How can we easily get into a meditative state when our mind is whirling? I have found knitting to be enormously helpful in this respect – focus on the process for success, rather than getting hung up on what you are going to make.

Knitting for meditation

Knitting has long been the target of gentle teasing—seen as old-fashioned, slow, or “just for grandmas.” Yet knitting for meditation is becoming widely recognized as a calming, mindful practice with real benefits for body, mind, and soul.

In reality, that knitting grandma image might need a refresh. She’s not old-fashioned; she’s awake, aware, mindful, and probably sharp as a tack. And now we’re seeing knitting grandpas too.

(Update: now I see Zoe Saldana knitting on the set of ‘Dune’, and in 2021, Tom Daley knitting in between Olympic swimming competition bouts.)

Knitting for Our Minds and Bodies

Knitting gives the mind space to unwind, process, and solve problems. A little research showed that people who knit can support:

• weight control
• emotional balance or reduction of depression
• mental sharpness

The Mayo Clinic published a study in 2011 showing that crafts—including knitting—can decrease the odds of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

One possible reason is that knitting engages complex eye movements and requires the left and right sides of the brain to work together. Two needles, one in each hand, keep the brain active across the midline.

Knitting For Fun and Soul Connection

In a world increasingly shaped by technology, which can be overstimulating in some ways, isolating in others, knitting becomes a soothing, almost grounding ritual. It can be social or solitary.

Even if you sit in a quiet corner with your project, you might walk away with a finished scarf. And if you spend more time chatting than knitting, you’ll still leave richer for the company and the shared creativity.

How I Began Knitting for Meditation

Knitting resurfaced in my life because of a spiritual nudge—my mother “popped in” with a twinkle, reminding me I still had her knitting needles.

She passed in 2010. When clearing out her flat in the UK, I found her knitting needle set tucked in a lovely purple floral cloth case tied with a ribbon. She had knitted beautiful pieces for me during my teens—my favorites were a rust-colored sleeveless turtleneck and a purple sparkly vest I wore over T‑shirts. (It was the 80s!)

I felt prompted to knit a rainbow scarf. Naturally, I headed to Amazon and chose the Lion Brand Yarn 600-561 Luna Vesta Super Scarf Knit Kit. Less expensive options definitely exist—I later discovered the sale bins at Michaels and Joann—but that rainbow yarn had already claimed my heart.

The pattern was simple, and using my mum’s needles made the project feel special.

The finished scarf appears at the top of this post. It was fun, relaxing, and unexpectedly meaningful

Knitting for Meditation: The Practice Deepens

Once I started knitting regularly, the meditative nature of it truly revealed itself.

At first, I got frustrated, sweaty, or impatient. I had to remind myself—I was playing with two sticks and a ball of yarn. Getting past those thoughts became an exercise in mindfulness.

Then there’s gauge: how tightly or loosely you knit. My first attempt at the scarf shown at the top was knitted so tightly that I could barely move the stitches on the needle. A tape measure became my friend, and learning gauge became a very literal lesson in relaxation.

During knitting sessions, I found myself listening to favorite spiritual podcasts, TED talks, and thinking about future projects. I even “saw” indigo blue sparkly yarn in my mind’s eye—and the next day found the exact three balls waiting in a bin at the store. That kind of synchronicity made the practice even sweeter.

Yarn: To Buy or Not to Buy?

If you’re already a knitter, you probably laughed at the above question. The yarn hunt is real.

Once you’ve learned a handful of stitches and patterns, your mind begins to dream up combinations—textures, colors, fibers, shapes. It’s like learning an instrument: slow and awkward at first, but with practice, you begin to riff.

As my energy work teacher says, “Practice is mastery.”

I eventually bought a yarn basket because multiple balls of yarn were piling up in my kitchen. The basket has dividers so I can separate yarns and ongoing projects—simple, but grounding.

Knitting bag for yarn storage available on Amazon.

More Knitting and New Projects

I recently bought circular needles and started knitting a scarf from top to bottom instead of left to right. Circular needles—two short needles joined by a cord—make it much easier to handle projects with many stitches. They’re perfect for cowls, hats, and the next level of knitting creativity.

Beautiful variegated yarns, simple tools, and the meditative rhythm of the work all invite more curiosity and imagination.

Mandala Yarn

Yes—Mandala Yarn exists for us meditative types! I have enjoyed Lion Brand Yarns since they were my first introduction, and Caron Cakes also offer gorgeous color blends at affordable prices.

Recently, I found these Mandala Yarns on Amazon, and now I’m dreaming up future uses as I knit my current projects.

Share Your Knitting Journey

I’d love to hear about your projects, the groups you knit with, and how you began.

We’re participating in a long tradition—the purl stitch appeared in Europe in the mid‑16th century, and knitting has evolved with every generation. Whether for creativity, calm or connection, enjoy your knitting for meditation.

Learn More About The Akashic Records Readings I Offer

One way to go deeper into meditation is to work with your Akashic Records. This expands the connection to your Soul through your Higher Self (also known as your intuition).

If you are interested in an Akashic Records Reading, I always recommend starting with the Soul Star Reading.

This reading gives you 3 different immersive experiences of the Akashic Records: –

1. Connecting with your Divine Soul Blueprint (Soul-level gifts, talents, abilities).
2. Hearing about a Past Life that contains a karmic pattern ready for clearing (you’ll recognize this pattern in your present life).
3. Recognizing and clearing present life blocks and restrictions.

If you’d like to know about the different readings I offer on this site, start here>>

Download the PDF Akashic Records for Beginners

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