Fast Brain, Slow Craft: Making Knitting Work with ADHD
Knitting, like a lot of slow crafts, seems like the perfect hobby for an overactive mind. It’s rhythmic, repetitive, and creative—what’s not to love? But as someone with ADHD, my relationship with knitting is anything but straightforward. It’s both a way to focus and a source of frustration. That’s the paradox of slow crafts when you have ADHD: you love them, but they challenge your brain in ways that can feel impossible to work through.
The Cycle of Hyperfocus and Abandonment
One of the most frustrating things about knitting with ADHD is the way I flip between hyperfocus and total abandonment. When I’m in the zone, it’s magic. The rhythm, the tactile sensation, the excitement of seeing a project take shape—my brain locks in and I can knit for hours without even noticing the time passing. I get so caught up in the process that I can knock out half a project in one sitting, feeling completely unstoppable.
And then… poof! The motivation vanishes. A day or two later, that once-exciting project is just sitting there, untouched. Despite thinking about it frequently, I’m not motivated to pick it back up. The spark that had me so engaged is gone, and another unfinished project joins the WIP pile.
This cycle is so familiar it’s almost predictable. The hyperfocus phase is amazing, but it’s also fleeting. I’ve had to accept that I can’t rely on that burst of energy alone to finish things. Instead, I’ve learned to work with my ADHD rather than fight against it.
Picking the Right Projects for an ADHD Brain
Not all knitting projects are ADHD-friendly. Some keep me engaged effortlessly, while others—no matter how gorgeous—become overwhelming way too fast. Over time, I’ve figured out what kinds of projects hold my attention.
Quick wins are everything. The faster I can see progress, the more likely I am to stick with it. Simple, repetitive patterns—like a chunky scarf or an easy hat—are perfect because they let me relax into the rhythm without overthinking. I don’t have to check a pattern constantly or worry about intricate details; I can just let my hands work while I listen to an audiobook or watch TV.
But I also need some variety. Projects with stripes, color changes, or fun stitch patterns keep me interested because there’s always something new to look forward to. If I know a color change is coming up or a stitch pattern is about to switch, I’m way more likely to keep going. That little bit of novelty keeps boredom from creeping in and makes the whole process way more fun.
Finding Balance Between Focus and Chaos
The trick is balance. I need projects that keep my brain engaged but don’t overwhelm me. If I can find that sweet spot—where I get into a flow without constantly checking instructions—I’m way more likely to finish what I start. It’s all about finding that rhythm between mindless repetition and enough challenge to keep things interesting.
At the end of the day, knitting with ADHD is about working with my brain, not against it. Some days, I embrace the calm focus knitting gives me. Other days, I accept that I need to switch things up and move on to something new (or old). Whether it takes a weekend to finish a scarf or a year to complete a cardigan, the real joy is in the making.
Embracing the Journey
Knitting may test my attention span, but it’s also taught me patience, self-awareness, and how to appreciate the process. If you have ADHD and love slow crafts, I hope this resonates. There’s no "right" way to knit—or create anything, really. What matters is finding what works for you and rolling with it.
