

Studies in progress or due to begin soon

A Knitting Survey Dr Ulrich von Hecker, Dr Jill Riley, Cardiff University and Betsan Corkhill, Stitchlinks. This survey will go online in mid May 2010.

Knitting and Memory Dr Ulrich von Hecker, Cardiff University and Betsan Corkhill, Stitchlinks. This study will begin on June 2nd 2010 at the School of Psychology, Cardiff University. We are currently recruiting volunteers. Please contact Betsan via Stitchlinks if you are interested in taking part.

Individual case studies - based at The Royal United Hospital Pain Clinic, Bath.

First wave of studies currently looking for funding

Exploring the Effects of Knitting on Memory Scan, Memory Recall and on Local versus Global Attention. Dr Ulrich von Hecker, Cardiff University.

Knitting and the Knitting Group as a Complex Intervention for the Management of Chronic Pain – a feasibility study for a definitive trial.
Betsan Corkhill, Stitchlinks; Prof Trisha Greenhalgh OBE, Queen Mary, University of London; Prof Ceri Phillips, Swansea University; Dr Mike Osborn, Bath University and Pain Management Unit, Royal United Hospital, Bath; Carol Davidson, Pain Management Unit, Royal United Hospital, Bath; Dr Gordon Taylor, University of Bath; Dr David Wainwright, University of Bath.

A Brain Imaging Study of Knitters - Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics Reading. Details to be announced soon.