An episode that really pulls at the threads!
Here’s what’s in store for today’s episode:
In today’s episode, we’re joined by special guest Hunter Hammersen, a self-proclaimed weirdo who traded grad school for the cozy world of knitting patterns!
Hunter realized, in true autistic style, that following others' instructions wasn’t for her. So, she began creating her own designs and writing patterns—a perfect fit for the world of knitting!
Our special guest kicks things off by sharing how knitting beautifully combines a stim, a special interest, and a sensory experience—making it a truly delightful and engaging activity!
Knitting offers a socially acceptable way to stim while also serving as a shared interest that can help you connect with fellow autistic knitting enthusiasts.
The beauty of knitting lies in its wonderfully literal nature—turning yarn and two sticks into something tangible, like a sweater—while seamlessly engaging autistic bottom-up processing.
We dive into yarn stashes and explore how it’s totally possible to form an emotional attachment to your yarn—each skein holding its own special meaning!
As a natural-born, bottom-up processor, you’re able to notice the details that others might miss—like distinguishing a soft, high-quality yarn from a scratchy one you might find at Joann Fabrics.
We discuss how knitting can serve as a powerful form of regulation, helping to soothe and center the mind while providing a sense of control and calm.
Our hosts and Hunter dive into the diverse types and textures of yarn, sharing tips on how to choose the perfect one to suit your sensory needs.
We also explore the connection between knitting and social justice, discussing how politics are deeply intertwined (no pun intended) within the craft.
Finally, we highlight the therapeutic benefits of knitting, from its calming effects and sensory satisfaction to its role in fostering community and driving social change.
About Hunter Hammersen
Hunter Hammersen is a self-described weirdo who dropped out of grad school (ABD in the history of science and medicine) to run off and write knitting patterns. “Because somehow when I was in school I thought 'I should take up knitting, that seems soothing,' then realized I could not stand following other people's instructions and so started making up things of my own, and then started writing my own patterns when folks liked what I made. Then I turned it into a business. Because I realized I could run that business at home in my pajamas and never ever ever have to teach an 8:30am history class to a room full of undergrads who do not want to be there.”
In the fifteen years since she started doing this, she has written and published a dozen books, wrote hundreds and hundreds of patterns, and built up an audience of knitters. These days they hang out on Patreon and she teaches them about whatever new thing catches her interest. Knitting patterns yes, but lately she’s been branching out into other things too.
“I am the flavor of autistic where I have a lot of sensory issues. If my clothes are wrong, I want you to die. If I have to touch the wrong texture, the world will end. And knitting is wonderful because whatever your version of a good texture is, you can put it on your hands. And then you get to wiggle your hands around in these lovely little repetitive movements. And you can do it in public with relatively little social difficulty. ” - Hunter Hammersen
“I like these levels better than the ones in the DSM. Level one is just knitting 10 to 12 hours a week. Level two, making your own yarn. Level three, raising sheep. These are levels that I can live with.” - Angela
“Knitting is a really nice little bridge to get a tiny bit more in your body, because it’s this thing that you’re doing with your hands and you get to touch it and you get to sit there and pet it and it’s this soft, fuzzy, wonderful thing. And it helps if I am feeling particularly scattered or particularly outraged.” - Hunter Hammersen
In this episode, we delve into the unique ways knitting can benefit autistic people, exploring how it supports sensory needs, executive functioning, and self-expression. We discuss autism-friendly approaches to organizing your knitting projects, the challenges of starting and completing patterns, and how creating personalized knitting systems can foster stability and joy. Thanks for tuning in! Share your thoughts in the comments and use #AutisticCultureCatch to connect with fellow listeners on social media. What resonated with you about this discussion? Let us know!
Show Notes:
Website: https://tinynonsense.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HunterHammersen
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tinynonsense
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