Knitting is back and it’s hotter than ever, but this isn’t your grandma’s knitting. Although, you should probably thank her for teaching you everything you know. Whether you picked up a pair of needles at a young age or started later, there’s no doubt knitting has changed your life.
There’s real evidence suggesting knitting is therapeutic and it can instantly boost your mood. Basically, knitters are the happiest and healthiest people ever. Whether or not you believe that, knitting is definitely a powerful pastime with benefits extending way beyond that cute scarf you just made.
The number of celebrity knitters – Cameron Diaz, Kate Middleton, Sarah Jessica Parker to name a few – is steadily growing. If that’s not enough to convince you of knitting’s epic comeback, then keep reading to see why more people are picking up their grandma’s needles.
1. Knitting connects people across generations. Not only is knitting connecting young knitters with people their own age, it’s connecting people with older generations that are eager to share their expertise and knowledge. In a time where distractions like phones and tablets appear to reign supreme, knitting brings people together in a way no electronic device ever could. Despite being dubbed the most lonely generation, young people do crave meaningful connections like everyone else.
2. It’s the new yoga. Speaking of phones and everyday distractions, knitting offers a peaceful and meditative alternative to just blankly staring at a TV or computer screen. It gets people off of social media and out of their own heads so they can truly relax – just like yoga. In the fast-paced world we live in, knitting is perfect for when you just want things to slow down.
3. You can take it anywhere! Life keeps moving, even if you’re not ready. Luckily, knitting is always there to take you back. Younger generations are stressed out and they’re constantly on the go. Because knitting is so easy to carry around, it fits flawlessly into young men and women’s active lifestyles. Knitting provides instant stress relief anywhere you may be.
4. The creative possibilities are limitless. Now that we’ve established the negative impact of technology, let’s talk about the good parts. You’d be hard pressed to find a young person without a smartphone, but that’s part of the reason knitting is trendy again. People have access to infinite amounts of knowledge right at their fingertips, which means that people have access to all sorts of creative knitting opportunities. Young and old knitters are eager to share their ideas and patterns for others to use freely. It’s safe to say that knitters aren’t just making baby blankets and pot holders anymore.
5. It’s unique. It’s easy to blend in when everything around you is moving so quickly, which is why younger individuals are always looking for a way to stand out. Yes, not everyone is a knitter. But, the real magic is what knitting allows you to create. More and more magazines are featuring “Chic and Fashionable” knit accessories to make and wear. Just like any craft, knitters can add their own personal touches to the items they make. Rest assured, you won’t be able to find many unique homemade knit accessories at just any old department store.
6. Knitting is fulfilling – in more ways than one. Younger generations want to express themselves in creative and productive ways. Knitting offers just that. It’s fulfilling to work on something tangible with real results. Plus, homemade knitted goods make for some wonderful heartfelt gifts for friends and family that you can proudly say you made yourself. Perhaps even more fulfilling, is giving away knitted items to people in need. Knitters take pride in giving back to their communities and making even the smallest of difference in someone’s life.
7. Knitting is practical. Knitting designs and patterns provide innumerable – not to mention cute – opportunities to make a high quality goods that are useful in some way. Knitters don’t have to depend on large companies to make them a quality scarf or shawl when they can just make it themselves. It’s not only less expensive, it’s a way to ensure that the items they spend money on will last for years to come. Today people are more weary of big companies and mass produced commodities. Knitting is a way for many people to reject consumerist ideals by using their own creativity and prowess.
People’s reasons for knitting will vary widely and it’s fun to ask your fellow knitters how they got started because you might just hear something that will surprise you. Whatever your personal motives are, you can take pride in the fact that you are a trend-setter and a leader in what is possibly the greatest comeback in knitting history.
And, if you’re not already knitting, I hope there’s no question that this trend is something you’d at least like to try. If not for the amazing health and fulfillment benefits, then at least for the stylish accessories!
I taught myself to knit 57 years ago with two pencils. Bought my first pair of knitting needles when I was 10 at ten cent store for quarter, size US 8 which I still have. I took a class through the college and learned how to knit correctly and to purl. Knitting is relaxing and I love to knit which I do almost everyday. I knit hats, sweaters, shawls,skirts,dresses, and socks. My favorite things to knit are lace shawls. Knitting helped my when I lost my Mother, Sister, and my Husband. Knitting keeps me focused and calm.
Please do not overlook crochet; all the same benefits, different tool. And easier than knitting IMHO : )
I’ve been knitting since I was 8 and became very ill. I was bed ridden for 3 years. An aunt gave me the tools and a how to book. Knitting is relaxing, it gets you out of your head and lets you be creative. Knitting now is even better because you have access to so many how to videos and sooo many patterns.
I’ve knitted off and on since I was 10. I taught myself from a book that Lee Ward (a know defunct craft store) published. When I don’t feel like working on a larger product and want something mindless, I’ll do a washcloth. I’ve collected free patterns from all over the internet and have a 3 inch binder that is stuffed. This year I’m working on a set I found for the 12 days of Christmas that I’m going to give my sister-in-law.
A friend’s mom show me the basics when I was in high school. Years later my mother-in-law got me back into it. I dabbled in a little for years. Then one day I was cutting hair at a homeless shelter and heard a nurse tell the people there about the dangers of frostbite. That following Sunday I asked my fellow church members for volunteers to knit and crochet and money for the yarn. That was 16 yrs ago and we’re still working together. We’ve knitted hats, scarves, mittens, helmet liners for soldiers, security blankets for toddlers, prayer bunnies, prayer shawls, prayer squares, laprobes. I love to knit! It’s a huge part of my life. I knit almost everyday.
Love knitting very rewarding new baby in our neighborhood good excuse to start knitting again!!!! Shirley
I find knitting helps my arthritis. I have no pain in my hands when I knit regularly
Please check ny1 Marilyn Goldsmith. It is Spectrum New Yorker of the week who is now knitting for We Care Blankets even though she is legally blind and 92.Try facebook also.
The modern yarns (NOT necessarily less expensive) and patterns invite you to make things that creative men and women never even IMAGINED in years gone by.
I learned to knit in first grade, made red mittens taught by a beloved neighbor who was from Scotland. I’ve been knitting ever since. I really love to knit and the yarn now is irresistible and does some of the work for you.. Such delight!
Knitting allows me to gift various nonprofits with meaningful contributions (homeless, pregnancy shelters, hospitals, military personnel and their families). It’s a feel good thing for me.
I’ve been knitting for 45 years and never got much past the moderate experience level. but who needs to? such great patterns available! love to express myself in the colors/combinations I like the best.
I’ve been knitting for 45 years and never got much past the moderate experience level. but who needs to? such great patterns available! love to express myself in the colors/combinations I like the best.
I have been knitting since I was three – and that was 80 years ago. I’m still doing knitting and crochet and find that it is extremely therapeutic – I don’t feel lonely as a lot of seniors do.
My aunt and a friend have really helped me get into knitting. And I NEEDED it to help me deal with a dying husband. Knitting is calming and meditative and can be done in a social setting. I think it should be a component of art classes taught in schools.
I love knitting! My Mom bought me a round peg knitter to play with when I was 3, and started me with a knitting class at a local yarn shop when I was 7. I have always loved all the needle arts, and knitting is so versatile. You can do practically any pattern, any style, and make so many things with yarn. I love creating my own patterns with different stitches. I can do it while watching TV and never have to feel like I’m just wasting time. Relaxing while creating. It’s a form of meditation.
Knitting is so portable and calming, everyone should try it, I’ve been knitting for 60 years, watching tv doesn’t leave you feeling guilty because sitting is not wasting time.
It gives you the opportunity to learn something, keep working at it and master it. Not everybody can do, but it is nice to know that I can do it.
I find knitting very relaxing, original, and creative,
Anywhere I go, if I am knitting, someone will inevitably come up and talk to me. It might be someone older, and an experienced knitter, or it might be just a younger person who is curious about what you are doing/making.
I think knitting is popular because it’s a chance to express yourself in any way you want without getting in trouble. Sure could have used that in high school!!! Also the benefits mentioned in this article draw people to try it, and they get hooked…um, or is that just in crochet?