Blind Knitting

[ysabetwordsmith]

A conversation got me looking for resources on knitting while blind, so I thought other folks would enjoy these.


Resources for blind knitting:

Kudos to Lionheart, a yarn company that offers patterns in large print and Braille, and they also carry a how-to book on learning to knit while blind (written by a blind knitter).

http://www.lionbrand.com/blog/knitting-by-touch-the-touch-of-yarn-by-davey-hulse/

https://fingeringyarn.com/2019/05/08/getting-started-knitting-resources-for-blind-and-low-vision-knitters/

https://www.horizons-blind.org/gadget-gallery/

https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/Knitting-Patterns-Audiobook-Listeners

https://www.cs.cmu.edu/~rowan/marjorie-crafts.html

https://www.loc.gov/nls/braille-audio-reading-materials/lists-nls-produced-books-topic-genre/listings-on-narrow-topics-minibibliographies/needlework/

http://www.brailleauthority.org/crafts-hobbies/Guidelines%20for%20Transcribing%20Knit%20and%20Crochet%20Patterns.pdf


Tips for knitters who have recently gone blind:

https://www.visionaware.org/info/everyday-living/recreation-and-leisure/arts-and-crafts/sewing-and-embroidery/knit-your-life-back-together/12345

https://www.visionaware.org/info/everyday-living/recreation-and-leisure/arts-and-crafts/sewing-and-embroidery/knitting-and-crochet/12345

http://blog.cnib.ca/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=770

Sadly I could not find "learn how to knit" instructions for blind people online, but at least those exist in various formats.

Comments

[elaiel]

Interesting. I can knit straightforward things (like stocking stitch or simple rib socks except for turning the heel) without looking, but that's so I can read at the same time! These resources definitely bear more attention.

Yes ...

[ysabetwordsmith]

I've seen plenty of people who knit and rarely if ever look down. Many of them don't even seem to realize they're doing it. How many people knit while reading or watching television or even just looking at the person they're talking to? Almost all the experienced knitters have patterns they can do while half-asleep, too.

Many of the tips for blind knitting will work for people who can see, but wish to knit by touch.

[chanter1944]

Oh oh squee! Thank you! I'm going link sniffing here soonish, I think... :)

I've wanted to learn to knit on and off for some time, but most of the tutorials out there are in the 'now mimic this picture' school of description, and I can't find anybody local who knows how to teach the basic skills to somebody blind. So this post is a serious score!

You're welcome!

[ysabetwordsmith]

>>Oh oh squee! Thank you! I'm going link sniffing here soonish, I think... :) <<

I'm happy I could help.

>> I've wanted to learn to knit on and off for some time, but most of the tutorials out there are in the 'now mimic this picture' school of description, and I can't find anybody local who knows how to teach the basic skills to somebody blind. So this post is a serious score! <<

You don't really need someone who already knows both. You need either an expert knitter with an inclusive mindset, or an occupational therapist willing to tackle whatever the client wants to do. They would come at it from different angles, but that's okay. Either could help you figure out ways to knit using the senses you have.

[peoriapeoriawhereart]

Let me know if after digging around these you need any additional help. I can always type some directions for your screen reader to repeat.

Knitting by touch

[dialecticdreamer]

I want to do this for other reasons. I have neuropathy in my hands, and want to retrain my sense of touch as much as possible.

Re: Knitting by touch

[ysabetwordsmith]

For that, I recommend working with different thicknesses, fibers, and textures of yarn; different thicknesses and material of tools; and different stitches that create a variety of textures in the finished products.

Re: Knitting by touch

[dialecticdreamer]

I need to finish a project I'm rapidly LOSING enthusiasm for, just to get it off my plate. After that, I'm finishing my first shawl, and working the rest of the blue batwing.

Re: Knitting by touch

[ysabetwordsmith]

I wish you luck with it.

Maybe consider a modular project? That would have the advantage of giving you a "finished" feeling after completing each module. You could also choose to make it smaller or larger depending on enthusiasm. It would give you a change to explore different yarn textures and stitches, too.

Link dead

[dialecticdreamer]

The lion brand "touch of yarn" book is no longer available.

Re: Link dead

[ysabetwordsmith]

Drat. I tried searching for it on Amazon and ABE Books with no luck

However, I did find this recent post with the author's ordering info:
https://fingeringyarn.com/2019/05/07/the-touch-of-yarn-2/

Re: Link dead

[dialecticdreamer]

I'm concentrating on free resources right now.

A note- for the knitting and crochet craftsmanship certification process, the applicant makes swatches and fits each one into a page protector in a VERY thick binder, sending the set in to be judged.

For making tactile swatches, the thick binder makes sense, but use loops of ribbon through three points of the swatch and hook THOSE over the binder rings, otherwise you'll be dragging the swatch out of shape, badly.

As for working without sight, the biggest problem I foresee is in blocking, especially sweaters and other weird shapes that must be even and symmetrical. When I figure that out, I'll be delighted.