Knitting to Relax: The Ultimate Guide to Stress-Free Crafting

There are some real connections between the craft of knitting and relaxation, and stress relief to help offset anxiety or other mental health challenges. There can be a real joy in the process of creating and keeping our hands and minds busy that can be soothing.

Finding joy through knitting

I taught myself how to knit a couple of years ago in my fifties, even tho I tried to make a baby sweater for my first baby. It didn't go well in my early attempts as a young mom, of course, that was before the internet when dinosaurs roamed.

I've discovered such a joy in knitting and have experienced first-hand, the benefits of stress relief with this craft, that I would like to share with you.

You don't have to be old, or a woman or a grandmother to learn to knit, even tho I am all of those. Many master knitters are men, and many younger people are learning this old-world craft. Many modern and beautiful patterns can be found.

There is something profound about having your hands busy with a project you enjoy. It's unplugged from technology, so it has a grounding-type effect. It also engages the mind, and depending on what you are working on, challenges the mind and hands to different levels.

Sometimes when life is overwhelming and stressful we need something else to help us calm down and get a different perspective. I have found knitting very relaxing and quiet for my mind and my soul. I don't think I'm alone in that.

Recently I tried teaching a granddaughter when she was about 13 years old how to knit, and she picked it up better than I did. And she loved it.

Knitting as a creative outlet

The hobby of knitting (sometimes known as a fiber artist) is vast in what can be made, the types of yarn to be chosen, and patterns to use with various stitches.

I love the fact that it can be a special gift to someone homemade by you. I've made many hats for family and friends, and I love knitting lace scarfs.

Here's a sample of ideas of things that could be knit:

• Hats and mittens or gloves
• Scarves
• Sweaters
• Tank tops
• Blankets
• Baby clothes and bonnets
• Children's clothing
• Placemats and tablecloths or runners
• Lace edgings
• Shawls
• Headbands
• Bookmarks
• Boot cuffs

Knitting can be a bonding and social time

Women from generations ago, and in modern times as well many times, get together to knit. It is a bonding and social time that many enjoy.

It can be a great way to either teach others the knitting skills you have, or to learn from others.

A person could get very creative in this by joining it as a meal together. Perhaps one person could teach everyone else a pattern of project, then rotate to the next time another person does the teaching.

It can be a great way to include perhaps people who are shy or more introverted because it's not quite so intense socially. It's also a great way to enjoy inter-generational friendships.

A few things I've learned by knitting

My hope is that I inspire people to consider starting to knit as a new hobby or craft. I'll give you a few tips I've learned in my journey.

There are SO many yarns to choose from. Don't settle for those cheap itchy or scratchy yarns. I've discovered I'm a yarn snob. I love soft, cuddle friendly that feel wonderful next to the skin. Probably my favorite is baby alpaca, or the light airy mohair types.

However, you can't just grab a pattern you like, grab the yarn you like and any set of needles. They are like a recipe, in that it takes each specific 'ingredient' coming together correctly for your project to turn out. You don't want to waste money on the wrong type of yarn for what you want to make. I recommend a class called Know Your Yarn: Choose the Perfect Yarn Every Time, in the long run it could save you a lot of money down the road.

The other thing I would recommend to a newbie, is to get a knitting needle set, instead of just getting the size of knitting needle you need for the project you want to make. It costs more upfront to do that, but it is WAY less expensive than buying each pair you need for each project. Trust me, I did it that way, thinking it was cheaper, but it cost me more down the line. I like Knit Picks wood set as the wood needles are slower. What that means is it is slower to accidentally slip off the needle while you are working. Metal needles stitches can slip off fast and that makes it more difficult for beginners and experienced alike.

Pick a project that you love, but try to find it in a simpler design. Patterns can be found in so many places. I would have a difficult time creating something that I just didn't like. It ruins the fun for me.

I hope I have inspired some of you to try knitting and discover the additional benefits you get from this awesome hobby. If you already are a knitter, maybe its time to pick up another project, or add a social element to you.

I'd love to hear back from you all.

I've created a curated list of supplies I love for knitting, along with some great classes for learning. Check it out at:

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