Knitting Is Virtuous

I’ve had such gratitude for knitting over the past few weeks. Knitting brings out qualities in me that I wish to see and perpetuate— such as thoughtfulness, discipline, practice, peacefulness, attentiveness, patience, creativity, perseverance, mindfulness, community, self-control, nurturing, and generosity.

Wow, all of that from KNITTING?

Absolutely. Allow me to explain.

Knitting is you, embodied, and the tools of yarn and needles. You are creating something from the beautiful wool of a sheep and wooden sticks. Something about that makes me feel grateful for animals and nature. It reminds me of how we are to be stewards of the animals and the land. When a sheep makes wool and that sheep must be shorn, that wool can be spun to keep us humans warm— there is just something so special about all of that.

I’ve always been an artist and crafter, but there is something about knitting that feels…. spiritual. I am admittedly in the middle of a great spiritual walk with Jesus, but the very virtues that I am learning about are brought out in me by the act of knitting. Knitting is also allowing me to turn off the noise of the world and to experience edification. Instead of scrolling, I knit. Instead of watching, I knit.

Knitting comes with certain requirements. You must be patient. It takes time. The slow deliberate actions, the minor mistakes that must be accepted or corrected. It takes perseverance to complete a complex project. To learn new stitches, to try and fail, to succeed! You must be resilient to not quickly give up. You must pay attention and focus. You’re investing time and energy into something that will eventually be complete and create warm, comforting items for yourself and others. Your sense of generosity grows as you lovingly dream about exactly who you will gift your creation to. You gain compassion for others who take the time to create beautiful things. You understand just how much truly goes into handmade items. The repetitive, rhythmic nature of knitting promotes present-moment awareness and mental calm. You are creating practical items that will be used and beloved.

It’s also worth noting what you are not doing while you are knitting. You must be attentive, using your own two hands, and it’s actually a reclamation of one’s time and attention.

I have found knitting to be a well of positivity and a place to cultivate virtues that I love to see in myself.

Similar to strength training or any other undertaking that is not “easy”, I have found relief from worldly things, purpose, and sincere refuge.

I’d like to share the skill of knitting with others.

My next post will be sharing with others on how to make a ribbed scarf. It will be for anyone who wishes to learn to knit, and will require very few materials.

I highly recommend knitting to anyone who is struggling with the noise of the world, and who is looking for a virtuous pastime.