Mindful Knitting: How to use your needles to find peace, purpose, and fulfillment
The Fullness of Your Days
Your days are full, from the chaos of school drop-offs and pick-ups, work presentations, and project deadlines to “keeping up” with the laundry.
You are constantly moving and doing. You know you should do something for yourself, to fill your own cup before you fill theirs. But you don't.
That changes today.
Let go of the guilt that comes with taking “me-time” and feel fulfilled in your full life.
But how?
Make a rich cup of coffee and sit in the morning quiet for a few minutes to savor it before waking up the kids.
Watch your kids on the playground, knowing that you're giving them more than you got.
Find gratitude in a home-cooked meal.
Feel satisfied knowing you crushed it at work today.
Find it through knitting, no really.
Find it through knitting.
Yes, by creating something with your own two hands. More importantly, you can spend time on yourself doing something that connects you back to who you are.
The Guilt Around “Me-Time” - and Why It’s a Lie
If you've ever paused mid-scroll to look at a cozy scene — a hot mug of tea, a soft ball of yarn, a half-finished sweater on someone’s lap — and thought “I wish I had time for that,” you're not alone.
The truth is, you do deserve that kind of quiet moment. And not just to rest, but to feel more like yourself again.
Moms are often told that pouring into everyone else is noble and that anything done “just for you” is indulgent. But the reality is that when you take care of yourself with something nourishing and creative, you're better able to show up for the people you love.
Mindful knitting is a form of self-care that doesn’t just feel good—it does good. It grounds your nervous system, brings calm to your day, and reminds you that you’re a person, not just a schedule manager.
Not to mention, knitting is a self-care practice that you can actually stick with. You don’t need to make appointments or plan ahead. You can squeeze in some knitting time any time and anywhere.
What is Mindful Knitting?
Mindful knitting is about more than casting on and binding off — it’s about being present with your yarn, hands, and thoughts. It’s knitting slowly, purposefully. Not because you’re rushing to finish a gift, quickly fill a gap in your wardrobe, or keep up with a knit-along, but because the act of knitting is the gift. Mindful knitting is great for moms with chaotic schedules because it can create space for you to do something for yourself while still being present around others.
What does mindful knitting look like? It can be as simple as:
Savoring the feel of soft, natural fibers in your hands
Breathing deeply as your fingers work each stitch (texture and lace stitches are great for mindful knitting)
Letting go of perfection and finding joy in the process
Mindful knitting isn’t about how fast you finish but how it feels while you’re creating. And that’s where the real fulfillment begins.
5 Ways Knitting Can Bring More Fulfillment to Your Mom Life
Let’s be honest — mom life is full. But it doesn’t always feel full of you. Here are 5 ways that knitting can help your full life feel more fulfilling.
1. It Creates Built-in Moments of Peace
Knitting gives your hands something gentle to do while your mind catches its breath. It’s a quiet escape — one that fits between storytime, work emails, and dinner prep.
2. It Reminds You That You’re Creative, Too
You’re constantly creating structure, meals, routines — but knitting reminds you that you’re a maker in the truest sense. You turn a simple string into something warm, beautiful, and lasting.
3. It Connects You to Something Tangible
Unlike scrolling or multitasking, knitting leaves you with something real — a sweater, a shawl, a blanket you can wrap in during hard times. These pieces become part of your story. And your family’s story.
4. It Helps You Show Love in a Handmade Way
Creating something with your hands takes hours, days, and weeks. I can’t think of any greater demonstration of love than sharing your handknits with your friends & family. But it’s okay to make just for yourself, too. You also deserve love and should be wrapped up in something made with care, stitch by stitch.
5. It Encourages You to Slow Down and Be Present
Knitting doesn’t rush. And when you accept knitting as a slow process and appreciate it for that, it can help your life feel like it’s slowing down, too. Even if just for a few minutes. You’d be surprised at how quickly knitting or crocheting 10 minutes a day can help you feel more like yourself again.
How to Start a Mindful Knitting Practice (Even If You're Busy)
Alright, now that I’ve convinced you that mindful knitting is easy to do, and it’s something you’re ready to try, you might be wondering: how do I actually start one? Remember to keep it simple - you don’t need hours, complicated rituals, or expensive supplies & tools.
Here’s how to get started:
Create a simple ritual: choose a dedicated time each day and find a small way to make it feel special. Pour that fancy cup of coffee, tea, or wine. Or light a candle. Whatever little act you can do that says “it’s time for me and my knitting”.
Choose the right project: If your day is feeling chaotic, pick something repetitive and comforting. If you need more inspiration and need to find your spark, try something more challenging, like cables or lace. P.S. If you’re looking for just the right pattern, check out the shop here.
Let go of the need to feel productive. Honestly, this might be the hardest step. As moms, we’re wired to keep moving & doing thanks to generations of societal pressures and expectations placed on us by others and ourselves. Push back against this narrative and find a way to enjoy the process. Find comfort in knowing that one day you will have a finished project.
Don’t make this another item to check off your to do list. Your knitting time should be delightful and add to your day. It shouldn’t increase your anxiety or pressure you to check as many projects as you can off the list.
Want a simple checklist to help you start your mindful knitting habit? Subscribe to the newsletter below and I’ll send it straight to your inbox.
What You’ll Discover When You Knit for Yourself
Knitting isn’t just about making garments. It’s about making meaning. In the calm of each stitch, you’ll find yourself again — creative, centered, fulfilled. Not in spite of your full life, but because of it. You don’t need to escape your life to feel more like yourself. You just need a moment of intention — and something special to hold in your hands.
As you continue in your mindful knitting practice, you might notice that:
You’re becoming less reactive and more grounded during the chaos of everyday life
You feel inspired by your internal creativity
You feel more confident as your knitting & crochet skills build and you can see something tangible that you’ve made.
You’ll start to find joy in the smaller things and gratitude in ordinary moments.
