Knitting through stress and overwhelm: Finding calm in the stitches

We’ve all been there—that moment when life feels like too much. Maybe you’re juggling a million responsibilities and feel stretched too thin. (Kind of like how I feel as we get ready for Vogue Knitting Live.) That’s stress. Then there is that place when you’ve reached the point where it all feels impossible to handle, and you’re completely frozen and don't know what to do next.  That’s overwhelm, and trust me when I tell you that I have been there too.  In her book, Atlas of the Heart, the lovely Brene Brown, compares stress to the being in the weeds, a restaurant term that means you need help and overwhelm to being blown," another restaurant term that means you can't even function. 

Stress is hard, but you can push through it. Overwhelm, on the other hand, stops you in your tracks. The only antidote for overwhelm, as Brown explains, is to do nothing at all—to pause, to breathe, and to let yourself reset. But what if doing “nothing” feels impossible?

That’s where knitting comes in.

Knitting as an Antidote to Stress and Overwhelm

We already know that knitting is a wonderful way to unwind. The rhythmic motion of needles, the feel of the yarn, the satisfaction of seeing something beautiful grow row by row—it’s all so calming. But knitting isn’t just a way to manage stress; it’s also a powerful tool for dealing with overwhelm.

When you’re feeling “blown,” your brain needs time to reset. You don’t need a challenge or a complex pattern. You need something so simple, so automatic, that it doesn’t require any thought at all. That’s where super simple knitting comes to the rescue.

The Beauty of Simple Knitting

Simple knitting—something like a garter stitch scarf or a project with miles of stockinette—does more than just occupy your hands. It gives your mind a chance to rest. With each stitch, you’re gently grounding yourself, finding rhythm and control in a world that feels chaotic.

Unlike other forms of distraction, knitting adds a layer of agency. It’s not just about taking a break; it’s about reclaiming a little bit of control. You’re creating something, one stitch at a time, even when everything else feels out of your hands.

Knitting Through the Weeds and the Blow

Next time you’re in the weeds—or completely blown—try reaching for your simplest knitting project. Here are a few ideas:

• A simple garter stitch something, like your temperature blanket
• A basic ribbed project with no shaping at all - like Winterton
  
• Any cozy, repetitive pattern you don't have to think about

If the weather allows, take your knitting outside. Nature has its own magic, and when you combine it with the soothing rhythm of knitting, you’re giving yourself a double dose of calm.

A Loving Reminder

It’s okay to feel stressed. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. What matters is how you care for yourself in those moments. Knitting is one of the kindest, most nurturing things we can do for ourselves. It reminds us to slow down, to breathe, and to focus on the moment right in front of us.

So, the next time life feels like too much, remember: You don’t have to fix everything. Sometimes, all you need to do is knit a little--take everything one stitch at a time.