Why more of us are getting the needle in lockdown
Knitting has surged in popularity during lockdown.
In March, social distancing measures fuelled a growing interest in crafts, including knitting, as a distraction from lockdown boredom and anxiety over the ongoing global health crisis. John Lewis reported a huge rise in demand for craft kits, wool and sewing machines in the six weeks following lockdown, while online craft classes run by Hobbycraft reached 15 million people.
And with a rise in online knitting groups, Youtube tutorials and Instagram accounts dedicated to knitting, sewing and crochet, these traditional crafts are enjoying a chic revival among a younger generation.
Mati herself witnessed a huge increase in demand for her knitting kits during lockdown. “I started a small run of knitting kits, mainly the hats that I designed. They quickly sold out and I had so many queries about when I will restock them or do new ones.
“The interest has been quite incredible. I guess one of the few good things about the pandemic is that it has given people more time and helped them re-evaluate what’s important.”
The knitwear designer has no doubts that, as a creative outlet with therapeutic benefits, hand knitting has helped many people relax. “With knitting, you are making something practical that will last for a long time but it’s also a creative process,” she said.
“I think it keeps both your hands and mind occupied and it allows you to have moments of tranquillity because you need that concentration and focus, especially as a beginner.
“Knitting creates peaceful moments. I do love to hand-knit because it’s different from what
I do for work. I will sit and knit when I have a little free time in the evenings. You can see your mood within your knitting.
“If you’re stressed then you see the change of tension as you knit and relax.
“It is a very practical and mindful thing to do and it’s great that more people, especially young people, are discovering that.”