5 Mistakes You’re Making in Your Knitting and How to Fix Them

Knitting is more than just a way to make things to keep us warm. It’s a creative journey and can be a wonderful tool for mindfulness and self-care. Sometimes, though, regardless of our skill level, we can pick up habits that detract from the calm and joy we could be feeling. Let’s take a look at five common knitting mistakes and how you can fix them. These tweaks will help you get even more joy and mindfulness out of your time with your needles.

Knitting Mistake 1: Rushing Through Projects  

We’ve all been there. Sometimes the prospect of finishing something is so exciting that we rush through it, only to find ourselves making mistakes and getting set back by having to fix them. The magic of knitting is in the process, and if we rush too much and focus only on the end result, we risk knitting mindlessly and missing out on some of knitting’s wonderful wellness benefits.

How to Stop Rushing Through Your Projects  

Slow it down. Let yourself enjoy the meditative rhythm of each stitch—the texture of the yarn in your hands and the click of the needles. These small things are what make knitting so special. Try setting aside quiet time for knitting without distractions. Light a candle, make a warm drink, and let yourself sink into the moment.

Knitting Mistake 2: Unrealistic Deadlines  

There’s nothing worse than realising you’ve bitten off more than you can chew, especially if you’ve promised a handmade gift. Sometimes we put too much pressure on ourselves with unrealistic deadlines, leaving us disappointed when we don't make it on time. Tight deadlines can turn knitting into a chore instead of a joy.

How to Set Realistic Deadlines for Your Knitting  

Be gentle with yourself. When creating a deadline, rather than just setting a finish date, look at the overall time you have and make a list of mini-deadlines to check off along the way. This helps you see if your deadline is achievable and gives you a clearer understanding of your progress.

Life can get hectic, and even with the best intentions, we don’t always meet our deadlines. If you’ve started making a gift and are running out of time, consider surprising the recipient with an in-progress reveal. It’s the thought and care that matter most. I once ran out of time with socks I was making for my cousin’s birthday, so I wrapped up one sock and gave it to her, letting her know the other was on its way. It was a fun way to wish her a happy birthday without exhausting myself staying up all night.

Knitting Mistake 3: Comparing Your Work  

Ah, the old comparisonitis chestnut. I struggle with this, and I think we all do on some level. Social media, in particular, can be a breeding ground for comparison and anxiety with all those picture-perfect lives and projects that seem like they were made by magical knitting fairies. It’s so easy to look at someone else’s work and feel like your own knitting doesn’t measure up.

How to Stop Comparing Your Knitting to Others  

Your knitting is yours, and that’s what makes it special. In moments of discomfort, try reminding yourself why you started knitting and what you love about it. If you find yourself falling down a comparison rabbit hole, first give yourself a huge pat on the back for noticing, then kindly say to yourself, “Oops, there I go again.”

Here are some affirmations to try when you need a confidence boost:  

• My knitting is a reflection of my unique creativity, and that makes it beautiful.  
• Every stitch I create is a step forward in my personal journey.  
• I am allowed to grow and learn at my own pace.  
• The joy I feel while knitting is more important than perfection.  
• My hands are capable of creating magic in their own way.  
• Mistakes are proof that I am learning and evolving as a knitter.  
• There is no right or wrong in knitting, only what brings me happiness.  
• I celebrate my progress and trust in my creative path.  
• The projects I knit are special because they are made by me.  
• I am worthy of appreciating my own work without comparing it to others.

Another helpful idea is keeping a little knitting journal to track your projects, jot down what you’ve learned, and reflect on how far you’ve come. It’s not about perfection, it’s about creating a calm journey and pouring love into every stitch.

Knitting Mistake 4: Not Taking Breaks  

Have you ever gotten lost in the knitting zone, only to realise your hands or neck are aching because you’ve been at it for far too long? It’s tempting to keep going and going, but our bodies need breaks, and repetitive motions can take a toll over time.

How to Take Knitting Breaks   

Take short, regular breaks. An easy way to do this is to set a timer for every 20–30 minutes and use it as a chance to stretch your hands, shoulders, and neck. My aunt, who is a quilter, has a fabulous technique for taking breaks: she leaves her chocolate on the mantelpiece so she has to get up and walk to it if she wants some. Genius! You can also use your project as a reminder—for example, get up and stretch every ten rows. These small resets keep your body happy and your energy up for your next knitting session.

Knitting Mistake 5: Multitasking While Knitting  

We’ve all heard multitasking is bad for focus, but it’s so tempting to do a million things at once when life feels busy. Sometimes we struggle to give ourselves permission to simply knit without trying to achieve something else at the same time.

How to Knit While Doing Something Else  

If you just can’t “only knit,” that’s okay. Instead of multitasking, try double tasking. This means pairing complementary tasks. The key is to pair a “thinking task” (something that requires focus) with a “doing task” (something mindless). Knitting can be both! For example, if you’re working on a complicated pattern, pair it with something low-effort like listening to classical music. If you’re watching a new TV series, save that for plain knitting projects. Double tasking keeps you present and lets you enjoy your knitting more fully.

Knitting is Your Time for Calm and Joy  

Knitting is a practice that can leave you feeling calm, comforted, and lighter in spirit. By making these small shifts, you can bring even more mindfulness into your knitting time and enjoy every stitch.

If you’re looking for yarn that adds extra joy to your knitting, why not treat yourself to something special? My hand-dyed yarns are designed to inspire and bring a sense of calm to your creative time.  

I have a special offer for you. Click here to get 20% off your first month of my yarn club, Yay for Yarn Mail, and join in the calm yarn fun.  (Your discount will automatically apply when you add it to your cart. No code needed)

Happy knitting,  

Rebecca x