How Crochet and Knitting Heal Us

When I first did the research for my book Crochet Saved My Life , there seemed to be very few people talking about the health benefits of yarncrafting . I’m thrilled to see that in the half a dozen years since that time, a wide variety of industries are now discussing the issue. There has also been some great research into the topic. Cozy Hygge Look Book Two Research Studies into the General Benefits of Crochet In 2014, I conducted a survey of more than 8,000 crocheters to learn more about how they benefit from crafts. Some results of that study have been published online although the entire study has not yet been published. More recently, Australian researcher Pippa Burns from the University of Wollongong and her peer Rosemary van Der Meer completed a similar survey , of about the same number of people. Many of our results were strikingly similar, and they give insight into how the average person truly benefits from yarncrafting. The Australian study found that the major reasons people crochet are for: creativity relaxation sense of accomplishment The primary benefits of the craft were calmness (90%) happiness (82%) improved memory (74%) improved concentration (71%) The results of my own study were not so different; the top benefits cited were: creativity focused attention sense of purpose better self-esteem When I asked survey respondents to pick the number one healing benefit of the craft, 46% chose “calming, relaxing, stress-reduction” and another 34% said “creative outlet”. Blissful Moment Shawl free crochet pattern Crochet Helps with A Variety of Mental Health Issues My study looked more specifically at the ways in which crochet helped with specific ailments. 89% again said stress-relief / relaxation 59% said that crochet helped with anxiety 56% said that crochet helped with depression 27% said […]

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