The first nine hexagrams of the Qian hexagram in the Book of Changes represent the first line in the world. The phrase “The dragon lies dormant, do not use it” appears to be hidden and not revealed, but in reality, it conceals the most simple and straightforward way of perseverance and accumulation of strength. This wisdom coincides with the original intention and the process of creation of handmade pet sweater knitters. Every word and sentence is a gentle reminder to the knitters.
“A hidden dragon should not be used, not by stagnating or doing things perfunctorily, but by being calm and patient, accumulating strength over time. It is about honing skills stitch by stitch, and cultivating craftsmanship with single-minded dedication, in the moments no one sees. There is no rush to succeed, no impatience for speed. This is the most precious original intention of hand-weaving. Hand-weaving a dog sweater is never a quick accomplishment. From starting the knitting, to knitting the edges, to dividing the stitches, to finishing, every step allows for no impatience. It is like a hidden dragon sinking into the abyss, silently gathering strength, only to weave the most fitting and exquisite works.”.
Looking back at history, those wise ancestors who understood the wisdom of “keeping a low profile” achieved great things through dormancy and perseverance, serving as the best example for craftsmen. Wang Xizhi of the Eastern Jin Dynasty practiced calligraphy diligently from a young age, never stopping through the changing seasons. Instead of rushing to become famous, he honed his skills day after day, practicing his brushwork and deepening his craft in the moments without applause, eventually becoming a master of calligraphy. This dormancy is akin to a craftsman repeatedly practicing needlework, taking it apart and reweaving it, not pursuing quick success but polishing every stitch’s tension and every line’s evenness, allowing craftsmanship to be refined through repeated practice.
Zhuge Liang, during the Three Kingdoms period, lived in seclusion in Longzhong, diligently tilling the land and studying hard. He devoted himself to delving into the overall situation of the world, not eager to showcase his talents. He waited patiently for the wise ruler Liu Bei to make three visits to his thatched cottage before revealing his abilities to benefit the world. His waiting for the right opportunity is akin to a hand-knitter facing complex patterns and cumbersome styles. Instead of rushing to finish or blindly starting, he first carefully studies the diagrams, organizes the stitching techniques, plans the dimensions, and prepares thoroughly in the early stages. Only when his thoughts are clear and his skills are proficient does he start knitting calmly, completing the work step by step, avoiding mistakes in haste, and ensuring that every pet sweater is perfect.
This world’s first divination, the inspiration for handmade dog sweater knitters, lies hidden in the daily routine of each hand-knitting session. For novice hand-knitters, there is no need to be anxious about unfamiliar stitches or rough work, nor is there a need to rush to create stunning finished products. It is better to be like a “hidden dragon”, patiently practicing basic stitches such as over-under stitches, increasing and decreasing stitches, and twisted stitches, solidifying fundamental skills, and accumulating experience through repeated unpicking and re-knitting. For skilled handmade workers , there is also no need to rush to pursue speed or compare styles. They should hold onto their original intention of handmade craftsmanship, slow down to feel the warmth of the wool, focus on the strength of each stitch and the polishing of every detail, allowing the work to embody craftsmanship and warmth.
In the time of a dormant dragon, one must endure the tediousness of threading a needle and guiding the thread, maintain the focus on every stitch, let go of impetuosity, and let skills mature. The beauty of hand weaving never lies in the quick results, but in the process of lying dormant, gathering strength, and slowly crafting. May every hand knitters understand the wisdom of “the dragon in dormancy should not be used”, using the needle as a pen and the thread as ink, to refine their craft through silent and deep cultivation, and ultimately knit works that fill their hearts with joy, and live a calm and composed life themselves.
Post time: Apr-13-2026