My grandmother taught me to knit when I was 9 years old. It was not so much about SEEING the yarn and needles, Grandmom told me, it was about FEELING them. Feeling the texture of the yarn and the smooth contours of the needles, getting into the rhythm of the meditative and repetitive movements. It was in the time before Keratoconus diminished my vision. But the movements became so familiar to me that being able to clearly see what I knitted was not a requirement.
Except for complicated patterns. Most knitting patterns are visual: words and charts and the use of another language consisting of K2 and YO and SSK1. A friend of mine who quilts gave me this excellent hint for complex patterns: Write each step out in large print on an index card and use a book ring to hold them altogether, flipping over to the next card when a row is done.
It works a treat.
But while I am not a knitting designer, I’d like to gather some resources for other low-vision knitters and crocheters who don’t want to let their visual issues make them give up on their craft.
I’ve found a few lovely websites where low-vision knitters share their hints:
Working out Kinks and Fingering Yarn
Hints for Knitting with Vision Loss
Hints for Crocheting After Vision Loss
What I haven’t found is patterns designed for those of us who struggle with our vision.
What is something you’ve struggled with due to age or a condition? What words of encouragement can you give to others?