Human Resources assistant Erin Loftin has been on a wellness journey through knitting nearly the past three decades. It was only recently, though, that she noticed just how much her hobby could benefit her mental health.

I first started knitting when I was 17 years of age. That was 29 years ago. I guess I just aged myself.  

My mother was sitting on a couch knitting. I was interested in what she was doing, so I sat next to her. When I asked if I could try, she said “yes” and handed me a pair of knitting needles, yarn, and a knitting pattern for preemie baby hats. This also piqued my interest in cross stitch. The rest is history. 

About eight years ago, I was having a difficult time dealing with some personal things that were going on in my life. During that time, although I did not realize it until recently, I leaned heavily on my knitting and cross stitch to help me control my anxiety. 

When working on knitting or cross stitch projects it calms my thoughts. At first, when it feels like I am not going to get through the day, my thoughts are scattered and my breathing is uneven. Then as I start focusing on one stitch and row at a time my thoughts start to focus as well, and my breathing starts to even out.  

Even when mistakes are made, I just go back and fix them. Sometimes even leaving the little mistakes there to help remind me that nothing can be perfect all the time. 

The focus that knitting and cross stitch brings me helps me transfer over to other aspects of my life. It helps me realize that I can only do one task, one step, and one thought at a time.  

Also, it helps me accept the little mistakes that happen in life. It is OK to make mistakes, even if that means having to go back and fix them or letting them go and become a part of who you are. We always strive for perfection in our lives but sometimes letting the flaws show is OK. 

The most important thing that I learned is that no matter what life throws at you, taking it one step at a time is all that we can do. People may say, “I could never do that. It’s too complicated.” To those people I say, find an easy pattern to start with, focus on taking one step at a time, slow your breathing, and enjoy the thing that you just made, even if it does have flaws.  

Also, there are many people and groups out there that will be happy to help you get started. There are also many videos online with step-by-step instructions. Isn’t technology amazing?