While knitting can be a solitary activity enjoyed in peace and quiet, it can also bring knitters of various skill levels together, to talk and laugh and enjoy each other's company. How you enjoy your hobby is up to you; there are many communities, both on the Internet and in person, that you can join.

Admittedly, in rural areas, it may be more difficult for knitters to connect, due to distance constraints. Knitters who live in more cosmopolitan areas will usually have an easier time finding their own. Local yarn shops often have information on groups available; many of the shops have "sit and knits" or "knit nights" themselves. If not, they may have a list of groups who meet. If it's possible to get descriptions of the groups in advance, you might be better able to determine which is the best fit for you. If you're the type who doesn't like noisy knit groups, you might not want to join the one that meets in a bar. Then again, you never know who you may meet if you step out of your comfort zone.

There are quite a few knitting forums on the Internet as well--if you're simply unable to meet knitters in your area but still crave interacting with people who share your interests, this may be a great way for you to do so. Knitters who connect via the worldwide web often remark how "knitting is a community" and nowhere is it more evident than online. You can meet knitters on the other side of the world, whether through the forums or through blogs. You can connect to other people who understand your passion for yarn, who get it when you say you just couldn't leave the yarn shop empty-handed. No one can commiserate with knitters like fellow knitters.

For the times when you're stuck on a pattern, having the input of others is invaluable. You may have read and reread a pattern until your eyes cross, but to another pair of eyes, the technique may be crystal clear. Sometimes it just requires a different perspective.

As a whole, the knitting community tends to be friendly and generous. There are knitters who were short some yarn for a project, mentioned it on a forum, and a total stranger sent the needed yarn, free of charge. Or knitters can sympathize when you've made a mistake on a project like no one else can. Just like certain professions or clubs, knitters have their own lingo, their own slang. SEX to a knitter doesn't mean what non-knitters might take it to mean (Stash Enhancement eXpedition).

However you choose to engage in knitting, know that you can either go it alone, or have fun with fellow crafters. There may be times you prefer to do it in solitude, but other times when you desire company. Don't be shy--reach out. You may meet your future best friend over some sticks and string.