In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast, Special guest Hunter Hammersen joins Matt and Angela to share how knitting blends a stim, a special interest, and a sensory joy all in one. From the textures of yarn to the meditative repetition of stitches, Hunter explains why knitting is a perfect autistic pastime—both deeply personal and socially connective.

🎧 What You’ll Learn:

• How knitting offers a socially acceptable way to stim while connecting with like-minded enthusiasts.
• The wonderfully literal magic of turning yarn and two sticks into something tangible.
• Why autistic bottom-up processing enhances the joy of noticing yarn textures and quality.
• The sensory benefits of knitting and how it can regulate and soothe the mind.
• How yarn can hold emotional meaning and become part of your personal story.
• Choosing the perfect yarn to suit your sensory needs.
• The intersection of knitting, community, and social justice.
• How to create autism-friendly systems for organizing projects and completing patterns.

Featured Guest: Hunter Hammersen

Hunter is a self-described weirdo who left grad school (ABD in the history of science and medicine) to create her own knitting patterns. In the past fifteen years, she has published a dozen books, written hundreds of patterns, and built a thriving community of knitters. Now, she shares her creativity, sensory joy, and curiosity on Patreon—often from the comfort of her pajamas.

📚 Resources & Links Mentioned

• 🌐 Hunter’s Website
• 📷 Hunter on Instagram
• 💌 Hunter on Patreon

Show Notes:

Website: https://tinynonsense.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HunterHammersen

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tinynonsense

Related Shows:

Questlove is Autistic

Roller Derby is Autistic

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🌐 Learn more at www.autisticculturepodcast.com

🎙️ Executive Producers: Amy Burns, Anamaria B Call, Andrew Banner, Anna Goodson, Ashley Apelzin, Audrea Volker, Ben Coulson, Brian Churcek, Cappy Hamper, Carley Biblin, Charlene Deva, Chloe Cross, Clay Duhigg, Clayton Oliver, Danny Dunn, Daria Brown, David Garrido, Emily Burgess, Eric Crane, Erik Stenerud, Fiona Baker, Grace Norman, Helen Shaddock, Jaimie Collins, Jason Killian, Jen Unruh, Jennifer Carpenter, Julia Tretter, Kathie Watson-Gray, Kenneth Knowles, Kira Cotter, Kristine Lang, Kyle Raney, Llew P Williams, Laura Alvarado, Laura De Vito, Laura Provonsha, Lily George, Nelly Darmi, Nigel Rogers, Rachel Miller, Tim Scott, Tyler Kunz, Victoria Steed, Yanina Wood.

🎧 Producers: AJ Knight, Bobby Simon, Da Kovac, Eleanor Collins, Emily Griffiths, Hannah Hughes, Jennifer Kemp, Jonas Fløde, Kate F, Katie N Benitez, Kendra Murphy, Lisa Dennys, Logan Wall, Louise Lomas, Melissa Nance, Nicola Owen, Rebecka Johansson, Sam Morris, Sarah Hannah Morris.

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