Why Knit or Crochet?
Why should I take up knitting or crochet?
For lots of reasons, and here are just a few:
Knitting and crochet is a craft which has been around for centuries. The earliest examples are thought to be 13th century Spanish cushions and Egyptian mediaeval fragments. These yarn crafts are extremely adaptable and can be used to produce a breadth of differing styles of materials and clothing. However, not only do these crafts allow us to produce creative garments and accessories, there is a large amount of research which shows it has health benefits mostly linked to mental health. Since mind and body are closely connected, the health benefits of knitting and crochet also extend to physical well-being.
Boost self-confidence and help with depression
Knitting means creating something, and it’s empowering to go from being a consumer to being a producer. This gives yarn crafters a boost of confidence and a feeling of accomplishment when seeing their creative and colourful work progress. Indeed, there’s a feeling of fulfilment involved in being able to wear or use what you made – doing something with your hands has healing power! I have certainly experienced this myself and I have a new appreciation of the work involved in creating garments.
And while we all know clinical depression requires professional support, studies have shown that yarn crafts can take negative thoughts off the mind and release serotonin which helps fight depressive states. In short, crafting – in whatever form – can be a real mood lifter!
Reduce stress and anxiety
This is one of the greatest health benefits of knitting and the first to be noticed. Once you get “in the zone” (and you will know when this happens!), knitting grabs all your attention and you become so absorbed in working row after row, that it takes your mind away from other worries. For me, knitting is synonymous with serenity, reducing both my anxiety and stress whilst quieting that voice that is always present and nattering away in the back of my mind.
The feel-good effect
Knitting can be frustrating when you’re a beginner. It took me a while to figure out how to undo mistakes, and until that happened, I was annoyed every time I got a stitch wrong. But it’s also incredibly rewarding and teaches us not to be perfectionist but instead revel in the progress we make.
Seeing the progress of your work, gaining self-confidence, and being relaxed are all states that trigger dopamine. This substance is known as the feel-good hormone, and it has a beneficial effect on body and mind. The release of dopamine can help regulate mood, sleep, digestion, blood flow, and many other important functions that contribute to the fabulous health benefits of knitting and crochet.
Hit me up with some of that dopamine and don’t stop!
A different type of mindfulness practice
Knitting requires focus and concentration in the present moment, one stitch at the time. This craft has been called “the new yoga”, since every knitting session is a great opportunity to disconnect from the outside world, slow down, and focus.
Does this sound familiar? Yes, it’s very similar to mindfulness and so the health benefits of knitting and crochet are also similar. Some people compare knitting to meditation. Instead of repeating a mantra or focusing on their breathing, some knitters concentrate on the repetitive flow of knitting and are able to achieve a similar meditative state.
Sense of control
Many of us have felt things getting out of control over the recent years.
Instead of dwelling on the negative state of things, choosing to spend time doing something over which you do have control can help improve your well-being. Start with an easy project, or our beginner course, so that you can experience that wonderful feeling of being in control of what can be controlled and letting go of those things which are outside your control.
To sum up, I have found knitting and crochet to be a great coping mechanism that has helped me deal with what life throws at me, the ups and downs, the gains and losses and all the unexpected things that makes life such an adventure. It has become a creative constant in my life which I now rely on almost daily. I hope you find it helps you too.