In a Knitting Rut? How to Get Through It Based On Your Skill Level.
We have ALL been there, folks. There are times when the thought of picking up a knitting project just feels… icky. We’re not sure why, and sometimes these “knitting ruts” can last a while. BUT we also know that knitting is soooo good for your mental, so we’re here to give you a few tips for crushing that rut.
Every stage of your knitting journey is different, so we’ve broken down the tips into categories based on skill level. We hope this gets you back in knitting shape in no time!
For the Absolute Beginner: Get Back to Basics
When you’re just starting out at knitting, it can sometimes be easy to feel overwhelmed, like you are not improving as fast as you’d like to. This can definitely spur on a knitting rut. What’s important to remember is that practicing knitting intermittently can save you from forgetting your muscle memory. Have you been using knit stitches and purl stitches? If so, switch it up and just use garter stitch (knitting every stitch on every row). This may make you knit faster than you normally would, and help to get your yarn-y juices flowing. Focusing on how the yarn and needles feel in your hands as you knit can help train your muscles to knit faster and better. We also suggest knitting with bulkier yarns and larger needles when you’re just starting out, so that progress happens quickly and you’re able to see the stitches you’re making quite well.
For the Novice Knitter: Explore with Color
Who doesn’t love some good old fashioned color therapy! If you’re seasoned with the knit stitch but not much else, experimenting with color could snap you out of the knitting funk. Try exploring new combinations of colors within your work, to change up what you’re looking at while knitting. Have lots of scrap yarn handy? Make something that uses a different color each row for a truly distinctive (and zero waste) look. Ever tried using two strands of different colored yarn? Give that a try and feel your brain ignite with newfound passion for knitting once again. Utilize the yarn in your existing stash to dream up new color combinations and striping (note: try to keep the yarn weights you are using the same, so that the tension is similar when knitting with the same needle size). One of my favorite UK knitters The Knit Edit has an amazing color technique that she uses in her patterns, check her out!
For the Intermediate Knitter: Try Garments
Have you tried making a wearable garment yet? If you have, was it a relatively simple construction made of four rectangles? If so, it may be time to try a top down sweater for the first time! These sweaters require little to no sewing at the end, leaving you with more time knitting and less time doing the finicky finishing touches on a garment. My first top down sweater was the Basic Colorblock Yoke by Knitatude, and I highly recommend it for anyone looking to try out top down sweaters for the first time!
For the Advanced Knitter: Create New Textures
For folks that know their way around a yarn stash, it can be even more difficult to shake a knitting rut. We know the feeling, and we’re here to help! For our advanced knitters, sometimes exploring new textures and stitches can be the spark of inspiration needed to kick things off again. Never tried cables before? Pick out a pattern with a simple repeat to achieve ultimate softness and pattern at the same time (I love pillows for a first cable knit project, since it’s usually only cable knit on one side to get the hang of it). Not into the cable look? Try switching up the weight of your yarn, to create a variegated mesh look! The sweater shown at the bottom of this post was made with worsted yarn for a few rows, followed by mohair yarn for a few rows, to create a slightly see-through texture that we love.
Final Thoughts
No matter what phase the knitting journey you’re in, it’s important to make what you want to make! Don’t let anyone tell you what you “should” be making. The ultimate freedom of being a knitter is the best part about making!
That creative expression through yarn and textures is all your own, so focus on what items make you happy to knit and go with that always. This is a self care journey for yourself above all else, so listen to that inner creator and get making!
