Knitting With and for Others: Repercussions on Motivation

Knitting is an activity that generates well-being and that can be undertaken in a group. It is characterized by the creation of a final piece, which may have different purposes. The aims of this study were to explore the effects of knitting in a natural group, as well as examining the impact that the purpose of the piece created might have on the motivation to knit. A mixed methodology was used with one group of knitters, under two conditions: knitting for oneself and for others. The data was collected through a volitional questionnaire, personal diaries and semi-structured interviews. The participants expressed that knitting gave them a sense of well-being and relaxation. Carrying out this activity in a group also enabled them to have the possibility of learning and teaching. Knitting for others is more meaningful than knitting for oneself because they knitted for people they cared for.