What Knitting Has Taught Me About Learning (and Myself)

 I’ve spent years teaching sewing, guiding people through the process of creating garments that reflect their identity and make them feel great. But in 2024, inspired by lovely friend Jane whose yarn business exhibited with mine at the Knitting and Stitching show, I found myself on the other side of the learning experience when I spontaneously picked up knitting again for the first time since childhood.

I started with socks, and now I’m working on a jumper with intricate colourwork—something I never would have imagined attempting when I first cast on.

This journey has been more than just learning a new skill; it has reshaped how I think about learning, creativity, and what it means to step outside my comfort zone. Here’s what knitting has taught me:

1. Learning Something New Can Be Scary

Even though I teach sewing for a living, learning to knit (again) felt daunting. I knew my hands weren’t used to the movements, and I worried about making mistakes. That fear of being “bad at it” almost stopped me from trying. But I reminded myself that every expert started as a beginner. That first stitch, that first wonky sock—they were all part of the process.

2. Passion Makes the Hard Parts Easier

When I decided to knit socks, I wasn’t just learning for the sake of it—I really wanted to make them. And now, with my colourwork jumper, I’m just as excited about the finished piece as I am about the process. That motivation has been a powerful force, helping me push through frustration, mistakes, and moments of doubt. It’s a reminder that when we work on things we truly care about, the discomfort of learning becomes much more bearable.

3. The Right Materials Make a Difference

I chose yarns that I loved—colours and textures that made me happy just to hold them. That made every stitch feel like a treat rather than a chore. I’ve always believed in the power of fabric in sewing, but knitting has reinforced how much the materials we work with can influence our motivation and enjoyment.

4. There’s Always Room for a New Hobby

I could have told myself, I’m too busy to take up knitting. But I didn’t. Instead, I found moments in my day—early mornings, quiet evenings, times when my hands wanted something to do. We often tell ourselves we don’t have time for new things, but sometimes, making time for something new can be exactly what we need.

5. Colour is a Powerful Motivator

I’ve always loved working with colour in sewing, but knitting has made me even more aware of how much colour affects my mood and energy. The shades I choose have a direct impact on how excited I am to keep going. It’s a reminder to surround ourselves with colours that make us feel good, whether in our clothes, our projects, or our spaces.

6. Anyone Can Do Anything—If They’re Committed

Knitting has reminded me that skills aren’t about talent; they’re about practice, patience, and perseverance. If you’re willing to put in the time, ask questions, and embrace mistakes, you can learn anything. That’s true for knitting, sewing, and just about everything else in life.

Final Thoughts

Taking up knitting again has been a joyful, sometimes frustrating, but always rewarding experience. It’s made me a better learner, a more patient teacher, and even more excited about creativity in all its forms.

If you’ve been thinking about trying something new, whether it’s knitting, sewing, or anything else—go for it. You might surprise yourself with what you can do.

Have you taken up a new hobby recently? I’d love to hear what you’ve learned from it! Send me an email and tell me about it! 

Annie

xx