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Knitting & Crocheting: the health and wellbeing benefits

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Knitting & Crocheting: the health and wellbeing benefits
By Vanessa 4 years ago

Not only are knitting and crocheting enjoyable activities to pass the time during the Coronavirus lockdown, but it’s also proven in many studies to have health and wellbeing benefits – a win-win for our lovely knitters and crocheters!

Since we’re in a time of unprecedented uncertainty with many people experiencing anxiety and loneliness, particularly those having to shield, it is comforting to know that knitting and crocheting is helping people to remain happy and healthy during this time.


What are the health benefits of knitting?

A study conducted by Harvard Medical School’s Mind and Body Institute found that knitting lowers the heart rate, by an average of 11 beats per minute, and induces an "enhanced state of calm" (Huffington Post, 2018). Additionally, research reported in The Psychologist (Riley and colleagues, 2013) showed the positive effects of crafting including knitting, with those in this study experiencing a better mood and even improved problem-solving skills.

A 2011 study by the Mayo Clinic of over 70-year-olds found that those who knit had a “diminished chance of developing mild cognitive impairment and memory loss” (The Independent, 2018).

The findings of a literature review and a survey of over 1,000 knitters that donated their projects to Knit for Peace (2017), backed the following positive health physical and mental benefits:

• Lowers blood pressure

• Reduces depression and anxiety

• Slows the onset of dementia

• Is as relaxing as yoga

• Distracts from chronic pain

• Provides an opportunity for creativity (at a time of reducing capacity)

• Increases sense of wellbeing

• Reduces loneliness and isolation

• Increases sense of usefulness and inclusion in society

Additionally, an international study (Perspect Public Health, 2020) exploring the effects of crochet on wellbeing, found that crochet offers positive benefits for personal wellbeing with many respondents actively using crochet to manage mental health conditions and life events such as grief, chronic illness and pain.


So, there you have it, the research points in the same direction, that crafting including knitting and crocheting has many positive benefits on both physical and mental health and wellbeing!

Stress-busting and therapeutic patterns:

If you’re just starting out and you want to get the creative juices flowing and maximise the therapeutic benefits of knitting or crocheting, why not try these satisfying beginner-friendly patterns?

Children’s knitting pattern:

Any little one will adore cuddling these knitted bunny boy and girl toys. They're made using an easy-to-follow knitting pattern for beginners.


Ladies knitting pattern:

Treat yourself by knitting this timeless pattern for a simple gilet that'll be a great addition to your new-season wardrobe, a stylish choice for those days you fancy wearing something super comfy.


Home crochet pattern:

A fabulous feel-good crochet pattern. These stylish storage pots are worked in rounds of double crochet and because they use a really thick yarn, they're quick to make. The crochet pattern offers three different sizes that make great storage solutions for around your home.

Share your progress with fellow knitters over on our Knit Along with The Knitting Network and Crochet Along with The Knitting Network Facebook group. As well as sharing tips, asking for advice and having a chat.

Join the Knit Along with The Knitting Network here >

Join the Crochet Along with The Knitting Network here >

Sources:

Burns P, Van Der Meer R. (2020) Happy Hookers: findings from an international study exploring the effects of crochet on wellbeing [published online ahead of print, Apr 3]. Perspect Public Health. 2020;1757913920911961. doi:10.1177/1757913920911961 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32245337/

Knit for Peace (2017) The Health Benefits of Knitting Preview, [Online Report] https://knitforpeace.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/The-Health-Benefits-of-Knitting-Preview.pdf

Moss, R (2018) Knitting Linked To Reducing Depression, Anxiety And Chronic Pain, Report Reveals [Online, March 12], Huffington Post https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/knitting-linked-to-health-benefits-including-reducing-depression-and-slowing-dementia-report-reveals_uk_5aa63cb0e4b07047bec7feee

Ritschel, C (2018) Knitting can reduce anxiety, depression, chronic pain and slow dementia, research reveals, [Online, March 13] The Independent https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/knitting-reduces-anxiety-depression-chronic-pain-slows-dementia-research-knit-for-peace-uk-a8254341.html

Rothwell, L (2020) ‘Every stitch and row is a small win’, [Online, April 2] The Psychologist https://thepsychologist.bps.org.uk/every-stitch-and-row-small-win

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