NCJ Number
203373
Journal
Interweave Knits Volume: 8 Issue: 4 Dated: Winter 2003 Pages: 38-40
Date Published
2003
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the practice of teaching correctional inmates the techniques of crocheting and knitting.
Abstract
After describing an inmate crocheting session held in the recreational room of the Jackson Correctional Institute (JCI), a medium-security male prison in Black River Falls, WI, the author explains that regardless of backgrounds or crimes committed, all prison inmates have a lot of time on their hands. In enlightened correctional facilities across the Nation, corrections administrators are allowing convicted criminals to engage in the gentle pursuits of knitting and crocheting with plastic needles and hooks, and such inmates make scarves, sweaters, baby blankets, hats, and stuffed animals. The products of the inmates’ crocheting and knitting are used to warm and soothe the neediest individuals residing in the communities in which the convicted inmates have broken laws. At the JCI, inmates gave various hand-made items to a charity called Project Christmas in order to benefit underprivileged families in Jackson County. After discussing similar crocheting and knitting programs at correctional facilities throughout Indiana, Minnesota, California, and Ft. Worth, TX, the article notes that inmates feel proud to accomplish such creative projects, while contributing important, useful items to needy children and families. Such knitting and crocheting projects are likely to contribute to the healing process for both the inmates and the communities in which they will resume residence, and these projects go a long way in changing a community’s perspective on prison inmates.