9 Steps To Knitting Your Way Out Of Loneliness

1 GET TOGETHER
Attending a knitting group is a fantastic way for you to connect with other crafty individuals. If you are intimidated by unfamiliar social situations, try to take comfort in the fact that you have something in common with everyone in the room – knitting! If you are searching for a group in your local area, visit deramores.com to access a handy Knitting and Crochet Group Finder. You can also link up with your fellow knitters online in our Let’s Knit Together Facebook group.

2 LISTEN UP
Another excellent idea is to find a podcast that you enjoy. This will allow you to connect with other people from the comfort of your own home. Often podcasts accept questions from their listeners and work hard to promote a sense of community. To explore your audio options, visit stitcher.com

3 CHOOSE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL
There are so many incredible online personalities for you to connect with. If you work from home, live in a remote area or struggle to spend a lot of time out of the house, seeing a friendly face on a regular basis can make all the difference.

4 SHOW SOME HEART
The next step is to craft for a worthy cause. Then you could collaborate with other knitters. Alternatively, you could stay up-to-date with the project’s progress. Even without directly engaging with others, you will be part of a community and will be making a difference one stitch at a time.

5 GET SET TO SHOP
There has never been a better time to show your local store some love. Instead of rushing in and out of the store, why not ask its team a few questions? Perhaps they could recommend a fabulous new yarn, maybe they have heard of an exciting knitting show or it might be that they have a suggestion for improving your current WIP.

6 GO SURFING
Not everyone has access to a knitting group, so it might be easier for you to join an online community. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to connect with international knitters who are eager to share advice, celebrate your achievements and discuss the latest issues in the world of crafts. There are plenty of options available to you on Facebook, including our own friendly group at www.facebook.com/groups/letsknittogether

7 SHOW OFF!
There are a whole host of brilliant craft shows available to attend all year round, so why not join in the fun by purchasing tickets to your favourite event? This could be your chance to chat with fellow crafters, inspiring entrepreneurs and highly respected experts. You could even challenge yourself to set up your own stall at a smaller show.

8 LEARN A LESSON
The next step is to attend a knitting workshop. At the very least you will learn a new skill and enjoy a welcome surge of crafting confidence. However, if everything goes to plan, you could spend the day chatting with a room of friendly creatives.

9 SHARE YOUR SKILLS
If you know of someone in your family or friendship group who is interested in learning how to knit, why not offer to teach them? Alternatively, you could step outside your social circle and offer to hold lessons at your local community centre. If you complete a CRB check, you would also have the option of sharing your skills at a school, hospital ward or care home. Visit gov.uk to find out more.