With its rise in popularity among all ages, but especially younger generations, crochet can be a great tool to use for improving mental health. Crochet is the craft of creating textiles using a hook to interlock yarn, thread, or other materials. Here is a brief example of what crochet can look like.
(Image from: https://makeanddocrew.com/)
Now that you know the basic steps of crochet, let's talk about the benefits of crocheting. Crocheting requires a lot of repetitive motion, especially if you are making something large, and repetitive motion can often help one slowly progress into a meditative state. Crocheting is a great way to practice mindfulness as you have to focus on the stitch and row you are working on, which allows your mind to focus on the ‘here and now’ rather than the future. A consistent practice of mindfulness has been shown to reduce anxiety. Crochet also, typically, requires one to read and track patterns, which can help one improve their attentional focus. Most patterns come in shorthand, meaning reading a pattern is a new skill in itself.
The current pattern I am working on reads: CH 3, FPDC, DC
One round of my last pattern reads: CH 3, Tr2tog, CH 2, in the next st, tr3tog
My guess is that if you have never crocheted, you have no idea what any of that means. When you learn how to crochet, you are able to translate the language used pretty quickly. The current pattern reads: Chain 3, front post double crochet, double crochet. The indicates to repeat the process until that round is done. The next pattern reads: Chain 3, treble crochet 2 stitches together, chain 2, then in the next stitch- treble crochet 3 stitches together. *
Like any skill, crochet takes practice. Blocking out time to learn this new skill every day can help establish a routine which can help provide structure and predictability.
Additionally, crochet projects often take time and can provide one with a sense of accomplishment when they are able to see their work pay off in creating something.
Crocheting is such a versatile craft that one can really develop their own style and express themselves in a creative way. Once you are able to get the basics down, you really can create whatever you want. There are thousands of unique patterns to follow and with enough practice and knowledge you can create your own pattern. Engaging in creative practices has shown to increase mood and can help reduce anxiety.
While crocheting may not be as popular as other hobbies, there is still a large community of people who are willing to help anyone learn the craft and be a part of the community. Most hobby or craft stores have group classes that meet at least once a month. Attending crafting groups is a good way to meet new people who have similar interests. I have found that most people in the crochet/kitting community are very welcoming and open to people who want to learn the craft. If you are able to crochet in a group setting, there is ample opportunity to socialize with others in the group. Crocheting can be done in silence and therefore crochet groups will naturally fall into conversation which can help foster connection.
Learning a tangible skill such as crochet can help increase confidence and self-esteem as you are able to see your progress and completed work. There is a sense of accomplishment that comes along with being able to hand make something that looks nice or is useful. When completing a project one is also challenged to problem solve and troubleshoot any issue they may run into. Accomplishing tasks can help reduce feelings of anxiety, frustration, and self-doubt, replacing them with positive emotions.
Here are a few pro tips for getting started with crochet:
Start with a kit that has all materials included and a step by step guide. They sell crochet kits at most craft stores and online. I started with Wooble’s crochet kits, but [1] there are many cheaper options online and in store. What I liked about Wobbles is their unique yarn that doesn’t have individual threads to get caught up in.
Explore different yarn types and try to find a yarn that you enjoy using. I recommend starting with 100% cotton yarn if possible. Cotton yarn is much sturdier than acrylic or polyester (depending on thickness). Therefore the threads are less likely to separate, there is less if not any piling, and it’s often easier to see the details of your stitches. You can always check the back of packing for yarn information.
Don’t start your crochet journey with a blanket as your first project! Blankets are huge projects that usually only have one or two variations between rows, meaning it can get boring pretty quickly. For example: one row of a blanket that I am making takes me about 15 minutes and I’ll easily need 150 rows. Instead, start with something small like a coaster.
Mentally prepare to make mistakes and have to start over, it's part of the process. Even seasoned crocheters make mistakes on their projects. Whenever I have to frog (crochet term for unwinding work to a certain point) and rework my stitches, I look at it as a new opportunity to get better at my skill.
Engaging in therapy alongside your crafting practice can offer personalized strategies and deeper emotional insights. Combining the therapeutic power of crochet with the guidance of a mental health professional can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling path to emotional health.
If you're considering beginning therapy and would like to incorporate crocheting into your mental health journey, please reach out via email at admin@cuttingedge-therapy.com or phone (847) 220 8838.
Written By,
Madison Repak, LPC
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