Mindful Knitting

DISCOVERY - RELAXATION - CREATIVITY - CONNECTION

More and more research indicates that knitting is good for us. According to a study done by Harvard Medical School, knitting was shown to reduce anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and slow dementia. 

Time to put those cell phones away! This workshop is perfect for the person who is interested in knitting but is unsure where to start. Each session starts with a brief mindfulness practice which prepares students to learn something new -- knitting. Students learn how to cast-on (put stitches on your needles), how to do the knit stitch, and how to finish the class sample. Students progress at their own pace, learning about knitting tools and terminology as they go. 

The knitting community is a warm and welcoming place in person and online. Come join the fun!

Materials will be provided for use during the workshop. This class is available as a 1-session workshop or as a series.

Articles about the mental health benefits of knitting:

• The Health Benefits of Knitting (New York Times)
• In Mindful Knitting, It’s the Journey, Not the Scarf (Wall Street Journal)
• Knitting Should Be Prescribed by the National Health Service (UK Telegraph)
• The Health Benefits of Knitting (Knit for Peace Research Study)
• Knitting for Mindfulness
• Knit and Nibble: How Knitting Saved My Life
• Knitting Can Reduce Depression, Anxiety, and Chronic Pain (MarthaStewart.com)

Session 1 topics:

• knitting terminology
• casting on (See the great tutorial by Purl Soho)
• the knit stitch
• binding off

Session 2 topics:

• the purl stitch
• combining knit and purl stitches
• reading a knitting chart

Session 3 topics:

• increasing stitches
• decreasing stitches
• picking up dropped stitches
• binding off
• weaving in ends

Session 4 topics:

• changing colors
• caring for handknits
• adding fringe
• making pom poms and tassels (optional)
• how to make cables (optional)
• how to read cable knitting charts (optional)

Suggested Projects:

“Knitting can reduce anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and slow dementia.”

Learn more about the health benefits of knitting by reading about the Craft Yarn Council's Stitch Away Stress Campaign.

The Wall Street Journal recently published an article about knitting. Read "In Mindful Knitting, It’s the Journey, Not the Scarf"