Knitted Back Together
An avid crafter describes how her knitting habit healed her and how it can help you too
Lilly, founder of Bug Bug Club
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Nearly 20 years ago (when I was 9) I taught myself how to knit from a Klutz book, and ever since then I’ve experienced the healing benefits of this craft. Knitting has seen me through some of the darkest chapters of my life, including chronic illness, a traumatic brain injury, anxiety, and PTSD. I wouldn’t hesitate to say that knitting changed my life.
When I was 19, I was driving in a rural area and stopped to make a left turn. Suddenly, I was rear-ended by a logging truck that couldn’t slow down fast enough due to its heavy load. The truck hit my small sedan twice (actually it was my ex’s car) and my head hit the steering wheel. I got a severe concussion and neck injury that has resonating impacts (pain) to this day. But because I was out running errands where I knew I would be sitting around waiting, I had my knitting with me. In my delirious state, I actually grabbed my project bag from the totalled car before I got on the stretcher and into the ambulance.
I was in the emergency room waiting for test results when I saw an email on my phone notifying me that I had been rejected from the major program that I had been working towards for the past two of my undergrad years. A very surreal moment overall. I started to feel overwhelmed, like life was crashing down around me. Then I remembered the project bag and the sock that I was working on. Even though it was awkward to look down over a neck brace, I managed to get immersed in my knitting. Despite everything feeling so wrong and out of control, in my lap I was holding this little bubble of calm and control. I was able to get so absorbed in the process that my mind got some rest from the stress it was undergoing.
For weeks after the accident I wasn’t able to look at computer screens due to the concussion (a huge challenge for a student during finals). But I used it as an opportunity to make some progress on my projects, and I kept myself entertained by finishing the aforementioned socks.
Knitting wasn’t just my lifeline during periods of unwellness, it gave me the craft bug and inspired me to express myself through other mediums like sewing, dyeing, and screenprinting. If I had a nickel for every time someone said, “OMG, you should start an Etsy!” I’d probably have at least a couple of dollars. But the timing never felt right until recently. In November 2020 I launched Bug Bug Club — a place where I share my hand-crafted, upcycled creations and teach others how to make their own.
But back to the knitting! I want to share with you some of the key benefits of knitting as well as some tips to help you form the habit.
Why Knit?
For mindful relaxation. For many, knitting is a great practice in mindfulness. The repetitive nature of working each stitch and turning yarn into fabric helps soothe the mind by forcing you to be present and in the moment.
Much like playing the piano, knitting requires coordinated movement of both of your hands at once, which fires up neurons all over your brain and stimulates brain function. Studies have shown that anxiety, eating disorders, and pain management can all be helped through knitting.
To be creative. In today’s fast-paced, ultra-capitalist world, it’s hard to take time for yourself to rest without feeling some form of guilt. Knitting allows you to give yourself some “you time” while still being creative and productive.
To build community. Knitting is a very social activity! Unlike other hobbies (like reading) you can still talk while doing it. Knitting in public always invites conversations from passersby. And finding other like-minded fiber fiends is a great way to make new friends! Most cities have local social groups you can join, and I also recently started a virtual “stitch and bitch” that meets on Sunday evenings. Wanna join us? Here’s a link to sign up.
Forming the Habit
Knitting is NOT as easy as watching a couple of YouTube tutorials and calling it a day. It requires practice, learning, and re-learning, and most of all PATIENCE. Here are some ideas to help you integrate the hobby into your routine and form it into a habit.
1. Choose a project that excites you and matches your skill level! If you’re just starting out, consider starting with something small like a headband or coaster. Using big needles and thick yarn helps a lot too; it’s easier to see what you’re doing and you’ll finish the project faster.
2. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Using luxury yarn can be demotivating at first. If you’re trying to make something “worthy” of the organic baby alpaca you splurged on at the local yarn store, it’s possible what you make will never be good enough and you’ll never finish (speaking from experience here). If the pressure to make something perfect is a factor, consider making something that you can donate! There’s no shortage of ways to give your objects a loving owner, including neonatal or cancer units at hospitals, homeless shelters, and animal shelters.
3. Set the mood! If you’re feeling extra stressed or tense when you knit, this can cause you to work the stitches too tightly. Try to spend some time getting into a relaxed mood before sitting down to knit. You could try listening to relaxing music, make some herbal tea, take a few light stretches or deep breaths, or turn on the essential oil diffuser or light a candle for aromatherapy
I hope these tips help inspire you to start (or finish!) a new project. Keep an eye on The Craft Bug for more crazy crafter content, including making recycled candles, jazzing up your favorite denim, and other upcycle DIYs.
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