Therapy Knitting: 21 Free Knitting Patterns for a Healthy Mind

By: Kristina Kittelson, Editor, AllFreeKnitting.com

Sometimes we all need a break from reality. These free knitting patterns have been handpicked to help you calm down and keep a clear head after a stressful day or devastating event. It's said that crafting is good for a healthy mind, and the avid knitter can attest to this. If you're anything like us, your needles are your best friends when you're upset or overwhelmed. Certain free knitting patterns on our site are perfect for some self-TLC, whether they're repetitive, calm-looking, or very long projects you can work on for a while to keep your mind off everything else.

Just because these free knitting patterns are good for keeping your mind and spirit healthy doesn't mean they're all for beginners. Some of these projects are better suited for intermediate knitters, but all are geared toward putting you at ease. Free knitting patterns of ours that we highly recommend to knit as a therapeutic technique are our afghans. These projects will keep you busy for a long time and help to keep your mind off of all of the negative things happening in your life, and by the end, you have a cuddly blanket that you made with your own two hands! Check out some of these free knitting patterns and have yourself a therapy session.

For more awesome free knitting patterns like this one, download our free eBook, 15 Free Cute Knitting Patterns for Every Season!

Therapy Knitting: 21 Free Knitting Patterns for a Healthy Mind

Bulky Knitting Projects

Free Knitting Patterns That'll Take You Forever

Arm Knitting Patterns

Bulky Knitting Projects

Sure, bulky knitting projects don't always look the best, but aren't they fun to make? Ultimately, these free knitting patterns are about freeing your mind from monotony and stress and letting you have fun. Besides, you'll want to use these knitting projects once you're all done; not only are they much cuter than most chunky free knitting patterns, but they're satisfying because they work up so much faster than their lacier counterparts, which are more of a delayed gratification. Just breathe, relax, and watch a giant, squishy project comes to life before your eyes.

Free Knitting Patterns That'll Take You Forever

"Long" doesn't always mean "difficult" or "frustrating." It's nice to find knitting patterns you can get a jump on and finish in one day, but sometimes you need something bigger to work on. These free knitting patterns are great for therapy knitting, because you can return to them every time you feel overwhelmed and add a little bit more. Watch your struggles, insecurities, and rotten days blossom into a gorgeous piece of decor or clothing over time. Sometimes, all we can do with our hardships is create something beautiful out of them, and knitting is a lovely way of doing so.

If you're a beginner and looking for some easy knitting patterns to keep your mind off of the stresses of everyday life, you'll love our Knitting for Beginners Guide: 9 Free Knitting Patterns for Beginners!

Arm Knitting Patterns

It's easy to forget about more out-of-the-ordinary knitting techniques when we're focused on trying to relax and create something the old-fashioned way. Free knitting patterns you make with arm-knitting can actually be just as therapeutic. Unlike traditional knitting, you create these pieces with your body. Your entire being is literally a part of what you make, and there's something truly beautiful about that. As it's not as easy to just put down an arm-knitting project, it also forces you to sit back and work on your pattern, rather than fuss with anything else. This way, you absolutely have to relax!