Knitting is back in fashion! Since the pandemic, with many of us stuck at home in lockdowns, knitting has become a popular hobby. Young and old alike have discovered that it is a great way to bond with family members and friends, whilst making an array of creative items.
Knitting is a great activity for kids to learn, which also helps to develop their fine motor skills, encourages creativity, and teaches them the value of patience and perseverance. Since knitting requires the use of both hands to hold the needles and use the yarn, it also develops hand and eye coordination as well as strengthening the muscles in both the hands and fingers.
Knitting creativity
From choosing different colours and patterns to creating different designs, knitting gives children a range of options to be creative. Just like adults, those that master the skills can go on to make their own patterns. Kids also thrive on a sense of achievement. Taking pride in their work and seeing their efforts as a final piece is truly rewarding.
Patience
Unlike the fast paced world we live in, where everything is available at a touch of a button, knitting teaches kids to be patient. Knitting patterns can take a long time to complete, with mistakes made along the way. Problem solving errors, together with the process involved when producing a knitted article and learning that some things cannot be rushed are all valuable learning experiences. The journey and the process are sometimes more important than the end result.
Good for the mind
Research shows that craft activities, such as knitting, help to decrease the odds of cognitive impairment while ageing. Teaching kids to knit from an early age has life long benefits by keeping the mind active. Knitting is also a great hobby as it cuts down screen time, and calms the mind whilst focusing on the item being knitted.
Getting kids into knitting has never been easier. Either through family members passing down their skills, or online videos, kids can start knitting easily. Buying a knitting kit is a great starting point. With easy to follow instructions, a knitting kit is a perfect way to start a beginner off and should produce a great end result.
Knitting is an excellent hobby for both adults and children. Why not try a new hobby and see where your creativity takes you.