How to Stay Motivated as a Beginner Knitter: A Mompreneur’s Perspective
Hey there, fellow moms, makers, and caffeine-fueled superheroes! If you’ve ever found yourself craving a little me-time that doesn’t involve scrolling through your phone or scrubbing crayon off the walls, let me introduce you to my favorite form of creative therapy: knitting.
I get it. Knitting can feel intimidating when you’re just starting out. All those stitches, loops, and patterns—it’s like staring at a foreign language. Trust me, I’ve been there. As a crocheter first (team hooks forever!), I used to think knitting looked slow and overly complicated. Fast forward to today, though, and knitting has become one of my greatest joys—and, bonus, a core part of my handmade business! So, how did I stick with it and find motivation despite the occasional “tangled yarn meltdown”? Let me tell you my story.
My Knitting Journey
Let’s rewind to the beginning. Crochet was my first love. It’s quick, forgiving, and perfect for instant gratification—three things every mom needs in her life. But then one day, while scrolling Instagram (because yes, I am that millennial mom), I saw the coziest knit blanket draped over someone’s couch. The texture was soft, the stitches looked elegant, and I thought to myself, I want to make that.
So, I picked up a pair of knitting needles and some yarn. My first attempt? A lumpy scarf with a few “accidental holes” that I decided to call “design choices.” My toddler loved it, though—he wore it as a superhero cape for weeks. And that was the moment I realized: knitting isn’t about perfection, it’s about creating something meaningful, even if it’s a little messy
Why Moms and Knitting Go Hand-in-Hand
If you’re a mom, you know how chaotic life can get. Between making meals, folding mountains of laundry, and answering endless “why” questions, there’s rarely time for yourself. That’s where knitting comes in.
- It’s Portable: You can bring your knitting anywhere! Whether it’s waiting at the school gate, sitting on the sidelines at soccer practice, or hiding in the bathroom for five minutes of peace (no judgment), knitting fits seamlessly into mom life.
- It’s Meditative: The repetitive motion of knit and purl stitches has a calming effect. It’s like yoga for your brain, minus the downward dog and toddler climbing on your back.
- It’s Productive: Knitting scratches that itch to “do something” while also creating something tangible—like a warm hat or a pair of socks for your little one. Plus, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love hearing, “Mama made this!”
- Start Small and Useful
If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a busy mom, it’s that quick wins are everything. When you’re juggling kids, work, and household chaos, you don’t have time for a six-month-long sweater project (yet). Instead, start with small, practical projects that you can finish in a weekend—or even a single nap time.
Dishcloths, baby hats, and chunky scarves are perfect beginner projects. They’re simple, satisfying, and actually useful. Plus, they give you that little boost of confidence you need to tackle something bigger down the road.
Need some inspiration? Check out my favorite beginner patterns here.
- Involve Your Kids
My kids are my biggest motivators when it comes to knitting. They’re endlessly curious about what I’m making and love “helping” (read: tangling yarn and stealing my needles). Involving them in the process makes it even more rewarding.
One time, my son asked me to knit him a blanket for his stuffed animals. It was a small, simple project, but watching his face light up when I finished it? Priceless. And don’t even get me started on the excitement when I knit my daughter a pair of tiny mittens—she wore them proudly everywhere, even inside the house.
Pro tip: Let your kids pick the yarn color for their projects. It keeps them engaged and makes them feel part of the process. Just be prepared for some wild color combinations!
- Choose Quality Materials from a Reliable Supplier
When I first started knitting, I used cheap yarn and flimsy needles—and it showed. The yarn kept splitting, my stitches were uneven, and the frustration nearly made me quit. That’s when I realized the importance of using quality materials.
Finding a reliable supplier has been a game-changer for me, both as a knitter and as a small business owner. I now source my yarn from local Dutch suppliers whenever possible (supporting small businesses = love!), and I always choose yarn that feels good in my hands.
If you’re just starting out, invest in a few skeins of soft, beginner-friendly yarn. Trust me, it makes all the difference. If you’re looking for recommendations, I’ve shared some of my favorite suppliers here.
- Find Your Community
Knitting can feel lonely when it’s just you, your needles, and a pile of yarn. But the good news is, there’s an amazing community of knitters out there just waiting to cheer you on.
Join a local knitting group, hop on Facebook forums, or follow knitting hashtags on Instagram. You’ll quickly realize that even the most experienced knitters mess up sometimes (looking at you, “forgotten yarn over”). Sharing your progress, asking questions, and learning from others can keep you motivated and inspired.
- Laugh at Your Mistakes
Oh, the mistakes I’ve made. Like the time I tried to knit a sweater for myself and ended up with something that could fit a Great Dane. Or the time I accidentally used two different needle sizes for the same project (spoiler: don’t do this).
Mistakes are inevitable, but they’re also part of the learning process. When things go wrong, don’t beat yourself up. Laugh, unravel, and start again. Every mistake teaches you something new—and that’s progress!
Why I Love Quick Projects
As a mom, time is my most precious commodity. That’s why I gravitate toward quick, satisfying projects that I can finish in a few hours or days. A chunky knit headband, a simple cabled scarf, or even a cute pair of baby booties—all of these projects give me that much-needed sense of accomplishment.
And let’s not forget: quick projects are perfect for gifts! There’s nothing more heartwarming than giving someone a handmade piece of cozy love. Plus, if you’re running a handmade business like me, these smaller items are great for building your product inventory.
Words of Encouragement for Beginners
- “Every great knitter was once a beginner.”
- “Mistakes aren’t failures—they’re stepping stones to success.”
- “You don’t have to be perfect; you just have to start.”
Knitting is like parenting: sometimes messy, often unpredictable, but always rewarding.
Knitting has become so much more than just a hobby for me—it’s my escape, my creative outlet, and a way to connect with my family and customers. Whether you’re making a cozy hat for your little one, a scarf for yourself, or products for your handmade shop, remember: every stitch is an act of love.
So, grab your needles, pick out some beautiful yarn, and dive in! You’ve got this, mama. And if you need a little help along the way, check out my favorite beginner tools and patterns here.
Now, go make something amazing—you deserve it.
With love,
Judi