Why do people knit? Survey sheds light on the reasons behind this timeless craft

From learning something new to unique clothes that fit - there are so many fantastic motivations behind taking on this creative pursuit! 

I asked the knitters on Instagram recently to help me understand my own reasons and uncover why we must pick up the needles, and... here's what I discovered!

At first glance, I was taken aback - I was expecting it to be all about the knitwear produced, right? Wrong! This creative crowd was affirming my own values. The resulting data is by no means statistically significant. Still, it felt like a revelation when I noticed how closely the responses matched my motivations in the order of importance. 

Let's dive into each one, from the 7th to the 1st and see what resonates for you too!

Reason 7: Unique clothes that fit

As I said, I was surprised that this was so far down, but again, I don't wear my knitwear pieces often, apart from a few staples in the winter. For me, it's not so much about adding things to my wardrobe as it is about the process of creating. 

But of course, making things just the way you want them is fantastic. This is why I strongly prefer top-down garments and toe-up socks so I can easily adjust the length of the body and sleeves. 

Contrary to myself, this reason is the top one for my family, and why Snuggle Puddle Vest and Aeternum Sweater (coming soon) were born.

Reason 6: Learning/challenge for the mind 

According to researchers from Drexel University, creative epiphanies, or "aha!" moments, invoke the same activity in some people's brain reward centres as delicious food, addictive substances, and sexual pleasure. 

And I've noticed that when I need to make a simple-looking garment, I will go above and beyond to complicate it. For example, I will strive for maximum seamlessness or minimise the need to pick up stitches. 

Misty Morning Cardi or Daddy-Son Sweater look simple but don't be deceived. It's all in the construction. There is a fair bit to do before it becomes a TV-project.  

Another manifestation of this is my stuffing as many exciting techniques into a project as possible. A colourwork toe-up sock with sole gusset, short row heel and honeycomb brioche heel flap, anyone? Check out Rhubarb and Custard Socks for that.

Reason 5: Sensory/tactile satisfaction 

Picking the perfect material for a project is crucial and must be embraced as the rest of the knitting (and then wearing) experience depends on it. For me, using natural fibres in my favourite colours is so fulfilling. 

And talk about the feeling of having a pile full of bobbles, cables, and textured stitches creating 3D effects. If you have yet to experience that, check out the Clotted Cream Pullover. You won't need more proof that tactile sensations when knitting can be something out of this world and another reason to feel addicted.

Reason 4: Creative outlet

Humans have evolved to the point where you're getting a glimpse of my thoughts, even far away, thanks to our brain's chemistry and how great it feels when you've thought outside the box and creatively solved a problem. Some of us, quite literally, become addicted to creativity and find it difficult to stop. Many of the respondents said, and I also see creating as a basic human need.

In the knitting pattern world, that means taking the pattern as a guideline and adding your modifications to keep it exciting or choosing your own mix of colours and seeing what happens. If you like colour play, Austras Koks Pullover or Freshness socks are the two designs that encourage multi-colour combinations out of the box. 

Reason 3: Mental health

Life isn't always fair, and we can't always control what happens to us. When the journey gets rocky, our thoughts can become a source of frustration.  

On days like that, I go for an all-consuming escape into something where I'm forced to pay close attention. Yet, I'm in total control of things, and my labours bring instant fruits. The direction is clear, and progress is distinctly visible. 

A no-TV project with many cables, such as Icicle Sweater, Sage Cardi, Ruffle Schmuffle, or a colourwork sweater with asymmetric patterns like Melancholia Sweater, comes to the rescue.

Reason 2: Sense of achievement

This reason was a very close second most mentioned among the respondents. And I get why. Feeling good knowing, I can craft professional-looking garments is a definite status symbol! Whether mastering the techniques used in the button band on Smilgas Cardigan or the intricate neckband and cuffs on the Marquisette sweater, getting a neat finish feels incredibly rewarding. 

Or being able to whip up something like the Aran weight Vest of Luck in three days - it's easy to find accomplishments when knitting. For me, it's much easier than in other areas of life and even easier as I keep practising this craft.  

Reason 1: Relaxation/meditation 

For 31% of respondents, this reason was the top favourite. For me, too, nothing winds down tension and refreshes my mind like picking up the needles for some much-needed self-care! Depending on my stress levels and where I am, I might go for a project with long, straight, brainless stockinette sections. 

But there is no better project for an extra treat than a colourwork yoke sweater. The project grows more and more satisfying to look at with every row; it feels like a gentle massage for the mind. Extremely wonderful if there is loads of it and it is deep-running. My most popular designs that fit this very well are the Pagan Sky and A Thousand And One Suns.

Even before this survey confirmed relaxation was my top reason for knitting, I had already created a series of designs devoted entirely to supporting that idea. The first piece is still works-in-progress - and I can't wait to show you what's coming soon. Today, I'm excited to launch the No.2 in the Yoke Meditation Series! The series also offers engaging techniques that may be entirely new, like learning to do steeking or one-row buttonholes.

Ultimately, my biggest lesson is that these motivations belong to a small set of categories. For my tribe and me, it is mainly about self-care, with ambition coming in second!  

A single project might cater to all of these reasons, but more often than not, it might hit the spot for 2 to 3 at a time. This is why I'm a fan of having multiple WIPs going at once. You never know which motivation will take centre stage next - having more than one project gives you options and keeps things balanced.

This article is your excuse if you're still nervous about casting on a new one before completing a current WIP! 

After a long day, why not reward yourself with something that's both intricate and exciting? Why not get lost in the blissful escape that a stranded colourwork yoke offers? So put aside the two-colour brioche short rows for another time, sit back, cast on Yoke Meditation Series No.2, relax and enjoy!

Did you relate to any of these reasons? If so, I hope you stay and be part of a fantastic community! We'd love for you to be a part of our tribe.

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