I will never forget the moment I bought my first ball of yarn and set of needles. The idea to try a new craft had been on the back of my mind for some time and on my way to the supermarket I crossed a craft store, so I went in, grabbed the fluffiest and pinkest items I could find and made the 3 euro purchase that started a passion.
Since that day, I’ve experienced a lot of advantages because of this hobby, and today I’d like to share with you some of those benefits.
Why you should learn to knit
Here’s why I think you should also learn to knit
1. Experience the enjoyment of making something with your hands
When we spend our days working behind a laptop, we need something to keep us grounded to the real world. In my experience, more and more people my age (20-30) want to do things that connect them to their senses. Making something with your hands is such a nice experience, just try it! The fact that you can actually use the final result makes it also very satisfying.
2. Use it to relax or to manage your anxiety
According to an in-depth literature review on the Health Benefits of Knitting by the organization Knit for Peace, knitting has shown to lower blood pressure, reduce depression and anxiety, reduce loneliness and isolation, among many other benefits. The repetitive motion keeps your mind busy enough to let you relax, however not busy enough to do other things. Which brings me to my last next point:
3. You can do other things at the same time – in fact, a lot of people experience an increase in attention while knitting
Unlike most crafts, knitting can be combined perfectly with other activities. For me this is a huge advantage — when I tried other crafts, I was always put off by how much attention it required. While knitting, I can still enjoy watching Glow, play board games with my friends or even participate in business meetings. Some people – who are probably witchcrafters – even read while they knit. Knit anywhere, and everywhere, while doing… a lot of different things!
Are you also a knitter? What other benefits have you experienced? Share them in the comments below.
Alex Knits 