In a small library lined with computer stations and a few square tables in the center of the room, over 70 residents moved to and from the counter gathering yarn, needles, and fabrics in the new Stitchers of San Quentin group.

Resident Phillip Hernandez laid out a blanket that he had made with pineapple patterns running down the center. He started crocheting at California Men’s Colony state prison five years ago.

“During COVID I was expecting my first grandbaby and I wanted to have something special,” said Hernandez.

The most important thing about this new group is the 300 hand-stitched beanies the residents donated to children in a local hospital. The group meets in the library every first and second Wednesday of the month and the skill levels range from beginners to experienced people who have been stitching for decades.

Charlotte Sanders, a free staff who works in the library started the group. It has since expanded to include embroidery, crocheting, and stitching.

A teacher, volunteer, and the education department’s vice-principal of San Quentin Rehabilitation Center’s were among the outside guests learning and teaching the craft to residents.

“It is very interesting because I’m not used to teaching other people how to stitch,” said Ms. Stanciu, a teacher at San Quentin’s Robert E. Burton school.

Resident Coby Phillips sat next to the window with a large ball of yarn and two knitting hooks as he learned how to “cast on,” a basic step in learning to knit.

“It’s nice to give back and it’s therapeutic and relaxing,” Phillips said about joining the group and making beanies for children in the hospital. 

One resident, who wanted to be called D.A., said he has been crocheting for 14 years. He started crocheting after his cellie took too long making a hat he had requested. Since then he has been crocheting everything from scarves and hats to a purple and brown mermaid wearing a crown for his five-year-old daughter.

Hernandez shared a beanie he made using a half-double crochet with a front loop-back loop along the brim so the beanie had some elasticity. He now teaches others how to create elephants, beanies, and blankets.

“Usually they see something that I have done and they are willing to learn and so I teach them,” said D.A.

Resident Tien Vo has participated in the stitching group backk when there was only needlepointing.

“It gives me peace of mind when I do this,” said Tien Vo, who started out needlepointing. Vo said he wanted to be able to share what he learned. “It is a really great class and a great skill to learn,” he said, holding a needlepoint mesh of a cartoon character similar to those from his childhood. “I plan to teach my family and my kids.”