Why should you crochet? Are there any benefits of learning this skill? Should I even take the time to learn it? Perhaps these questions have crossed your mind.
In this post, we look at 9 reasons why you should crochet or reasons to appreciate the value of this skill. There are many reasons but I did not want this post to be way too long. Perhaps I could do part 2? Let me know your thoughts.
Let’s dive in.
1. To unwind or relax after a long day
Picking up your hooks after a long day can be extremely satisfying! It has been known to help quiet the mind leading to good sleep.
I often crochet in the evening, and I can say confidently it helps me relax. And when I go to bed, I am pleased of the progress I have made on the item I am crocheting. That’s an added bonus! I think it makes a excellent evening routine skill.
2. To save on costs
Gifts, toys or household items can be costly to purchase. I have found it cheaper to make them rather than buy them. Through this I can modify it and make them however I like. For instance I get to choose colours and textures that I love. For example, I made coasters to match the colours of my mugs using left over yarn and I think they turned out amazing.
Pattern found here Neutral Shades Beginner Crochet Coaster: Free Pattern
3. To make money
An extra dollar in you bank account is always welcome especially now when the cost of living seems to be going up. Crocheting can offer a solution.
You could make crochet items to sell on local craft shows, trade fairs, or garage sales. You can also sell them online or offer digital options where customers buy the pdf version of your patterns (digital downloads). Many successful sellers on platforms such as shopify or Etsy do this and their income is almost passive as they do not need to make the item every time a customer buys it.
Once you have mastered how to crochet you can also start a youtube channel or blog to share your knowledge with others and once the terms are met you can monetize these options and make an extra income for yourself.
4. Crochet helps with anxiety; it is good for mental health
Crochet helps people with mental health challenges. As they focus on a project and complete it, their morale is boosted, their confidence grows and so does their self esteem.
When stressed or anxious, working on a pattern can be beneficial as your mind is engaged in something productive.
5. To create meaningful gifts for loves ones
Imagine making an heirloom, imagine the stories that will be told or shared whenever they see that piece?
My mother designed and knitted primary school sweaters for my siblings and I. They were so cool and no one in the whole school had anything close to what we had. In the event that any of them would be lost, it would easily find its way to us because they were so unique. We often got compliments from our class teachers and other member of staff. Those sweaters were priceless and very special to us. They were a labour of love.
6. To deal with grief and loss or a difficult moment
Crochet has been known to be carthartic in times of grief. Pouring your attention to something can help you get through a difficult moment. Crochet can offer a peaceful distraction from the pain of losing a loved one and the items made if or when gifted can bring healing to the soul.
Crocheting an item for someone going through a difficult moment can remind them that they are not alone in the dark days. This can bring solace and bring people closer easing the pain of the difficulty they are going through. It can also help keep alive the memory of a loved one.
7. To express your creativity.
Sometimes you have an idea for a sweater or toy or amigurumi and crochet allows you to make it your own. When you design a piece and decide on colour and stitch combinations, you come up with something totally different that it can be your own signature style.
Kids as young as 9 years, can be taught how to crochet and through this they can use this as an outlet to express their creativity. It is a great way to keep them off the screen too.
8. To be part of a social group; sense of belonging
Knitting and crochet clubs or groups that meet frequently enjoy a special bond. Learning how to crochet allows you to meet like minded people. This can help when you’re struggling with loneliness and keep you connected. Loneliness can be quite destructive especially when negative thoughts linger.
In my local library, there is a knitter and chat group that meets once a week. Often you would hear much laughter as they crochet and knit away for an hour or two. After such informal meetings, they go home having improved their skills and probably made a new friend.
9. To make good use of idle time
We all have that time during the day when we have ‘nothing to do’ or we are on a bus in traffic or the queue …you know those moments.
My mother always carried her hooks or needles in her bag with her. This way she got to have her pieces done in a short periods of time. Her speed also improved significantly as she was almost crocheting or knitting daily.
I learnt to make use of every time as it is precious.
I hope these 9 reasons convince you to learn how to crochet and join a creative world that you will love.
Please share with us why you crochet below.
Happy Crocheting
