Cameron Diaz does it, Julia Roberts is said to dabble, and Olympic diver Tom Daley is well-known for it. In fact, with a global industry standing at a staggering $23.8 billion USD, it is clear that knitting is an incredibly popular pastime. But how many people regularly pick up those needles and create something wonderful from yarn?
How many knitters are out there – the facts and figures
According to figures from not-for-profit organisation UK Hand Knitting, there are almost 6 million knitters in the UK alone, with more than 400 knitting groups listed on the organisation’s website. In fact, the United Kingdom is ranked third in the world when it comes to the popularity of knitting, behind New Zealand and Iceland. In America, there are an estimated 28.8 million knitters.
Perhaps one of the best ways to gauge just how many knitters are out there is through social media. The hashtag #knitting has more than 3.8 million posts on Facebook, while Instagram has almost 24 million posts for the same hashtag.
Changes in the popularity of knitting
As with all hobbies, knitting has enjoyed ebbs and flows in its popularity.
Currently, though, it is riding a wave of popularity thanks in part to the Covid 19 pandemic. During Covid lockdowns, the popularity of knitting surged as people who were unable to live their normal lives looked for new ways to pass the time. Around one million extra people in the UK were said to have turned their hand to knitting during this time.
Crafts have been shown to relax the mind during times of stress and uncertainty. They can also help to increase mindfulness.
The growth in popularity of easy-to-use crafting kits, such as a knitting kit or macrame kit from specialists like Wool Couture, has also made it easier for would-be knitters to get started.
As the rise of social media (coupled with Harry Styles’ penchant for knitwear) helps to encourage more young people to pick up their knitting needles, it seems the pastime may have shaken off its once antiquated stereotypes too.