“I’ve Always Wanted to Learn to Knit!”

“I’ve always wanted to learn to knit!”

I hear this phrase so often when I take my project bag into public. I’ll be knitting at a cafe or while waiting at the dentist, and inevitably, someone will comment on my work and lament the fact that they never learned. “It’s not too late!” I always reply. 

How Long Does it Take for the Average Person to Learn to Knit?

Please know, when I say “knitting” I’m really talking about any craft that is handmade. I learned so many crafts and hobbies as a child; friendship bracelets made from embroidery floss, keychains from plastic rope, crossstitch kits, and quilling were all favorites of mine long before I picked up a pair of needles. But knitting was the hobby that really hooked me (ironic that it wasn’t crochet, huh? Ha!). There are endless challenges to tackle when you are a knitter. I think the real answer to this question of how long it takes to learn to knit is probably: a lifetime.

There are many factors to consider when estimating the time it will take to learn a new handwork skill. Is this your first time creating something with thread or yarn? If you’ve never stitched at all, getting used to working the thread or yarn with the tools is brand new to you and might take longer to master. However, if you are already proficient in one handwork craft, learning another will utilize some of the skills and knowledge you’ve already gained. 

Do you have a hands-on teacher or someone to guide you in-person? While YouTube and other online video resources are helpful, it’s much like figuring out your route on a paper map when you don’t know where you are in the first place. What if your stitches don’t look like they should? The video can’t help you with that! Your local yarn or craft store is a wonderful resource for help getting started. Having a person to point out your own stitches and relate them to the technique being learned can speed up your learning process. Many shops offer one-on-one learning appointments or group classes; I highly recommend using a blend of both video and in-person coaching when you are learning a new craft. 

What is your goal in learning something new? Do you just want to make a simple scarf for your partner, or are you looking to tackle intricate colorwork sweaters? The time you invest in practicing your craft will determine how quickly your skills move along. Working with different weights of fiber (how thick the yarn is) and different types of projects (scarves, hats, socks, etc) will help you master the basics and teach your hands the muscle memory they will rely on going forward.

What are the Benefits of Knitting (or Crochet, or Embroidery, or….)?

Learning a new handwork hobby can be daunting, but there are so many reasons to give it a try. As a woman who was diagnosed with ADHD in my late 30s, I’m fascinated by the research that outlines the benefits of a hobby like knitting or crochet on mental health. I always knew that knitting calmed me down and gave me a sense of accomplishment that I rarely got from any other activity, but once I learned that knitting and crochet are wonderful hobbies for people with ADHD, I began to understand why. 

There are so many wonderful articles out there that go into the science of stitching and the physical calm that can come from focusing on a hobby like knitting. 

My personal feeling is that even more than these benefits, the real effect that handwork hobbies have on a person’s mental health have to do with the community that exists among stitchers. Sure, there are the people who get snobby about how crochet is better than knitting or vice versa, but for the most part, people who engage in handwork are kind, creative, and willing to help another person get started with their craft. The number of conversations I’ve struck up with a person in the yarn aisle is long, and the excitement I have when entering a circle of people creating is real. Everyone is always so excited to see what everyone else is making! 

Local yarn shops are a source of endless ideas and creative inspiration, but they are also a hub for the local stitching community. There’s nothing like the feeling of walking in and seeing that cozy couch space and realizing that this is a space where makers gather. From support with a technique or brainstorming color combinations, the sense of belonging is much more than can come just from the owner or workers. The people in the shop make it come alive, and for a new knitter, this can mean the difference between giving up and forging ahead with a lifelong craft.

So if you’ve always wanted to learn: now’s the time! Whether you’re new or if you’ve been honing your handwork crafts for years or decades, come on down to Moth & Wren Handwork Studio. There’s a spot on the couch calling to you.