Knitting for Anxiety: Channeling St. Brigid’s Protection on Bad Brain Days
Watch my latest video here: https://youtu.be/NfxfXkWPZ1k
Does your anxiety ever feel like a physical weight? Like you’re exposed and just need a shell to crawl into?
You aren’t alone. In fact, this feeling is centuries old.
In Ireland, there is a tradition surrounding St. Brigid’s Day (Imbolc) that treats fabric and craft not just as a hobby, but as a literal form of protection. They didn’t have Xanax in the 5th century—they had wool.
In this week’s video (watch above!), I’m exploring the concept of “Knitting Armor”. These patterns are physically heavy, mentally grounding, and historically linked to protecting the wearer.
🛡️ Why We Need “Knitting Armor”
As someone living with schizoaffective disorder, I know that feeling of needing a barrier between me and the world. As someone living with schizoaffective disorder, I know that feeling of needing a barrier between me and the world. If you missed my last video on Knitting for Bad Brain Days, start there. I highly recommend it. You can see the specific textures and fibers I turn to when my mental health struggles. The companion blog can be found here.
In the video, I talk about the Brat Bríde—the ancient tradition of leaving a cloth or ribbon outside on St. Brigid’s Eve to be blessed by the saint as she passes. It was believed to gain healing and protective powers.
We do not rely on folklore to cure us today. Still, there is a powerful psychological truth here. We all need something that makes us feel safe.
There is actual science behind why heavy, rhythmic knitting calms the nervous system (like a weighted blanket). We are essentially knitting our own “Brat Bríde”—creating a fabric that holds us together when we feel like falling apart.
🧶 The “Protection” Pattern Round-Up
I’ve curated a list of patterns that embody this feeling of safety. The density of Aran cables feels grounding. The hug of a heavy shawl offers comfort. These projects are designed to ground you.
(Note: Full visuals and pattern breakdowns are in the video!)
- The Modern Cloak: Braidsmaid – For when you need to hide from the world.
- The Aran Fortress: Peninsular – Complex cables that demand your full focus (goodbye, intrusive thoughts).
- The St. Brigid’s Cross Cowl: Braidheart – A literal symbol of protection around your neck.
- The Quick “Reset” Project: Brigid – For when your attention span is shot.
🥔 Kitchen Therapy: Traditional Irish Boxty
It wouldn’t be a true St. Brigid’s celebration without food. In the video, I step away from the needles to make Boxty (traditional Irish potato pancakes).
There is something incredibly grounding about the sound of sizzling butter and the physical work of grating potatoes. If you want to try it yourself, here is the recipe:
Watch the video to see the full technique and how I almost burned the kitchen down (kidding… mostly).
💬 Your Turn
Do you have a “comfort knit”? A specific sweater or shawl you wear when you need to feel brave? Let me know in the comments on the YouTube video—I’d love to hear about your own “knitted armor.”
Stay creative and stay sane, Arletta & Cora 🐾