Overcome your limiting beliefs about knitting

Have you ever told yourself, “I can’t knit “___________”? Whether it’s sweaters, or a particular technique like lace or brioche.  I think we all have.  So many knitters feel stuck when it comes to certain aspects of knitting or even knitting itself.  

Here’s the thing, though.  

It’s not about your ability—it’s about mindset.  

When we say we can’t, we’ve set up a limiting belief.  

I’m a huge fan of leadership expert, Michael Hyatt. In an email last week he shared a story about a personal limiting belief he’d had.  He always thought he wasn’t good with his hands. (I get this because my dad was not handy, and loathed the idea of hanging pictures or doing even small household repairs) Anyway, one day Hyatt realized he enjoyed certain small handy tasks and was actually pretty good at it. This small realization made him question his belief about being “bad with his hands.” From there, he took on bigger and bigger projects learning as he went.  

The takeaway?

He changed his belief from “I’m not good with my hands” to “I can learn to do anything.”

The same applies to our knitting.  Limiting beliefs tempt us to just completely dismiss certain knitting projects or techniques as impossible for us.  Whether it’s because we’re beginners and it just seems overwhelming, or because we’ve had a few failed attempts, it’s easy to think, “Sweaters/socks/brioche/cables are just too hard for me.

What are Limiting Beliefs?

Limiting beliefs are those sneaky, negative thoughts that hold us back from reaching our goals. In knitting, it could be thoughts like:

• I can’t seam a sweater
• I’m not experienced enough to knit brioche
• There’s no way I could knit a sweater to fit me
• Socks are too hard for me

These beliefs are like invisible barriers that stop you from tackling projects that are completely within your ability, or within reach with just a little help.  

Our beliefs shape our reality. When we believe we can succeed, we’re more likely to achieve our goals. This is why mindset is so important in knitting—and in everything else! 

You are capable of so much more than you think.

Break through your Knitting Barriers

I love Hyatt’s simple 4-step process for breaking through those invisible barriers.  

1. Identify the Belief: Be specific. Write down your limiting belief, whatever it is.  
2. Challenge the Belief: Ask yourself, is this really true? What evidence is there for or against it? Maybe your belief is based on one bad experience. That doesn’t mean it will always be hard.
3. Reframe the Belief: Replace your limiting belief with an empowering one. Instead of “I can’t knit sweaters that fit,” try “I can learn to understand measurement and ease.”
4. Act on the New Belief: This is the most important step. Do the thing.  Take time to learn.  Get the help you need.  Start simply and take it step by step.

Reinforce your New Knitting Mindset

Changing your beliefs is a great start, but you need to make your new mindset stick.  Here are three strategies:

1. Surround Yourself with Support: Be part of community, like Club Crazy for Ewe, where knitters support and encourage each other. Seeing others succeed will reinforce your new belief.
2. Celebrate Your Wins: Keep a knitting journal to track your progress. Write down each small victory, whether it’s completing a sleeve or mastering decreases. Small successes will build on each other and grow your confidence.
3. Use Visual Reminders: Write your new belief on a 3 by 5 card and keep it with your knitting.  Write it on your pattern.  Put it in your dayplanner–anywhere you will see it regularly and be reminded of your new mindset.  

There is nothing in knitting that is beyond you–not sweaters that fit, not socks, not lace or brioche. It’s all totally doable, and you have the skills to make it happen. All you need is a little belief in yourself and the willingness to take that first step.

You’ve got this! 

Warmly,  

Ellen

p.s. tell me in the comments your limiting belief and your new mindset.  Sharing this is a great way to commit to your growth!