Knitting – once thought of as the domain of grandmothers in rocking chairs – has somehow become a trendy activity among the younger set. Knitters can be spotted in coffee shops, on buses and trains, and even at bars during happy hour. So many twenty- and thirtysomethings have become social knitters, enjoying pints of Guinness as they transform balls of yarn into fashionable, wearable pieces, that some are dubbing knitting “the new book club.”

So just how did the hobby’s image jump from the hip-replacement set to the just plain hip? “I think it’s a combination of the fashionable do-it-yourself movement spearheaded by young people in their 20s and 30s, and the yarn companies responding by having different kinds of fibers and technologies to work with,” says Gail Faris, owner of Commuknity, a San Jose yarn shop that is also something of a hub for the local social knitting scene. Faris adds, “The internet is so incredibly powerful in the knitting world… social chat rooms drive trends – everyone is connected.”

Why spend time knitting when you can buy something premade? Being able to tailor pieces to fit perfectly is one reason. “Let’s say you’re long-waisted; you can make the sweater pattern longer. Let’s say you have large hips; you can make a crop sweater. You can individualize anything you make,” says Faris.

But learning to knit takes time and patience. “It depends on the person and temperament,” Faris says. “It took me maybe six months [to learn]. The main frustration is making mistakes and not knowing how to get out of it.” Taking classes with instructors on hand can remedy the frustration. Although there are books and websites that can teach you to knit, it is much easier to learn in a social setting. “Most people are kinesthetic or visual learners, so if they can see and feel and be told what to do, it works out better than looking at pictures that don’t tell you what to do when you get stuck,” explains Faris.

At Commuknity, a variety of classes cater to everyone from knitting novices to highly experienced yarn handlers. Workshops are separated into beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, and classes range from those addressing how to correct mistakes to lessons focusing on specific items, such as scarves or socks, or other fiber arts, including crochet. Participating in classes is more than just a learning experience – it introduces participants to others who share ideas. “It’s nice to meet others who have a similar hobby and enthusiasm,” says Faris.

For some, the camaraderie found in classes is reason enough to continue knitting. “People have fun together while learning and sharing in classes. And sometimes, people will just show up to knit and hang out. It becomes a big social outlet,” adds Faris. In addition to opening the door to social networks, knitting can be therapeutic. “Once you catch on, and you’re creating a product, knitting becomes a healing and stress reducing activity,” Faris notes. The repetitive motion of knitting is said to be relaxing, while focusing on creating a product can also be considered therapeutic. The end result is more than rewarding – you not only have reduced stress levels, but have a cute hat or sweater to show off, give as a gift, or donate to charity.

Project Linus (www.projectlinus.org) is just one of the outreach programs Commuknity works with, providing charitable reasons to pick up the knitting needles. The project focuses on making blankets and clothing for children in need. Commuknity has also partnered with the Helping Hands Foundation (www.helpinghandsgroup.org), a nonprofit organization that teaches children various needle arts. “Children learn to overcome difficulties when learning how to knit,” Faris says. “Knitting helps with motor skills and even corresponds with math skills. More and more afterschool programs are encouraging kids to knit.”

In addition to classes, social activities, and connections to outreach programs, local shops feature the essential supplies and accessories for avid knitters: patterns, books, needles, and endless yards of yarn in an array of colors and types, from cotton and wool to llama and cashmere.

Knitting enthusiasts could easily become giddy in specialty yarn shops, thinking of all the project possibilities. But it’s important to keep in mind that with people’s overly-scheduled lives, knitting should never become just another chore. Though some may get excited by the prospect of creating their own cashmere sweater while also multitasking in a night with the girls, knitting is actually supposed to calm you down.

“Having yarn in your hand is just a very comforting, rewarding, kinesthetic event you can’t really get by buying something,” says Faris. “You end up with something you created and you like and feel good about. It’s not a job, and it’s not some race – knitting is a lifestyle.”

KINTTING 101

Ready to get your knit on? Here are some of the basic terms you’ll need to know:

Casting on: The first step in knitting, this is a way of securing the yarn to the needle.

Knit stitch: Knitting consists of loops that are pulled through each other, called stitches. The knit stitch is set up so that the next stitch can pass through the previous loop from below (pulling it through the yarn from the back). Once done, it will look like a V.

Purl stitch: This is the opposite of a knit stitch, and is set up so that the next stitch can pass through the previous loop from above (pulling it through the yarn from the front). Once done, it will look like a wavy rainbow.

Binding off: The method with which to make a finished edge and remove the stitches from the needle.