Why Knitters Knit More When They Want to Relax
Seemingly odd knitting behaviors that actually make sense, CraftDoodling Designs News, etc.
As many of you know, I teach both beginner and advanced knitting classes. A few minutes into a session, I often see beginners wondering how they ever thought knitting would be relaxing. I get it. it can be confusing to realize that something requiring so much focus could eventually lead to relaxation.
Some people eventually start to find joy in making stitches while some others decide it is not for them after all. When I ask beginners why they chose knitting, I hear a range of answers. Some want something to do while watching TV. Others are simply seeking a relaxing hobby. A few love the idea of making their own clothes.
But I’m always intrigued by the first category. I started there myself. Why this compulsion to “add value” to the TV time?
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It seems many knitters fall into the “hard-to-relax” camp, even when pursuing a hobby known for relaxation. To be honest, I too do not like the idea of just relaxing or watching TV. I do end up doing just that sometimes, still clutching my knitting though. .
Over time our body learns the physical cues. By the time I pick up my knitting, scrunch up the stitches and hands poised to get started, I am already half relaxed.
And I suspect I’m not alone. ‘Hard-to-relax’ type knitters often create their own versions of rest (instead of “just relaxing”). It could look like any of these:
Sometimes relaxation feels like casting on the next shiny new project.
Other days it could be just hours of day dreaming and browsing projects on Ravelry or social media.
Relaxation might be taking the time to meticulously organize the stash.
Sometimes it feels relaxing to hunker down and finish that one sweater.
Knit a plain garter scarf in beautiful yarn, carefully package and send it to a friend for their birthday.
Or may be knitting up a hat, weaving in ends and sewing a pom-pom on it, all in a weekend.
In The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control by Katherine Morgan Schafler (a book I’ve mentioned before), there’s a section on “active relaxation” for perfectionists. Reading it, so much about knitters’ behaviors clicked into place for me.
Sometimes we knitters need a break from our “mainstream” projects, the intricate, demanding ones. Knitting, after all, is still both physical and mental work. We deserve rest, but as “hard-to-relax” types, we rarely take it in a straightforward way. Instead, we find roundabout ways to relax within and around the craft we love.
I’m learning to accept this and go with the flow, letting my body and mind recover in whatever form of knitting (or not-knitting) feels right in the moment.
Which kind of knitter are you? Do you find relaxation through steady stitches, new projects, or something else altogether? I’d love to hear your perspective in the comments. ♥️
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CRAFTDOODLING DESIGNS UPDATES
I am currently working on my next design Kaleidos Shawl. Please keep an eye out for the testing call. ♥️
I am using Expression Fiber Arts Buttery Sport in color ways Umbriel and Rake for Kaleidos project.
I have been enjoying working with this yarn admiring the soft yet robust quality of their Merino. EFA is offering a 15% off on their yarns if you purchase using the link below. Coupon code: EFACD15
I’ve signed up to be their affiliate and may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, if you use this link. Thanks! ♥️
If you haven’t already, you can still use coupon code LIMENLOVE to enjoy 25% off my latest design Limen Shawl, until Mon Aug 25, midnight PT. ♥️
OTHER THINGS YOU MIGHT LIKE
READING UPDATES
Currently Reading 📖
Marble Hall Murders - Anthony Horowitz
What kind of paradise - Janelle Brown
Until next time,
Kavitha. ♡
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In the process of identifying my core values, I brainstormed what knitting means to me (knitting me is one of my essential states of being). Here’s what I wrote, in no particular order:
Color
Quiet
Sensory
Beauty
Experimentation
Generosity
Connection
Peace
Learning
Function
If I find knitting relaxing, it’s because it’s one of the spaces I can be truly me.
Knitting is definitely relaxing for me. I do like to knit while I stream a show or listen to an audiobook or music (because stories relax me as well), but I've also knit happily in cafes, on buses and planes, and in quiet at home. And during department meetings at work, back when I was working!