Crochet, my stress reliever

​By Anindita

Isn't it interesting how you can make various designs using only a hook and a yarn? Crochet is the process of creating fabrics from yarn using a crochet hook. It is not only a relaxing and enjoyable hobby but you can also use your creativity to create something useful.

Crochet has become my favourite hobby since May 2019. Before that, I used to watch my mom create home decorations using some yarn and a hook. This caught my interest and I wanted to learn this amazing skill from her. So she promised to teach me after my 10th-grade final exam. 

At first, I learned how to hold the hook, slip knot, chain, and a few basic stitches which are the foundation of any design. The size of the crochet hook needs to match the size of the thread or yarn that is being used. Crochet might be difficult at first and it is a  skill that needs patience. I had to do a lot of practice before being able to  make any design if I tried. 

After the covid lockdown around March 2020, I got depressed thinking about how I would spend my time as I couldn’t go out. Then I thought of my favourite hobby,crochet. I started making one design or project after another to decorate my home and some small projects which I might give to my friends or relatives as a gift. I found a useful way of using this skill too. I made some woolen hats and scarves which I donated to some shelters. It made me happy to be able to contribute a little to our society. The projects I did up to now are woolen items, wall hangings ,and table runners. 

Crochet helped me relax by managing my anxiety and restlessness. It brought calmness to my mind by making the mind focused so it doesn’t have repetitive thoughts. I felt productive and better about myself while creating the products. Crocheting helped me get  nice sleep without bad thoughts and prevented insomnia. It calmed my mind whenever I am in a bad mood. I even got involved in virtual communities of crochet and knitting. I learned a lot about what crochet items are used all over the world and some tips too. I have got a sense of satisfaction in completing a project and wearing something unique that was made by my own hands. It also helped me change my screen time habits during the covid-19 lockdowns. It made my idle time enjoyable, usually while watching TV.


Some Amazing facts about crocheting and knitting:

1. In a CNN report, in one study of more than 3,500 knitters, published in The British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 81% of respondents with depression reported feeling happy after knitting. 
2. The counting has served as a productive outlet for people with anxiety associated with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder as well as eating disorders. The Craft Yarn Council reports on one study that showed nearly ¾ of women with anorexia found knitting to be calming and anxiety-reducing. 
3. Researcher Yonas Geda, MD, a neuropsychiatrist at the Mayo Clinic, completed a study that showed how knitting is neuroprotective and may reduce dementia by as much as 50%.
4. Knitting, crocheting or any form of needlework can provide the same stress-busting benefits as yoga or meditation.

But one fact that bewilders me is that crocheting is an International art. Though the necessity or items are distinct, the basics and stitches are always the same. For example- woolen items like hats, capes, scarfs, sweaters are used in Europe or America or cold countries. Asian or African countries prefer table runners or home decorative items over woolen clothes.

Now how can you start crocheting?
I learned the basics of crocheting from my mom ,but you can always use youtube for starting or any courses available around you. Here are some useful links to start your journey in the crochet world:

1. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1oMQJvgqSQki-Vz-1sf3vA/about 
2. https://www.youtube.com/user/sa8rah56 
3. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUTuOCgFBGp2yag_FtVh-bQ 

Hope you enjoyed reading about my hobby and it encouraged you or your friends to start crocheting soon!​