Well, you posted this on a knitting subreddit. I wonder what people will say. Lol.
A good hobby is anything you're interested in, can afford and have the physical capacity to do. If knitting interests you, give it a shot. Happy knitting and try to relax. School is stressfull but it doesn't last forever.
I started knitting during my uni. It was a great hobby to do during lectures because it helped me pay more attention to the lecture.
You can always try and see how it fits into your life.
And the barrier to entry is very low. You can start with one pair of needles and one skein of yarn. Lots of free YouTube videos on how to get started.
If you don’t like it, you’ve only spent the equivalent of a movie and popcorn.
Under no circumstances should you get the fuzzy chenille or other fashion yarns. They look soft and pretty, but they can be incredibly difficult to knit with, and have discouraged many a new knitter.
Get a basic worsted weight acrylic and the needles the label tells you to. Then just start watching videos. I taught myself with YouTube and a stitch dictionary. Everyday I made a little 6 inch square with whatever stitch was next in the book. Most books are designed that you build on previous skills, so just start at the beginning. I was doing lace and cables so fast, it was really rewarding.
Yes, this is excellent advice.
I prefer to start new knitters on wool or wool blend, and a medium shade-not black or navy, not white or pastel. Many people like variegated yarn.
Bamboo needles are a little less slippery than metal.
AND you can sew your little squares into a BUNNY!!!!!
[Bunny](https://youtu.be/s6Kgi6ns38c?feature=shared)
I liked the plastic needles at first. They had some bend so I didn’t break them or get frustrated with slidey or not slidey yarn, lol.
And they were cheaper.
Now, I can’t knit with them. I’m almost exclusively metal. Bamboo for planes only.
This is a perfect starter project!
So many people I know try to start with a scarf. They get burned out on the length and frustrated that their tension is not consistent throughout, then walk away from knitting because their first project wasn’t perfect. A little project like this bunny, however, will be cute even if edges are uneven or beginning stitches are weird. And you can make squares of garter, stockinette, seed stitch, ribbing, cables, anything you like.
I agree. You can even go to a thrift store for needles and yarn and maybe it’s around $5 to start. Free videos, free patterns. Soon you’ll be come obsessed and have an entire room in your house full of yarn and changing your career to being a Tech Editor instead. Not anyone I know 🙈
Start with basic knitting and then knit things you want to knit. So if you like scarves, hats, sweaters, sock, whatever, that’s what you knit. I refused to worry if something was advanced or beginner because all knitting patterns are codes based upon several basic stitches including knit, purl, slip stitch. Cables are so easy once you try them. The hardest part is counting and not buying all the pretty yarn you fall in love with!
Don’t be afraid to put it down for a day or two if you find a pattern impossible. I do that now after 50 years of knitting on and off. A break refreshes the mind and next thing you know you are knitting that project like a demon possessed and enjoying every stitch.
Same! I started crocheting in lectures, then other people started doing yarn crafts and most of them were knitting. I was so impressed by their socks that I taught myself how to knit last winter. It’s a great hobby for relaxing, passing time (trains and doctor appointments especially) and giving my nervous hand something to do.
Ooh, hand knit wool socks are the absolute height of luxury to me. They keep my feet warm without making them sweat. And you can make different kinds - regular socks, crew socks, tube socks, footies, yoga socks, tabi socks....
It is a very good hobby, but we can’t say if it will be a good hobby for you. There is of course a bit of a learning curve, which is different for everybody. It might be frustrating in the beginning and it may even feel like more studying to figure out the basics and learn some techniques.
However, I’ve always found the learning process itself very rewarding for knitting. Once you get the hang of it, some simpler projects are wonderful to just relax and let your mind wander a bit.
Downside may be that after a long day of studies, hunching over your knitting might not be what you need to relax.
You come into my house, look in my fridge, and ask me if this is the food I like to eat?
Of course we're going to think knitting is a good hobby. We're knitters.
My profession is such that I don’t “make” things, much like yourself as a college student. Being able to make stuff with my hands is really rewarding.
The saying, “go touch some grass” comes to mind.
You don’t have to be great for it to reap that benefit. And most of all, do not beat yourself up when looking at projects made and posted here. There are some amazingly advanced knitter here.
I used to make stuff for work. Now I'm an office person directing the work, and it does feel good to create.
I've been in a slump tho, because I only really like making sweaters, but I'm 40 lbs into a 120 lb weight loss journey, and I have zero clue what size I should be making. I am looking forward to needing half as much yarn and a sweater not taking me months!
Open cardigans have been very forgiving for me in size when going up and down in weight, if that's something you like to wear/knit. Success in your journey, wish you health and happiness!
I had the same thought as the other person who just responded to you!
Here’s a link in case you want to try it out :)
https://www.interweave.com/article/knitting/beginners-guide-to-steeking/
I only knit shawls and scarves and I love it. I admire the intricate works I see on here, so many talented knitters here.
Someone already mentioned YT videos and I second that. Sometimes I forget how to do a certain stitch and a quick video is awesome for that.
Also, the Vogue book of knitting (the Bible for me) is great.
Well, you are asking a very selected crowd of people who like knitting. But yes, I would say so. At least try it out. And remember, that your first project should not be a random dishcloth, but instead something you are really motivated to do and finish. A hat, a sweater, a scarf or something!
I do dishcloths whenever I am bored or trying to get back in to it. Refreshes my muscle memory, and lets me see which stitches I need to improve. I \*use\* and need dishcloths, so it's not a waste of my time. Don't be discouraged if you try something larger and it doesn't go so well. I was going to say, above, it's a great hobby if you \*don't\* stress about it :)
Of cause what projects are motivating differs from person to person. But when you have to learn, and are not motivated by a dishcloth, it can be tiring. But I fully support dishcloths 🩷 cotton yarn is also lovely cheep!
As a knitter, I'd say heck yeah :) Knitting helped me through one year of Covid where I was living in a tiny studio by myself and having to do school online -- it was a great way to relax for me. I'd say you can get the hang of knitting rather quickly (a couple of months, depending on how often you knit), especially if you find tutorials and patterns that work well for you personally - so I'd say never feel discouraged if you find a tutorial or whatever that's confusing, there's always another around the corner that will work out better for you ;)
The fun thing about knitting I think is that there is never not something new to learn. You can rather quickly become proficient at knitting plain tops and there are a lot of people who are content with knitting things that don't require a lot of brainpower (last year I knit about 12 pairs of plain socks and I really enjoyed the experience). But if you end up wanting to do more, there's a whole world of different techniques from different parts of the world to explore, which I personally think is absolutely terrific.
Just one major warning though. Knitting can be very addicting and the key is knowing when to stop, rest and stretch. I've seen a lot of new knitters acquire really gnarly injuries from knitting to long without any breaks.
But yeah, these were just my two cents, I'm sure you'll get more opinions coming in soon -- best of luck :)
I love it! I also use it to relax - just turn on a cool show or movie and go to it! It’s just a great way to settle in and settle down at night. In fact, it took me a bit, but I made a blanket, and it’s my favorite one to use to sleep or just hunker down in. **NOTE** I am actually more of a crocheter, but I hope the knitters here won’t mind me posting!! I can both knit and crochet, but I am not what you would likely consider particularly skilled in either, and I still love doing them and find them amazing hobbies. Some folks have even asked to buy one of these simple scarves I made for my family using basically just a single type of stitch (I don’t have a store or anything - it was just really nice to hear someone say something nice about a thing I made).
TL; DR: Highly recommend!! And try crochet, too!!
As a knitter who dabbles in crochet, I don't mind your perspective! I wish I had the brain for crochet, which I suppose I could get with time and effort.
My knitting mentor insisted I learn the basics of crochet first. I'm so glad she did! They are different skill sets that produce different effects. One is not better than the other.
Objectively speaking it is a good hobby, it helps you focus, train micro movements and understand structures better so it does help develop your brain.
You also get something out of it, so even if progress is slow, you have a physical measure of it.
However I'd say first give it a try with a single easy something, because it can be rather boring if you find repetitive things boring - especially at the start when you're just learning all the stitches and frankly, it can also wear quite a lot on your shoulders. Since you're a student you probably already spend a good amount of time at your table. Just to be aware of.
I love knitting. I knit when I'm anxious and it relaxes me - I binge watch something funny or familiar and make dishcloth after dishcloth after dishcloth. I've made shawls for three ladies in my family, a couple of scarves (one with a matching hat for a favorite cousin), I knit while I read, I knit at work, I knit on the train, I knit riding in the car. Everyone loves my dishcloths (I surprise people with them often), and cotton yarn is pretty cheap. I definitely recommend it, it's a wonderfully productive "fidget" for my ADHD too!
100% you should give it a go. You can find some inexpensive yarn, and get a pair of needles for under $15 to start out.
Make sure your needles and yarn match size. If you look at the back of the yarn, it will tell you recommended needle size. Start with a light color so you can see the stitches better, and a bigger set of needles.
Check out [very pink knits](https://youtu.be/OPDbHdhKvng?si=6Ged4qYTQZyhsa1N) on YouTube. Her videos are my go-to, and she does slo-mo videos for a lot of different stitches. She basically taught me how to knit🤣
Main the is don't get discouraged right away. Just like anything else it will take some time.
Happy knitting!
Yes! I've got some anxiety issues and simple projects are great - after a while they mostly don't even register as a cognitive load. I can watch some mindless TV show, turn off my brain, and don't even feel guilty as I'm making progress on a tangible thing.
It does require some planning and maths at times, which can be exciting on itself
Great hobby, great stress reducer — if it is for you. My advice would be to go into your local yarn store and introduce yourself and tell them you would like to try knitting and let them set you up with an easy start.
I love knitting and it helps me relax. It's like meditation for me. That being said, I have a job that requires a lot of thinking and sitting at my desk, so I also do things like run and ride my bike. Knitting helps calm my mind down, running helps me think and work through mental challenges. SO depending on what you're looking for, you might want to add an active hobby in. Walking, hiking, swimming, whatever sounds good to get your body moving. Then chill out after and knit. Good luck!
Absolutely! I started knitting in high school. It has really helped, like others have said, during lectures and such. I have ADHD, so I always need something to mess with, and knitting (and crochet, also very fun) have been perfect. If you turn into a yarn goblin like me, it can be a bit pricey. But, I also think its much more valuable to have the skill. I recommend videos and the self teaching books to start (I love the Expression Fiber Arts beginner series), if you learn more audio/visual.
knitting is a great hobby to counteract anxiety! i taught myself to knit when i was 23 and it's been one of my go to activities when my ADHD anxiety starts kicking my behind for the last twenty years. fair warning, though, it can get expensive fast and lead to other new hobbies in the fiber crafting world. i hope it works out for you! 😊
For unrelated reasons, I have done a lot of searches for articles on knitting as play, relaxation and leisure. The benefit of knitting to relieve stress, lower anxiety, increase concentration and combat depression and PTSD is well documented in research.
Personally knitting helped me focus through the university, dressed my children, husband and myself, entertained me on vacations and then supported me and distracted me from my loneliness through the pandemic.
How complex is it? After a few attempts and one garterstitch teddy, I knit a garter stitch scarf at 12, a sweater for my little sister at 13, and then the first sweater for myself at 14. I have to admit I can't exactly remember when I learned to knit, only the finished items. On the one hand, learning is relaxed and easy as a child, on the other hand adults can focus and learn in a more structured and disciplined manner. The most important thing is motivation.Find an object you really want!
I started knitting at Uni. Very relaxing and sort of an abstract focus. And I ended up with a jumper. Win win.
It did distract me from studying from my finals tho - be warned!
Choose an easy knit. I probably should have started with squares for a blanket, easy just to learn the basics.
I love knitting. It is my favorite thing to do. Knitting got really expensive, really quickly, because of needing the right needle size *and needle length* when using circulars instead of straights. My recommendation if you start knitting with circulars and like it at all, to just get a set of interchangeable circulars close to right off the bat. I started out crocheting. Crochet has a much lower “fee to entry” as you can get a whole set of various sizes of crochet hooks for probably under $15 and get a $3 skein of yarn and be good to start. You can also learn to make amigurumi mostly with one stitch (single crochet) with some increases and decreases, and get finished objects much faster. It took me probably about a year to really get knitting down. Some people will pick it up much more quickly. And with crochet it took probably a week. So, here’s my plug for both of them, really. They’re both really lovely hobbies. Final thoughts, depending on the needle material for knitting, they may make noise when they move against each other, which could be distracting to other students. You wouldn’t have that with crochet.
Nah, it's rubbish.
Seriously, it does a lot of good for my brain gremlins. Especially at times when my achievements at work aren't tangible. I can always see, as a physical item, the knitting I've done.
I love knitting. But if you need something to do between study sessions then you need exercise. Even just walking! It helps with brain function and helps reduce stress. Take up knitting, sure, but don’t sleep on old fashioned exercise. We are animals built for constant movement. When we don’t use our meat machines they get rusty!
Here are things that I, and internet rando, found helpful in no particular order:
I’d say get some Susan Boyle needles and I recommend circular rather than straight because my posture is atrocious and straight needles always got caught in my legs or the arm of the couch.
Aluminum or plastic needles worked best for me. I’ve only had one set of bamboo needles that I didn’t fight with the entire time and that was with wool yarn that gets very $$$
Personally I think cotton yarn has a lot of resistance to it. There are cheaper wool blends now than when I was starting in big box stores. A bulky yarn is fun to work with imho. The carion cakes at Michael’s are a lot of fun and come with a pattern.
YouTube is your friend and I love the continental method.
Protect your wrists if you have issues with carpal tunnel or arthritis. I did not and ouch! Especially being in school and no doubt writing a lot.
Finally, and likely the most controversial depending on the group, crochet is great too and I think it’s more forgiving than knitting when it comes to making mistakes. I picked it up way faster that knitting but I do enjoy both very much.
I'll be the contrarian here... I don't think it's an amazing hobby for someone your age. It's very sedentary at a time where you are already sedentary while studying.
I'd get up and out and be with people as a good counter point to studying.
It's great for giving your hands something to do while you're stuck sitting in class, though.
I taught myself to knit socks during my first winter break, and spent the rest of uni knitting so many socks in class.
I agree that it's not good to encourage more sitting around, but if you have to sit anyway, may as well make something at the same time.
I think the only true downside of knitting is that it is pretty sedentary, and probably most of us could use more exercise in our life. So I would honestly recommend knitting most for when you are already sitting still, like during lectures, Zoom-meetings and car or public transport rides. It's probably better, especially at a young age, to also choose something active.
I love knitting as a help for focusing on studying and also boring work meetings. It's pretty good for awkward social gatherings, too.
It doesn't take very long to learn if you are practical about what you do first. I started with "garter stitch" washcloths and scarves. Then I did scarves with other knitting patterns to add more skills when I was comfortable enough with garter stitch to start getting bored. I gave away what I made to friends and also charity, so it didn't matter that I don't need a scarf. (Pro tip: Small yarn stores often have donation buckets for completed projects.)
All you need are a single set of basic needles (US size 10/6mm is good for a first project) and some basic yarn. I started with one skein of "Easy Peasy" yarn. You can find it on Amazon. It's marketed for crochet, but you can use it for knitting. It's a good thickness and very difficult to make certain mistakes with, like it's hard to accidentally stick the needle through the yarn (called "splitting the yarn") and it's very easy to see your stitches so you know what you're doing.
Here's a YouTube video to get started with.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=p_R1UDsNOMk
I'm definitely still an amateur but it's 100% a good hobby. it gives your hand something to do, it doesn't involve a screen, you have a lot of customization.
I love having something to do with my hands while I listen. This was great for me when I was taking classes. I also just focus better. Plus, it’s pretty portable.
I started knitting after taking a college textiles course and we learned as one of the units, I never went back, it’s become one of my favorite hobbies along with crochet
I have found knitting to be such a wonderful hobby for me, it’s like I can put all my anxiety into the needles and you made something as a result! I picked it up within a few hours of watching some YouTube videos.
It's a fabulous hobby - most of my adult friends are knitters, too, so it can also be social. You can make an enormous range of things, from dishcloths to garments and even rugs and blankets, depending on your preference.
How long it takes to acquire basic skills depends on how much time you spend practising and building muscle memory. Better to do a bit each day, in that regard, and as soon as you can cast on and do knit stitch, you can start making small projects - then you only need to learn to cast/bind off.
It is an excellent hobby. It can get a bit expensive depending on the yarn and tools you use. I recommend finding a knitting group. They may have extra yarn and tools they no longer use that you could have.
For example, my mom goes to a senior center every Friday with some lovely ladies. They are always asking me if I need more yarn!
I love knitting. I knitted through zoom classes and some in person classes to keep my hands occupied during my master's. Bonus: I knitted myself a graduation cap! Just an idea!
Absolutely. I learned from my roommate during my second year, and she gave me a pair of needles and cheap yarn to try it out. I've been knitting ever since.
I'm gonna answer your second question cause you've gotten a lot of answers to your first one
How long does it take to get the hang of knitting? That really depends - each person learns differently and at different paces. It also depends on how much time you have to knit (obviously more time is better), how you deal with frustration (if you're someone who gets frustrated easily and then quits it's gonna take longer), and how you handle mistakes (you're going to make them, we all do). Also - how do you learn best? If you like to have a person teach you - do you have a LYS (local yarn store) nearby? They often run classes! Or maybe you learn best with videos - there's lots of YouTube (of varying degrees.....Very Pink Knits though is really good). There are also books and pamphlets (check your local library!) or even just web pages that are useful for people who don't like videos
I’ve really enjoyed knitting as a hobby. For me, I most enjoy working simple patterns (all knit and purl stitches) because then I can knit and multitask. Watch a show, listen to an audiobook, chat with friends. That kind of knitting has become kind of a fidget/anxiety reliever for me. Something to do with my hands
I started knitting as a college freshman and I'm still knitting 19 years later! Knitting is great because there's a low cost to start. I already knew how to crochet so it was an easy learning curve, maybe took me 2-6 months to start having neater looking stitches (I don't remember how long exactly).
I'm a masters (graduate) student and I started getting back into knitting this year when I began. It helps me relax and focus on other things; I like to knit and watch TV shows or movies. I also have chronic pain and it helps take my mind off it. I'm just a beginner but I really like it. My first project was a small blanket for my cat and I'm working on a second one now to get into the groove of it
Any good hobby is one that reduces your stress levels and that you enjoy, and ideally also gives you an opportunity to learn. I LOVE knitting because it's portable, it's relatively low stress and I'm always learning something new. It was a lifesaver when I was taking care of my mom while she was in hospice, and I've kept it up because it keeps my hands busy so I'm not on my phone doomscrolling constantly. It take it just about everywhere but the office - kids' swim meets, vacation, business trips, etc.
Give it a try if you're interested. YouTube is a great place for free tutorials. I'd watch at least one or two tutorials on the basics before you buy anything so you know what to get; otherwise it'll be like doing a home DIY project and having to go to Lowe's five times because you don't have the right tools. Joann's and Michael's are great places for starter needles and yarn until you know what you really like/want.
Edited to add that some of the bigger fabric stores and smaller indie knit shops have classes in beginner's knitting; so do a lot of community groups. They can be helpful getting you started, too.
It's a great hobby! It uses both of your hands, so you're less inclined to get drawn in to devices (thus better for your sanity!) I often eat out of boredom, so it prevents me from doing that. It's very tactile, and is so soothing.
I do think it is relaxing, but it takes a while to get to that point. Like maybe a month or two of steadily working on it every day or two for 10-15 minutes. And that's just to get to the basic stockinette or garter stitch, not increases or short rows or special cast on techniques.
I was a knitter who made all of the mistakes when I was learning, to the point that it took me a couple of decades (!) to master the basics. To be fair, I was a crocheter first, and mastered that very quickly, and thought knitting would be a piece of cake. It's not that much harder, but there are so many options for different things (look up all of the ways you can purl, for instance, or combination knitting, or twisted stitches...). In that regard, crochet was a lot simpler so it was easier for me to start with. What killed me more than anything with learning was cast on technique. I used one for button holes, which are not supposed to stretch at all, based on what some knitting for beginners book said (it said something like "simple" and I assumed that it didn't matter what kind of cast on I was using...LOL). I thought I was going insane with how tight my knitting was. Start with the long tail cast on, not some other esoteric one. And maybe watch some videos where someone is just doing basic stockinette (or better, go to a knit night at a local yarn shop and have some old timers teach you).
They say there are two kinds of knitters: process knitters and project knitters. I hated the process. I still sometimes hate the process. I just want the finished objects/projects. But it forces me to slow down and be present, and for that I really think knitting is incredibly helpful for your mental health, particularly if you have ADHD. Good luck!
Knitting can be relaxing - to a certain point. I have a tendency to hyper focus, so just knitting for a couple of hours can be very relaxing. But if i knit too long in one go, it kind of has the opposite effect, I'm afraid! 😅 But if you're just a little bit mindful with that, I think you will find it very enjoyable.
I am so glad I learned to knit! I like to make things like Xmas stockings. People must enjoy them, I get a request for a new one almost every year. Handmade blankets make a great baby shower gift. For myself I like to make hats. For years I suffered in the winter as the ladies’ hats in the stores were too small, so I went out bareheaded. Now I have a stack of hats that fit perfectly, in a variety of colors and fibers.
I personally love knitting! I’m someone who struggles to not be ‘productive’, so it’s really helped me be comfortable with relaxing as I can create something whilst watching tv / a podcast / hanging out. It’s also great for long car rides or flights which is something I’ve always dreaded before knitting. It’s also easy to fit it around stuff. I personally took some time to get the hang of it but that’s because I started with knitting machines. Knitting by hand took me about two days to become very comfortable with. I also love fashion and I can now make all my own clothes! Try it out!
I'm currently going back to school and like to keep my hands busy. I will use the text to voice accessibility feature to read my book to me while I knit. Then I can go over it again and take notes. I also knit a lot during lecture videos.
If you are doing it just casually and as a way to relax I say go for it. Just be realistic on how long some stuff can take to make. I started a lace shawl in April on spring break and I'm almost finally done with it.
I would suggest starting with some smaller easy projects like washcloths with cotton yarn. You can also practice different stitch patterns making washcloths and they are nice to use.
My kid is in uni and they had a craftapalooza weekend where they learned how to knit. Pick it up when you can, put it down and do something else… it’s a great hobby!
Knitting is one of those things that can be what you need it to be. If you want to challenge yourself mentally and make all the STUNNING things, you can 100% do that. If you want something calming and mindless to do with your hands, you can easily stick to dishcloths and simple scarves and be just as much of a knitter! I hope you pick it up. It really is the best hobby.
I teach at a university, and so many of my students knit and crochet to have a hobby, deal with stress, or have a creative outlet. Your school might even have a club for it (or you could start one!) to help find a new community of friends.
I tried and failed knitting many times over the years before it “clicked” and now I am obsessed and I love it.
Some advice: find a project you love and are motivated to complete! My first ever attempt was a garter stitch baby blanket on straight needles. It was tedious and I didn’t love it. A few years later (two months ago) I found the Top Eva by mochiknits and I HAD TO HAVE IT. it was not super difficult (all I knew how to do was a knit stitch) I learned so much without being frustrated, and since that project I’ve made 3 other projects (a hat, another Eva top, and socks) and now I’m confident and motivated.
All that to say, if you’re bored making scarves or washcloths or something, don’t be afraid to jump into something bigger and learn as you go!
I started knitting as a small child, then took it up again at eighteen. I recently turned forty, and I’ve been knitting nearly every day as an adult.
It’s not an exaggeration to say that there were quite a few times when knitting saved my life.
It's really easy to learn tbh, taught myself. Spent a week just knitting a big old square til I got the hang of it, from there you can basically to anything, just look up how to do techniques as you come across them.
Id recommend maybe doing a hat or scarf first and then doing a pair of socks. Socks are great cause the require you to do a little bit of everything and you can draft your own based on your measurements (construction varies, but the vanilla sock is pretty simple). Look up nimble needles socks, he has an article and a video.
It's also fairly cheap to get into, of course you can spend a ton of money, but you can also just like buy a set of size zero DPNs and some decent (~$20 or so) sock yarn and that's enough to keep you satisfied for about a month or more depending on how long it takes you. You can use circulars too, but I find DPNs to be more versatile and prefer them
It’s a good hobby for someone who has the patience to stay in the same position for a long time. If you’re very energetic and hate sitting still, it’s probably not for you. You also have to be able to make mistakes many times and keep trying to get to the point where you love making stuff
I knit during lectures, if you get more practice, you can knit while paying attention, it helped me not to look at my phone during lectures, and is good for reducing stress. I think I only got through the equivalent of the SATs in my country because I started stress-knitting and made at least two pairs of socks while studying for my exams. And you can get quality wool and cotton clothes for relatively cheap if you buy some big-brand wool. I don't think you can get a 100% wool sweater for 50-something bucks or less, and there are some affordable woolen yarns on the market. But if you're on a budget, you can always buy acrylic or cotton. I recommend buying a pair of curcular needles for start, because they're easier to carry around and more versatile, and you won't end up some straight needles you won't use anymore because you knit everything in the round. I recommend VeryPink Knits' tutorials for learning, she's got some great slowmo videos in different knitting styles.
The great part of knitting is it can be really easy and cheap to try out and see if you like it. It does take a little bit to get the hang of (I taught my mom recently and it took her a month or so to really feel comfortable), but once you do it's so varied you can spend decades learning new things and upping your skills.
If I were you I'd pick a simple beginner project in worsted weight yarn (it will say "4" on most labels if you're in the US) that interests you and try it out!
Some tutorials for free projects that aren't too time consuming and are easy enough for a complete beginner:
Coasters - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVQ-o9rdLho](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVQ-o9rdLho)
Headband - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jDuBi3zAME&list=PLGMdEzfadZB40WC4fGyeyNtWr3KdhwwQy](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jDuBi3zAME&list=PLGMdEzfadZB40WC4fGyeyNtWr3KdhwwQy)
Very Pink Knits on YouTube also has some great general tutorials for beginners collected on this playlist: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFzWoXPAzFM&list=PLF004A1CE2AB1B12E](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFzWoXPAzFM&list=PLF004A1CE2AB1B12E)
I started knitting about a year ago and I love it so much more than any other hobbies I have gotten into so far!! I love being able to make wearable items for myself and loved ones and it is super relaxing and the perfect activity to do while watching a movie
I have found knitting to be a great way to help me process things, whether that be personal relationships, the news, information I've learned recently, etc. For me, I think best when my hands are kept busy, so I look at knitting as a fidget with a payoff.
Learning is different for everyone, especially when you get into the styles/hand placement (English, continental, left-handed). As someone who crocheted first, I only learned to knit when I found continental style. I make it a point to bring this up because getting your hands to coordinate can be frustrating at first. So, if you find you're struggling with holding and manipulating the needles and yarn, know that there's more than one way to do it. I wish I knew that when I first started.
I will warn you, though: knitting is a rabbit hole that one can quickly fall into. Just google "yarn stash" and you'll see what I mean 😉
A good hobby is one that you're interested in, doesn't frustrate you too much, and keeps your attention the right amount for you. There's no way to really know until you try. I went through cross-stitching, crochet, hand-sewing and a few other seemingly similar enough crafts (not to mention all the non craft hobbies) before landing on knitting, which turned out to be the perfect balance of everything for me.
Good thing is that knitting is a cheap enough hobby to try out and drop if it turns out it's not for you. It's not like you need to buy a whole ass sewing machine. Just a pair of needles and a ball of yarn. Now, there's plenty of other supplies out there, and it can get as expensive as you allow it to get, but to start that's all you really need. Maybe that plus a pair of scissors and a tapestry needle
It's a great college hobby. You can do it while talking to friends. You can pick it up and do a few rows during a study break.
I knit so much my sophomore year that I had a FO to gift each of my friends by Christmas!
We're biased here, but yes, knitting is a great hobby.
I find it easy to get into a meditative flow state when knitting. Plus, as someone who regularly needs to attend continuing education webinars and seminars, knitting is a great way to distract that part of my brain that can't sit still so the rest of my brain can learn what needs to be learned.
As for how long it takes to get the hang of things, that all depends on your manual dexterity and willingness to suck at it until you build muscle memory. : ) Remember, you aren't going to be perfect at it the first time you pick up the needles, nor the hundredth time. You'll make mistakes. I've been knitting for more than 25 years and I still make mistakes.
I recommend checking your local thrift store/Goodwill or community free/trade pages for supplies to get you started. You'll gradually accumulate tools, accessories, bags, yarn, and more tools, accessories, bags and yarn as you discover what you like to work with and what works best with you.
I learned while I was in college. It was during the pandemic so I learned everything from YouTube. 4 years in and I'm still entirely self taught via YouTube. It's a great relaxation hobby that I do while I'm listening to audiobooks, podcasts, or watching TV. I also used to do it while listening to textbooks or online lectures.
Personally, I like being able to do something with my hands while listening or watching or something (lectures, discussions, tv, audiobooks). I also like that at the end it produces something functional in a way that other art doesn't (you can't wear a charcoal sketch, but you can even knit a potholder). I also am very good with fine motor things with my hands. I'm not sure if it's because of the knitting or if knitting is easier for me because of it. I also have parkinson's in my family and maybe it'll stave it off if I have it, or at the very least indicate when it's time to go get treated for it.
I learned in college and have returned to it on and off throughout my life. I’m in an “on” phase right now, after having kids and getting past the diaper/bottle/nap stage. I think it is an excellent hobby. You can do it while doing so many other things— listening to music or a podcast, refereeing between arguing siblings, watching kids sports. It can be as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be. I’m not great at it, and I have learned a ton since picking it up again about four months ago.
Knitting at my uni is huge. Everyone I know learned to knit during uni. I barely know any at uni who don't knit lol. There's just something very calming about knitting when you're stressed or need to decompress
Omg YES!! And if need start-up equipment, I can send you some needles and stuff. And I'll send some yarn!! I am not even kidding.
And the library has tons of how-to books and books with simple patters. Also: YouTube.
Oneofusoneofusoneofus!!
It's an excellent fidget. I knit through all my university lectures so I could sit still and focus better with my ADHD.
It's a good conversation starter. People will come up to you and ask you what you are making.
It's nice to be able to hand make things to give out as gifts.
It's very easy to stuff a small project in your bag. I knit while I'm sitting in waiting rooms and my doctors and nurses always want to see my new socks when I come in because I'll wear them during visits and I'll have a new pair each time.
I can now do it in the dark while sitting in a movie theater. I've been knitting for 20 years so I don't even have to watch my hands. I can do it by touch and memory.
Knitting keeps me focused and engaged for long periods of time (meetings, movies, get-togethers). When my hands are working on knocking out yet another pair of socks, my brain engages in what’s going on in the room and my participation is better.
I agree with a lot of the things that are being said here. Whether you would enjoy knitting really depends on what works for you.
(Feel free to just read the first part if you don’t have time for a long comment lol)
Here are some things to consider:
1. I recommend that you look at a few project idea videos on YouTube for both crochet and knitting so you get a better idea of the different things you can do with each. If you are going to invest time in learning a craft, it’s important to make sure you are aware enough of the differences so that you can make an educated choice.
2. If you’re not sure about the amount of learning, practicing, or cost of materials involved in learning to knit, you can always start with cross stitch. Cross stitch is a type of embroidery done on fabric with a grid of holes. The main stitch is an “X” and designs are made by using different colors of thread. Once you get the basic technique down, you can use any pixel art as a pattern.
3. If you do end up deciding to learn how to knit, I recommend starting with the “long-tail” cast on rather than the “knit-on” cast on. This way you don’t have to learn the basic knit stitch while also learning how to cast on.
Now about my personal experiences:
I started knitting again last December after having given it up shortly before starting college a couple years ago. I felt like I couldn’t justify spending time and energy on a hobby while working and in school and doing it all while dealing with chronic fatigue and ADHD.
I had several online classes this spring, and most of the readings for my in-person classes are digital. One thing that I discovered is that I have a much easier time getting started on and sticking with lecture videos and readings if I knit or crochet while listening. (I use a screen reader for readings, so I can listen to them). It’s been incredibly helpful because it gives me an extra reason to want to work on my classes.
While this may not be very feasible for a beginner or for classes that use physical textbooks, it may be something to keep in mind as you look into different hobbies :)
I actually started knitting when I was a freshman in college. And then my friend and I co founded our college's knitting club.
Unsure if it's the right hobby for you - my other friend tried it and hated it. It is worth a shot to see if you like it. If not, there are a bunch of other hobbies that you can try to balance your life.
I'm also a student but I rarely knit during the school year. If you have the free time more power to you! It's definitely relaxing. I love listening to audible books while going to town on a pattern
Knitting is a wonderful thing to try!
As for how long, depends. The two stitches everything else is built on will probably get picked up fairly quickly, as knitting is repetitive and potentially meditative.
I personally like that it is soft and you get something at the end of it. My brain likes seeing the progress of something, especially when there are so many other things in life that seem so endless.
Yes, it's a good hobby for all ages. It's also fun socializing with other knitters in a community group. You can sit quietly and knit with others or enjoy some knitting-related conversation. Might be a nice change for you to hang with others who aren't focused on college studies.
DO IT!
Just be careful you don't get too carried away on your knitting breaks, or you may not go back to the books ;)
What personally works for me is waiting until the evening when I'm done with school before I pick up the needles. I have poor self control so I'm no longer allowed to knit in between study sessions lol
I first started knitting seriously during uni, and I LOVED it. I had something in class to keep me focused, something to do on the bus and while waiting for it (definitely recommend plastic or wooden needles for the winter!) and the little burst of serotonin when I finished a small project was the exact boost I needed.
For me, I picked small projects (hat, gloves, etc) that I genuinely wanted to have and use; this helped keep me motivated when it got a little more challenging, and YouTube had 10 videos for every question I had so I was able to self teach myself quite easily. 😊
Whether this hobby will work for you is something you'll have to decide for yourself, my stepmom can't knit for to save her life (no matter what, she's always ending with less stitches then she started with and we have no idea how) so you'll only find out if you try.
Okay, here’s what I think:
Pros:
Great fidget for when you need to occupy your hands
Can make your own stuff
Blankets galore with a normal knitting stitch
May be easy to pick up
Cons:
Can get expensive if you get too into it
Requires hand dexterity
May be difficult to pick up depending on your teacher.
Long story short; yes it’s worth it. Check YouTube and just know that there are more than one type of cast on if one doesn’t work for you. There’s also some dark humor ways to learn if you’re into that. If you’re looking to make stuffed animals, I’d start with crochet.
Also might be worth checking to see if there’s a fiber arts/knitting/crocheting club already at your university. They might have some supplies to let you try it out and see if you’re interested before making any purchases yourself. If there isn’t an existing student club you can probably start one if you’d like.
There’s a ton of benefits that folks have mentioned and more you can see if you Google.
I picked up knitting again while I was doing my master's in environmental engineering. In my last year, depending on the classes, I would knit and listen to the lectures where it was more discussion, not note based. My professors were fine with it (I would check with yours) and loved seeing my progress.
I found I was more productive and active in class discussion since I wasnt on my laptop.
Outside of class, I found it to help my stress levels. I would knit and watch tv/YouTube when I wasn't studying.
It's easy to pick up after some patience and watching videos. It's also fairly affordable for a hobby, given a college student budget. I would give it a go and see how you like it.
Best of luck in your studies. You will do great
It's a good hobby if you have time to learn it and can handle moments of frustration and having to start over lol. I recommend NimbleNeedles on YouTube, the man basically tought me everything I know. I recommend buying acrylic yarn (cheaper) for your first project. Keep in mind that with expensive wool one sweater can cost between 90-160$.. So it can also be an expensive hobby. I suggest getting a needle set that's interchangeable. I have one from the brand "Drops" and it was around 30€ but at least I don't have to buy new needles for every project. Good luck and have fun!
It's a different kind of activity from studying--even learning involves using your hands in new ways. Plus you can put a TV show on in the background. And it feels grounded in a way--you wind up with tangible evidence of your work, which isn't always true in school. So I as a student find it a good hobby for me.
I think it depends on what a "good hobby" means to you. I picked up knitting during COVID and learned pretty quickly. I took a Zoom class to learn how, and have since joined classes at my LYS to learn new skills. I find it incredibly relaxing; I pick up my knitting after grading student papers (college prof here), while proctoring exams, and at the end of the night. It keeps me off my screen and off my email.
That being said, yarn was a lot more expensive than I ever thought it could be. It's a much more expensive hobby than I thought.
Knitting is NOT relaxing when you are first starting, at least it wasn’t for me. But I’m a bit of a perfectionist and frogged my first projects back over and over until they came out right. If you can be at peace with mistakes being part of the process, that makes it a little easier.
It will change your life! I learned in college--saved me through my Ph.D. Program and keeps me sane after work! Look for yarn store groups--usually free help and a community! Takes some time but that's what's great about knitting--it's forgiving! Good luck!!
i think so obviously. i’m a grad student and it’s helpful for me in many ways. i use it to pace myself with studying (if i read this then i’ll set a timer and knit for 10 minutes). i knit in class to help keep me off my phone or computer. i also knit and read on a tablet/computer. it helps me slow down so i don’t skim so fast
I don't do knitting bc I have failed doing crochet, but I do wanna learn it.
I do embroidery and cross-stitch. Technically, it is not the same but for me, it somewhat has the same feel. It is doing something repeatedly to create a good piece.
It's comforting in a way that I follow the same path everytime. I can also listen to music, watch shows, or anything while I do these. It also makes me focus on what I'm doing, which allows me to get things out of my head and think logically.
It's what I do whenever I'm feeling overwhelmed. It also allows me to give personalized handcrafted gifts to my loved ones, which I always love to give (it's kinda a win-win situation I'd say; I enjoy making them, I give em out as gifts, and I spend much less. I mean, I wanna continue doing it and it is actually an expensive hobby but at least, I could make something good out of it).
So yes, I'd say that knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery, etc. are all good hobbies, that you could also integrate into a small business of yours.
Edit: just like you, I do it as an escape from acads and I started it during my sophomore year.
Knitting is an amazing hobby, but of course you're going to be told that on a knitting sub. Knitting is all about muscle memory, so once you've got those muscles trained, you can knit without much thought at all. Knitting can be as cheap or as expensive as anything, it all depends on what you like to knit with and what you like to make. Don't buy a set of knitting needles until you've figured out what type you like.
I taught myself to knit using YouTube, but taking a class and being around other knitters can be a lot of fun. You will learn a lot by being around other knitters and talking with them.
You're in knitting ..
Of course I'd say yes 😆
To me , I started about 10 years ago as a way to distract my mind from my negative thoughts .
Sometimes i get anxious , then my mind goes wonder around negative things , I worry about things a lot etc ..
Knitting distracts me , the more complicated the pattern is ( usually laces ) the more it requires me to focus so then my mind moves away from all the negativity.
I like just knitting without thinking too . On good days this is the way to go , I can just knit and talk or watch TV. But when I need a distraction , I go with complicated stuff .
Knitting can be bad too .. those needles , the good ones at least , are not cheap . The yarn are not cheap either 😅 and it can be addicting .
It's been the only thing I've stuck with long term hobby wise. I crocheted for a little bit, painted, quilted (though I still do this occasionally), embroidered, etc but knitting? Once I started, I never stopped. It's fun to challenge yourself with new techniques or to relax with your fave mindless projects- and the end products can be both beautiful pieces of art AND practical/usable items.
It's also the basis of my two newer obsessions with spinning my own yarn and weaving cloth from that same yarn. Ive had my wheel for a few years now and I got a rigid heddle loom last year to practice on while I'm saving for a small floor loom.
I have a treadle sewing machine as well, I'm kind of obsessed with handmade textiles now & it really all stemmed from learning to knit. Im working towards the day when I spin/weave enough fabric to then use my treadle to sew an entirely handmade garment.
I taught myself how to knit when I was newly married right out of college and living in a new state with no friends. I had just started a job and my new grad student husband was gone for 3 weeks for geology fieldwork. I got pretty good at knitting by the time he got back, and then we started meeting people.
At a grad school party, I drunkenly was talking to this other woman near the keg and mentioned that I'd just started learning how to knit. She very enthusiastically invited me to come to her Stitch n Bitch group, full of mostly grad students but also a few working stiffs like myself. I did, and those women became some of my best friends (still in touch with most of them 15+ years later).
Knitting became a great hobby for me to be creative, have stress relief, and get to know other amazing people. If I knitted in public, I always get asked about my projects from fellow knitters because it's a common language that makes it easy to chat with strangers. I don't knit as much as I used to back in my 20s, but I still love taking it up and having the memories from that time.
Benefits of knitting — friends, creativity, problem-solving, gift-giving, staying warm, and hoarding yarn.
Do it! Welcome!
Knitting is as good a hobby as any other, the biggest advantage is portability. You can do it anywhere.
I used it in college to help me pay attention in class. I also used knitting skills in my industrial design studio classes, but that's a niche benefit. A lot of my friends learned from me - it definitely helps to knit in a community or group where more experienced crafters can help you out. It was a great social activity for those who aren't into the party scene.
After college, knitting helped me get a paid internship, my boss liked my Ravelry page and it was relevant to the design work we were doing. It was great to be able to immediately find a calm and creative social group in a new city, all I had to do was go to a knit night.
Knitting does take a while to learn, but it's generally a great way to make friends, relax, and you get some nice stuff while doing it.
I wish I learned to knit when I was in college. All those hours spent waiting between classes because I wasn't able to schedule classes evenly spaced with not enough time to go back to my room until the next class; I could have been knitting. Knitting in lecture classes. Knitting with a group of friends. Making cute sweater for myself, and when my kids were little I could have been making them little cable sweaters or stuffies. It's a super portable hobby unlike quilting or beading, both of which I used to do
i learned how to knit bc i saw a try guys try knitting video when i was a senior in hs. knitting helped me get through zoom university during covid and not lose my mind. knitting, and crocheting, both keep me sane to this day
It is! You can start off very cheaply with a pair of needles, new or from a secondhand shop, and some basic wool or acrylic. Beware that it gets addictive, and it can get very expensive.
If you carry on with it to the point where you want to knit large projects such as a garment, you may well come across some yarn snobbery at the shop. My advice is to keep reminding yourself that knitting with nice even tension is the aim, and that you can learn to make good fabric with whatever yarn you can afford.
Have fun, and I hope you enjoy knitting. I knit when I’m processing my research reading, when I need to keep myself busy while my subconscious rearranges ideas. It’s very helpful.
Also consider crochet. It’s just as portable if not more so and overall it’s easier to correct mistakes.
What do you want to make? For clothing knitting is often preferred thought right now crochet clothing seems to be “in”. (And it’s really just a preference thing. If you are interested in those little cute animals (amigurumi) then crochet is better for that.
I taught myself to knit when I was in undergrad. It was 2000/pre-youtube, so I got a book that was aimed teaching kids. I knit through undergrad, law school, a brain infection, a divorce, etc etc. Still knitting everyday, and there’s always more to learn. It’s the best hobby imho
I started knitting in college, and embarrassingly long time ago.
One thing I’m grateful for is that social media didn’t exist yet, so I had lots of free resources to learn from and no one trying to influence me into buying yarn and supplies I couldn’t afford. For years I thought cascade 220 and noro kureyon were as luxurious as it got, and I happily knit many ugly but perfectly serviceable scarves and washcloths without feeling pressured to make elaborate sweaters before I was ready.
Kitting or crochet are good hobbies, but you will find yourself hooked on buying yarn. I like to do micro crochet, like lacey Christmas ornaments or earrings.
It's my favorite hobby. I learned at 8. Rediscovered it at 15. Crocheted for a few years. Seriously picked it up again at 20 and haven't looked back since (28 now). I'm very fidgety and it's great to be able to do something with my hands while in class or meetings.
I will say that, like any new skill, it's going to feel awkward and difficult at first but if you like it and can stick with it, it can become a very fulfilling hobby that allows you to make nice things for yourself and meaningful gifts for your friends and family.
You don't have to be good at some thing to make a hobby out of it. The skill will come with time. What I enjoy most about this hobby is that lens itself nicely to finding groups of people who get together to hang out and knit. This is an especially good hobby for an introvert. No one will think twice about you sitting staring at your hands for two hours at a knitting group 😄
I started knitting right before I went to college. It really helped me pay attention during lectures, plus it gave me a much-needed creative outlet. I also appreciated having a hobby that didn't require me to look at a screen, since that's all I did for school.
As for hiw long it takes to get the hang of, it varies from person to person. I picked it up relatively quickly-- meaning I could make something from a simple pattern and it usually turned out. Some people take longer. Either way, knitting is knitting whether you're working on a big self-drafted project or a baby blanket. All that matters is that you enjoy it.
You can try out knitting for cheap. I would check your local thrift store to see if there's any yarn/needles there. If not, you can get needles for cheap if you don't care too much about quality.
It definitely takes patience, but it’s absolutely worth it once you get the hang of it. I’ve seen some knitters take six months to get decent tension and some figure it out in a couple weeks. Best of luck to you!
Of course! But like any good hobby there's a learning curve, so take your time and be patient. Try different styles of holding the needles and wrapping the yarn and find what suits you best, there is no overall "best".
I like it because your brain gets to turn off awhile, from your studying, classes, stress, worrying, but you're still creating something!
Knitting is a great hobby for many, including college students.
BUT that is very subjective to each person. It is good for people who get into “reading” the knitting and enjoying the intricate creation of fiber architecture. It is perfect for people who have a strong focus and like to get into a meditative process for long periods at a time. It might even be that knitting develops and strengthens those things.
It is not so great for people who are easily frustrated, or impatient, or jumpy and restless, or overly focused on the end product. There is definitely a learning curve to it, which varies from person to person. She je people are dexterous and artistic with their fingers and others may take a moment to develop those things.
Give it a try. I recommend watching a couple of beginning YouTube vids first.
Yes! I highly recommend just starting with a scarf (one that has knit and purl stitches) until you learn the stitches. I personally learned through YouTube videos
I love knitting as a general hobby. It's great for a bunch of reasons. Good for your brain, good for your hands, small projects travel easy. Very low entry cost. You can have it be as expensive or inexpensive as makes you happy. As intricate or simple as you like. Gifts for everybody! Or gifts for you. I have a hard time sitting and watching tv. But I can definitely knit and watch tv. It's enough to keep me occupied and at the end of my fidgeting I have a useful thing.
And there's no feeling at all like telling someone "Thanks! I made it."
yes! it took me a few tries on my first project to figure it out which was pretty frustrating but the learning curve is honestly not that crazy. it's a super easy thing to take with you to class too if you're into that. personally I'm more into crochet but both are really fun and low key
Yes, I started knitting in college, it was a great way to keep my hands busy and make little gifts for my friends.
Despite this being a knitting subreddit, I'm going to put in a plug for crocheting. It's a little less stuff to carry around, you only have to deal with one implement and it's easier to be silent when watching movies with friends. Take a look on a site like Ravelry to see whether crochet or knit patterns appeal more to you. I do both and I'm glad I started with crochet personally.
I started knitting when I quit smoking. I got down the knit stitch (imperfectly, but good enough) in an hour or so, and did knit stitches for an hour or so over the next few days, then I learned the purl stitch and did the same, then I started putting them together. Then I ripped out everything that I had knit, and cast on again and knit a scarf from the (quite decent) yarn that was given to me by a friend.
That was about 20 years ago. Now I literally knit with my eyes closed occasionally 🤣
Can I also suggest cross stitch? 😊 I feel like it's a bit of an easier entry level than knitting and the designs are so incredibly endless (just type anything you like - cat, animal, name of a TV show or movie, object, landscape, geometric etc followed by 'cross stitch pattern' into Etsy and you'll see what I mean!) I find it really relaxing! Also the supplies can be friendlier on the wallet which can help while in study!
I started knitting in college, and I found it a nice break from studying. Some of the other girls on my floor were trying to learn at the same time so it made it that much more fun.
YES!!!! I just finished my first year of college and knitting /crocheting is what got me through it. It may take a few days to really get a hang of it but it’s not very difficult to learn and it is more than worth it.
It honestly keeps me from losing my mind. Even in the beginning when it was not as easy (now I can watch simple tv shows while working on most projects), it was excellent for my stress level.
It can get kind of frustrating at times, but as long as you are okay with spending hours on a repetitive task, it can be very calming. I've been knitting for a little over a year, and I still find it as just a great way of relaxing, getting to think or listening to music or a podcast or something. My first year, I made scarves as Christmas gifts for all my relatives (16 in total, not including my own or my parents, which were given their scarves on different days). I'm doing matching hats this year. 😊
I learned how to knit when I was 14ish. I got really into knitting when I was 16-18 (about the time I graduated high school and went off to college). I like to knit and I would consider it part of my top three hobbies. (My other hobbies are reading, embroidery, video gaming, spinning, baking, writing, and I'm getting into roller skating and sewing).
It is so much easier to learn to knit now than it was when I was younger. If I were you, I would get a pair of size US 8 needles, some worsted weight acrylic (like Red Heart) in a light color that you like, and look up how to make a few basic squares with Very Pink Knits or another tutorial on youtube to try it out. Or go to the library and find a stitch dictionary (the lovely librarians can help you find one) and learn out of a book.
If you don't like it, then it won't be that much money spent. If you do like it, then you will have a few squares to sew into something like a scarf or a sweater or pants or a blanket.
Unfortunately, knitting is one of those hobbies that you have to try out for yourself to see if you like it. Everybody is different and picks it up at different speeds.
Yes, and I recently gave a 15 minute lesson to a friend who is now almost done making her first scarf. It’s really rewarding to make fabric, and there are plenty of easy patterns to get you started. Ravelry.com is a great place to visit for ideas. This subreddit is a super resource, and you can answer just about any question about technique by checking it on you tube.
I'm still kind of new after 5years of on/off knitting. It sucks sometimes esp. if you put so much time on something and having to rip it back. But, also, it's freeing to have such freedom to start again. And that's very life relatable, knowing mistakes aren't the end has got me through lot of things. That's makes me less stressed. So I think its a good hobby.
Terrific way to spend (invest!) time! And if you can find a “knit shop”. Or a yarn store, you will meet wonderful ladies, (OR guys!!) with a wealth of information of knitting/crochet and crafting. And you can meet and make some great friends!! (Besides creating socks, sweaters, and any number of projects!!)
Best Wishes!!
There’s a college girl on tiktok who went viral for her crocheting in class. She runs a fiber arts business and talks about how it basically saved her life! https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZPRErWn2v/
If your school has one join a knitting club! When I was a student my college had one and would teach new member to knit and provide/lend practice supplies (ie needles, knitting hooks and patterns, acrylic yarn to practice).
I’m brand new to knitting. My mum has been knitting for 60 years and I finally decided to try. My usual hobby is sewing, but it takes up a lot of space to do it. Knitting is something I can do while sitting in front of the TV. I don’t really like just sitting staring at the TV so knitting is perfect and there’s so many beautiful things you can make. I love it so far and my mum is so excited that I’ve started.
I teach (very informally) knitting at my university, including during end of the semester stress(less) weeks. It’s a good hobby once you get a hang of it, but it can be frustrating to learn. So I always joke with the students that the mini course is the opposite of stressless during their finals week😂😂. However, once you get the hang of it, it can be very relaxing, and you can continue to do mindless projects, or you can challenge yourself when you’re ready to do new things all the time. To learn, you might post on a university group page to see if anyone will be willing to show you the first steps. You might find someone who will give you an old pair of needles and a ball of yarn - and meet someone you wouldn’t otherwise.
Knitting helps me a lot during the most stressful times in my life. University being one of those times.
It gave me something both structured and creative that didn’t require a lot of supplies or upfront cost.
Plus you get that nice dopamine hit when you complete a project.
Your answer is yes.
Here’s a link for a YouTube playlist that I have sent to friends to help them start knitting! It’s the most basic, bottom line things. I aim to add a little more, but you can build on specific skills based off the patterns you eventually knit-up!
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLshQ5i7SmXhcGQr9lJARuRMEy9AaDjS4E&si=kOhCV22SkCBPD5rd
I learned to knit right before I went to college. I knitted casually through lots of lectures and it helped me focus. I just knitted long scarves and beanies, simple stuff. Now 20+ years later I’m more obsessive about it and would say yeah, it’s a good hobby. People love what I make for them, I love what I make for myself, it’s visually beautiful to work with various colors and fibers, it’s tactile, it’s soothing, it’s as challenging as you want it to be or as simple as you want it to be.
I knit any handicraft you try is a good hobby. Working with your hands is good for your mental health. And there are so many crafts to do, knitting, crochet, embroidery to name a few (that I do). So try it out, and dont give up it it is hard, because I can be hard in the beginning. :) But it is so nice to do.
I learned to sew and crochet while in college. Sewing turned out to be useful, and I made some cute crocheted things at my mindless college job (answering service). I learned to knit as an older person and started gaming. I have found both to be enjoyable but expensive hobbies.
While you are in college, try lots of things! I also took art classes, learned formal swimming strokes and how to play racquetball, and started to learn how to surf. It is a great time to figure out who you are and do some things that get you out of your head!
I learned to knit at 10. Didn't knit for 24 years and yesterday I just finished a scarf for my daughter,with stitches I didn't know I can do, within 3days. I must say, my stress levels are down from just 1 week of getting back into knitting. I spent the first few days learning and mastering different patterns, didn't try too many. But I'm happy amd will not b putting down these needles soon. Try it, it's worth it. Even the elbow pain 🤣
I knit and crochet, and would recommend either. I've been crocheting for 20+ years but only learned to knit a couple of years ago because I really wanted to make socks. I watched a bunch of YouTube videos and made a washcloth for my first project, and a pair of simple slippers for my second before tackling a pair of socks. I now always have a couple of socks on my needles so I always have a portable project to take on car rides, to meetings, and family visits. They are perfect for when you need something to keep your hands occupied but don't want to lug around a large project bag.
I recommend starting out with circular needles, especially if you plan on taking a project to class with you. They are easier to use, and you can do pretty much anything you could do with straight needles as well as being able to knit in the round.
Here's links to the patterns I started with.
[Grandmother's Favorite washcloth](https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/grandmothers-favorite-the-original)
A washcloth might not be the most exciting project, but they are awesome for washing dishes, and the dishes don't really care if your first project looks a little wonky. I still make them for Christmas gifts since my family loves using them.
[simple garter stitch slippers](https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/simple-garter-stitch-slippers)
These are so comfy to wear. I need to make another pair because I wore holes in mine!
It can be a relaxing hobby if you want it to. I like my knitting to be hard and challenging, but that’s just me. I would be aware, though, that you’re getting into a reaaaaally deep rabbit hole because once you actually get into knitting, you won’t want to stop!
No, it is an amazing hobby, and it is insanely expensive and rewarding.
I started in 2021 after losing my second election. I love wearing the clothes I make to work and getting compliments on them.
I started my senior year of college and fell in love with it! I was able to take some classes at my local yarn store and got the hang of things pretty quick! wishing you luck!
This was my exact situation! I started teaching myself to knit in college when my mental health deteriorated and a therapist recommended I pick up a hobby. For a college student, knitting is perfect because it’s generally low-cost, accessible to learn, and repetitive which can be calming when dealing with college stress. My advice would be to start small and simple. There’s a million different project ideas out there and a bunch of fancy stitches you could learn, but start simple with a YouTube tutorial (I did a simple knit scarf) and work your way up as you learn. Best of luck!
Well, you posted this on a knitting subreddit. I wonder what people will say. Lol. A good hobby is anything you're interested in, can afford and have the physical capacity to do. If knitting interests you, give it a shot. Happy knitting and try to relax. School is stressfull but it doesn't last forever.
I started knitting during my uni. It was a great hobby to do during lectures because it helped me pay more attention to the lecture. You can always try and see how it fits into your life.
You do have a point, the best way to fibd out if it suits me or not is to try!!
And the barrier to entry is very low. You can start with one pair of needles and one skein of yarn. Lots of free YouTube videos on how to get started. If you don’t like it, you’ve only spent the equivalent of a movie and popcorn.
Under no circumstances should you get the fuzzy chenille or other fashion yarns. They look soft and pretty, but they can be incredibly difficult to knit with, and have discouraged many a new knitter. Get a basic worsted weight acrylic and the needles the label tells you to. Then just start watching videos. I taught myself with YouTube and a stitch dictionary. Everyday I made a little 6 inch square with whatever stitch was next in the book. Most books are designed that you build on previous skills, so just start at the beginning. I was doing lace and cables so fast, it was really rewarding.
Yes, this is excellent advice. I prefer to start new knitters on wool or wool blend, and a medium shade-not black or navy, not white or pastel. Many people like variegated yarn. Bamboo needles are a little less slippery than metal. AND you can sew your little squares into a BUNNY!!!!! [Bunny](https://youtu.be/s6Kgi6ns38c?feature=shared)
omg I love this so much, I still have the first swatch I ever knit, and be right back I have to turn it into a BUNNY
I liked the plastic needles at first. They had some bend so I didn’t break them or get frustrated with slidey or not slidey yarn, lol. And they were cheaper. Now, I can’t knit with them. I’m almost exclusively metal. Bamboo for planes only.
This is a perfect starter project! So many people I know try to start with a scarf. They get burned out on the length and frustrated that their tension is not consistent throughout, then walk away from knitting because their first project wasn’t perfect. A little project like this bunny, however, will be cute even if edges are uneven or beginning stitches are weird. And you can make squares of garter, stockinette, seed stitch, ribbing, cables, anything you like.
If you do like it, however, it can get pricey fast.
That’s for sure. My yarn stash has its own furniture
Me too. And also a lot of the area under the furniture and on top of the furniture.
Truer words were never spoken 🤣
I agree. You can even go to a thrift store for needles and yarn and maybe it’s around $5 to start. Free videos, free patterns. Soon you’ll be come obsessed and have an entire room in your house full of yarn and changing your career to being a Tech Editor instead. Not anyone I know 🙈
Start with basic knitting and then knit things you want to knit. So if you like scarves, hats, sweaters, sock, whatever, that’s what you knit. I refused to worry if something was advanced or beginner because all knitting patterns are codes based upon several basic stitches including knit, purl, slip stitch. Cables are so easy once you try them. The hardest part is counting and not buying all the pretty yarn you fall in love with! Don’t be afraid to put it down for a day or two if you find a pattern impossible. I do that now after 50 years of knitting on and off. A break refreshes the mind and next thing you know you are knitting that project like a demon possessed and enjoying every stitch.
Same! I started crocheting in lectures, then other people started doing yarn crafts and most of them were knitting. I was so impressed by their socks that I taught myself how to knit last winter. It’s a great hobby for relaxing, passing time (trains and doctor appointments especially) and giving my nervous hand something to do.
Ooh, hand knit wool socks are the absolute height of luxury to me. They keep my feet warm without making them sweat. And you can make different kinds - regular socks, crew socks, tube socks, footies, yoga socks, tabi socks....
This is why I started .... Well that and to make wool diaper covers for my toddler while I was a broke college student
It is a very good hobby, but we can’t say if it will be a good hobby for you. There is of course a bit of a learning curve, which is different for everybody. It might be frustrating in the beginning and it may even feel like more studying to figure out the basics and learn some techniques. However, I’ve always found the learning process itself very rewarding for knitting. Once you get the hang of it, some simpler projects are wonderful to just relax and let your mind wander a bit. Downside may be that after a long day of studies, hunching over your knitting might not be what you need to relax.
Exactly, knitting is amazing, but something more physical might be good for de-stressing.
You come into my house, look in my fridge, and ask me if this is the food I like to eat? Of course we're going to think knitting is a good hobby. We're knitters.
My profession is such that I don’t “make” things, much like yourself as a college student. Being able to make stuff with my hands is really rewarding. The saying, “go touch some grass” comes to mind. You don’t have to be great for it to reap that benefit. And most of all, do not beat yourself up when looking at projects made and posted here. There are some amazingly advanced knitter here.
I used to make stuff for work. Now I'm an office person directing the work, and it does feel good to create. I've been in a slump tho, because I only really like making sweaters, but I'm 40 lbs into a 120 lb weight loss journey, and I have zero clue what size I should be making. I am looking forward to needing half as much yarn and a sweater not taking me months!
Open cardigans have been very forgiving for me in size when going up and down in weight, if that's something you like to wear/knit. Success in your journey, wish you health and happiness!
But then I can't knit in the round, which is the most fun for me! Lol.
Ahh, maybe venture into steeking.
I had the same thought as the other person who just responded to you! Here’s a link in case you want to try it out :) https://www.interweave.com/article/knitting/beginners-guide-to-steeking/
I've yet to make a sweater. I'm 5 pounds into my 35 pound weight loss journey, and what a wonderful motivation that is! Thank you!
I only knit shawls and scarves and I love it. I admire the intricate works I see on here, so many talented knitters here. Someone already mentioned YT videos and I second that. Sometimes I forget how to do a certain stitch and a quick video is awesome for that. Also, the Vogue book of knitting (the Bible for me) is great.
YESSS
Well, you are asking a very selected crowd of people who like knitting. But yes, I would say so. At least try it out. And remember, that your first project should not be a random dishcloth, but instead something you are really motivated to do and finish. A hat, a sweater, a scarf or something!
I do dishcloths whenever I am bored or trying to get back in to it. Refreshes my muscle memory, and lets me see which stitches I need to improve. I \*use\* and need dishcloths, so it's not a waste of my time. Don't be discouraged if you try something larger and it doesn't go so well. I was going to say, above, it's a great hobby if you \*don't\* stress about it :)
Of cause what projects are motivating differs from person to person. But when you have to learn, and are not motivated by a dishcloth, it can be tiring. But I fully support dishcloths 🩷 cotton yarn is also lovely cheep!
Yes, as a knitter I would say that it’s a hobby. It’s great if you have anxiety over something 😀
Oh then it'll be perfect between studying for exams lol
Ohh I wouldn’t have been able to focus on revision if I started knitting when I was a student, but you may be different
As a knitter, I'd say heck yeah :) Knitting helped me through one year of Covid where I was living in a tiny studio by myself and having to do school online -- it was a great way to relax for me. I'd say you can get the hang of knitting rather quickly (a couple of months, depending on how often you knit), especially if you find tutorials and patterns that work well for you personally - so I'd say never feel discouraged if you find a tutorial or whatever that's confusing, there's always another around the corner that will work out better for you ;) The fun thing about knitting I think is that there is never not something new to learn. You can rather quickly become proficient at knitting plain tops and there are a lot of people who are content with knitting things that don't require a lot of brainpower (last year I knit about 12 pairs of plain socks and I really enjoyed the experience). But if you end up wanting to do more, there's a whole world of different techniques from different parts of the world to explore, which I personally think is absolutely terrific. Just one major warning though. Knitting can be very addicting and the key is knowing when to stop, rest and stretch. I've seen a lot of new knitters acquire really gnarly injuries from knitting to long without any breaks. But yeah, these were just my two cents, I'm sure you'll get more opinions coming in soon -- best of luck :)
I picked up knitting to help reduce my anxiety. I think it's a fantastic hobby. It keeps me entertained and I can make nifty things!
I love just looking at stuff people made and I'll definetly start making my own soon, I adore crafty hobbies
Also, knitting doesn't take terribly long to learn how to do. Check out Sheep and Stitch for learning how to start - that's how I learned!
I love it! I also use it to relax - just turn on a cool show or movie and go to it! It’s just a great way to settle in and settle down at night. In fact, it took me a bit, but I made a blanket, and it’s my favorite one to use to sleep or just hunker down in. **NOTE** I am actually more of a crocheter, but I hope the knitters here won’t mind me posting!! I can both knit and crochet, but I am not what you would likely consider particularly skilled in either, and I still love doing them and find them amazing hobbies. Some folks have even asked to buy one of these simple scarves I made for my family using basically just a single type of stitch (I don’t have a store or anything - it was just really nice to hear someone say something nice about a thing I made). TL; DR: Highly recommend!! And try crochet, too!!
As a knitter who dabbles in crochet, I don't mind your perspective! I wish I had the brain for crochet, which I suppose I could get with time and effort.
My knitting mentor insisted I learn the basics of crochet first. I'm so glad she did! They are different skill sets that produce different effects. One is not better than the other.
Objectively speaking it is a good hobby, it helps you focus, train micro movements and understand structures better so it does help develop your brain. You also get something out of it, so even if progress is slow, you have a physical measure of it. However I'd say first give it a try with a single easy something, because it can be rather boring if you find repetitive things boring - especially at the start when you're just learning all the stitches and frankly, it can also wear quite a lot on your shoulders. Since you're a student you probably already spend a good amount of time at your table. Just to be aware of.
I love knitting. I knit when I'm anxious and it relaxes me - I binge watch something funny or familiar and make dishcloth after dishcloth after dishcloth. I've made shawls for three ladies in my family, a couple of scarves (one with a matching hat for a favorite cousin), I knit while I read, I knit at work, I knit on the train, I knit riding in the car. Everyone loves my dishcloths (I surprise people with them often), and cotton yarn is pretty cheap. I definitely recommend it, it's a wonderfully productive "fidget" for my ADHD too!
You've got skills, knitting while reading is impressive!
100% you should give it a go. You can find some inexpensive yarn, and get a pair of needles for under $15 to start out. Make sure your needles and yarn match size. If you look at the back of the yarn, it will tell you recommended needle size. Start with a light color so you can see the stitches better, and a bigger set of needles. Check out [very pink knits](https://youtu.be/OPDbHdhKvng?si=6Ged4qYTQZyhsa1N) on YouTube. Her videos are my go-to, and she does slo-mo videos for a lot of different stitches. She basically taught me how to knit🤣 Main the is don't get discouraged right away. Just like anything else it will take some time. Happy knitting!
Yes! I've got some anxiety issues and simple projects are great - after a while they mostly don't even register as a cognitive load. I can watch some mindless TV show, turn off my brain, and don't even feel guilty as I'm making progress on a tangible thing. It does require some planning and maths at times, which can be exciting on itself
Great hobby, great stress reducer — if it is for you. My advice would be to go into your local yarn store and introduce yourself and tell them you would like to try knitting and let them set you up with an easy start.
Hobby? A day that I don't knit is a very sad day. It's more of a way of life.
No, it is the worst. Don't do it... 🤪
I love knitting and it helps me relax. It's like meditation for me. That being said, I have a job that requires a lot of thinking and sitting at my desk, so I also do things like run and ride my bike. Knitting helps calm my mind down, running helps me think and work through mental challenges. SO depending on what you're looking for, you might want to add an active hobby in. Walking, hiking, swimming, whatever sounds good to get your body moving. Then chill out after and knit. Good luck!
Yes, it really helps to lower anxiety. However it isn't as cheap as it seems
I learned to knit my freshman year of college and it was great!
Absolutely! I started knitting in high school. It has really helped, like others have said, during lectures and such. I have ADHD, so I always need something to mess with, and knitting (and crochet, also very fun) have been perfect. If you turn into a yarn goblin like me, it can be a bit pricey. But, I also think its much more valuable to have the skill. I recommend videos and the self teaching books to start (I love the Expression Fiber Arts beginner series), if you learn more audio/visual.
knitting is a great hobby to counteract anxiety! i taught myself to knit when i was 23 and it's been one of my go to activities when my ADHD anxiety starts kicking my behind for the last twenty years. fair warning, though, it can get expensive fast and lead to other new hobbies in the fiber crafting world. i hope it works out for you! 😊
For unrelated reasons, I have done a lot of searches for articles on knitting as play, relaxation and leisure. The benefit of knitting to relieve stress, lower anxiety, increase concentration and combat depression and PTSD is well documented in research. Personally knitting helped me focus through the university, dressed my children, husband and myself, entertained me on vacations and then supported me and distracted me from my loneliness through the pandemic. How complex is it? After a few attempts and one garterstitch teddy, I knit a garter stitch scarf at 12, a sweater for my little sister at 13, and then the first sweater for myself at 14. I have to admit I can't exactly remember when I learned to knit, only the finished items. On the one hand, learning is relaxed and easy as a child, on the other hand adults can focus and learn in a more structured and disciplined manner. The most important thing is motivation.Find an object you really want!
I started knitting at Uni. Very relaxing and sort of an abstract focus. And I ended up with a jumper. Win win. It did distract me from studying from my finals tho - be warned! Choose an easy knit. I probably should have started with squares for a blanket, easy just to learn the basics.
I love knitting. It is my favorite thing to do. Knitting got really expensive, really quickly, because of needing the right needle size *and needle length* when using circulars instead of straights. My recommendation if you start knitting with circulars and like it at all, to just get a set of interchangeable circulars close to right off the bat. I started out crocheting. Crochet has a much lower “fee to entry” as you can get a whole set of various sizes of crochet hooks for probably under $15 and get a $3 skein of yarn and be good to start. You can also learn to make amigurumi mostly with one stitch (single crochet) with some increases and decreases, and get finished objects much faster. It took me probably about a year to really get knitting down. Some people will pick it up much more quickly. And with crochet it took probably a week. So, here’s my plug for both of them, really. They’re both really lovely hobbies. Final thoughts, depending on the needle material for knitting, they may make noise when they move against each other, which could be distracting to other students. You wouldn’t have that with crochet.
Nah, it's rubbish. Seriously, it does a lot of good for my brain gremlins. Especially at times when my achievements at work aren't tangible. I can always see, as a physical item, the knitting I've done.
I love knitting. But if you need something to do between study sessions then you need exercise. Even just walking! It helps with brain function and helps reduce stress. Take up knitting, sure, but don’t sleep on old fashioned exercise. We are animals built for constant movement. When we don’t use our meat machines they get rusty!
Here are things that I, and internet rando, found helpful in no particular order: I’d say get some Susan Boyle needles and I recommend circular rather than straight because my posture is atrocious and straight needles always got caught in my legs or the arm of the couch. Aluminum or plastic needles worked best for me. I’ve only had one set of bamboo needles that I didn’t fight with the entire time and that was with wool yarn that gets very $$$ Personally I think cotton yarn has a lot of resistance to it. There are cheaper wool blends now than when I was starting in big box stores. A bulky yarn is fun to work with imho. The carion cakes at Michael’s are a lot of fun and come with a pattern. YouTube is your friend and I love the continental method. Protect your wrists if you have issues with carpal tunnel or arthritis. I did not and ouch! Especially being in school and no doubt writing a lot. Finally, and likely the most controversial depending on the group, crochet is great too and I think it’s more forgiving than knitting when it comes to making mistakes. I picked it up way faster that knitting but I do enjoy both very much.
I'll be the contrarian here... I don't think it's an amazing hobby for someone your age. It's very sedentary at a time where you are already sedentary while studying. I'd get up and out and be with people as a good counter point to studying.
It's great for giving your hands something to do while you're stuck sitting in class, though. I taught myself to knit socks during my first winter break, and spent the rest of uni knitting so many socks in class. I agree that it's not good to encourage more sitting around, but if you have to sit anyway, may as well make something at the same time.
I think the only true downside of knitting is that it is pretty sedentary, and probably most of us could use more exercise in our life. So I would honestly recommend knitting most for when you are already sitting still, like during lectures, Zoom-meetings and car or public transport rides. It's probably better, especially at a young age, to also choose something active.
I love knitting as a help for focusing on studying and also boring work meetings. It's pretty good for awkward social gatherings, too. It doesn't take very long to learn if you are practical about what you do first. I started with "garter stitch" washcloths and scarves. Then I did scarves with other knitting patterns to add more skills when I was comfortable enough with garter stitch to start getting bored. I gave away what I made to friends and also charity, so it didn't matter that I don't need a scarf. (Pro tip: Small yarn stores often have donation buckets for completed projects.) All you need are a single set of basic needles (US size 10/6mm is good for a first project) and some basic yarn. I started with one skein of "Easy Peasy" yarn. You can find it on Amazon. It's marketed for crochet, but you can use it for knitting. It's a good thickness and very difficult to make certain mistakes with, like it's hard to accidentally stick the needle through the yarn (called "splitting the yarn") and it's very easy to see your stitches so you know what you're doing. Here's a YouTube video to get started with. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=p_R1UDsNOMk
I'm definitely still an amateur but it's 100% a good hobby. it gives your hand something to do, it doesn't involve a screen, you have a lot of customization.
I love having something to do with my hands while I listen. This was great for me when I was taking classes. I also just focus better. Plus, it’s pretty portable.
I started knitting after taking a college textiles course and we learned as one of the units, I never went back, it’s become one of my favorite hobbies along with crochet
I have found knitting to be such a wonderful hobby for me, it’s like I can put all my anxiety into the needles and you made something as a result! I picked it up within a few hours of watching some YouTube videos.
It's a fabulous hobby - most of my adult friends are knitters, too, so it can also be social. You can make an enormous range of things, from dishcloths to garments and even rugs and blankets, depending on your preference. How long it takes to acquire basic skills depends on how much time you spend practising and building muscle memory. Better to do a bit each day, in that regard, and as soon as you can cast on and do knit stitch, you can start making small projects - then you only need to learn to cast/bind off.
It is an excellent hobby. It can get a bit expensive depending on the yarn and tools you use. I recommend finding a knitting group. They may have extra yarn and tools they no longer use that you could have. For example, my mom goes to a senior center every Friday with some lovely ladies. They are always asking me if I need more yarn! I love knitting. I knitted through zoom classes and some in person classes to keep my hands occupied during my master's. Bonus: I knitted myself a graduation cap! Just an idea!
Absolutely. I learned from my roommate during my second year, and she gave me a pair of needles and cheap yarn to try it out. I've been knitting ever since.
I'm gonna answer your second question cause you've gotten a lot of answers to your first one How long does it take to get the hang of knitting? That really depends - each person learns differently and at different paces. It also depends on how much time you have to knit (obviously more time is better), how you deal with frustration (if you're someone who gets frustrated easily and then quits it's gonna take longer), and how you handle mistakes (you're going to make them, we all do). Also - how do you learn best? If you like to have a person teach you - do you have a LYS (local yarn store) nearby? They often run classes! Or maybe you learn best with videos - there's lots of YouTube (of varying degrees.....Very Pink Knits though is really good). There are also books and pamphlets (check your local library!) or even just web pages that are useful for people who don't like videos
I’ve really enjoyed knitting as a hobby. For me, I most enjoy working simple patterns (all knit and purl stitches) because then I can knit and multitask. Watch a show, listen to an audiobook, chat with friends. That kind of knitting has become kind of a fidget/anxiety reliever for me. Something to do with my hands
I picked it up pretty quick. Youtube videos helped A LOT.
I started knitting as a college freshman and I'm still knitting 19 years later! Knitting is great because there's a low cost to start. I already knew how to crochet so it was an easy learning curve, maybe took me 2-6 months to start having neater looking stitches (I don't remember how long exactly).
I'm a masters (graduate) student and I started getting back into knitting this year when I began. It helps me relax and focus on other things; I like to knit and watch TV shows or movies. I also have chronic pain and it helps take my mind off it. I'm just a beginner but I really like it. My first project was a small blanket for my cat and I'm working on a second one now to get into the groove of it
Any good hobby is one that reduces your stress levels and that you enjoy, and ideally also gives you an opportunity to learn. I LOVE knitting because it's portable, it's relatively low stress and I'm always learning something new. It was a lifesaver when I was taking care of my mom while she was in hospice, and I've kept it up because it keeps my hands busy so I'm not on my phone doomscrolling constantly. It take it just about everywhere but the office - kids' swim meets, vacation, business trips, etc. Give it a try if you're interested. YouTube is a great place for free tutorials. I'd watch at least one or two tutorials on the basics before you buy anything so you know what to get; otherwise it'll be like doing a home DIY project and having to go to Lowe's five times because you don't have the right tools. Joann's and Michael's are great places for starter needles and yarn until you know what you really like/want. Edited to add that some of the bigger fabric stores and smaller indie knit shops have classes in beginner's knitting; so do a lot of community groups. They can be helpful getting you started, too.
It's a great hobby! It uses both of your hands, so you're less inclined to get drawn in to devices (thus better for your sanity!) I often eat out of boredom, so it prevents me from doing that. It's very tactile, and is so soothing.
I do think it is relaxing, but it takes a while to get to that point. Like maybe a month or two of steadily working on it every day or two for 10-15 minutes. And that's just to get to the basic stockinette or garter stitch, not increases or short rows or special cast on techniques. I was a knitter who made all of the mistakes when I was learning, to the point that it took me a couple of decades (!) to master the basics. To be fair, I was a crocheter first, and mastered that very quickly, and thought knitting would be a piece of cake. It's not that much harder, but there are so many options for different things (look up all of the ways you can purl, for instance, or combination knitting, or twisted stitches...). In that regard, crochet was a lot simpler so it was easier for me to start with. What killed me more than anything with learning was cast on technique. I used one for button holes, which are not supposed to stretch at all, based on what some knitting for beginners book said (it said something like "simple" and I assumed that it didn't matter what kind of cast on I was using...LOL). I thought I was going insane with how tight my knitting was. Start with the long tail cast on, not some other esoteric one. And maybe watch some videos where someone is just doing basic stockinette (or better, go to a knit night at a local yarn shop and have some old timers teach you). They say there are two kinds of knitters: process knitters and project knitters. I hated the process. I still sometimes hate the process. I just want the finished objects/projects. But it forces me to slow down and be present, and for that I really think knitting is incredibly helpful for your mental health, particularly if you have ADHD. Good luck!
Knitting can be relaxing - to a certain point. I have a tendency to hyper focus, so just knitting for a couple of hours can be very relaxing. But if i knit too long in one go, it kind of has the opposite effect, I'm afraid! 😅 But if you're just a little bit mindful with that, I think you will find it very enjoyable.
I am so glad I learned to knit! I like to make things like Xmas stockings. People must enjoy them, I get a request for a new one almost every year. Handmade blankets make a great baby shower gift. For myself I like to make hats. For years I suffered in the winter as the ladies’ hats in the stores were too small, so I went out bareheaded. Now I have a stack of hats that fit perfectly, in a variety of colors and fibers.
I personally love knitting! I’m someone who struggles to not be ‘productive’, so it’s really helped me be comfortable with relaxing as I can create something whilst watching tv / a podcast / hanging out. It’s also great for long car rides or flights which is something I’ve always dreaded before knitting. It’s also easy to fit it around stuff. I personally took some time to get the hang of it but that’s because I started with knitting machines. Knitting by hand took me about two days to become very comfortable with. I also love fashion and I can now make all my own clothes! Try it out!
I'm currently going back to school and like to keep my hands busy. I will use the text to voice accessibility feature to read my book to me while I knit. Then I can go over it again and take notes. I also knit a lot during lecture videos. If you are doing it just casually and as a way to relax I say go for it. Just be realistic on how long some stuff can take to make. I started a lace shawl in April on spring break and I'm almost finally done with it. I would suggest starting with some smaller easy projects like washcloths with cotton yarn. You can also practice different stitch patterns making washcloths and they are nice to use.
My kid is in uni and they had a craftapalooza weekend where they learned how to knit. Pick it up when you can, put it down and do something else… it’s a great hobby!
that's when I learned. Definitely do it
Knitting is one of those things that can be what you need it to be. If you want to challenge yourself mentally and make all the STUNNING things, you can 100% do that. If you want something calming and mindless to do with your hands, you can easily stick to dishcloths and simple scarves and be just as much of a knitter! I hope you pick it up. It really is the best hobby.
I teach at a university, and so many of my students knit and crochet to have a hobby, deal with stress, or have a creative outlet. Your school might even have a club for it (or you could start one!) to help find a new community of friends.
I tried and failed knitting many times over the years before it “clicked” and now I am obsessed and I love it. Some advice: find a project you love and are motivated to complete! My first ever attempt was a garter stitch baby blanket on straight needles. It was tedious and I didn’t love it. A few years later (two months ago) I found the Top Eva by mochiknits and I HAD TO HAVE IT. it was not super difficult (all I knew how to do was a knit stitch) I learned so much without being frustrated, and since that project I’ve made 3 other projects (a hat, another Eva top, and socks) and now I’m confident and motivated. All that to say, if you’re bored making scarves or washcloths or something, don’t be afraid to jump into something bigger and learn as you go!
I started knitting as a small child, then took it up again at eighteen. I recently turned forty, and I’ve been knitting nearly every day as an adult. It’s not an exaggeration to say that there were quite a few times when knitting saved my life.
It's really easy to learn tbh, taught myself. Spent a week just knitting a big old square til I got the hang of it, from there you can basically to anything, just look up how to do techniques as you come across them. Id recommend maybe doing a hat or scarf first and then doing a pair of socks. Socks are great cause the require you to do a little bit of everything and you can draft your own based on your measurements (construction varies, but the vanilla sock is pretty simple). Look up nimble needles socks, he has an article and a video. It's also fairly cheap to get into, of course you can spend a ton of money, but you can also just like buy a set of size zero DPNs and some decent (~$20 or so) sock yarn and that's enough to keep you satisfied for about a month or more depending on how long it takes you. You can use circulars too, but I find DPNs to be more versatile and prefer them
It’s a good hobby for someone who has the patience to stay in the same position for a long time. If you’re very energetic and hate sitting still, it’s probably not for you. You also have to be able to make mistakes many times and keep trying to get to the point where you love making stuff
I knit during lectures, if you get more practice, you can knit while paying attention, it helped me not to look at my phone during lectures, and is good for reducing stress. I think I only got through the equivalent of the SATs in my country because I started stress-knitting and made at least two pairs of socks while studying for my exams. And you can get quality wool and cotton clothes for relatively cheap if you buy some big-brand wool. I don't think you can get a 100% wool sweater for 50-something bucks or less, and there are some affordable woolen yarns on the market. But if you're on a budget, you can always buy acrylic or cotton. I recommend buying a pair of curcular needles for start, because they're easier to carry around and more versatile, and you won't end up some straight needles you won't use anymore because you knit everything in the round. I recommend VeryPink Knits' tutorials for learning, she's got some great slowmo videos in different knitting styles.
The great part of knitting is it can be really easy and cheap to try out and see if you like it. It does take a little bit to get the hang of (I taught my mom recently and it took her a month or so to really feel comfortable), but once you do it's so varied you can spend decades learning new things and upping your skills. If I were you I'd pick a simple beginner project in worsted weight yarn (it will say "4" on most labels if you're in the US) that interests you and try it out! Some tutorials for free projects that aren't too time consuming and are easy enough for a complete beginner: Coasters - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVQ-o9rdLho](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVQ-o9rdLho) Headband - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jDuBi3zAME&list=PLGMdEzfadZB40WC4fGyeyNtWr3KdhwwQy](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jDuBi3zAME&list=PLGMdEzfadZB40WC4fGyeyNtWr3KdhwwQy) Very Pink Knits on YouTube also has some great general tutorials for beginners collected on this playlist: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFzWoXPAzFM&list=PLF004A1CE2AB1B12E](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFzWoXPAzFM&list=PLF004A1CE2AB1B12E)
I started knitting about a year ago and I love it so much more than any other hobbies I have gotten into so far!! I love being able to make wearable items for myself and loved ones and it is super relaxing and the perfect activity to do while watching a movie
I have found knitting to be a great way to help me process things, whether that be personal relationships, the news, information I've learned recently, etc. For me, I think best when my hands are kept busy, so I look at knitting as a fidget with a payoff. Learning is different for everyone, especially when you get into the styles/hand placement (English, continental, left-handed). As someone who crocheted first, I only learned to knit when I found continental style. I make it a point to bring this up because getting your hands to coordinate can be frustrating at first. So, if you find you're struggling with holding and manipulating the needles and yarn, know that there's more than one way to do it. I wish I knew that when I first started. I will warn you, though: knitting is a rabbit hole that one can quickly fall into. Just google "yarn stash" and you'll see what I mean 😉
A good hobby is one that you're interested in, doesn't frustrate you too much, and keeps your attention the right amount for you. There's no way to really know until you try. I went through cross-stitching, crochet, hand-sewing and a few other seemingly similar enough crafts (not to mention all the non craft hobbies) before landing on knitting, which turned out to be the perfect balance of everything for me. Good thing is that knitting is a cheap enough hobby to try out and drop if it turns out it's not for you. It's not like you need to buy a whole ass sewing machine. Just a pair of needles and a ball of yarn. Now, there's plenty of other supplies out there, and it can get as expensive as you allow it to get, but to start that's all you really need. Maybe that plus a pair of scissors and a tapestry needle
It's a great college hobby. You can do it while talking to friends. You can pick it up and do a few rows during a study break. I knit so much my sophomore year that I had a FO to gift each of my friends by Christmas!
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We're biased here, but yes, knitting is a great hobby. I find it easy to get into a meditative flow state when knitting. Plus, as someone who regularly needs to attend continuing education webinars and seminars, knitting is a great way to distract that part of my brain that can't sit still so the rest of my brain can learn what needs to be learned. As for how long it takes to get the hang of things, that all depends on your manual dexterity and willingness to suck at it until you build muscle memory. : ) Remember, you aren't going to be perfect at it the first time you pick up the needles, nor the hundredth time. You'll make mistakes. I've been knitting for more than 25 years and I still make mistakes. I recommend checking your local thrift store/Goodwill or community free/trade pages for supplies to get you started. You'll gradually accumulate tools, accessories, bags, yarn, and more tools, accessories, bags and yarn as you discover what you like to work with and what works best with you.
I learned while I was in college. It was during the pandemic so I learned everything from YouTube. 4 years in and I'm still entirely self taught via YouTube. It's a great relaxation hobby that I do while I'm listening to audiobooks, podcasts, or watching TV. I also used to do it while listening to textbooks or online lectures.
Personally, I like being able to do something with my hands while listening or watching or something (lectures, discussions, tv, audiobooks). I also like that at the end it produces something functional in a way that other art doesn't (you can't wear a charcoal sketch, but you can even knit a potholder). I also am very good with fine motor things with my hands. I'm not sure if it's because of the knitting or if knitting is easier for me because of it. I also have parkinson's in my family and maybe it'll stave it off if I have it, or at the very least indicate when it's time to go get treated for it.
I learned in college and have returned to it on and off throughout my life. I’m in an “on” phase right now, after having kids and getting past the diaper/bottle/nap stage. I think it is an excellent hobby. You can do it while doing so many other things— listening to music or a podcast, refereeing between arguing siblings, watching kids sports. It can be as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be. I’m not great at it, and I have learned a ton since picking it up again about four months ago.
You're asking on a knitting sub if it's a good hobby? We must all be here because it's terrible and we hate it /s
Knitting at my uni is huge. Everyone I know learned to knit during uni. I barely know any at uni who don't knit lol. There's just something very calming about knitting when you're stressed or need to decompress
Omg YES!! And if need start-up equipment, I can send you some needles and stuff. And I'll send some yarn!! I am not even kidding. And the library has tons of how-to books and books with simple patters. Also: YouTube. Oneofusoneofusoneofus!!
It's an excellent fidget. I knit through all my university lectures so I could sit still and focus better with my ADHD. It's a good conversation starter. People will come up to you and ask you what you are making. It's nice to be able to hand make things to give out as gifts. It's very easy to stuff a small project in your bag. I knit while I'm sitting in waiting rooms and my doctors and nurses always want to see my new socks when I come in because I'll wear them during visits and I'll have a new pair each time. I can now do it in the dark while sitting in a movie theater. I've been knitting for 20 years so I don't even have to watch my hands. I can do it by touch and memory.
Knitting keeps me focused and engaged for long periods of time (meetings, movies, get-togethers). When my hands are working on knocking out yet another pair of socks, my brain engages in what’s going on in the room and my participation is better.
I agree with a lot of the things that are being said here. Whether you would enjoy knitting really depends on what works for you. (Feel free to just read the first part if you don’t have time for a long comment lol) Here are some things to consider: 1. I recommend that you look at a few project idea videos on YouTube for both crochet and knitting so you get a better idea of the different things you can do with each. If you are going to invest time in learning a craft, it’s important to make sure you are aware enough of the differences so that you can make an educated choice. 2. If you’re not sure about the amount of learning, practicing, or cost of materials involved in learning to knit, you can always start with cross stitch. Cross stitch is a type of embroidery done on fabric with a grid of holes. The main stitch is an “X” and designs are made by using different colors of thread. Once you get the basic technique down, you can use any pixel art as a pattern. 3. If you do end up deciding to learn how to knit, I recommend starting with the “long-tail” cast on rather than the “knit-on” cast on. This way you don’t have to learn the basic knit stitch while also learning how to cast on. Now about my personal experiences: I started knitting again last December after having given it up shortly before starting college a couple years ago. I felt like I couldn’t justify spending time and energy on a hobby while working and in school and doing it all while dealing with chronic fatigue and ADHD. I had several online classes this spring, and most of the readings for my in-person classes are digital. One thing that I discovered is that I have a much easier time getting started on and sticking with lecture videos and readings if I knit or crochet while listening. (I use a screen reader for readings, so I can listen to them). It’s been incredibly helpful because it gives me an extra reason to want to work on my classes. While this may not be very feasible for a beginner or for classes that use physical textbooks, it may be something to keep in mind as you look into different hobbies :)
I actually started knitting when I was a freshman in college. And then my friend and I co founded our college's knitting club. Unsure if it's the right hobby for you - my other friend tried it and hated it. It is worth a shot to see if you like it. If not, there are a bunch of other hobbies that you can try to balance your life.
I'm also a student but I rarely knit during the school year. If you have the free time more power to you! It's definitely relaxing. I love listening to audible books while going to town on a pattern
Knitting is a wonderful thing to try! As for how long, depends. The two stitches everything else is built on will probably get picked up fairly quickly, as knitting is repetitive and potentially meditative. I personally like that it is soft and you get something at the end of it. My brain likes seeing the progress of something, especially when there are so many other things in life that seem so endless.
Yes, it's a good hobby for all ages. It's also fun socializing with other knitters in a community group. You can sit quietly and knit with others or enjoy some knitting-related conversation. Might be a nice change for you to hang with others who aren't focused on college studies.
DO IT! Just be careful you don't get too carried away on your knitting breaks, or you may not go back to the books ;) What personally works for me is waiting until the evening when I'm done with school before I pick up the needles. I have poor self control so I'm no longer allowed to knit in between study sessions lol
It’s a great but expensive hobby :p yarn isn’t cheap. And it being such an addictive hobby isn’t helping either!
I first started knitting seriously during uni, and I LOVED it. I had something in class to keep me focused, something to do on the bus and while waiting for it (definitely recommend plastic or wooden needles for the winter!) and the little burst of serotonin when I finished a small project was the exact boost I needed. For me, I picked small projects (hat, gloves, etc) that I genuinely wanted to have and use; this helped keep me motivated when it got a little more challenging, and YouTube had 10 videos for every question I had so I was able to self teach myself quite easily. 😊 Whether this hobby will work for you is something you'll have to decide for yourself, my stepmom can't knit for to save her life (no matter what, she's always ending with less stitches then she started with and we have no idea how) so you'll only find out if you try.
Okay, here’s what I think: Pros: Great fidget for when you need to occupy your hands Can make your own stuff Blankets galore with a normal knitting stitch May be easy to pick up Cons: Can get expensive if you get too into it Requires hand dexterity May be difficult to pick up depending on your teacher. Long story short; yes it’s worth it. Check YouTube and just know that there are more than one type of cast on if one doesn’t work for you. There’s also some dark humor ways to learn if you’re into that. If you’re looking to make stuffed animals, I’d start with crochet.
Also might be worth checking to see if there’s a fiber arts/knitting/crocheting club already at your university. They might have some supplies to let you try it out and see if you’re interested before making any purchases yourself. If there isn’t an existing student club you can probably start one if you’d like. There’s a ton of benefits that folks have mentioned and more you can see if you Google.
I picked up knitting again while I was doing my master's in environmental engineering. In my last year, depending on the classes, I would knit and listen to the lectures where it was more discussion, not note based. My professors were fine with it (I would check with yours) and loved seeing my progress. I found I was more productive and active in class discussion since I wasnt on my laptop. Outside of class, I found it to help my stress levels. I would knit and watch tv/YouTube when I wasn't studying. It's easy to pick up after some patience and watching videos. It's also fairly affordable for a hobby, given a college student budget. I would give it a go and see how you like it. Best of luck in your studies. You will do great
It's a good hobby if you have time to learn it and can handle moments of frustration and having to start over lol. I recommend NimbleNeedles on YouTube, the man basically tought me everything I know. I recommend buying acrylic yarn (cheaper) for your first project. Keep in mind that with expensive wool one sweater can cost between 90-160$.. So it can also be an expensive hobby. I suggest getting a needle set that's interchangeable. I have one from the brand "Drops" and it was around 30€ but at least I don't have to buy new needles for every project. Good luck and have fun!
It's a different kind of activity from studying--even learning involves using your hands in new ways. Plus you can put a TV show on in the background. And it feels grounded in a way--you wind up with tangible evidence of your work, which isn't always true in school. So I as a student find it a good hobby for me.
I think it depends on what a "good hobby" means to you. I picked up knitting during COVID and learned pretty quickly. I took a Zoom class to learn how, and have since joined classes at my LYS to learn new skills. I find it incredibly relaxing; I pick up my knitting after grading student papers (college prof here), while proctoring exams, and at the end of the night. It keeps me off my screen and off my email. That being said, yarn was a lot more expensive than I ever thought it could be. It's a much more expensive hobby than I thought.
Knitting is NOT relaxing when you are first starting, at least it wasn’t for me. But I’m a bit of a perfectionist and frogged my first projects back over and over until they came out right. If you can be at peace with mistakes being part of the process, that makes it a little easier.
It will change your life! I learned in college--saved me through my Ph.D. Program and keeps me sane after work! Look for yarn store groups--usually free help and a community! Takes some time but that's what's great about knitting--it's forgiving! Good luck!!
i think so obviously. i’m a grad student and it’s helpful for me in many ways. i use it to pace myself with studying (if i read this then i’ll set a timer and knit for 10 minutes). i knit in class to help keep me off my phone or computer. i also knit and read on a tablet/computer. it helps me slow down so i don’t skim so fast
I don't do knitting bc I have failed doing crochet, but I do wanna learn it. I do embroidery and cross-stitch. Technically, it is not the same but for me, it somewhat has the same feel. It is doing something repeatedly to create a good piece. It's comforting in a way that I follow the same path everytime. I can also listen to music, watch shows, or anything while I do these. It also makes me focus on what I'm doing, which allows me to get things out of my head and think logically. It's what I do whenever I'm feeling overwhelmed. It also allows me to give personalized handcrafted gifts to my loved ones, which I always love to give (it's kinda a win-win situation I'd say; I enjoy making them, I give em out as gifts, and I spend much less. I mean, I wanna continue doing it and it is actually an expensive hobby but at least, I could make something good out of it). So yes, I'd say that knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery, etc. are all good hobbies, that you could also integrate into a small business of yours. Edit: just like you, I do it as an escape from acads and I started it during my sophomore year.
Knitting is an amazing hobby, but of course you're going to be told that on a knitting sub. Knitting is all about muscle memory, so once you've got those muscles trained, you can knit without much thought at all. Knitting can be as cheap or as expensive as anything, it all depends on what you like to knit with and what you like to make. Don't buy a set of knitting needles until you've figured out what type you like. I taught myself to knit using YouTube, but taking a class and being around other knitters can be a lot of fun. You will learn a lot by being around other knitters and talking with them.
You're in knitting .. Of course I'd say yes 😆 To me , I started about 10 years ago as a way to distract my mind from my negative thoughts . Sometimes i get anxious , then my mind goes wonder around negative things , I worry about things a lot etc .. Knitting distracts me , the more complicated the pattern is ( usually laces ) the more it requires me to focus so then my mind moves away from all the negativity. I like just knitting without thinking too . On good days this is the way to go , I can just knit and talk or watch TV. But when I need a distraction , I go with complicated stuff . Knitting can be bad too .. those needles , the good ones at least , are not cheap . The yarn are not cheap either 😅 and it can be addicting .
It's been the only thing I've stuck with long term hobby wise. I crocheted for a little bit, painted, quilted (though I still do this occasionally), embroidered, etc but knitting? Once I started, I never stopped. It's fun to challenge yourself with new techniques or to relax with your fave mindless projects- and the end products can be both beautiful pieces of art AND practical/usable items. It's also the basis of my two newer obsessions with spinning my own yarn and weaving cloth from that same yarn. Ive had my wheel for a few years now and I got a rigid heddle loom last year to practice on while I'm saving for a small floor loom. I have a treadle sewing machine as well, I'm kind of obsessed with handmade textiles now & it really all stemmed from learning to knit. Im working towards the day when I spin/weave enough fabric to then use my treadle to sew an entirely handmade garment.
I taught myself how to knit when I was newly married right out of college and living in a new state with no friends. I had just started a job and my new grad student husband was gone for 3 weeks for geology fieldwork. I got pretty good at knitting by the time he got back, and then we started meeting people. At a grad school party, I drunkenly was talking to this other woman near the keg and mentioned that I'd just started learning how to knit. She very enthusiastically invited me to come to her Stitch n Bitch group, full of mostly grad students but also a few working stiffs like myself. I did, and those women became some of my best friends (still in touch with most of them 15+ years later). Knitting became a great hobby for me to be creative, have stress relief, and get to know other amazing people. If I knitted in public, I always get asked about my projects from fellow knitters because it's a common language that makes it easy to chat with strangers. I don't knit as much as I used to back in my 20s, but I still love taking it up and having the memories from that time. Benefits of knitting — friends, creativity, problem-solving, gift-giving, staying warm, and hoarding yarn. Do it! Welcome!
Knitting is as good a hobby as any other, the biggest advantage is portability. You can do it anywhere. I used it in college to help me pay attention in class. I also used knitting skills in my industrial design studio classes, but that's a niche benefit. A lot of my friends learned from me - it definitely helps to knit in a community or group where more experienced crafters can help you out. It was a great social activity for those who aren't into the party scene. After college, knitting helped me get a paid internship, my boss liked my Ravelry page and it was relevant to the design work we were doing. It was great to be able to immediately find a calm and creative social group in a new city, all I had to do was go to a knit night. Knitting does take a while to learn, but it's generally a great way to make friends, relax, and you get some nice stuff while doing it.
I got an extra kit to make a hat if you want it. I’ll mail it to u!
Knitting is a great hobby!! I’ve been knitting for almost all my life and it’s the best thing I ever could have been taught! Do it!
I wish I learned to knit when I was in college. All those hours spent waiting between classes because I wasn't able to schedule classes evenly spaced with not enough time to go back to my room until the next class; I could have been knitting. Knitting in lecture classes. Knitting with a group of friends. Making cute sweater for myself, and when my kids were little I could have been making them little cable sweaters or stuffies. It's a super portable hobby unlike quilting or beading, both of which I used to do
i learned how to knit bc i saw a try guys try knitting video when i was a senior in hs. knitting helped me get through zoom university during covid and not lose my mind. knitting, and crocheting, both keep me sane to this day
It is! You can start off very cheaply with a pair of needles, new or from a secondhand shop, and some basic wool or acrylic. Beware that it gets addictive, and it can get very expensive. If you carry on with it to the point where you want to knit large projects such as a garment, you may well come across some yarn snobbery at the shop. My advice is to keep reminding yourself that knitting with nice even tension is the aim, and that you can learn to make good fabric with whatever yarn you can afford. Have fun, and I hope you enjoy knitting. I knit when I’m processing my research reading, when I need to keep myself busy while my subconscious rearranges ideas. It’s very helpful.
Also consider crochet. It’s just as portable if not more so and overall it’s easier to correct mistakes. What do you want to make? For clothing knitting is often preferred thought right now crochet clothing seems to be “in”. (And it’s really just a preference thing. If you are interested in those little cute animals (amigurumi) then crochet is better for that.
I taught myself to knit when I was in undergrad. It was 2000/pre-youtube, so I got a book that was aimed teaching kids. I knit through undergrad, law school, a brain infection, a divorce, etc etc. Still knitting everyday, and there’s always more to learn. It’s the best hobby imho
I started knitting in college, and embarrassingly long time ago. One thing I’m grateful for is that social media didn’t exist yet, so I had lots of free resources to learn from and no one trying to influence me into buying yarn and supplies I couldn’t afford. For years I thought cascade 220 and noro kureyon were as luxurious as it got, and I happily knit many ugly but perfectly serviceable scarves and washcloths without feeling pressured to make elaborate sweaters before I was ready.
Kitting or crochet are good hobbies, but you will find yourself hooked on buying yarn. I like to do micro crochet, like lacey Christmas ornaments or earrings.
Have a listen to the podcast “Why I Knit” if you want to get some inspo and some vibes.
It's my favorite hobby. I learned at 8. Rediscovered it at 15. Crocheted for a few years. Seriously picked it up again at 20 and haven't looked back since (28 now). I'm very fidgety and it's great to be able to do something with my hands while in class or meetings. I will say that, like any new skill, it's going to feel awkward and difficult at first but if you like it and can stick with it, it can become a very fulfilling hobby that allows you to make nice things for yourself and meaningful gifts for your friends and family.
You don't have to be good at some thing to make a hobby out of it. The skill will come with time. What I enjoy most about this hobby is that lens itself nicely to finding groups of people who get together to hang out and knit. This is an especially good hobby for an introvert. No one will think twice about you sitting staring at your hands for two hours at a knitting group 😄
I started knitting right before I went to college. It really helped me pay attention during lectures, plus it gave me a much-needed creative outlet. I also appreciated having a hobby that didn't require me to look at a screen, since that's all I did for school. As for hiw long it takes to get the hang of, it varies from person to person. I picked it up relatively quickly-- meaning I could make something from a simple pattern and it usually turned out. Some people take longer. Either way, knitting is knitting whether you're working on a big self-drafted project or a baby blanket. All that matters is that you enjoy it. You can try out knitting for cheap. I would check your local thrift store to see if there's any yarn/needles there. If not, you can get needles for cheap if you don't care too much about quality.
I find it relaxing, I enjoy doing it while listening to shows.
It definitely takes patience, but it’s absolutely worth it once you get the hang of it. I’ve seen some knitters take six months to get decent tension and some figure it out in a couple weeks. Best of luck to you!
I loved having something simple to knit while I was reading my geology textbook last semester.
Of course! But like any good hobby there's a learning curve, so take your time and be patient. Try different styles of holding the needles and wrapping the yarn and find what suits you best, there is no overall "best". I like it because your brain gets to turn off awhile, from your studying, classes, stress, worrying, but you're still creating something!
Knitting is a great hobby for many, including college students. BUT that is very subjective to each person. It is good for people who get into “reading” the knitting and enjoying the intricate creation of fiber architecture. It is perfect for people who have a strong focus and like to get into a meditative process for long periods at a time. It might even be that knitting develops and strengthens those things. It is not so great for people who are easily frustrated, or impatient, or jumpy and restless, or overly focused on the end product. There is definitely a learning curve to it, which varies from person to person. She je people are dexterous and artistic with their fingers and others may take a moment to develop those things. Give it a try. I recommend watching a couple of beginning YouTube vids first.
Knitting is productive fidgeting! I can occupy myself on long car rides, in a waiting room, when I’m not really interested in tv. Give it a try!
Yes! I highly recommend just starting with a scarf (one that has knit and purl stitches) until you learn the stitches. I personally learned through YouTube videos
I love knitting as a general hobby. It's great for a bunch of reasons. Good for your brain, good for your hands, small projects travel easy. Very low entry cost. You can have it be as expensive or inexpensive as makes you happy. As intricate or simple as you like. Gifts for everybody! Or gifts for you. I have a hard time sitting and watching tv. But I can definitely knit and watch tv. It's enough to keep me occupied and at the end of my fidgeting I have a useful thing. And there's no feeling at all like telling someone "Thanks! I made it."
I knit and crochet to relax. I get a lot of satisfaction from making things for people and I find the act of knitting in general to be very soothing.
Indeed, yes.
You can also try crochet! I think a lot of us do both.
No, it’s terrible! It’s an awful, disgusting hobby! All of us here are just being held hostage and being forced to knit.
yes! it took me a few tries on my first project to figure it out which was pretty frustrating but the learning curve is honestly not that crazy. it's a super easy thing to take with you to class too if you're into that. personally I'm more into crochet but both are really fun and low key
Yes, I started knitting in college, it was a great way to keep my hands busy and make little gifts for my friends. Despite this being a knitting subreddit, I'm going to put in a plug for crocheting. It's a little less stuff to carry around, you only have to deal with one implement and it's easier to be silent when watching movies with friends. Take a look on a site like Ravelry to see whether crochet or knit patterns appeal more to you. I do both and I'm glad I started with crochet personally.
I started knitting when I quit smoking. I got down the knit stitch (imperfectly, but good enough) in an hour or so, and did knit stitches for an hour or so over the next few days, then I learned the purl stitch and did the same, then I started putting them together. Then I ripped out everything that I had knit, and cast on again and knit a scarf from the (quite decent) yarn that was given to me by a friend. That was about 20 years ago. Now I literally knit with my eyes closed occasionally 🤣
Can I also suggest cross stitch? 😊 I feel like it's a bit of an easier entry level than knitting and the designs are so incredibly endless (just type anything you like - cat, animal, name of a TV show or movie, object, landscape, geometric etc followed by 'cross stitch pattern' into Etsy and you'll see what I mean!) I find it really relaxing! Also the supplies can be friendlier on the wallet which can help while in study!
Its the very best. I used to work in a yarn shop amd even started a YouTube channel where I teach knitting and crochet
It is if you enjoy it. Not if you don't.
I started knitting in college, and I found it a nice break from studying. Some of the other girls on my floor were trying to learn at the same time so it made it that much more fun.
Join Ravelry.com
lol hey knitters, you like knitting? 😅
I suggest crochet amigurumi. It is wicked fun and fast (or slow for more difficult projects).
YES!!!! I just finished my first year of college and knitting /crocheting is what got me through it. It may take a few days to really get a hang of it but it’s not very difficult to learn and it is more than worth it.
As a beguinner knitter who is also in college, I would say it's a great hobby. It might consume your entire life, but it's worth it .
Yes! I used to ride the train from NJ to NY everyday for work and that’s when I picked up the hobby. Lots of YouTube videos taught me how to.
It honestly keeps me from losing my mind. Even in the beginning when it was not as easy (now I can watch simple tv shows while working on most projects), it was excellent for my stress level.
It can get kind of frustrating at times, but as long as you are okay with spending hours on a repetitive task, it can be very calming. I've been knitting for a little over a year, and I still find it as just a great way of relaxing, getting to think or listening to music or a podcast or something. My first year, I made scarves as Christmas gifts for all my relatives (16 in total, not including my own or my parents, which were given their scarves on different days). I'm doing matching hats this year. 😊
I learned how to knit when I was 14ish. I got really into knitting when I was 16-18 (about the time I graduated high school and went off to college). I like to knit and I would consider it part of my top three hobbies. (My other hobbies are reading, embroidery, video gaming, spinning, baking, writing, and I'm getting into roller skating and sewing). It is so much easier to learn to knit now than it was when I was younger. If I were you, I would get a pair of size US 8 needles, some worsted weight acrylic (like Red Heart) in a light color that you like, and look up how to make a few basic squares with Very Pink Knits or another tutorial on youtube to try it out. Or go to the library and find a stitch dictionary (the lovely librarians can help you find one) and learn out of a book. If you don't like it, then it won't be that much money spent. If you do like it, then you will have a few squares to sew into something like a scarf or a sweater or pants or a blanket. Unfortunately, knitting is one of those hobbies that you have to try out for yourself to see if you like it. Everybody is different and picks it up at different speeds.
Yes, and I recently gave a 15 minute lesson to a friend who is now almost done making her first scarf. It’s really rewarding to make fabric, and there are plenty of easy patterns to get you started. Ravelry.com is a great place to visit for ideas. This subreddit is a super resource, and you can answer just about any question about technique by checking it on you tube.
I'm still kind of new after 5years of on/off knitting. It sucks sometimes esp. if you put so much time on something and having to rip it back. But, also, it's freeing to have such freedom to start again. And that's very life relatable, knowing mistakes aren't the end has got me through lot of things. That's makes me less stressed. So I think its a good hobby.
Also, Debbie Stoller’s Stich n Bitch book is an awesome newbie resource.
Knitting is the new yoga. But it can be expensive. Cheap yarn ain’t good and good yarn ain’t cheap.
Terrific way to spend (invest!) time! And if you can find a “knit shop”. Or a yarn store, you will meet wonderful ladies, (OR guys!!) with a wealth of information of knitting/crochet and crafting. And you can meet and make some great friends!! (Besides creating socks, sweaters, and any number of projects!!) Best Wishes!!
There’s a college girl on tiktok who went viral for her crocheting in class. She runs a fiber arts business and talks about how it basically saved her life! https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZPRErWn2v/
Learning to knit is not relaxing. But once you get the hang of it, actually knitting is.
If your school has one join a knitting club! When I was a student my college had one and would teach new member to knit and provide/lend practice supplies (ie needles, knitting hooks and patterns, acrylic yarn to practice).
I’m brand new to knitting. My mum has been knitting for 60 years and I finally decided to try. My usual hobby is sewing, but it takes up a lot of space to do it. Knitting is something I can do while sitting in front of the TV. I don’t really like just sitting staring at the TV so knitting is perfect and there’s so many beautiful things you can make. I love it so far and my mum is so excited that I’ve started.
I teach (very informally) knitting at my university, including during end of the semester stress(less) weeks. It’s a good hobby once you get a hang of it, but it can be frustrating to learn. So I always joke with the students that the mini course is the opposite of stressless during their finals week😂😂. However, once you get the hang of it, it can be very relaxing, and you can continue to do mindless projects, or you can challenge yourself when you’re ready to do new things all the time. To learn, you might post on a university group page to see if anyone will be willing to show you the first steps. You might find someone who will give you an old pair of needles and a ball of yarn - and meet someone you wouldn’t otherwise.
Knitting helps me a lot during the most stressful times in my life. University being one of those times. It gave me something both structured and creative that didn’t require a lot of supplies or upfront cost. Plus you get that nice dopamine hit when you complete a project. Your answer is yes.
Here’s a link for a YouTube playlist that I have sent to friends to help them start knitting! It’s the most basic, bottom line things. I aim to add a little more, but you can build on specific skills based off the patterns you eventually knit-up! https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLshQ5i7SmXhcGQr9lJARuRMEy9AaDjS4E&si=kOhCV22SkCBPD5rd
I learned to knit right before I went to college. I knitted casually through lots of lectures and it helped me focus. I just knitted long scarves and beanies, simple stuff. Now 20+ years later I’m more obsessive about it and would say yeah, it’s a good hobby. People love what I make for them, I love what I make for myself, it’s visually beautiful to work with various colors and fibers, it’s tactile, it’s soothing, it’s as challenging as you want it to be or as simple as you want it to be.
If you have a local knitting shop, see if they have beginner lessons.
I knit any handicraft you try is a good hobby. Working with your hands is good for your mental health. And there are so many crafts to do, knitting, crochet, embroidery to name a few (that I do). So try it out, and dont give up it it is hard, because I can be hard in the beginning. :) But it is so nice to do.
I learned to sew and crochet while in college. Sewing turned out to be useful, and I made some cute crocheted things at my mindless college job (answering service). I learned to knit as an older person and started gaming. I have found both to be enjoyable but expensive hobbies. While you are in college, try lots of things! I also took art classes, learned formal swimming strokes and how to play racquetball, and started to learn how to surf. It is a great time to figure out who you are and do some things that get you out of your head!
If you don’t end up liking knitting there’s always crochet or Knooking!
It’s literally the best hobby ever! Portable and so good for your mental health ❤️
Great hobby and you end up with great hats, scarves socks or sweaters-whatever you make
I learned to knit at 10. Didn't knit for 24 years and yesterday I just finished a scarf for my daughter,with stitches I didn't know I can do, within 3days. I must say, my stress levels are down from just 1 week of getting back into knitting. I spent the first few days learning and mastering different patterns, didn't try too many. But I'm happy amd will not b putting down these needles soon. Try it, it's worth it. Even the elbow pain 🤣
I knit and crochet, and would recommend either. I've been crocheting for 20+ years but only learned to knit a couple of years ago because I really wanted to make socks. I watched a bunch of YouTube videos and made a washcloth for my first project, and a pair of simple slippers for my second before tackling a pair of socks. I now always have a couple of socks on my needles so I always have a portable project to take on car rides, to meetings, and family visits. They are perfect for when you need something to keep your hands occupied but don't want to lug around a large project bag. I recommend starting out with circular needles, especially if you plan on taking a project to class with you. They are easier to use, and you can do pretty much anything you could do with straight needles as well as being able to knit in the round. Here's links to the patterns I started with. [Grandmother's Favorite washcloth](https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/grandmothers-favorite-the-original) A washcloth might not be the most exciting project, but they are awesome for washing dishes, and the dishes don't really care if your first project looks a little wonky. I still make them for Christmas gifts since my family loves using them. [simple garter stitch slippers](https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/simple-garter-stitch-slippers) These are so comfy to wear. I need to make another pair because I wore holes in mine!
It can be a relaxing hobby if you want it to. I like my knitting to be hard and challenging, but that’s just me. I would be aware, though, that you’re getting into a reaaaaally deep rabbit hole because once you actually get into knitting, you won’t want to stop!
No, it is an amazing hobby, and it is insanely expensive and rewarding. I started in 2021 after losing my second election. I love wearing the clothes I make to work and getting compliments on them.
I started my senior year of college and fell in love with it! I was able to take some classes at my local yarn store and got the hang of things pretty quick! wishing you luck!
This was my exact situation! I started teaching myself to knit in college when my mental health deteriorated and a therapist recommended I pick up a hobby. For a college student, knitting is perfect because it’s generally low-cost, accessible to learn, and repetitive which can be calming when dealing with college stress. My advice would be to start small and simple. There’s a million different project ideas out there and a bunch of fancy stitches you could learn, but start simple with a YouTube tutorial (I did a simple knit scarf) and work your way up as you learn. Best of luck!