Crochet, Stress & Well-Being: Why Crafting Is More Than Just A Hobby

This week, I have found myself reaching for my crochet hook and knitting needles more than ever. As we wait for confirmation of my son's secondary school placement, the uncertainty has brought a wave of anxiety. It’s a big transition for him - and for us as parents!

In these moments, I turn to crochet (and, more recently for me, knitting). The rhythmic motion, the feel of the yarn between my fingers, and the satisfaction of seeing my work take shape all help to ground me

But why is crochet so effective for managing stress and anxiety?

The Science Behind Crafting and Well-being

I've been reading Craft Psychology by Dr. Anne Kirketerp, which explores the deep connection between crafting and mental well-being. Through seven years of research, Dr. Kirketerp highlights how engaging in crafts can bring joy, fulfillment, and a sense of accomplishment. More than that, crafting is proven to reduce stress, ease anxiety, and help build resilience.

The reason? Activities like crochet engage our hands and minds in a way that promotes relaxation. The repetitive nature of stitches has a meditative quality, lowering cortisol (the stress hormone) and helping to regulate emotions. It creates a space where we can be present, moment by moment, stitch by stitch.

Why Knitting and Crochet are Particularly Effective

While many crafts have therapeutic benefits, crochet offers something unique:

• Repetition and Rhythm – The consistent motion of stitching is soothing and helps to quiet racing thoughts.

• Tactile Comfort – Handling soft yarn provides sensory grounding, which is particularly beneficial for those experiencing anxiety.

• A Sense of Control – In uncertain times, crochet allows us to take control of a small part of our world, one stitch at a time.

• Visible Progress – Seeing something grow from our efforts reinforces a sense of achievement and purpose.

The Importance of Teaching Craft in Schools

As someone with a background in education, I have seen firsthand the need for crafts in schools. Children today face immense pressure, and many struggle with anxiety and stress. Teaching them a practical skill like knitting or crochet not only gives them a creative outlet but also equips them with a lifelong tool for managing their emotions.

That belief is a big part of why I have recently decided to transition from language teaching to focus on designing and teaching crochet full-time. I want to share the benefits of crafting with as many people as possible and help others find the same joy and relief that I do in crochet.

My Recent Journey into Knitting and Using Craft Psychology for Well-being

Recently, I have taken up my knitting needles again. I’m very much a beginner knitter and attended a local class, run by the wonderful Claire Montgomerie, to improve my skills. It was a fantastic experience that provided me with helpful tips to develop my knitting. While reading Craft Psychology, I came across a three-step process that Anne Kirketerp recommends to "use craft progressively to increase well-being."

In fact, I decided to give it a go while writing this very blog post! I was feeling tired and frustrated because I was stuck and the words wouldn't flow. So, I stopped trying to write and picked up my project.

In Step One of her process, Kirketerp discusses how to combine conscious breathing with simple repetitive movements, which helps to activate our parasympathetic nervous system.

It really worked! I was knitting part of the Sophie Shawl by Petite Knit, and the breathing technique worked beautifully while I completed the first five rows of the pattern, as they required very little concentration. However, when I reached row six, I realised I had moved into Step Two of Kirketerp’s process.

The aim of this stage is to “become so engrossed and focused that there is no room for anything else in your consciousness.” (Kirketerp) For a while, this worked - particularly as the first 6 rows of the Sophie Shawl are repeated. I wasn’t worrying about work or which school my son would get into, and I was totally in the ‘knitting zone.’

But it wasn’t long before those thoughts started sneaking back in, and I started making mistakes.

Which in turn led to frustration. My shoulders tensed, and my breathing changed.

I knew it was time to put my knitting down and change projects.

And, as if by magic, I realised I’d hit Step Three of Kirketerp’s process.

In this stage, Kirketerp recommends having several different types of activities in progress. She encourages readers to have projects that are “repetitive and not too challenging to soothe…after a demanding day.” She also advises readers to have a ‘challenge project’ on the go, that can “provide a lot of small successes and create a high level of flow for times when you have more energy.”

How You Can Use Crochet (or Knitting!) to Support Your Well-being

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious, here are a few simple ways to incorporate yarn crafts into your self-care routine:

• Start Small – A simple project, like a granny square or a puff stitch case, can be a perfect mindful escape. I have a few patterns that you might like to try over on my patterns page.

• Make Time – Even 10 minutes of stitching can help reset your mind.

• Join a Community – Whether online or in-person, connecting with fellow crocheters adds social support to the mix.

• Embrace Imperfection – The process is just as important as the finished piece; let go of perfection and enjoy the journey.

Yarn crafts have been a source of comfort for me during stressful times, and I hope it can be for you too. If you have your own experiences with using crochet (or any other yarn based craft) for well-being, I’d love to hear about them!

Let’s continue this conversation and support each other, one stitch at a time.

Jen x