Let’s Celebrate the Benefits of Knitting

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!

Next Pattern:

Adding eyelets to a project is a great way to make it more wearable in the summer, and these mesh and eyelet sweater patterns are perfect for summer (and beyond!) for layering.

The Inez Summer Sweater from Happy Love Co combines eyelets and dropped stitches (along with some garter and stockinette) to make a casual and fun summer sweater. The pattern is one size (56 inches or 142.24 cm) around, and is meant to be worn oversized. But it’s an easy enough pattern you could alter it to suit you without too much difficulty. It calls for worsted weight cotton yarn.

Another fun project using dropped stitches in the Stella Blouse from Thelma Steimann. It calls for a fingering weight silk yarn and is worked on larger than expected needles and also uses dropped stitches. The pattern includes eight sizes, with a bust circumference ranging from 33.5 to 51.5 inches, or 85-131 cm. You can grab a copy on Ravelry.

The Design Studio Knits has a nice summer cotton tee that uses worsted weight yarn worked on larger needles so it has a mesh effect while still being worked in stockinette stitch. It’s worked in one piece and is another one size pattern, meant to fit an actual chest measurement ranging from 34 to 46 inches (that’s 86 to 117 cm).

A similar look with a cropped shape and four available sizes comes from A Box of Twine. This one is a DK weight yarn knit on large needles and still has an oversized look (for instance the size small is 42 inches/106.68 cm at the bust). It’s worked flat so this is a great one for beginners.

If you want something a little more structured, try the Pip Cardigan from Yoko Johnston. This sport weight cardigan has an allover eyelet pattern and options to close with a zipper or buttons. It’s worked from the top down and has six size options. This one is also oversized, with finished measurements ranging from 51.5 to 64.5 inches, or 131 to 164 cm). You can find this one on Ravelry.

Or check out Endlessly by Amy Gunderson, a free pattern from Knitty. This pullover uses a cable and lace pattern that is easy to knit and to wear. It uses DK weight yarn and has nine size options. The chest measurement ranges from 34.75 to 66.75 inches, or 88.5 to 169.5 cm, and is meant to be worn with a little positive ease.

Next Pattern:

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