Do you wanna learn a new hobby? Why not trying this crochet? I’ll give a reasons why you should try while we’re in a quarantine periodđź’”
It’s been a year since I started to crochet.
There’s only a reason why I started to learn this. That was the time when we’re on my vacation before going to college and we watched the movie entitled Suddenly Seventeen then I learned that we should not stop learning even you’re married and don’t let yourself stop you from what you’re doing right now because you will regret it.
When I watched that, I was 18 year old and the girl there is 17 year old, so for me I have time to master more skills and do what I like so I reflect and realized something. I remembered that I know how to crochet and how to cross stitch when I was elementary student because we’re required to pass our school project. I only did that because for my grades, but now I am doing that, not because it is require in school but I am doing that for myself.
And here’s a few reasons why you should also learn to crochet:
1. It’s great for your health
For real! it’s scientifically proven and everything. There was a study in 2018 conducted by Kathryn Vercillo on her blog and the result shows that more than 50% of the 2018 survey respondents were between ages 41-60, majority of respondents crocheted daily. She asked people why they crochet and the top three answers were:
- Creativity
- Relaxation
- Sense of Accomplishment
Self-expression, reduced stress, and boosted self-esteem all help people dealing with a variety of mental health conditions.
Additionally, 27% of people said that crochet helped them through processing grief. While grief is not a mental health condition, it can become depression over time if not processed. Therefore, any tool (including crafting) that assists us in moving through grief is beneficial to our mental health.
Also, there was a study conducted in 2011 by Dr. Yonas E. Geda at the Mayo Clinic and his findings show some fascinating results for a test group of 1,321 people aged 70 to 89. Of the test group, those that had engaged in crocheting showed a diminished chance of developing mild cognitive impairment and memory loss. The study was held against people who regularly listened to music and/or read newspapers and they did not display similar results. So crochet promotes the development of neural pathways in your brain to keep you mentally sharp when you’re old. It’s also great for arthritis prevention and some people have even used it to successfully quit smoking.
Being a proven stress reliever, crochet is one of the best activities to help you relax. When your personal life is getting to be a little too much to handle,just sit back with some hooks and yarn. Get lost in the stitches and experience the bliss of seeing a project develop. Your problems will evaporate one stitch at a time.
I do crocheting when I have free time and when I do that it feels like my mind is free. I am thinking about the pattern and what should I do next after that or I am just day dreaming. Also, crocheting helps me to untangle my thoughts.
2. Social Connection
The study of Kathryn Vercillo looked more specifically at forming online connections through crochet. They report:
“At least half of the respondents (51%) found that communicating with others in online crochet groups strengthened their relationships with the other members and many (40%) had made new friends online.”
There are so many ways that mental health issues isolate us. Coming together online to discuss crafts is one way to help battle that feeling of isolation.
You may join in our Facebook group – Crochet Lovers Support Philippines
3. It’s not expensive like what you think.
I started crocheting which costs 81 pesos only. That was maximum cost for a beginner, 54 for Monaco yarn and 27 pesos for a hook. You may buy hooks in Japan Surplus, it cost 10 pesos only (I was blessed) and it’s so good to use hahaha! But remember, do not rely so much in Japan Surplus because some items there are old and won’t last long. A few balls of gorgeous yarn can be reasonably expensive but you can make a stunning luxury cotton scarf that would cost hundreds of pesos in a shop Also you only need to buy hooks once (unless you want a collection of hooks) – then you’re good to go!
If you wanna learn about crochet tools. Watch this and if you like this content, don’t forget to subscribe my YouTube channel for more videos :))
4. Sense of accomplishment
Many people spoke of the gratifying feeling of finishing a project. Have you felt this? Looking at a blanket and knowing you made it unlike anything else. Seeing a family member or loved one enjoy the fruits of your labor is as rewarding as enjoying it yourself. The sense of accomplishment after you complete a project is rewarding enough to make anyone want to crochet.
5. DIY Gifts
DIY Gifts are the best gifts you’ll ever give (or you may receive) they put dedication on that work (so I think there’s no reason reject that :)) I always say that a homemade gift is one you’ll never forget. Giving someone his or her first scarf is not only a gift for them, but a gift for you too. Imagine, your love one using it (sooo much love) ? Scarf can be the perfect gift to your loved ones but it may costs so much, instead of buying expensive product, why not you make it and put your time and effort to it.
6. DIY Home Decor
Look at the picture. Do I need to explain? Just look at it. What an awesome home decor is that! Don’t buy so much for your home decor, go pick up your yarn and hook! You can customize your color scheme in your house and also your decorations.
7. It’s an excellent stress buster
Have you ever done something really repetitive for ages and really enjoyed it? Like watching your favorite vlogger or playing online games? Crocheting will give you that same sense of calm. Once you’ve had enough practice, you’ll be able to do it in front of the TV and while you’re talking to people. I take my crochet everywhere – to friend’s houses, lectures, – I actually find I can listen attentively more when my hands are busy.
P.S If you’re keen to learn about how to crochet subscribe to my YouTube Channel for my totally FREE basic crochet lesson.
If you wanna read more about my crochet projects : read this.
You may follow me on my instagram: @craftsbybellybells
Lets learn more about crocheting!
