Stitch by Stitch: How Crochet Can Boost Mental Health
In today’s fast-paced world, finding moments of peace and calm can feel like a challenge. Enter crochet – an age-old craft that’s quietly making a modern-day comeback, not just as a hobby, but as a powerful tool for improving mental health. Whether you’re easing anxiety, coping with stress, or simply seeking a creative outlet, crochet has a unique way of bringing focus, relaxation, and joy. Let’s look at how we can crochet to reduce anxiety and reduce stress.
Stitch by stitch, it allows your mind to slow down, your hands to stay busy, and your worries to unravel.
Pun totally intended 🙂
6 ways you can crochet to reduce anxiety & improve your mental health:
1. Create calm
Crochet involves repetitive movements that require focus and concentration. This focus on the present moment, and the yarn and hook in your hand can help quiet the mind and create a sense of inner calm.
Additionally, the rhythmic and repetitive motions of crochet can have a soothing effect, similar to the way that meditation or deep breathing can calm the body and mind.
2. Sense of accomplishment
Crochet can also provide a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, which can boost self-esteem and confidence. Also, you’ll get a well deserved hit of dopamine!
It’s such a great feeling to have actually created a blanket, scarf, or any crochet project purely from scratch. You’re pretty awesome!
3. When it’s hard to sit still…
Crocheting can be especially beneficial for people who find it difficult to sit still and quiet their minds during traditional meditation practices.
Any activity that helps you focus your attention and quiet your mind can be considered a form of meditation.
4. Community
Joining crochet groups or communities can help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness, and provide a sense of belonging.
Crochet groups and classes are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. They provide a supportive environment where you can connect with others who share your love of crochet, and also provide an opportunity to learn new skills & techniques, and definitely get inspired for your next project.
Not a fan of meeting in person? Join a Facebook group – there’s so many out there!
5. It’s a creative outlet
Crochet is a form of creative expression that allows you to explore your imagination and create something unique. This creativity can be incredibly therapeutic, as it provides an outlet for emotions and allows you to express yourself in a positive way.
Whether you’re creating something for yourself or for someone else, the act of crocheting can be incredibly fulfilling and satisfying.
6. A welcomed distraction during stressful times
You can crochet almost anywhere and at any time.
Whether you’re at home, on the go, or even in a waiting room, you can pick up your crochet hook and start stitching.
This can be especially helpful during times of high stress, as it provides a calming distraction and a sense of control over your situation.
This one is very personal note to me. Last year my Dad had open heart surgery. I was incredibly anxious and worried during the surgery. I brought a crochet project I had been working on to keep my mind distracted as we sat in the waiting room.
It was a large granny square blanket, so I was able to fall into a nice flow without having to worry about counting my stitches. The blanket was a self-striping yarn with shades of yellow, orange, pink, and purple, so I’d like to think the bright colors helped provide a glimmer of happiness during those stressful minutes! I was using Red Heart Super in Fruity Stripe, and I highly recommend it! It was a joy to work with.
Well, I had never crocheted so feverishly in my life. I remember thinking I had to crochet or I would go crazy with nerves! Funny actually – I ran out of yarn, so I pulled out the last couple rows, just so I still had something to crochet! 😛
Use Self-striping yarn
Ok, this sounds like a stretch, but hear me out.
Which color should I start with?
How many rows should I complete before switching colors?
How many colors should I use?
What if it ends on a color I don’t like?
Does that sound familiar? It can be stressful trying to plan out every single detail of your project. It can be SO nice to let go, and just let the crochet project happen!
Just enjoy making your project, and let the color changes come as they will.
Trust that the colors you’re working with are pretty (you selected the yarn for a reason after all!). It will be beautiful – no matter what!
Even if the colors change in the middle of a row, and you think – oh, that’s not what I wanted…that’s ok. Crocheting something means it is 100% handmade by you, and sometimes these unexpected color changes are what actually make it awesome. 🙂
What crochet projects are good for anxiety?
Grab a crochet hook and a skein of yarn, and let’s go!
Stitch repeats
Choose crochet patterns that feature stitch repeats, so you don’t have to pay super close attention to counting, and you can fall into a nice flow state.
Pattern Suggestion: Open Windows Blanket
Moss Stitch
Alternating single crochet and chain stitches create a beautiful, textured pattern. It’s easy to follow and highly meditative.
This crochet scarf uses the moss stitch repeat for the entire scarf. Paired with soft self-striping yarn, this may become your favorite project!
Pattern suggestion: Uluru Sunset moss stitch scarf
Chunky Blankets
Using thick yarn allows you to quickly create cozy blankets. As you are working on it, the weight of the blanket itself can have a calming, grounding effect, similar to a weighted blanket.
Pattern Suggestion: Sugar Plum Snuggles Blanket
This pattern calls for 3 different colors of yarn, but you can always keep to 1 color if you’d prefer. The coziness and warmth of the Big Twist Posh yarn made this such a treat to work on!
That pattern follows the Corner to Corner (C2C) crochet method. If you are not familiar with this, head over to the Corner to Corner Tutorial, which includes a step-by-step photo tutorial. Trust me, once you learn C2C, you will be searching for projects to start!
Cup cozies
Small, quick projects like these crochet cup cozies are perfect for beginners or anyone short on time. They’re practical and give you a quick sense of accomplishment.
Have a look at this 20 minute cup cozy pattern.
Granny Square Blanket
So it’s not a granny square project where you crochet many small squares and sew them together, but rather you just make one large square. You’ll get into a nice rhythm and work up a blanket before you know it.
Amigurumi
For those looking to add a bit of whimsy to their craft, creating small crochet toys can be both fun and fulfilling. It’s especially rewarding to gift them to loved ones.
Color me happy
Head to the yarn store and pick up some bright and cheerful colors. Regardless of the pattern, try and work some color into it!
Prefer mostly neutral or darker colors? Try adding a border with a bright color.
Look at you – you’re crafty and taking care of your mental health!
Overall, crochet is an incredibly effective way to reduce anxiety and stress. Whether you’re looking for a new hobby, a way to unwind after a long day, or a way to connect with others, crocheting is an activity that can provide a wide range of benefits.
So, if you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, pick up a crochet hook and start stitching!
Useful crochet references
- Crochet hook size conversion chart
- Yarn weight conversion chart
- Stitch conversation chart (US vs UK)
- Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Crochet
Happy crocheting,
Jennifer
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