Most people check their phones on the subway. I knit. What started as a small experiment has now become one of my favorite ways to reclaim time and add mindfulness to my daily commute.
When I used to ride the train, I often defaulted to scrolling through my phone. Sometimes I would read, but with dim lighting and constant noise, it was hard to focus. Especially on short rides—just one or two stops—it felt awkward to open a book, so I ended up staring at my phone out of habit. The problem is that once this habit sets in, it doesn’t stay in the subway. I found myself dragging through feeds at home or during breaks, and by the end of the day I felt like I had wasted my time without any real rest or creation.
That’s when I turned to knitting. Knitting in public might sound unusual, but it works beautifully. It’s portable, calming, and surprisingly social. A ball of yarn and a pair of circular needles fit neatly in a small bag, and even ten minutes is enough to make progress on a project. I often work on scarves or coasters—simple items that don’t require too much space. Sometimes, strangers notice and strike up conversations: What are you making? How long have you been knitting? These small interactions create unexpected connections and even turn commuting into a social experience.
Of course, there are practical tips that make commuter knitting easier:
- Pick small projects like socks, beanies, or dishcloths that don’t take up too much room.
- Use circular needles to prevent dropped stitches in crowded spaces.
- Keep yarn in a drawstring bag so it doesn’t roll away on the floor.
Beyond the practical side, knitting has mindful benefits. Once your hands fall into rhythm, the noise of the subway fades away. The repetitive motion calms your nervous system and helps you focus, unlike the constant stimulation of a phone screen. By the time I arrive, I feel more relaxed than when I left, almost as if I’ve meditated.
There’s also a sense of accountability and motivation that comes when you knit in public. Joining a knitting circle or community group means you set small goals and share progress. Even casual commuters have asked me about yarn choices or shared their own stories, reminding me that knitting is more than a hobby—it’s a way to connect.
Knitting in public is, in a way, a small rebellion against wasted time. It proves that mindfulness doesn’t have to wait for a quiet room or a retreat; it can live in the busiest, noisiest places—even a crowded subway. If you’re tired of losing time to endless scrolling, bring your yarn on your next ride. You may find that every stitch is not just a creation, but also a moment of calm reclaimed from distraction. If you’ve never tried knitting in your life, check out this post—you might discover a new way to relax and focus.