Knitting, Patience, and Personal Growth: A Year in Review

A Journey of Learning, Patience, and Community

Over the last month, I’ve been reflecting on my knitting journey. I first attempted to learn how to knit in my 20s while living in the UK, but I never moved beyond the basic garter or stockinette stitch. At that time, knitting didn’t hold the same significance for me as it does now.

A year ago, I decided to relearn knitting, initially as a way to keep my hands busy instead of mindlessly scrolling on my phone. I also wanted the satisfaction of creating something tangible from raw materials. At first, I assumed I’d stick to making simple dishcloths or washcloths.

But soon, my passion for knitting exploded. Before I knew it, I was knitting socks, sweaters, and more. My modest yarn stash grew into something that could resemble a small yarn shop. I found unexpected joy in simply touching yarn, imagining future projects, and scouring Ravelry for new patterns.

The Unexpected Gift of Knitting Community

One of the most beautiful surprises was the sense of community that emerged. Old friendships deepened, and new ones blossomed as knitting became a shared connection. I never expected to enjoy discussing knitting so much, but it opened doors to conversations and gatherings I now cherish.

There is a unique magic in sitting with fellow knitters, sharing quiet moments and engaging in heartfelt discussions. It makes me imagine past generations, when people gathered to create and converse—before technology consumed so much of our attention.

Life Lessons Knitting Has Taught Me

Beyond mastering new stitches, reading patterns, and learning countless abbreviations, knitting has reinforced deeper life lessons—those small but powerful reminders that can easily slip through the cracks of daily life.

1. Patience for the Process

Knitting requires patience at every stage—from choosing and reading through a pattern to selecting the perfect yarn. Swatching, blocking, and adjusting for gauge all demand time and care. Larger projects, in particular, teach me to appreciate the creative journey, knowing that each cast-on is the beginning of an adventure.

2. Embracing Mistakes and Learning to Fix Them

When I first started, I wanted every stitch to be perfect. I held my tension too tight and feared dropping stitches. Mistakes felt catastrophic. Over time, I learned to correct errors rather than fear them. This realization built my confidence—not just in knitting, but in life. Nothing is permanently fixed, and mistakes are opportunities to grow.

3. It’s Okay to Start Over

I’ve lost count of how many projects I’ve started and restarted. Initially, I saw this as failure, lamenting the “wasted” time. But I’ve come to understand that starting over isn’t a setback—it’s part of the learning process. The real measure of success is persistence.

4. Knowing When to Let Go

Not every project is meant to be finished, at least not right away. Sometimes, stepping away from a frustrating piece is the best choice. Recently, I worked on a tank top I was eager to complete, but mistakes ran deeper than a simple post-finish fix. I had two options: complete it for the sake of finishing or unravel it entirely. Unraveling felt heartbreaking, but I knew I wouldn’t wear a garment I wasn’t proud of. So, I made the difficult decision to rip it back and repurpose the yarn. That, I realized, was far less wasteful than clinging to a mistake.

5. I Am Capable

As adults, we often stop prioritizing learning new skills because we’re busy just trying to survive. Knitting reminded me that I can learn and grow—even in small ways. It boosted my confidence in ways I never anticipated, and that newfound self-assurance has spilled into other areas of my life.

What Has a Hobby Taught You?

Have you recently picked up a new hobby or rekindled an old one? If so, what lessons have you learned from it? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments!