Maybe you think knitting is the recreation of old women.Or just for “girls”.

But these ideas that knitting is merely for the elderly or the female is merely a cultural stigma.Other than that older women commonly knit or that woman traditionally have knit more than men, there is no reason why all millennials should not knit!

On the contrary, knitting is actually the perfect pastime for college students. For one thing, it’s fairly easy.Unlike crochet which boasts a myriad of different stitches, knitting consists mainly of two very, very, simple stitches: knitting and purling. With variations on these two simple stitches, a plethora of creative projects can be created.

Secondly, there are so many amazing knitting patterns available! On a basic level, a nearly indefinite variation of scarves, hats, slippers, vests, purses, blankets and (my personal favorite) shawls can be created.If the clothing lover within you is not intrigued by the galaxy of possibility maybe the geek in you is.There are numerous movie/comic book/literary themed knitting projects available. Who wouldn’t want a hand knit replica of Katniss’s iconic half sweater? Or a homemade Hogwarts House scarf? (Or a sweater, if you want to get adventurous).

Handmade knitted items also make wonderful gifts. Nothing says “I care” like something handmade.Sure, you could buy your best friend a scarf, even a handmade one. But when you give a loved one something you created, it’s like each stitch says “I love you”.

Knitting is also extraordinarily healthy. A less commonly known benefit of knitting is that “some people find that craft work helps them control their weight” by helping them avoid “mindless” eating. It reportedly helps lower blood pressure as well as acting as an overall stress reliever.For college students who often experience high stress levels, knitting is an ideal hobby. I even have seen students bring a knitting project to work on during a class lecture!

In terms of brain activity, watching television is extremely passive.It is a “drug” for the mind.But yes, television is awesome.Whether it’s watching football or favorite movies like “Mrs. Doubtfire”, watching television helps me, as a college student, relax.Knitting helps make watching television a more active form of recreation. I’m still relaxed but my mind and figures are consumed with creating something beautiful. There’s nothing like watching "Harry Potter" while knitting a Slytherin scarf for the Draco Malfoy in your life!