The rhythmic repetitive movements of knitting can induce a form of meditation. This state of mind, where you’re not mulling over the past or fretting about the future, can be very effective in treating depression. It can also help those who are fit and healthy to combat stress and to manage life’s downs and it can even strengthen the immune system. The relaxation response evoked through the automaticity of knitting can lower blood pressure and heart rate, improve fertility and reduce the levels of destructive stress hormones in your blood.

Rhythmical repetitive movements have also been found to enhance the release of the feel-good hormone serotonin. Not only is serotonin a mood enhancer but it is also calming and acts as an analgesic by raising pain thresholds. The rhythmic movements of knitting have a calming effect and have been used successfully to manage disruptive behaviour and ADHD in children in addition to helping those with anxiety, panic attacks, phobias and conditions such as asthma, where calmness is important. In schools, some teachers are using knitting to facilitate learning, it being ideal for kinaesthetic learners. It also teaches patience and perseverance – important qualities in this world of instant gratification. The bilateral brain exercise can also help those suffering from Dyspraxia, Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD) and Dyslexia. Not only does it help them to co-ordinate movements and thoughts, but it also slows down their thought processes to enable them to become more organised. Knitting helps children to develop hand-eye co-ordination and fine motor skills, which in turn stimulates cellular brain development. The concentration required for a child to learn such a complex activity evokes attentiveness and will go far in supporting problem-solving abilities in later years.

Knitting can be a great help for anyone trying to quit an addiction. Knitting itself is mildly addictive and thus enables one to replace a destructive addiction with a constructive. Since knitting occupies both the mind and the hands it can physically stop addictions such as smoking.

For those who are isolated, lonely or depressed, knitting can be a real boost. As they discover they can do something and do it well, they gain a sense of purpose and begin to plan forwards and set goals. Self-esteem rises and forgotten feelings such as excitement and anticipation are rekindled.

Knitting can also help those with chronic pain. Since your brain can’t concentrate on two things at once, an absorbing activity such as knitting can be enough to cancel out the pain signals before your brain can interpret them.