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When you are stressed, has the overwhelming urge to run and grab your current knitting or crochet projects ever been so strong that you could no longer resist?
Good news! You are tending to your health when this happens by increasing your ability to remember things, dialing in your focus and lowering your heart rate. It does not matter if you are working on an easy crochet pattern or a difficult fair isle knitting pattern, the calming effects are the same. Close your eyes, take a deep breath and think of that project: Knit One, Purl One, Knit One, Purl One. Can you see the stitches forming in your mind and feel a calmness wash over you?
Even our friends at Clover USA understand the vast health benefits of knitting. They recently prescribed knitting to the celebrity attendees of the Emmy awards. This “prescription” was attached to gift bags prepared by Clover USA and given to celebrities at an Emmy Awards Gifting Suite this past August.
Image courtesy of Clover USA
This idea of the “therapeutic prescription” isn’t new. When you pick up that crochet hook or knitting needles, you are putting your mind to work on something other than the things that are causing you stress. Working in a quiet area with relaxing music will only increase the health benefits of your hobby, so give yourself permission to find that peaceful place and bring your mind to a place of relaxation and tranquility. In fact, doctors have been known to “prescribe” picking up a needlecraft such as knitting or crochet as a alternative approach to treating anxiety. Also, putting those needles to work has long been recognized as an alternative therapeutic activity for people who have been through trauma. According to clinical psychologist Dr Patrick Hill, “Soldiers who had been shell-shocked in the First World War were set to knitting as part of their recuperation.”
“You are using up an awful lot of brain capacity to perform a coordinated series of movements,” Betsan Corkhill of StitchLinks says. “The more capacity you take up by being involved in a complex task, the less capacity you have for bad thoughts.”
Studies, such as one from the Occupation, Participation and Health journal describe the benefits of various needlecrafts:
- Focus and Concentration on a repetitive task significantly reduces the chances of negative thoughts.
- Repetitive motion has a calming effect, allows contemplation and relaxes the mind for meditation.
- Sensory input can trigger positive thoughts: the smell of an iron on damp cloth, the feel of a beautiful yarn sliding through the fingers, the sound of your needles clicking together.
- Socializing while crafting, such as with a knitting group, boosts overall satisfaction and happiness.
For more great information about the calming effects of knitting and crochet, check out these articles:
- Knit your way to happiness, plus the benefits of walking
- Take up a new hobby to stay healthy, alert
- Can this hobby help you live longer? The health secrets of a 104-year-old
If you are in need of a calming project to pick up, I’ve collected a few knitting and crochet patterns that you might enjoy. All offer a simple stitch technique that will bring you a sense of calm relaxation.
Free Easy Knitting Patterns for your Health:
Simple and Free Crochet Patterns for Relaxing:
Here’s a new way to justify your yarn stash: your mental health is worth it.
AllFreeKnitting
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Where can I find the patter for the blue bag? I love it and want one.
I was thinking the same thing.
We will be posting the pattern for the basket soon on allfreecrochet.com. Stay tuned!
Yeah! I was thinking the same thing – I need that pattern!
I really enjoyed this article. Yes, I crochet for my mental health. I suffer from anxiety and depression and find that working on a project relaxes me, gets my mind off things, distracts me. And then I have created something nice, usually for someone else, which also makes me feel good. Thank you.
I absolutely agree. Finally after years of debilitating depression I’ve taken up knitting and am pulling out of it. Even looking for patterns is fun. Besides the actual knitting, you begin thinking about the future, I.e., who will I knit for next, which in my opinion is one of the origins of depression….lack of a future, and the inability to believe that you can truly make a difference anywhere. Thank God for knitting.
A few years ago, I was going through a very difficult time. During the months of this stressful time. I crocheted 2 large containers of different types of scarves and dish clothes. Over the last couple of years I added more and sold some at craft shows and to individuals. My mother is now in long-term care and does not have funds to buy presents for people that have helped her over the last year. I told her I was going to share some of my scarves with her for presents this years. She was trilled to be able to give handmade items to people that are her care takes. This has been a way to help both of us feel better with dealing with stress.
Love the blue bag also.
I too crochet for health. I have PTSD and anxiety disorders and crocheting calms me which my family is thankful for. I also have a rare genetic disorder, Ehlers Danlos syndrome hypermobility, because of this I require few joint surgeries my latest being on my shoulder. Crochet is being used for physical therapy.
I keep being told to quit crocheting and do something around the house per my daughter and her spouse. But if they only knew that since I was hurt in October my blood pressure has been running high which has never gone over 130/8, my normal is 120/60 and now it has been running 148/86. So I crochet. I use to paint but because of my hands shaking now I can’t do that. I would love to try some of the new yarns that Red Heart has been putting out but being laid up with no income doesn’t allow that at all. But at least I have scraps. And I always sign up for all the giveaways and cross my fingers. I would really love the pattern for the blue bag/basket if you could direct me to were I would be able to find the pattern. Thank you.
I loved the articles! I’ve always thought of knitting as therapeutic. It really calms me, and I love to knit gifts for family, friends, and for charity. It’s very fulfilling. 🙂
I also crochet for health . I have had surgery on my back, and before and sice op I don’t get out and about as much, I find crochet helps to take my mind of my pain and gives me a great hobby, something to do while I’m stuck in the house… I honestly think it keeps me sane at times also…..
Same here love the blue bag
Is the pattern for the blue bag called ‘Mega Bulky Crochet Basket’ done in gold, teal & white on ‘AllFreeCrochet.com ? Thanks !
Absolutely! Thank you for this feature! There is a website and forum dedicated to this subject. You may or may not have heard of it. It’s called Stitchlinks and the owner is Betsan Corkhill. Drop her a line or check out her website. They are lovely people involved. I would strongly recommend it!
As far as my own mental health is concerned I don’t know what I would do if i couldn’t knit or crochet. I know for a fact i would be totally lost!
Knitting helps me focus on the pattern, the texture of the yarn, it’s softness and the bamboo needles are better for yourself hands if you suffer with arthritis. The patterns themselves help with maths, all those calculations. The sheer joy of finishing a project can boost your self-esteem. And as for the choice of yarns! Oh I could go on…I’m sure you understand my passion for knitting by now.
Thank you for a wonderful website. I love receiving your emails featuring patterns. I never believed there could be so many free patterns available.
Happy knitting
Sandra
South Kilkenny
Ireland
I find knitting is Great for relief of arthritis in my thumbs! I think the constant motion helps tell my body to lubricate the joints in my thumb!! Anyway – it works for me
I love to crochet I have a small craft business and I find that this is very relaxing, I sell some of my items and and I give some as gifts. I have started making baby blankets and beanies and plan to distribute some free to our local hospital.
Crochet has been a great stress reliever for me. After going through a divorce, I realise that getting involved in craft was the deal. A few years ago I just made a few things but now I have a greater love and joy for this craft. To say that it is relaxing would be an understatement.
I would encourage persons to take up this craft they will not regret.. The health benefits are tremendous
Hear, hear! I started crocheting after my grandmother, a masterful crocheter, died and i was seized by a compulsion to learn. It helps me mourn her. After putting my three young sons to sleep, i love to crochet, as it is gentle, orderly, and silent ;).