Many people with ADHD describe living with a restless, fast-moving mind – alongside a deep capacity for creativity, focus, and connection when the conditions are right. Knitting often becomes part of that story, not as a cure or strategy to “fix” attention, but as a way of working with how an ADHD brain functions.
On the Why I Knit podcast, we’ve spoken with knitters, designers, researchers, and creatives who reflect on their experiences of ADHD. This include stories exploring neurodivergence in adulthood, and how knitting supports focus, regulation, creativity, and self-understanding. This collection brings together episodes that explore knitting and ADHD through lived experience, curiosity, and care.
This collection may be especially helpful if you:
- identify as ADHD or neurodivergent
- were diagnosed in adulthood or later life
- experience racing thoughts, restlessness, or burnout
- are curious about how knitting supports focus and regulation
- want to hear real stories rather than advice or productivity hacks
Podcast conversations exploring knitting and ADHD
ADHD, dopamine and flow with Theodora Burrow
Theodora Burrows – S9 E3 (released 22/1/25)
Theo is a knitwear designer who speaks about being diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 50 and her experience of how this interacts with menopause. Theo reflects on how knitting allows her to experience both soothing and creativity, and how she has found knitting to be a more accessible form of meditation.
Neurodivergence and knitting with Una
Una – S8 E8 (released 24/7/25)
Una speaks about how knitting has helped her as a neurodivergent person. She describes how knitting allowed her to sit for long periods at university and supported her recovery from burnout. She describes learning more about what her brain needs and finding moments of focus through knitting.
Knitting for connection and community with Kristina LaVenia
Kristina LaVenia – S7 E8 (released 24/10/24)
Kristina is an academic with a diagnosis of ADHD who reflects on how others have responded to her knitting during meetings, opening up conversations about visibility, difference, and workplace norms.
Feeding a part of my brain that needs to be fed with Ellen Coy
Ellen Coy – S6 E5 (released 1/2/24)
Ellen is a tech editor and designer who identifies as neurodivergent. She speaks about how knitting allows her to “feed a part of her brain that needs to be fed,” offering a powerful metaphor for regulation and creativity.
Knitting to connect mind and body with Madison Siegel
Madison Siegel – S6 E4 (released 25/1/24)
Madison describes using knitting as a tool for mindfulness, and how it helps her to manage the racing thoughts that accompany her ADHD. She speaks about learning to sit with thoughts and observe them, rather than becoming hooked into them.
Reconstructing yourself through craft with Susie Bass
Susie Bass – S6 E3 (released 18/1/24)
Susie is a researcher completing a PhD in mental health and craft. She reflects on receiving diagnoses of ADHD and Autism in adulthood, and on how craft has helped her to process trauma and reconstruct her sense of self.
Loose Ends with Masey Kaplan and Jen Simonic
Loose Ends – S6 E1 (released 4/1/24)
Jen Simonic and Masey Kaplan are the founders of Loose Ends, an organisation that helps grieving families find craftspeople to finish projects left by loved ones. Jen reflects on learning as a child that knitting helped her to focus at school, long before receiving an ADHD diagnosis.
Knitting for confidence and self-compassion with Jessica Hendrickson
Jessica Hendrickson – S5 E5 (released 13/7/23)
Jessica speaks about her diagnosis of ADHD and how knitting helps her to focus in an office environment. She also reflects on novelty-seeking as a strength in her role as Design Director at Lion Brand Yarn.
A happy dance with my hands with Lisa Silver
Lisa Silver – S4 E4 (released 12/1/23)
Lisa describes knitting as “a happy dance with your hands,” and speaks about using it to find peace and focus alongside her ADHD.
Listening alongside reading and learning
If you enjoy listening alongside reading, you might also like our collection of blog posts about knitting and attention This explores similar themes through research, reflection, and creative practice.
You might also be interested in our webinar on Knitting for Attention and Focus, exploring how knitting can support attention, including the benefits and challenges of knitting as an ADHDer.
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