How to Form a Knitting Circle

1. Consider who you want to join your circle.
Do you have a group of friends who are interested in learning about knitting? Or are you planning on starting a group with people who you haven’t met before? Because so much of what you’ll learn in your knitting circle is oathbound, a knitting circle is a lot like a second family. Try to invite people who seek camaraderie and support and also possess an interest in the magic of knitting. Typically any number up to about seven or eight works well.

2. Determine when and where you’ll meet.
Coffee shops, bookstores and the woods are all great options. Be sure to get permission first, though, particularly if you’re going to be performing rituals. Also, coordinate what day and time you’ll meet and during which moon phases.

3. Establish rules.
It is helpful to create a few rules such as no knitting fair isle, mandatory conjuring breaks, etc. Include a mission statement too, such as: Our purpose is to honor the gods and goddesses of knitting, and to celebrate the seasons in accordance to yarn.

4. Decide on a dress code.
Most knitting circles require ritual robes. Some may require different colors of robes based on your knitting abilities. Also, traditional knitting circles work skyclad, so if you plan to work this way make it clear to new members — not everyone is comfortable with ritual nudity while knitting.

5. Determine when members will be taught new stitches.
Serious knitting invokes powerful knots; it should never be rushed.

6. Perform initiation into your knitting circle.
State aloud and in unison your interest in exploring the mysteries of knitting and following the path of the yarn. Then, wait to be gently tapped with the sacred knitting needles. Now, all together: Cast on!

Natalie Eve Garrett is an artist, writer, and the editor of The Artists’ and Writers’ Cookbook (powerHouse Books, 2016). She also enjoys “knitting.”