Knitting is often thought of as a relaxing hobby, and it certainly is, but it can also be so much more. For many of us, it's a spiritual or mindful practice, a way to connect inward and outward at the same time. One of the most powerful ways to deepen your knitting experience is by setting an intention before you begin.
In this post, I want to share what setting an intention looks like, why it matters, and how you can start this simple yet meaningful habit.
What Does It Mean to Set an Intention?
Setting an intention is about bringing purpose and mindfulness to your time with yarn and needles. It’s a moment to pause and reflect on what you want to hold in your heart as you create.
Your intention can be:
A prayer for someone you're knitting for
A word or feeling you want to focus on (peace, hope, healing)
A reminder to stay present or grateful
A release of stress or heavy thoughts
It's not about making your knitting perfect, it's about making it personal.
Why It Matters
When you set an intention, your knitting becomes more than a project. It becomes a quiet offering. A form of meditation. A channel for love, faith, or healing energy.
Especially when I’m creating prayer shawls, setting an intention helps me center myself, quiet my thoughts, and create from a place of love and purpose. It reminds me that each stitch holds more than yarn, it holds care, compassion, and connection.
How to Set an Intention Before You Knit
Here’s a gentle, three-step ritual you can try before you begin any project:
1. Pause and Breathe - Find a quiet space. Before you even pick up your needles, take a few deep breaths. Let the stillness settle in.
2. Reflect - Ask yourself:
Who is this for?
What do I want this piece to carry? (comfort, strength, love, light)
What do I need from this time?
You can speak your intention aloud, write it in a journal, or simply hold it in your heart.
3. Begin with Purpose - As you start stitching, let your intention flow through your hands. If your mind drifts (as it often will), gently return to your focus with compassion. Let the act of knitting be your prayer, your meditation, your grounding moment.
Examples of Intentions
“May this shawl bring peace and comfort to whoever receives it.”
“As I knit, I choose to let go of worry and rest in gratitude.”
“Every stitch is a prayer for healing.”
“I knit this blanket with joy and hope for the future.”
You don’t need candles, music, or anything fancy to set an intention. Just your presence. Your willingness to slow down. Your heart open to the deeper meaning behind what you’re creating.
Knitting becomes even more beautiful when we infuse it with purpose, and sometimes, that small shift, from doing to being, makes all the difference.
Happy knitting, with intention.