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Knitting is Math: How Getting Girls to Knit Could Launch STEM Careers

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Could knitting be the key to getting girls interested in STEM?This one is kind of a long read, but I think it’s really interesting as a knitter and a mom of a girl who I hope can stay engaged in math and science as she gets older.

The post, “Girls Knit Their Way to a Math Career” looks at how knitting and other fiber arts can be used to encourage girls to engage in mathematical thinking and problem solving that just might lead the to careers in science and math in the future.

I hope more schools and programs will get this idea, that knitting is so much more than handcraft. It would be valuable even if it just helped kids to focus, lower their stress levels and gain confidence as they learn new skills and solve problems, but it’s really more than that. Knitting and crochet can not only be used to explore and explain higher mathematical concepts, the act of designing a knitting project — and sometimes even knitting from a pattern — requires problem solving and math skills.

Sometimes the mathematical connections are obvious, as when I spent a hectic morning with the Pythagorean Theorem while designing a set-in sweater sleeve. Other times it’s not as obvious, or we don’t think about the fact that we’re doing math when we knit a gauge swatch or adjust a pattern. The more experience and comfort kids have with these concepts in a non-classroom context can only benefit them, even if it doesn’t lead to more women in STEM careers.

Knitting might also be a way to reach girls with STEM projects when those girls aren’t interested in robots and computer gaming, which are classic points of entry that might appeal more to boys.

I know I’m going to keep encouraging my daughter in both her fiber arts and her mathematical studies, and I can’t wait to see where that all goes for her.

Have you ever taught kids to knit or crochet? Do you talk about it being math? Or in your own craft do you think about it being math? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

[Illustration by James Lewis for Bright.]

Comments

  2. When I was in high school, the girls were discouraged (sometimes severely) to avoid math and science and to go toward English, and typing, and so forth. As I’ve aged and gotten into quilting I realized I certainly would have had easier lessons if I had been taught in a mode (piecing fabric angles for geometry, compositions of threads and battings for some science concepts). Thank you for a well written essay!

Have you read?

Selected Yarns Advertised at $2, $4 and $6

There’s a particular kind of optimism that appears when a knitter sees a yarn sale. Suddenly, the cardigan we’ve been thinking about seems entirely achievable, handmade Christmas gifts sound manageable, and there’s probably room for another project bag beside the sofa.

If that sounds familiar, the Knit Picks Big Yarn Sale deserves a look. Selected yarns are advertised at up to 60% off, making this a useful opportunity to shop for planned projects, small handmade gifts and those colours missing from your stash.

The trick, of course, is remembering what you actually need before a lovely shade of green talks you into an entirely different project.

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Browse the Knit Picks Big Yarn Sale here.

What’s Included in the Knit Picks Yarn Sale?

There are two advertised yarn offers to check:

  • Up to 60% off selected yarns, ending 19 November 2026 at 11:59pm Pacific Time.
  • Selected yarns advertised at $2, $4 and $6, ending 5 November 2026 at 11:59pm Pacific Time.

The $2, $4 and $6 promotion finishes sooner, so check that offer first if you’re reading this while it is still running. Prices displayed can vary with your selected shopping currency.

These promotions apply to selected products and colours, with exclusions. Check the individual listing, current terms and checkout total before ordering.

Start With Cotton for Useful Handmade Gifts

If your Christmas knitting list needs a little encouragement, cotton yarn for dishcloths is a practical place to start. Small projects are easier to fit around everyday life, and you don’t need to discreetly measure anyone’s chest before casting on.

Selected Dishie colours appear in the sale listings. Check the colour and price carefully, as a discount on one shade doesn’t mean the whole range has the same offer.

Our dishcloth knitting patterns for Christmas gifts offer plenty of inspiration for turning suitable cotton into useful presents.

Choose the pattern first, then check its yarn weight and quantity. Two or three coordinating cloths tied with ribbon can make a lovely gift without requiring a trolley full of supplies.

Look for Yarn That Suits Your Pattern

A discounted skein is only useful if it works for something you want to make.

For socks, check the pattern’s recommended yarn construction, fibre content and yardage. For a cardigan or jumper, calculate the full quantity before buying and check dye-lot information where available.

If you’re substituting yarn, matching the weight is only the starting point. Fibre, drape and your washed gauge swatch all affect the finished result.

For smaller projects that let you explore texture, our feature on the Clean and Crafty dishcloth collection is another helpful starting point. A manageable project can be a lovely way to try a stitch before committing to an entire blanket.

Shop Your Stash Before Adding to Your Basket

Before placing an order, pull out the yarn you already own. You might only need a contrasting colour or enough extra cotton to finish a gift set.

If you enjoy colourful kitchen projects, the Kitchen Kaleidoscope dishcloth collection might help you find a purpose for those existing balls.

Then compare yarn by its usable yardage, rather than the price per ball alone. Check washing instructions too, particularly for gifts. And include delivery in your budget, because postage has a habit of making its presence felt just when you think you’ve found a bargain.

Shop the current Knit Picks yarn offers here.

Choose a project you’re excited to make, keep the pattern with the yarn when it arrives, and give yourself the pleasure of a purchase with a plan. One finished gift feels rather better than another bag of yarn you’re afraid to open.