The Power of Yarn: How Crochet Can Enhance Your Wellbeing

Hello! I don't know about you, but in our fast-paced world, I often crave moments of peace and activities that will help to keep me calm & sane. I turn to crochet most in these times because I find the repetitive action so soothing. I've been looking into it, and there are so many ways in which crochet can enhance your wellbeing.

 

Stress Relief and Relaxation:

The rhythmic motions of crocheting – the turning of the yarn, the steady flow of the stitches – have a calming effect. It allows our worries fade away and our focus sharpens. This meditative quality can significantly reduce stress & anxiety, leaving you feeling centred and relaxed.
 

In Need of a Confidence Boost?: 

As you master new techniques and witness your beautiful creations come to life, you'll feel a sense of accomplishment which will build confidence and fuel your creative side. Crochet allows you to express yourself through colour, texture and design, fostering a sense of pride and artistic fulfillment.
 

Improved Dexterity and Cognitive Function:

Crocheting requires fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. The repetitive motions of crocheting can improve your dexterity and the flexibility in your hands and fingers (especially beneficial as we age). Furthermore, crochet stimulates both sides of the brain which enhances concentration, memory retention & overall brain function.
 

A Sense of Community:

The crochet community is a  welcoming community. By joining online forums, attending local crochet groups, or even simply connecting with fellow crocheters on social media, you'll have a sense of belonging and connection.
Sharing your work, exchanging tips, and learning from others creates a mutually supportive network which can combat feelings of isolation & loneliness. I dedicated a whole blog post to this topic earlier in the year, if you missed that you can read it here.
 

The Joy of Giving:  

Crochet allows you to create beautiful, handmade gifts for loved ones. The simple act of gifting something you've made yourself expresses your love and care in a very real way. I know that my immediate family & friends truly appreciate all the wooly gifts I've given them over the years.
If you crochet for charity it allows you to contribute to a good cause and make a positive impact on the lives of other people.
 
So, next time you pick up your hook think about all the ways in which crochet is enhancing your overall wellbeing! It may be a simple craft but crochet has profound benefits for your mind and body.

Crochet Pattern Suggestions:

Here are a few pattern suggestions from me, all of which you can find by browsing my Ravelry store or my website. One of my favourite projects for relaxing has got to be a crochet blanket and I have 3 patterns available on my blog, the most popular one is Scrappy Blanket III.

If you're looking for a quicker project than a blanket, then I'd suggest my In The Groove cushion cover (above). It has an easy to remember pattern repeat which you can easily immerse yourself in. Find the pattern here on my website and here on Ravelry.

We're finally coming into some warmer weather here in the UK, so if you're after a mindful crochet pattern which will give you a pretty shawl as a result, look no further than my Lazy Days Wrap (below)! It has a simple, easy-to-remember repeat which is suitable from confident beginner up. Find the pattern here on my website and here on Ravelry.

I hope this has been a useful blog post for you, detailing just how good crochet is for our wellbeing! If you have questions about any of my patterns, please ask, I'm happy to help!

Until next time,

Marta xx

The Mindfulness Of Crochet

Over the last few weeks I've been busier than usual and I've found that my crochet projects have really helped me to unwind, gather my thoughts and escape.

I think you'll agree with me that crochet is a brilliant way to relax and de-stress. The repetitiveness can be so calming, and it can help to focus our minds and clear our thoughts.

Today I'd like to concentrate on the mindfulness of crochet and, if you're not already tuning in to this aspect of the craft, ways you can get the most out of it. 

Did you know that mindful crochet:

• Reduces stress and anxiety. The repetitive motion of crocheting calms us down and can help to reduce our stress and anxiety.
• Improves focus and concentration. Crocheting requires focus, which can help to improve these skills.
• Increases creativity and self-expression. Crocheting is a creative outlet that can help us to thrive and express ourselves.
• Provides a sense of accomplishment. Finishing a crochet project can provide a strong sense of accomplishment.

If you're looking for ways to add a little more mindfulness to your life, crochet, and similar crafts like knitting, sewing etc, are fantastic options.

Here are a few of my tips for practicing mindful crochet:

1. Find a quiet place where you won't be interrupted.
2. Sit in a comfortable position with good posture.
3. Choose a project that you enjoy and that's not too challenging.
4. Take your time and focus on each stitch.
5. Remember to breathe! Deeply and slowly.
6. Let go of any thoughts or worries that come into your mind.
7. It can help to choose soothing colours such as purples, blues and greens to bring an extra level of calmness.
8. Just enjoy the moment and the process of creating something beautiful.

Whilst all crochet projects can be mindful, some are even more mindful that others due to their simplicity, their repititiveness or their use of mood lifting colours. Things with 2 row repeats which you don't need to look at a pattern for after a few rows are one of my favourites. 

 

Emma Leith, author of Mindful Crochet puts it like this:

 

 "Crochet is a mindful activity that can help you to relax, focus, and be present in the moment. The repetitive motion of crocheting can be very calming, and it can help to clear your mind of worries and stress."

 

I have Emma's Mindful Crochet book and the projects in at are fab! I've made a few of the flowers and the bunting you see in my craft room is made following Emma's Boho Bunting pattern.

 

Just this week on social media, Tom Daley and LoveCrafts partnered to present the word makefulness which they've defined as:

 

"A blissfully happy state achieved by focussing one's awareness on making, used as a therapeutic technique to lift the mood of the maker and those around them."

 

I don't know about you, but I LOVE this word and it's definition! So, next time you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed, pick up your hook and start crocheting! Let me know your thoughts on this issue, I'd love to know if you agree with me! 

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

PS. If you like my posts and wish to receive them straight to your inbox, you can sign up here and receive 20% off your first order from my website at the same time!