Waldorf Matters … Knitting for self-esteem

Mrs Briar Collins is our Craft teacher at Elmfield. In our weekly blog series about key aspects of Steiner Waldorf education, Briar discusses the importance of knitting in a Waldorf context

Students begin with the rhythm and flow of finger-knitting in Kindergarten and Class 1.

Knitting is taught in Class 1, but mostly in Class 2 with weaving. The students improve their skills in knitting in Class 3, learning to purl, cast off and cast on and to crochet. Knitting is also taught again in Class 5 with more challenges of working with four needles.

By Class 3 often eager clicking needles can be heard in the back seat of cars or in their living room. I have also heard of students sitting up in bed knitting.

Rudolf Steiner said:

“ Children who learn while they are young to make practical things by hand in an artistic way and for the benefit of others as well as themselves, will not be strangers to life or other people when they are older. They will be able to form their lives and their relationships in a social and artistic way, so that their lives are thereby enriched.”

Handwork brings a balance between intellectual and movement activities, allowing students to experience the struggle, joy and care required in the creative process.

The rhythmic repetition of knitting and crocheting strengthens a child’s concentration and hand-eye coordination.

Knitting is taught to help improve self-esteem.

Teaching children to knit allows them to apply their own discipline, focus, coordination in the creation of the item of value and practicality. Also learning that handwork can be rewarding and building their sense of accomplishment.