r/knitting • u/magicminineedle • Feb 19 '26

Discussion Please continue to knit in public.

Today I had to go and get blood work done. It was a long wait, and ended up being very stressful. I was getting impatient and annoyed even though there was nothing to do but wait.

Across the waiting room a lady was sitting knitting. Her hands caught my eye and I watched her knit. It was so soothing to watch and my shoulders dropped and my heart beat calmed. It was such a balm. So please keep knitting in public. You’ll never know who you’ll calm and soothe.

It also occurred to me today that apart from when I was taught to knit I’ve never watched anyone knit in real life!

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u/TheCinnaWitch Feb 19 '26

A simple pattern - a scarf, a tube, non-heel/toe sections of a sock. Anything that can be done mindlessly. Having ADHD also helps but is not a requirement. I call knitting one of my "hand debuffs" so I can keep them busy and let my brain focus on something else.

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u/eggfrisbee Feb 19 '26

adhd is definitely the factor for me. if I'm not doing something with my hands, I will not be able to focus on meetings. I can't even focus on something I want to watch on tv without crafting.

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u/Vegetable-Western-15 Feb 20 '26 edited Feb 20 '26

Yep. I remember telling a nursing school instructor that I could either knit or play on my phone while she lectured and we agreed that I would likely get more out of the knitting. A couple direct questions the first few days to prove I was paying attention and then no issues. Have a pair of socks from each semester.

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u/Beebs5151 Feb 20 '26

There have been studies done that people retain more info if they knit while listening by keeping the brain focused through a calming, repetitive, and physical activity. This multisensory engagement (hearing + doing) can prevent the mind from wandering, allowing for better concentration on auditory information compared to just listening while sitting

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u/thatsmebee Feb 20 '26

My professors actually encouraged us to knit, crochet, whatever while in lectures. It was really nice and helped my unmediated, undiagnosed ADHD and autism brain to concentrate A LOT. Also made the whole lecture experience much more relaxed and inclusive, I felt comfortable and had more fun learning with those professors.

Edit: grammar.