At the Ron Barwick minimum security facility within the Risdon Prison Complex, something unexpected is unravelling — a group of men are discovering calm, creativity and connection through knitting.
Since January 2025, a group of men have been gathering weekly to knit as part of the Great Balls of Fibre program, a creative initiative led by community volunteer Sam and supported by the Creative Learning Team at the Tasmania Prison Service (TPS). What began as a simple email from Sam — expressing interest in starting a knitting group behind bars — has grown into a powerful program that’s fostering mindfulness, connection and pride.
Each week, up to eight participants meet for two hours of focused knitting, with classical music playing softly in the background. Most had never picked up a pair of needles before, but now they’re crafting everything from Richmond-themed beanies to joey pouches for Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, and even preparing a sculpture for the 2025 Artists with Conviction exhibition.
The group has become so popular there’s now a waiting list to join.
‘It’s relaxing. Teaches me patience.’
‘I sleep better on a Wednesday after this session.’
‘I felt proud telling my family I was knitting.’
These are just a few of the reflections shared by participants during an informal evaluation. For many, knitting has become a familiar and comforting activity — a connection to mothers and grandmothers who once knitted at home, and a way to express themselves creatively and constructively.
Sam, who rediscovered knitting as a way to replace unhealthy habits in his own life, believes in its transformative power. ‘Knitting has historically been a men’s craft,’ he says. ‘It’s inexpensive, transportable, and backed by research showing its benefits — from improving memory and motor skills to reducing stress and anxiety.’
The program wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of Elise, a Creative Learning Officer at TPS, who helped bring Sam’s vision to life. From sourcing donated supplies to navigating the logistics of bringing knitting needles into a prison, Elise has been instrumental in making Great Balls of Fibre a reality.
‘When they tell their families over the phone, ‘I just finished knitting my beanie today,’ it makes my heart very, very happy,’ Elise shares.
As the group prepares for its biggest project yet — a sculpture for the Artists with Conviction exhibition happening in November — the impact of Great Balls of Fibre continues to grow. Plans are in motion to expand the program into other facilities within Risdon Prison, to provide more prisoners with access to the cathartic activity of knitting.
This initiative is a testament to the power of creativity, community and second chances. Through yarn and needles, these men are not just making beanies — they’re knitting a new narrative for themselves.
Last updated: 23 July 2025