Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Becky Stewart @knitom.bsky.social · 18h

Knitting is a worthwhile endeavour - give yourself permission to knit guilt-free, knowing you're doing something that's productive and good for you!

If any of these tips resonated with you, let me know! Which tip was the most helpful?

Becky Stewart @knitom.bsky.social · 18h

When you make mistakes, watch your mind and don't let that inner voice be unkind or judgmental. Try to practice compassion for yourself and simply start again the next day⁠⁠. Remember that this is a self-care practice, so give yourself a break when you need one⁠⁠!

1 1

Becky Stewart @knitom.bsky.social · 18h

If you hate your first few attempts at knitting - it's ok to rip it out and start over! In knitting this is known as "frogging" (rip it, rip it!). While it might feel discouraging to undo your work, it's a way to practice letting go and starting over! How very zen of you!

1

Becky Stewart @knitom.bsky.social · 18h

To prevent tangled yarn (and hours of frustration - TRUST me!) use a center-pull ball of yarn (find the end coming from the inside of ball). NEVER try to knit straight from a "skein" or "hank" of yarn. Ask at the yarn store for them to wind the yarn into a ball for you.

1

Becky Stewart @knitom.bsky.social · 18h

Practice, practice, practice.

Knit daily and consistently. Even knitting for just a few minutes a day and it will start to feel natural. That’s when the calming magic of knitting really begins!

1

Becky Stewart @knitom.bsky.social · 18h

Take your knitting with you, everywhere! Many knitters use dedicated "project bags" to keep their portable projects organized.

Some use simple solutions like gallon-sized ziploc bags that protect knitting from dirt and spills while on the go⁠⁠.

1

Becky Stewart @knitom.bsky.social · 18h

If you’re feeling tense or frustrated, take a break.
Knitting is meant to feel soothing, not stressful.
Your hands will catch up.

1

Becky Stewart @knitom.bsky.social · 18h

Your first finished project doesn’t have to be perfect to be worth celebrating. You made something with your own two hands. That’s awesome!

1

Becky Stewart @knitom.bsky.social · 18h

You will feel clumsy and awkward at first. It won't necessarily feel relaxing. That’s normal. Give your hands time to learn. Everyone starts here!

1

Becky Stewart @knitom.bsky.social · 18h

Begin with garter stitch (just knit every row). It’s simple, soothing, and builds confidence fast.

1

Becky Stewart @knitom.bsky.social · 18h

To get your first stitches on the needles, start with the Backward Loop Cast On - its the simplest and easiest cast on for absolute beginners.

1

Becky Stewart @knitom.bsky.social · 18h

Learn these 3 things first:

1. How to cast on
2. The knit stitch
3. How to bind off

Once you have those, you can finish simple projects. That’s a huge win!

1

Becky Stewart @knitom.bsky.social · 18h

Don’t worry about mistakes. A dropped stitch or weird edge doesn’t mean you failed - it means you’re learning. In this early stage, stay curious and non-judgemental. Keep going...

1

Becky Stewart @knitom.bsky.social · 18h

Choose yarn labeled “worsted”, “bulky”, or “beginner-friendly.” Avoid fuzzy or super fine yarns - they’re trickier to work with in the beginning. You want to be able to see your stitches.

1

Becky Stewart @knitom.bsky.social · 18h

Bamboo or wooden needles are great for beginners - they are less slippery than metal, so your stitches stay put.

1

Becky Stewart @knitom.bsky.social · 18h

Start with chunky yarn and large needles (US size 10 or 11 - 6mm - 8mm). They’re easier to hold, more forgiving, and you’ll see progress quickly, which is super motivating when you’re just starting out!

1

Becky Stewart @knitom.bsky.social · 18h

Learning to knit can feel awkward at first, but keep going!

The more you practice, the more natural it feels and soon you’ll experience the calming, grounding benefits of knitting.

Here are 15 tips for absolute beginner knitters to help you get started with calm and confidence:

1

Becky Stewart @knitom.bsky.social · 1d

Just starting to knit? Master these 4 essential skills first!

• Cast on - Get stitches onto the needle
• Knit stitch - The foundational stitch
• Purl stitch - Reverse knit stitch
• Cast off - Get stitches off the needles

Combine these skills for infinite possibilities! 🧶

1 6

Becky Stewart @knitom.bsky.social · 2d

Today's reminder: You don't have to be productive every minute. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is pause.

Becky Stewart @knitom.bsky.social · 3d

Let knitting be your “pause button.”

When things feel too much, stop and pick up the needles.

Sit. Knit. Breathe.

It's that simple.

2 2

Becky Stewart @knitom.bsky.social · 4d

Knitting for 10 minutes a day can do what hours of doomscrolling won’t:

• Slow your breath
• Calm your mind
• Reset your nervous system

Tiny habit. Huge shift.

1

Becky Stewart @knitom.bsky.social · 5d

Build knitting into your nightly bedtime routine to help your mind and body relax for a better sleep.

Make it a daily habit and soon it will be a signal to your body that it’s time to unwind. The relaxation will come more easily.

Becky Stewart @knitom.bsky.social · 6d

3 reasons daily mindful knitting helps relieve stress:

• Knitting encourages present-moment focus
• Rhythmic and repetitive movements triggers the relaxation response
• Bilateral movements stimulates both brain hemispheres, creating the same calm state as EMDR therapy

Becky Stewart @knitom.bsky.social · 7d

Mindful Knitting Tip:

Learn one simple stitch and repeat it like a mantra.
Repetition calms the nervous system.

Peace & love,
Knit Om.

2 3

Becky Stewart @knitom.bsky.social · 8d

You don’t have to stay stuck in stress.

Your body has built-in tools to calm itself.

Support your vagus nerve and relaxation will follow.

Start small. Start gently. Start today.