I often encounter this question in knitting circles: “How can I read and knit simultaneously?” It’s a common query, as many knitters are also passionate readers, and it would be unfortunate to have to choose between these two hobbies. I’ve pondered this question myself numerous times, and over the years, I’ve discovered several intriguing solutions. Recently, I stumbled upon THE perfect solution for me, one that allows me to read and knit comfortably for extended periods. This discovery inspired me to share various ideas that I’ve favored during my attempts at combining knitting and reading.
What medium to use for reading while knitting?
Handling a traditional book during a knitting-reading session can be cumbersome, especially with the need to pause knitting to turn pages. While effective setups exist for reading traditional books while knitting, there are now alternative options offering greater maneuverability.
Audiobooks, podcasts, computers, tablets, and especially e-readers, are excellent alternatives to the traditional book. With the right medium and setup, it’s possible to truly enjoy reading and knitting simultaneously.
→ Audiobooks and podcasts
Audiobooks offer the simplest solution: just plug in your earphones and settle in comfortably to knit while the book is narrated to you. Numerous streaming services cater to all tastes, and my suggestion is to check with your local library for audiobook rentals, which may offer hundreds of novels for free in some regions.
→ Computer screens and tablets
Though reading on a screen doesn’t offer the same benefits as using an e-reader or a physical book, it’s an option that allows easy reading while knitting. Personally, I enjoy reading articles on my computer, and a handy trick to progress without interrupting knitting is to use the space bar to scroll through the text.
→E-readers
E-readers, similar to tablets, come equipped with touchscreens and can store vast amounts of information, accommodating numerous books. Unlike tablets, most e-readers emit minimal to no light, reducing eye strain and offering comfort comparable to traditional book reading. Additionally, e-readers provide features like font enlargement, note-taking, highlighting passages, and some are even compatible with styluses for handwritten annotations. I currently use a Kobo e-reader, and I have previously owned a Kindle that I also enjoyed. While Rakuten and Amazon are the primary manufacturers, borrowing books from libraries is possible with Kobo, unlike Kindle.
What stand to use to hold my book, e-reader, or tablet while I knit?
For hands-free reading, whether with a book, e-reader, or tablet, you’ll need a secure solution that prevents falls and allows page turning. Here are a few book and tablet stands that I recommend.
My preferred tablet/e-reader stand!
Sometimes I fall in love with an object, and that’s the case with this one! For me, this cushion stand for e-readers is the dream solution that allows me to read and knit at the same time. Its advantages? It can be installed on a bed, a sofa, or a table, and it never falls. The clips are solid and securely hold my e-reader in place. The cushion is filled with small styrofoam beads that offer great stability on all surfaces. The arm is adjustable and tiltable, allowing the e-reader to be placed exactly where it needs to be and at the right angle for knitting.
→ Pillow tablet stand to read and knit at the same time
The all-purpose solution
Le Book Seat is a solution similar to the previous one: it’s a cushion that allows you to hold your book while having your hands free to knit, and it can be placed on a table, a bed, or your lap. The book is held by a small strip of transparent plastic that can be lowered to turn pages. It’s designed for books, but it can also hold a tablet or an e-reader just as well and will quickly become the perfect companion for knitting-reading evenings.
→ The Book-Seat
For reading at the table
If you like to knit while sitting at a table, the simplest solution is certainly the best. This beautiful bamboo stand can be placed on a flat surface like a table or desk, and it will effectively hold the pages of a book, or even a tablet or e-reader. Adjustable arms and angle ensure comfort, and its affordability and availability in various colors and materials make it a practical choice. A wide variety of this type of support is also available, like this one and that one that I also like.
→ Bamboo book stand
For a permanent installation
If reading and knitting are part of your daily life and your knitting-reading place has a flat surface, such as a table, a headboard, a wooden sofa base, etc., you may consider adopting a fixed installation that can remain in place permanently. This is the case with this clamp tablet and e-reader stand. The clamp attaches to your table or headboard, and the articulated arm allows you to place the tablet or e-reader exactly where it needs to be to facilitate reading while knitting.
→ Clamp tablet and e-reader stand
Bonus (and confession)
I found another solution to hold my books… well, not really my books… I read to my children every day and it is not uncommon for them to hold the book… so that mommy can knit!
I hope these few ideas will inspire you to spend more time reading and knitting at the same time, because let’s admit it, there’s not much that compares to the joy of finishing a book, a knitting project, or both at the same time! Happy knitting and happy reading!
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