Knitting is an old-fashioned and truly unique hobby that might be easy to pick up, yet it can take many years of study and practice to grasp all the different techniques.
This is a hobby that allows one to create many different items with just a pair of knitting needles and yarn. One of the best things about starting this hobby is that it doesn’t cost a lot of money, and it is something suitable for all ages.
What Is Knitting?
Derived from the word “knot” and believed to originate from “knutten,” a Dutch verb, knitting was developed as a method to create garments with stretch.
Knitting involves a method of manipulating yarn to create fabrics or textiles. Knitting creates stitches that involve loops of wool or yarn in rows that are either round or flat.
Knitting fabric is made up of several consecutive rows that contain connected loops. These loops intermesh with the previous and next rows.
As each of the rows is formed, each of the loops that are then created is pulled through the loops from the previous row and positioned on a gaining needle. This allows the loops that come from the previous row to be pulled off without unraveling.
Can Knitting Be A Hobby?
Absolutely. The best thing about knitting as a hobby is that you get to choose how much time you want to spend on it. Knitting is also an inexpensive hobby that can make you some money, especially if this is the first time you are learning this craft.
To get started, all you will really need is inexpensive yarn and a set of wooden or metal needles to get started on your first knitting project.
What Types Of People Like Knitting?
Knitting is ideal for people that are goal-driven or those that like to set achievable goals or tasks. Regardless of what you decide to make, when your projects are successful, your brain will release dopamine, which stimulates the reward center.
This type of euphoria can be compared to a feeling you usually get once you have laid down the final piece of a jigsaw puzzle.
Benefits: Why Knitting Could Be A Good Hobby?
In the times that we live in where we are expected to contribute to “social distancing,” an attention-holding and stimulating hobby can be incredibly beneficial.
This could be the best time to learn knitting, and this hobby offers benefits that extend further than just a distraction from boredom.
Here are some of the top benefits of choosing knitting as your next hobby:
1. An Escape From Life’s Demands
Even a well-versed, consistent routine can be very demanding. Knitting is one of the best ways to take well-deserved breaks, whether it is an hour or just 15 minutes, this is a hobby that encourages a little “you time” every day.
2. Avoid Bad Habits
Let’s be honest, most of us are guilty of spending a lot of our time binge-watching shows, scrolling through social media, or taking too many smoke breaks. Knitting is one of the best ways to occupy your free time in a constructive and rewarding way.
3. Release Stress
Knitting is an excellent outlet to alleviate stress. The technique helps to relax the brain and lower stress levels. Knitting a little bit every day will help to keep your stress levels under control.
4. Improve Focus
Knitting is also a great hobby to enhance focus. With so many patterns to choose from, this is a hobby that has no shortage of techniques and projects that also provides a great workout for your brain.
Are There Drawbacks To Choosing Knitting As A Hobby?
Knitting may have many benefits, but it also comes with a few disadvantages. For some people, the main drawback of this hobby is that it can become extremely time-consuming and monotonous.
While it might be an excellent activity for high-strung or overzealous people, it is not the best option for people that like to dabble in different types of activities and hobbies.
How To Start Knitting As A Hobby
What You Will Need
To start knitting, all that is really needed is some yarn and knitting needles. This shouldn’t cost more than $20, depending on the amount of yarn you need.
It is also recommended to invest in a “beginner” knitting book. This will assist you in learning and visualizing the various techniques and steps that will help you to start knitting like a professional.
The yarn comes in many different types, but if you are just starting out, it is advisable to choose a durable yard that is not thin or fuzzy.
The fuzzy yarn typically contains very thin strands with many soft and fluffy strings attached. These are not easy to see once knitted, and they are also usually stretchy, making it harder to complete tight stitches.
Start-Up And Ongoing Costs
Knitting is a fantastic hobby that you could eventually turn into a business. Having big goals and ideas might be great, but it is better to start your business off small, meaning you won’t need much money to get it started.
In fact, many successful knitters started out with minimal money, and most are typically students or work-from-home mothers.
Knitting Business Start-Up Tips
One of the keys to a successful business is to first test the markets, so you are providing what your local market wants, as opposed to what you assume they will want.
One of the best ways to do this is to avoid knitting an entire range. Rather start with two to three products and then see whether they will sell. From here, you can focus your efforts on the ones that are doing well.
The realistic costs of starting any business are going to vary according to where you live. But here are the main items you are going to need to come up with in the start-up budget:
- Your yarn and knitting supplies
- Insurance
- Promotional materials such as brochures and business cards
- Advertising in a local paper, the yellow pages, or on a website
- Business license or registration
Can You Make Money From Knitting?
It is possible to earn an additional income from your knitting projects, especially when you are professional and quick. Even if you are still an amateur, it is easy to learn the essential basics in under 10 minutes.
Read our full guide to making money from knitting here.
Similar Hobbies To Knitting
Various other hobbies share similarities to knitting. Crotcheting is the most similar.
But for those that are looking for a new hobby involving making items out of yarn, knitting is the best option since it is easy to learn and the costs are low to get started.
Alternative Hobbies To Knitting
Knitting is one of the most common hobbies, but you can choose from many other activities that are just as fun and enjoyable. If you enjoy the outdoors or working with your hands, some of the popular alternatives include gardening, journaling, or dancing.
If you prefer creative activities that involve a bit of physical activity, you may want to try coloring, hiking, or pottery.
Where To Learn More
There are several places and sources to help you learn more about knitting. If you prefer to use online resources, there are YouTube Videos, countless websites, forums, and blogs to browse through.
You can also choose to attend physical classes or sign up for an online course. It is also recommended to take out a few books from the library or buy a beginner’s book so that you can visually understand what is required of you.
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