The classic thought that knitting and crocheting are reserved for the elderly is bogus. People of all ages can enjoy the benefits that come from both crafts. There are even studies that have been conducted that support the idea that knitting and crocheting have a positive impact on the person.
Every crafter has their own reason for picking up a hook or a pair of needles. For some it becomes their creative outlet and passes the time in a satisfying way. For others, their health and well-being rely on it. No matter where you fall on that spectrum, there is no doubt crocheting or knitting every day will bring value to your life.
I have made it a habit this year to crochet or knit (or both) at least once every day. I have been about 80% successful so far. Each day is different and my reasons can change, but I have noticed a difference in myself. I wanted to share with you the reasons I think this is important. And it is my hope that the following list will inspire you to pick up your hook or a pair of needles every day. Knitting and crocheting have such a positive impact and are making the world a better place.
1. It Provides a Creative Outlet
Knitting and crocheting are one of my main creative outlets, so this is an important one to me. I have always had a creative side, so when I first learned to crochet in high school, I added crochet to my list of creative outlets. I also enjoyed pastels, sewing, baking and drawing. I continued my hobbies regularly in my spare time until I was in college.
It was when I moved out of my parent’s house and started school at a big university that I hit a slump. I had already spent two years at a community college, living at home and working part time to save money. But classes gradually got more difficult at university and took more of my time, plus I was still working. I had less and less time for my hobbies.
Now, I understand the importance of creativity. For so long I felt that all my creativity was drained from my body. I actually believed I was no longer very creative. It was a lie though. And if you are telling yourself the same thing, here are two reasons why a creative outlet is important, even if you don’t believe you are “creative”:
- A creative outlet is LOW-RISK. This is not your job. There is nothing at stake here. It’s just you doing something you love or want to give a try.
- A creative outlet is LOW-PRESSURE. Creativity is supposed to be fun! You are doing something because you enjoy it, not because there is pressure to get it done.
I dedicate time to knit and/or crochet every day because it helps me unwind from every day stressors, it challenges me, and I have tangible items to be proud of when I’m done. I want to encourage you to try this out too. Find your reasons to continue your routine every day. If you get bored, explore a new hobby. Just dedicate time every day and your life can improve tenfold. And don’t forget to challenge yourself creatively. You might be surprised what you are capable of.
2. It Makes Sitting Idle More Fun
I was a hobby crocheter before I started my blog. Meaning, I just picked it up when I had time or when I felt like it. Some projects took me months to complete because I would put it away for weeks at a time without touching it. I think back to all the time I could have crocheted between classes or waiting for my sister to get out of school.
Now that my time is more limited, I squeeze in my knitting or crocheting any chance I get, just so I can accomplish a few rows every day. Stitching on my lunch break might be the only time I have available that day.
Now I want you to think of all the times throughout your day when you are sitting idle. Waiting for kids in the carpool line at school, doctor appointments, commuting home on public transportation, lunch breaks, etc. And what about when you travel in the car, airplane or train? The list could go on and on.
What do you do during those times? Do you browse on your phone? Do you read a book? Do you take a nap? If you were to take advantage of that time, think of all the knitting and crocheting you could accomplish! 10 minutes here, 25 minutes there. You could finish a few rows during the time you wait, which will help you finish the project faster. If you added just a few stitches every day, your abandoned project list would shrink. You could complete way more!
3. You Gain Amazing Health Benefits
I covered 8 health benefits that you can gain from crochet and knitting in another article. You can check it out here. Let me summarize it here again.
- Stress reduction
- Anxiety levels lower
- Decreases depression and gives you a purpose
- Mood improves
- Helps fight addiction
- Therapeutic effects helps to cope
- Helps reduce loneliness
- Reduces the risk of memory loss
The repetitive movements of knitting and crochet have been proven to relax your body’s muscles, lower your heart rate and decrease blood pressure. It can put you into a meditative-like state that is good for your physical and mental health. But these are only some of the benefits you may experience. Let me know of others that you enjoy as well!
4. You Can Make New Friends
Introverts need a social life too! I say this because I am an introvert myself. And I don’t make friends easily. I know some people make friends easier than others, but that shouldn’t stop us from trying. Knitting and crochet can actually help us develop friendships.
Interestingly enough, I made a new friend when I learned to crochet. The girl who taught me was on my basketball team. She was older and a really aggressive basketball player, and I was a little intimidated by her. It took courage to approach her and ask what she was doing with her yarn. But boy am I glad I did. I got to know someone I otherwise would have avoided, and she opened up a whole new world for me.
How can knitting or crochet help you make new friends?
- Join a knit night. Many people gather together at a local yarn shop, coffee shop or cafe one night a week to work on projects together. They can be filled with gossip, random chatter, and lots of laughter. You can find Facebook groups for your area or check with your local yarn shop owner.
- Follow some of your favorite knitters or crocheters on social media. Friendships don’t have to be limited to your hometown community any more. You can get to know people through their social media. Plus there are Ravelry groups and Facebook groups that can connect you with like-minded people. Some of them may even live near you!
- Whether you are sitting in the waiting room of a doctor’s office or sitting on an airplane, people are always curious about what you are knitting and/or crocheting. They may not become a lifelong friend, but it won’t hurt you to make small talk with someone. Working on a project actually could make it easier to interact because you don’t have to keep eye contact the whole time you talk.
5. You Learn New Skills
Education does not stop after school. Learning should be ongoing throughout your lifetime. I mean, I hate to break it to ya, but ya don’t know everything…
If you don’t know how to knit or crochet, read the other 14 reasons you should every day! Then decide which to start with. If you know how to do one, but not the other, try it out! It’s good for us to try new skills. It may be challenging, but that’s a good thing.
You can also learn new skills by trying out new techniques or stitch patterns. It would be boring if all we did was knit the same pair of socks all the time. Break out of your comfort zone and try something new!
6. You Can Relax and Have Time to Yourself at the End of the Day
If there is one reason and one reason only to knit or crochet every day, this might just be it. After a long day at work or being with the kids or whatever life throws at you daily, there is nothing like picking up a project and letting each stitch melt away the stress.
The Craft Yarn Council did a survey a few years ago, and 90% of their participants reported that they found knitting or crochet relaxing. I think that is partly why the knitting and crochet community are so large. We all realize that the repetitive motions help our muscles relax and we can respond better to stress. I know I do.
When I get home from a day of work, I like to unwind a few different ways, but doing something yarn related is at the top. I find it comforting and I feel satisfied when I can work towards a goal to finish my project. And depending on your situation, the night may be the only time you have to yourself. Why not relax with a glass of wine and a ball of yarn?
7. You Can Use it as a Conversation Starter
Some people are shy and are not the type of person to start a conversation with a complete stranger. I’m definitely not that type of person. I’m usually more open to other people talking to me first then I will follow suit.
When you crochet or knit, people are always curious about it. The most common question is, “what are you knitting?” even if you are obviously crocheting. It’s a simple conversation starter, and you may get to teach them something new that day. Like you are holding a hook rather than two needles, so crochet and knit are not the same thing. That simple question can lead to other topics you are both interested in.
You might not find yourself in a situation like this every day, but it’s a good practice nonetheless. The best part is, if someone approaches you and talks, you don’t have to keep full eye contact the whole time you talk. It’s not rude because you are working on something that requires your focus, and the other person will understand.
8. You Get to Practice Your Math Skills
Whether you knit or crochet, you get to keep your math skills in check. Most times you just practice counting rows and stitches. Or simple multiplication and division when it comes to gauge.
If you must modify a pattern, well, that will require math skills. You’ll need to re-calculate all of the increase and decrease sections, the number of rows and stitches, and if there is a pattern repeat, you must account for that as well. It sounds complicated, but for a simple pattern it’s not so bad.
Designing patterns is on a whole other level. It requires a basic knowledge of mathematics. There are simple equations to help calculate the stitches for a neckline or shaping the sleeves of a garment. And, unless the garment remains the same size throughout, you must calculate the number of increases or decreases and their frequency.
Honestly, I probably make it sound horrible and you’re thinking why is that a reason to knit or crochet everyday? Well, it’s because math is good for your brain. It challenges you and keeps your mental activity healthy. Besides, unless you want to get into pattern designing or modifications, then all you need to do is count the number of rows and stitches to stay on track of the pattern.
9. Your Confidence can Boost
You may be the exception to this point if you are a beginner. It can be frustrating to rip out your hard work when you first learn. But, once you get the hang of it, you will find you have much more confidence in yourself to start a new pattern or make a new stitch.
Both crafts, crochet and knit, can be intimidating. Just looking through pictures and relating them to the patterns can be a little daunting if you know what I mean. Giving them a try though does so much for your confidence.
Try adding one row per day for a week. Then work up to five rows, then up to 10. As you practice, you’re stitching will get faster and you will see your progress. Next thing you know, your project will be complete and you will have so much confidence that you won’t be able to wait to see what pattern you will conquer next.
10. You can Practice Patience
The art of crochet and knitting have a foundation in patience. Projects take a long time to complete and it is not for the faint of heart. Think about the size of a sweater. That is a sizeable piece of material that is held together by hundreds of stitches, maybe even thousands.
Projects are not always the easiest to work on when it seems you are not getting anywhere. But you have to keep the big picture in mind. The sweater, or whatever project, will get done with patience. If you make a mistake, do your best to correct it and move on. Make a few stitches a day and you may be surprised at how long it actually takes you to complete the project.
11. You can Feel More Productive
Knitting every day, or crocheting every day, will no doubt make you feel more productive. I seriously think that’s why I fit time in my day for it. I love the feeling that I accomplished something. If I can add a couple rows, even a few stitches each day, I feel much more productive with my creative side than I do when I binge knit/crochet.
When I do yarn crafts, I can feel so productive after watching a few hours of television. Why? My project is getting worked on. I can get to my next one sooner. Most of us spend some time at night watching tv. So the next time you sit down to watch your favorite tv show for the umpteenth time, pull out your yarn and make a few stitches. And that brings me to the next point.
12. You Can Watch Netflix or Listen to a Book or Podcast
Knitting and crochet are both crafts that pair so well with a movie, podcast or audio book. This is my favorite way to knit. I’m on a podcast kick, so any chance I get during the day, I’m listening to the true crime podcast “Small Town Dicks” and stitching away at my current sweater.
These crafts pair so well because you can listen and stitch at the same time. And most of us kick up our feet after a long day or spend a lazy Saturday in front of the tv, so why not craft at the same time?
You don’t have to watch the whole movie to still know what’s going on, and if you listen to audio books or podcasts, you don’t need your eyes focused on anything but your project. I get made fun of all the time for “listening” to movies, rather than watching them. I’m working on being able to make stitches without looking, but I need more practice.
13. You Can Improve Your Mood
Ask anyone who has knit or crocheted for years. I guarantee you they say that in some way they feel happier when they are making stitches. There is a calming effect from these crafts and it can clear your mind. It is not unusual for people to walk away from their projects in a better mood.
I can get irritable by the end of the day if I haven’t picked up my project before going to bed. I have a feeling of accomplishment tied to my projects. If I can’t work on them, I feel unproductive. Maybe that’s a little unhealthy? But I also work through the days events and clear my head when I make stitches, which in turn brightens my mood.
I say, what have you got to lose? Add a few rows to your project each day and maybe you’ll walk away in a better mood. And if you don’t, you made some progress on your project. Nothing to lose.
14. You Can Give Your Phone a Break
Phones are such a luxury to have. But we can easily get carried away and spend precious hours on pointless things. Social media are the most common apps to spend time on. It’s fun to catch up with old friends, look at beautiful pictures, laugh at memes, stay up with the latest news, etc. We all have our reasons, but is it really necessary to spend 2 hours or more per day on our phones?!
Somehow we can find time to always have our phones out, but those WIPs in the project bag get neglected. I’m guilty of this, which is why I bring it up. But now that I am either crocheting or knitting for a little bit each day, my finished project count is growing and my WIPs are diminishing. I want to challenge you to put your phone down for 10 minutes every day and try adding a few stitches to a project. I promise, it will be more rewarding than mindlessly scrolling through social media.
15. You Get to Buy MORE Yarn
This is definitely a given! How many of us were drawn to these crafts because of yarn? There are so many kinds of yarn out there and countless color combinations. Seriously, you’ll never get bored because there is always something new to find.
I have a sizeable stash now because of all the yarn I have collected over the years. I wasn’t sure what I was doing, so I bought what was cheap, what I could use a coupon on, what felt nice, and what colors caught my eye. Now, I try to be more mindful of what I buy. I want to admire the yarn, but I also want it to become something I can admire even more.
There are so many yarn subscriptions and yarn clubs to join. You can try out new bases, fun colors, or even try your hand at dyeing yarn at home. The sky is the limit when it comes to yarn. If you knit or crochet every day, you will need to always replenish your stash as it gets low. The perfect reason for keeping these yarn crafts as hobbies.