I remember my grandmother trying over and over to teach me to crochet when I was young – I really never got the hang of it. I had mastered so many crafts and arts through my life that I used to giggle and say “Yup! I can do anything except knit and crochet.”
Over ten years ago when I learned to crochet I truly believed it was a passing fad. But now, being one of the oldest crafts in the world I truly believe that it is one of the few crafts that will never end.
I started crocheting when I was pregnant with my second son Christian. I needed a craft as an outlet (I always have). With Matthew my first son not even two, the option of sewing or painting or stamping wasn’t practical in our small house.
Crocheting seemed the best option – I could make cute little clothes gifts and at the same time have a creative outlet that gave me the brain break I needed. And, I could do it absolutely anywhere in the house – jeez I could have even done it in the bathroom had I chosen too.
Crochet as a Business
I never gave much thought at the time to any other benefits that crochet might have but after starting my business 10 years ago I sure can think of many! I was curious though – who else found crochet beneficial and how were they benefiting?
I did some online research and found many articles talking about how it can improve your health, confidence and also potentially become a business. I can tell you from experience the amount of online crochet businesses has EXPLODED over the past 10 years.
Whether you blog, sell finished items or design there is always a market to capture for potential income. Most of all enjoy the process if you started crocheting because you love the craft, make sure you still love it while trying to grow your business.
Creating Exactly What you Want the Way you Want it!
A benefit from crocheting is creating your own clothes and accessories. If a popular store does not have a particular item, then make it.
Years ago while we were at the Santa Clause parade I saw a women wearing a beautiful Newsboy Cap. The texture was dainty and it went all the way down to the brim. I had never seen anything like it before – it was beautiful!
So, I created the Brighton Newsboy Cap. (photo below) Notice the beautiful texture on the brim? I was so pleased because judging (ok yes, judgy judgy me…) from where we were and how this lady was dressed I think that hat was pretty expensive. And now I had one just for me… and well you too!
(If you like this newsboy and want it added to the blog be sure to let me know in the comments)
You understand your style better than anyone and once you get the basics down I am telling you the possibilities are endless. To this day I am amazed and always so happy, to see how people take my crochet designs and personalize them to their taste. There is no way I could ever imagine all the variations they come up with on my own.
Cost Effective Hobby
Many hobbies are very expensive, but Crochet is an affordable hobby for many people. You only need to purchase a crochet hook and yarn. All of these items are fairly inexpensive. Retailers commonly sell single crochet hooks for just a few dollars and yarn starting around three dollars. Then explore. There are thousands of FREE CROCHET PATTERNS on the internet and PINTEREST too.
You do not need to invest a lot of money when you only need to purchase more yarn for new projects.
Save Money
Lots of articles talk about the savings. This one can be debatable in my opinion. I have crocheted blankets that cost over $100 to make that perhaps may be the same to buy.
At this point I think perhaps the pride in making needs to be enough :). Here is one – you see Ziva made it her blanket I fought the dog – but the dog won. I mean – what can I say happy dog happy life!
I do think though, when it comes to smaller projects like headbands, hats and mitts often it is quite a bit less expensive to make. Of course it really also depends on the yarn you choose. Again I believe the ability to make what you want in the colour and yarn is the real bonus here.
Express Yourself
Crochet is more than just stitching a scarf or hat. You are creating art with every item from your stitching. You are an artist. Crochet is a great way to express yourself through your designs using an infinite number of patterns, yarns colours and styles for a project’s design.
Like I mentioned before – even though you may use a design written by someone else there are so many opportunities to make it your own. Especially as you gain experience you can play around with crochet patterns adding different finishing touches, colour changes, sizing.
Try taking a beanie pattern and turning it into an oversize slouch, turn a cowl into a traditional scarf. Stretch the designs and crochet patterns you purchase by getting creative.
It may take a few tries but in the end you will have something uniquely yours.
Helping Your Community
Crocheting provides a great opportunity to help people in need. You can make hats, mittens, and socks to donate to local charities. Those are just a few items to help someone during the coldest months of the year. Many homeless or low-income families would be thankful to receive nice necessities. You are using your craft to improve your community.
Contact a local charity and learn what they need people to donate. Many churches and non-profit organizations have a program to assist the needy. Find the right program for you if you are interested. Then, start crocheting those types of items. It will make a positive impact in many lives.
Inexpensive and Unique Gifts
Ohhh, handmade gifts are the best! You can create inexpensive gifts for your friends and family. It is truly special to create a gift for a loved one. You can stitch a new sweater for your mother instead of buying a sweater at a retailer. A gift can be for a birthday, holiday, or any special occasion. A sweet gift like this will be cherished by any loved one. It has more sentimental value than the average gift.
Here are some of my favourites
Build A Community
Every hobby has groups or clubs with people with similar interest. You can join or start a club for crochet in your area. This is a great opportunity to learn new skills to tone your craft. You also meet new people, and develop lasting friendships with people, who share your passion for crocheting. Search for a club on social media from a site like Facebook. Your community may have a local club to join.
Crochet Can Help You Relax and Manage Stress
Big caveat on this one! ONLY if you already know how to crochet. Cause let me tell you – learning can be stressful but I have some videos you might like if you are just starting out.
Crocheting has long been recommended as a form of therapy for those suffering from anxiety and depression. The NHS reports that crocheting can help to ease stress, improve moods, and provide a sense of accomplishment.
Crocheting is often used in healthcare settings to occupational therapists and other health professionals. It is believed that the repetitive motions involved in crocheting can help to soothe and calm patients. The NHS also reports that the social aspect of crocheting can be beneficial for patients suffering from loneliness or isolation.
Crocheting Reduces The risk of Memory Loss
Just like so many other hobbies like reading, quilting and computer activities, crochet is a great activity for increasing your chances of delaying or preventing memory loss.
The repetitive activity of stitching simulates the brain and strengthens your memory. The creating of a pattern when you are stitching causes, your brain to constantly build its memory of this pattern.
Crocheting pushes your mind because it requires you to focus on the process of stitching particular items and following a pattern of your choice. Think of the growth and stimulation you get learning a new pattern, mastering that pattern and seeing the outcome.
Personal Growth
Finally, crochet is a great skill to learn for building your self-confidence. You are challenging yourself to learn a new skill. This helps develop you as a person, and you gain a new experience in life. Set a goal for yourself and exceed your expectations. Be proud of your new talents, and express your ideas to the world. This can start as a fun hobby, and crocheting may lead to new relationships with people.
All in all, Crocheting offers many possibilities and great benefits. It is a great craft to improve simple things in your life. If you have not tried crocheting, then I recommend trying it at least once. Crocheting improves yourself as an individual, build your self-confidence, create amazing accessories, and creates new relationships.
In conclusion, crochet is good for you because it is a form of mindfulness, it can help relieve stress and anxiety, it can be used as a form of physical therapy, and it can help boost your mood and self-esteem. Crochet is a versatile hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. So, if you’re looking for a way to improve your mental and physical health, give crochet a try.
Recommend Links for Article
https://www.webmd.com/depression/depression-creative-outlets
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