Knitting: The Fun Hobby with Countless Benefits

Somehow, over the years knitting turned into this activity that grandmas do, either when they don’t know what to do with their time once they retire or using it as the perfect hobby for when they want to give their grandchildren something handmade and unique.

Truth be told, it’s so much more than a mere pastime activity and it’s great for men and women alike of all ages. Nowadays, thanks to all the information available on the internet as well as the specialised crafting communities, it’s easy to make knitting part of your life getting interested in it and learning how to start with each and every step though you’d have to pay a yarn store a visit first.

You’ve got to have the basics!

As a beginner, you may not need a whole set of supplies and accessories though you couldn’t do without needles, preferably different sized just in case you want to try knitting different things but if you’re wondering on the ideal size for beginners then it’s best to go for middle which is about 4.5 to 5mm, in sizes 7 or 8.

Additionally, you might want to think about the length as well, especially important if you intend to start with this craft with your kids, in which case it’s better to opt for the 7 inch option for them and something lengthier for you, choosing from up to 14 inches.

You have to match this variety of needles with yarns so the next on your list should be acquiring yarns suitable for the projects and needles you need them for, considering medium weight yarns are best for medium sized needles though don’t just focus on the weight but the fabric itself too for the best decision, taking its quality and care into account.

Next up, it’s advisable to include hooks for crochet on your shopping list (who knows, you might want to try crochet), and even sewing needles since they’re ideal for finishing up weaving some parts of the knitting. And oh, don’t forget the scissors!

If you’re planning on taking this craft seriously, then you’d probably rather buy a set of needles and yarns instead. Taking a look at all the supplies a yarn store provides means you’d also come across some great books full of step-by-step illustrations and tips on the different techniques you’d like to try out, getting ideas on how to expand your repertoire and excel in the skills.

So, what are the benefits?

Perhaps you’re still wondering whether the craft is worth the bother, especially if you have no idea on techniques whatsoever, and getting to know the countless benefits it brings about might convince you to join up a crafting community as soon as possible.

Stress Relief

It’s safe to say stress is the epidemic of the 21st century considering how fast paced lifestyles have become as opposed to those of our ancestors, so we get people who are constantly pressed for time, an increasing number of people dealing with anxiety and depression, which of course leads to other health-related issues.

The key to all this is in finding some time every day and spending it only on relaxation, and if you don’t know how to just let your mind wander for a while, focusing on the repetitive knitting motions would be of help.

You’d be surprised to see how calm you’d feel the more you knit, and all this has to do with the fact it can provide you with the same relaxation meditation would because these very motions result in a slower heartbeat and a release of serotonin in the brain so don’t be surprised if this new hobby makes you feel happier.

If you’re dealing with anxiety and stress on a daily basis, imagine all the sweaters, scarves, gloves and socks you could knit relaxing! Furthermore, if you’re having any chronic pain, it’s a nice distraction from it.

A Sense of Accomplishment

Choosing this activity to relax would relieve you of the guilt that you’re not being productive, and in this sense it’s good to think of it as a hobby that leads to more achievements of skills rather than simply learning the knitting techniques given that there’s the skill of setting a goal, in this case your knitting project, then the skill of completing it, plus the reward of giving if you end up surprising someone with this unique present.

This is particularly ideal for people who think their days of usefulness are gone, people who’ve retired or lost their jobs, and it’s an essential skill in life to know how to knit your own pieces of clothing; Who knows, you might even turn it into your business so how about you visit the yarn store and start knitting.

Great for the Young and Old

When kids take up this hobby, they get to enhance their fine-motor skills but that’s not all there is to the benefits of knitting – as they do so, they learn certain patterns that come in handy with learning how to write. As for the elderly, it’s a great way of slowing dementia, since remembering the techniques improves the memory.

Moreover, joining up crafting communities, there’s no chance for you to ever feel lonely, so in other words, if you want to meet friends it’s the kind of activity that takes care of your social life too!