When Tom Daley was spotted knitting between dives at the Paris Olympics last year, he unexpectedly sparked a national resurgence in the craft. Now, his Channel 4 show Game of Wool: Britain's Best Knitter has further reignited this wave of creative enthusiasm, showcasing incredible skills and woolly masterpieces that inspire both beginners and seasoned crafters.
The Mental Health Benefits of Knitting
Beyond creating cosy garments, knitting provides profound psychological advantages. From stress reduction to improved mood, this traditional craft offers a powerful toolkit for modern wellbeing.
1. Boosts Mood
Shelby Fuller, founder of London-based knitwear brand Elizabeth An'Marie, experienced knitting's mood-enhancing effects firsthand. "Before I started knitting I was in a depressed state," Fuller shares, recalling her self-taught journey beginning in 2014. "I had lost my love for colour and would basically just wear black all the time." The transformation was remarkable. "When I started to teach myself how to knit I remember one of my friends asked me how I was and for the first time in a while I could actually say yeah, I'm OK."
2. Promotes Mindfulness
Knitting designer Monica Russel, founder of The Knit Knacks, explains how the craft encourages mindfulness. "If you're doing something that's a little bit challenging, you solely concentrate on what you're doing and can switch off from what's going on around you," she says. This focused attention provides "a cathartic" escape from daily pressures.
3. Encourages Self-Care
Fuller emphasises how knitting creates essential 'me time'. "When you pick up a skill like knitting or crocheting, it helps your mental health because you are putting your focus into something for yourself instead of for someone else," she explains. This dedicated personal time becomes particularly valuable for those balancing demanding jobs or family responsibilities.
Building Confidence and Community Through Craft
4. Boosts Self-Esteem
Russel highlights the confidence-building aspect of mastering new skills. "Learning a new skill gives you a sense of achievement and satisfaction," she says. The ability to choose colours, patterns, and create customised items fosters pride in one's accomplishments. Fuller adds that positive feedback from others when they admire handmade creations significantly boosts self-esteem.
5. Provides Calming Effects
The rhythmic nature of knitting creates natural relaxation. "Doing repeat patterns within a row or a garment is very methodical and I think that can have a very calming effect," notes Russel. Many practitioners describe knitting as a form of therapy that helps quiet the mind and reduce anxiety.
6. Fosters Social Connection
Knitting transforms social interactions, offering an alternative to conventional gatherings. "Getting together with friends or family doesn't always have to be about eating or gossiping over a drink," says Fuller. Creative collaboration through knitting helps foster deeper connections as people share skills and support each other's projects.
7. Builds Community
Knitting classes create vibrant social networks. Fuller recalls her recent teaching experience: "The last class I did was so fun because of all the characters that came. I had a blast and laughed a lot during those two hours." She observed how advanced knitters naturally helped beginners, creating a supportive learning environment that benefits everyone involved.
The Joy of Creative Expression
8. Provides Creative Outlet
For naturally creative individuals, knitting offers essential expression. "If you are someone who has a creative mind, don't just sit on it because it will drive you mad," advises Fuller, explaining her initial motivation to pick up knitting needles. The craft satisfies the fundamental human need to create and bring imaginative ideas to life.
9. Delivers Pure Joy
Russel encourages knitters to embrace the fun aspect of their craft. "Knitting doesn't have to be serious, it can be fun as well," she says. Experimenting with new techniques, colours, and projects brings moments of pure delight that enhance daily life.
Whether you're inspired by Tom Daley's Olympic knitting or simply seeking a new way to manage stress, these nine benefits demonstrate how this timeless craft can weave both calm and joy into your routine. The combination of creative satisfaction, mindfulness practice, and community connection makes knitting a uniquely powerful tool for enhancing mental wellbeing.
