The Joys of Teaching Children How to Knit
As a Youth Services Librarian, I get to come up with many fun and creative program ideas for children. One of the most engaging and rewarding programs I offer at the library is Tween Knitting. Ever since I began knitting about four years ago, I have become so passionate about this craft that I want to share it with others. Lucky for me, being a librarian has given me the opportunity to teach children how to knit.
There are many stereotypes associated with knitting and knitters, mainly that it is a hobby for older women. You may be picturing a grandma-type figure sitting in a rocking chair knitting a sock; or you may think that knitting is a craft reserved only for women and girls. However, the knitting community has grown tremendously over the years, becoming more inclusive, diverse and fashionable. It is not an outdated hobby, but an ever-evolving one that continues to thrive in an age of mass produced clothing and materials.
So why should children learn how to knit? There are many proven benefits of knitting, both physical and mental. For one, it’s an opportunity for kids to step away from the computer, put down their phones or tablets and focus on working with their hands. In the beginning, knitting involves intense concentration and hand-eye coordination. It always amazes me that no matter how frustrated a child gets when learning how to knit, their determination to master this new skill is always much stronger.
Many kids ask me before we even get started, “What are we going to make?” They are just so eager to create something and own that sense of accomplishment - and that is what knitting is all about. Yes, mistakes will be made along the way and you will learn something new every time you pick up the needles - that’s what makes knitting exciting! Of course, little do the kids realize that it will take a couple more sessions to really get started on a project; but if a child says at the end of their first session, “Hey, this is fun!” then I’ve done my job.
Although knitting can be perceived as a solitary craft, it’s actually a very social one. I’ve noticed that once the kids get comfortable with their own knitting, they begin to talk to one another. They will end up talking about what’s going on in school or find out things they have in common with one another. The greatest joy for me is seeing students helping one another when someone makes a mistake or they aren’t sure what to do next. Now that they’ve learned this new skill, they’ve become teachers themselves without even knowing it.
So, if you’re a parent reading this and your child might be interested in knitting, take them to the library and give it a try! Tween Knitting is held every Wednesday from 7-8 pm at the West Windsor Branch Library for ages 10 & up.
And, if you’re interested in a knitting group for yourself, a Knitting Circle is held Wednesdays at 7:00pm at the Lawrence Branch; a Fiber Arts Circle is held Wednesdays at 7:00pm at the Hopewell Branch. Check the library system’s online programming calendar for specific dates – just search for “knitting.”
To help your children try their hand at knitting at home, try these titles:
There are many stereotypes associated with knitting and knitters, mainly that it is a hobby for older women. You may be picturing a grandma-type figure sitting in a rocking chair knitting a sock; or you may think that knitting is a craft reserved only for women and girls. However, the knitting community has grown tremendously over the years, becoming more inclusive, diverse and fashionable. It is not an outdated hobby, but an ever-evolving one that continues to thrive in an age of mass produced clothing and materials.So why should children learn how to knit? There are many proven benefits of knitting, both physical and mental. For one, it’s an opportunity for kids to step away from the computer, put down their phones or tablets and focus on working with their hands. In the beginning, knitting involves intense concentration and hand-eye coordination. It always amazes me that no matter how frustrated a child gets when learning how to knit, their determination to master this new skill is always much stronger.
Many kids ask me before we even get started, “What are we going to make?” They are just so eager to create something and own that sense of accomplishment - and that is what knitting is all about. Yes, mistakes will be made along the way and you will learn something new every time you pick up the needles - that’s what makes knitting exciting! Of course, little do the kids realize that it will take a couple more sessions to really get started on a project; but if a child says at the end of their first session, “Hey, this is fun!” then I’ve done my job.
So, if you’re a parent reading this and your child might be interested in knitting, take them to the library and give it a try! Tween Knitting is held every Wednesday from 7-8 pm at the West Windsor Branch Library for ages 10 & up.
And, if you’re interested in a knitting group for yourself, a Knitting Circle is held Wednesdays at 7:00pm at the Lawrence Branch; a Fiber Arts Circle is held Wednesdays at 7:00pm at the Hopewell Branch. Check the library system’s online programming calendar for specific dates – just search for “knitting.”
To help your children try their hand at knitting at home, try these titles:
- Knit, Hook, and Spin by Laurie M. Carlson
- Let’s Knit by DK Publishing
- Kids Knitting by Melanie Falick
- Cool Knitting for Kids by Alex Kuskowski
- Knitting for Fun by Jen Jones
- Knitting Projects You’ll Purl Over by Kelly McClure
- Melissa Nemitz, West Windsor Branch
I really enjoyed reading this blog. It really broadened my horizons about the rewards of knitting. Thank you for sharing this.
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