Discover the positive effects of knitting, and what science says are the many health benefits of knitting

03/01/2023

Knitters already know that their favorite pastime comes with many health benefits. Over the years, countless studies have shown that knitting and all forms of yarn arts have mental, physical and social benefits for their practitioners. Today, let’s take a look at the top 5 health benefits of knitting that will make you feel good about your favorite activity.

What are the benefits of knitting for your health?

1. Knitting increases your happiness, sense of well-being and confidence

Like all creative activities, knitting feeds your imagination and artistic side, which leads to increased happiness and a sense of well-being. Knitting also boosts your confidence and can help change your mood for the better. The moment when a project falls off your needles - the “job well done” moment - is why we get hooked on knitting.

2. Knitting is associated with a sense of calm

It may be hard to believe but both learning to knit and teaching someone to knit are associated with a sense of calm. Knitting will also help you to become more patient with every stitch. Each of your finished projects will increase your sense of worth and feeling of social inclusion as your knitting buddies cheer you on. 

3. Knitting reduces loneliness and isolation

Speaking of knitting buddies… Thanks to the connections made in knitting groups at your local yarn store, library or coffee shop, knitting not only reduces loneliness and isolation, but it also strengthens personal relationships. This is also true globally, with knitting groups on social media and various websites - like ours!

4. Knitting has many health benefits for your body

Knitting has been scientifically proven to help reduce blood pressure, slow down the effects of dementia, help limit the symptoms of arthritis, and distract from chronic pain. The counting of stitches, coordinating of the hands, and passing of the yarn also stimulate the logical part of the brain and help to improve mobility issues.

5. Knitting has many health benefits for your mind

Knitting has been shown to help your emotional and mental health by reducing stress, anxiety and even depression, and by promoting relaxation, concentration and meditation. All knitters have surely lost themselves in their stitches at some point. We sure have!

The best part of all of this is that anyone can learn to knit. Children and the elderly can learn to knit; left or right-handed people can learn to knit. There is no limit to who can learn to knit. 

It’s a pastime that is portable and can be made to fit any budget. What’s more, you get to proudly wear all of the finished accessories and garments you knit with your own two hands. Could you ask for anything more from a hobby? We certainly don’t think so. 

Now, let’s start taking care of your health by choosing yarn for your next knitted project.

And don’t forget to take a look at...

• Our knitting patterns and knitting yarns
• Knitting and Crochet inspiration and ideas