Tom Daley is Not a Good Knitter (and that's OK)

As someone who is just dipping their toes into the vast ocean of knitting, I have no right to judge another knitter’s work. My own projects are riddled with mistakes and my skill level is far from impressive. But even in my inexperience, I can't help but notice some of the design choices and techniques displayed by one of the most famous knitting enthusiasts in the world, Tom Daley.

Tom Daley, the Olympic diver, has made a splash in the knitting community with his public displays of craftiness. While his enthusiasm and dedication are undeniable, his work is far from perfect. Let’s talk about some of the areas where Tom’s knitting might raise a few eyebrows.

Tom’s knitting often features quirky patterns and bold color choices that seem more experimental than polished. His floats can be sloppy, leading to uneven stitches, and his stitch tension fluctuates, making the finished pieces look uneven. His joins, especially around collars and cuffs, often appear rushed and untidy, detracting from the overall appearance of his garments.

IG@tomdaley

But here’s the thing: despite these technical imperfections, Tom Daley knits because he loves it. He proudly wears the pieces he creates. His willingness to craft in public, whether he's knitting poolside at the Olympics or posting on social media, has significantly boosted the visibility of the knitting world. He shows us that knitting is not just about achieving perfection; it’s about the joy of creating something with your own hands.

Most importantly, Tom Daley does not let the quest for perfection stop him from making. In a world where we are constantly bombarded with images of flawless crafts and perfect projects, Tom’s work is a refreshing reminder that perfection is not the only goal in crafting. Each person has to decide for themselves why they create. For Tom, and for many others, it’s the process, the relaxation, and the satisfaction of making something unique that matters most.

Fear often stops us from creating. We spend so much time searching for the perfect pattern, the ideal yarn, or the best equipment, that we delay starting our projects. We convince ourselves that we need the latest tools or the most beautiful materials before we can even begin. This endless quest for perfection can paralyze us, preventing us from experiencing the joy of crafting.

Worse still is when we let our dissatisfaction with our bodies hold us back. We might postpone making something for ourselves until we reach an arbitrary weight goal or feel more confident in our appearance. This mindset can trap us in a cycle of self-criticism and inaction, robbing us of the opportunity to create and express ourselves through our crafts.

Tom Daley’s knitting journey teaches us that we don’t need to wait for perfect conditions to start creating. Whether our stitches are uneven, our tension is off, or our designs are quirky, what matters is that we are making something with our own hands. Crafting is about the process, the enjoyment, and the satisfaction of bringing our ideas to life. We don’t have to be perfect; we just have to start.

So, while Tom Daley might not be the best knitter in terms of technique, he embodies the true spirit of the craft. He knits because it is his passion, and that is something we can all appreciate and learn from. Let’s celebrate the imperfections and remember that the value of our work lies not just in the final product, but in the love and passion we pour into it.

By Trent, your fellow crafter and creator of The Weft Wright, sharing the joy of fiber arts from my cozy studio in the mountains of western North Carolina.