Grab your hooks and needles because crocheting and knitting are making a comeback. Between Crochet TikTok, Tom Hardy knitting at the Olympics, and the JW Anderson Harry Styles patchwork cardigan, the internet can’t get enough. Fortunately, this trend doesn’t look like it will disappear anytime soon. So, what should people know about these two calming pastimes and how can you start creating your own projects?
Crocheting vs. Knitting?
Surprisingly, there are quite a few differences between crocheting and knitting. One way to tell them apart is to distinguish the tools used. Crochet involves one hook, while knitting requires two needles. However, if you ask an expert, they will explain that crocheting and knitting have different looks. To identify if a sweater was crocheted or knitted, a knitted sweater will have “V” shaped stitches. In crochet, however, the stitches look more like knots.
If you are wondering which one you should get into, it depends on what projects you want to make. Since crochet and knitted projects have different looks and textures, some projects are better to crochet, and some are better to knit. For example, if you want to make cute plushies, shawls, or anything with granny squares, you should get into crocheting. However, if you are interested in making sweaters, scarves, mittens, etc, you should get into knitting.
What is the big deal?
There are many reasons why many people are hopping on the crocheting and knitting bandwagon. For many people, crocheting and knitting are forms of self-care and healing and were especially helpful during the pandemic.
In 2013, The British Journal of Occupational Therapy reported that crocheting and knitting could help alleviate depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. The repetitive motions were found to keep the mind and the hands busy. Additionally, they also found a correlation between crafting and an improvement in self-esteem. They discovered that crafting improves self-esteem by:
- Building new skills
- Allowing the crafter to feel productive
- Providing a valuable way to give to others
- Creating beauty through self-expression
One in five adults in the U.S lives with a mental illness. Because of the rise in mental health issues, as college students, it is essential to understand what stress is and learn how to cope. Luckily, crocheting or knitting is one activity people can use to cope with stress. Hopefully crocheting or knitting can be a part of your new self-care routine!
How can people start?
There are many opportunities to learn how to crochet or knit. One of the best ways to learn is by asking a family member or a friend to teach you how. This way, they can show you the precise technique and correct you if you are making a mistake. Just make sure to ask someone who is patient enough to teach you. After all, no one starts as an expert!
Another fantastic way to start your crocheting or knitting journey is by watching YouTube videos. YouTube provides many video tutorials and lessons for anyone wanting to learn. Additionally, YouTube offers a wide range of free patterns and tutorials on how to create various projects. From projects such as cardigans, adorable plushies, and granny square tote bags, YouTube is the best place to find your next project.
Remember, crocheting is not just a grandma thing; it’s an everybody thing. So, get out there and start making something. Happy crafting!