I’m writing this post in honor of World Wide Knit in Public Day, but of course every day is a good day both to knit in public and to acknowledge the benefits of knitting in our lives.
It happens that a piece on this subject was recently published by Self magazine, and while it notes that other hobbies have these benefits, too, it specifically calls out knitting in the headline so we’re claiming it.
Even if you’ve never heard the evidence that yarn crafts and other hobbies that involve making things are good for your mental health, you probably know it from experience. (Though I know a lot of new knitters would argue knitting isn’t stress relieving, it definitely is once you get the hang of it!)
Knitting allows you to be creative, to learn new things, to feel relaxed and to gain a sense of control over things. It’s lovely to think about the fact that, even if you knit the same pattern as someone else using the same kind of yarn, you’re still going to make something that’ totally unique.
I bring up this post for knitting in public day because it also notes that a benefit of knitting is the built-in community. Whether you find that through public knitting events, your local yarn shop if you have one, or even online communities like our Facebook group (give it a join if you haven’t already!) there are so many knitters out there ready to welcome more.
I won’t say it’s universal, but the vast majority of knitters are helpful, kind and supportive, and remember what it was like to be new at something. The others, please ignore.
Check out the post at Self for all the benefits of knitting and other creative crafts.
I’d love to hear what you think are the major benefits of knitting for you, and shout out your local yarn shop or knitting group if you have one in the comments!
