Editing Knitting (section)

==Health benefits==
[[File:KnittingMadonna.jpg|thumb|The earliest image of [[circular knitting]], from the 15th century AD [[Buxtehude]] altarpiece]]
Studies have shown that hand knitting, along with other forms of needlework, provide several significant health benefits.  These studies have found the rhythmic and repetitive action of [[hand knitting]] can help prevent and manage stress, pain and depression, which in turn strengthens the body's immune system,<ref name="Walsh">{{cite web|url=http://www.prlog.org/10179509-knitting-and-crochet-offer-long-term-health-benefits.html|title=Knitting And Crochet Offer Long-term Health Benefits|first=Prime|last=Publishing|access-date=17 November 2012|archive-date=3 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003072432/https://www.prlog.org/10179509-knitting-and-crochet-offer-long-term-health-benefits.html|url-status=live}}</ref> as well as create a relaxation response in the body which can decrease blood pressure, heart rate, help prevent illness, and have a calming effect. Pain specialists have also found that hand knitting changes brain chemistry, resulting in an increase in "feel good" hormones (i.e. [[serotonin]] and [[dopamine]]) and a decrease in stress hormones.<ref name="Walsh"/>

Knitting can improve dexterity in the hands and fingers. This keeps the fingers limber and can be especially helpful for those with arthritis. Knitting can reduce the pain of arthritis if people make it a daily habit.<ref name=":0" />

Hand knitting, along with other leisure activities, has been linked to reducing the risk of developing [[dementia]] by preventing memory loss.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Geda|first1=Yonas E.|last2=Topazian|first2=Hillary M.|last3=Roberts|first3=Lewis A.|last4=Lewis|first4=Robert A.|last5=Roberts|first5=Rosebud O.|last6=Knopman|first6=David S.|last7=Pankratz|first7=V. Shane|last8=Christianson|first8=Teresa J. H.|last9=Boeve|first9=Bradley F.|last10=Tangalos|first10=Eric G.|last11=Ivnik|first11=Robert J.|date=2011|title=Engaging in cognitive activities, aging, and mild cognitive impairment: a population-based study|journal=The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences|volume=23|issue=2|pages=149–154|doi=10.1176/jnp.23.2.jnp149|issn=1545-7222|pmc=3204924|pmid=21677242}}</ref> Much like physical activity strengthens the body, mental exercise makes the human brain more resilient. Knitting can be done anywhere and requires that minimal materials and props be carried around easily, making it a very pleasurable and simple hobby that gives wonderful benefits.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Scarmeas|first=N. |author2=Manly, Stern |author3=Tang, Levy|title=Influence of leisure activity on the incidence of Alzheimer's Disease|journal=Neurology|date=26 December 2001|volume=57|issue=12|doi=10.1212/wnl.57.12.2236 |pmc=3025284 |pmid=11756603 |pages=2236–2242}}</ref>

Knitting also helps in the area of social interaction; knitting provides people with opportunities to socialize with others and build community.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Harkison |first=Tracy |date=2023-06-26 |title=Knit and natter — the hospitableness of knitting |journal=Research in Hospitality Management |language=en |volume=13 |issue=1 |pages=1–4 |doi=10.1080/22243534.2023.2239571 |issn=2224-3534|doi-access=free }}</ref> One way to increase social interaction with knitting is inviting friends over to knit and chat with each other.<ref name=":0" /> Many public libraries and yarn stores host knitting groups where knitters can meet locally to engage with others interested in hand crafts.

Knitting has been shown to be an effective form of art therapy for coping with trauma or grief . Whether the knitting is done individually or in a knitting group, the creativity and creation process along with the repetitive physical motion has been shown to be effective.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Kargól |first=Marta |date=2022-09-03 |title=Knitting as a remedy: women's everyday creativity in response to hopelessness and despair |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09502386.2021.2011933 |journal=Cultural Studies |language=en |volume=36 |issue=5 |pages=821–839 |doi=10.1080/09502386.2021.2011933 |issn=0950-2386}}</ref>

A repository of research into the effect on health of [[hand knitting]] can be found at [http://www.stitchlinks.com/clinicians.html Stitch links],<ref>{{cite web |title=Stitchlinks.com |url=http://www.stitchlinks.com/clinicians.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826161444/http://www.stitchlinks.com/clinicians.html |archive-date=26 August 2014 |access-date=23 August 2014}}</ref> an organization founded in Bath, England.