In Mindful knitting, it’s the journey and not just the knitwear! The craft of knitting is associated with many mental health benefits. The practice of the craft has proven benefits to the knitter. The concept of mindfulness is mostly associated with activities of meditation and yoga. But, thanks to scientific research, it’s known that the practice of knitting is a form of mindful meditation.
The image of meditation doesn’t seem to have anything in common with people knitting, but these share more than most of us realize. To grasp this concept, read this statement from one of the knitting world’s favourite designers:
"Properly practiced, knitting soothes the troubled spirit, and it doesn't hurt the untroubled spirit either."
- Elizabeth Zimmerman, 'Knitting Without Tears'.
So, let us explain how knitting is the true definition of mindful meditation: Knitting is the act of being “in the moment” with every stitch, every knit, and every purl. It means to be attentive to the needles, the yarn, the movement, each stitch, and the pattern you are working on. This process, helps you focus your body and mind in the present moment.
KNITTING INDUCES PEACEFULNESS
The process of knitting begins with sitting still, breathing in and out, and focusing on your project. Knitting, be it a simple pattern or a complex project, can induce a peaceful state. Once you set aside anxious thoughts and focus on the rhythmic, repetitive hand motions of knitting, you slowly feel at peace. This peaceful state of mind also lowers your heart rate and blood pressure. With the constant practice of knitting, peacefulness becomes a habit. It becomes your oasis of calm in a chaotic world.
KNITTING MEANS FOCUS
The craft of knitting requires focus. Even before starting to knit, you focus on the needles and the repetitive task of forming stitches. As you manoeuvre your needles and yarn to create the stitches and ultimately a pattern, it causes you to focus all your senses on the present moment and the work of your hands.
This mindful focus makes it possible to push away anxious thoughts. In meditation, the right setting, the right clothes, and the right company mean better focus. Consider playing some soothing music or lighting some candles to heighten the mood. Similarly, the right knitting needles, the right tools, and accessories let you concentrate on the work at hand.
KNITTING MEANS PRACTICING GRATEFULNESS
Knitting provides many opportunities to practice grateful thinking! If you are knitting a gift, think about the joy of giving and about how thankful the person will be. A knitted gift, like a hat, socks, sweater, shawl, or scarf feels like gifting a part of yourself a part that you created. This is a true form of generosity that results in gratitude for both you and the receiver.
Also, the beautiful knitting community is known for the various charity knit-alongs (KALs). Many makers come together and contribute with their skills and craft.
KNITTING MEANS CREATING POSITIVE FEELINGS
Knitting creates positivity. The process of creation is the most positive feeling one could have. Time spent pursuing your favourite hobby is positive. It gives new life to the spirit. It can be a form of self-love, a little bit of pampering and therapy – all in one. When you have a finished knitting project you have something made only by you, a maker!
KNITTING IS HEALING
The craft of knitting has the power to heal. It is the best medicine for mental health. Knitting stimulates the whole brain and results in benefits that calms. The repeated motion of two hands creates a rhythm that relaxes the knitter. Knitting has shown to alleviate distressing symptoms of anxiety and chronic pain. It helps reduce heart rate and lowers blood pressure. Scientific research has shown that knitting has improved hand dexterity, reduced onset of dementia, stress & mood disorders and helped with cognition and memory. The beautiful hobby craft is also the reason behind the increase in self-confidence and social skills.
Now that we know many of the reasons knitting results in mindful meditation, let’s take a look at the unique collection designed for mindfulness.
The Mindful Collection is designed to aid focus on the meditative aspects of knitting. Each of the knitting needles in the range is made of premium stainless steel - a sustainable material with many positive attributes and minimal carbon emissions. To help the maker focus, each set of needle tips carries an inspirational word. Concentrating on the word encourages focus and results in the knitter being in the present. The accessories in the collection feature mandalas and chakras that are known meditative aids. The colour used for the Collection is teal – in a tone known for its soothing attributes.
With the Mindful Collection, you can easily begin the journey of mindfulness while expressing your creativity!
Ready to improve your mental health?
