5 powerful strategies for crochet as self care

In this post, you’ll learn strategies to help you practice crochet as self care as you find ways to maintain a healthy mental and physical outlook.

In a previous post, we talked about what self care is, why it’s important and the many benefits of crochet when it comes taking care of yourself. Read about self care here.

Crochet can help deal with serious illnesses like depression and dementia. Or, crochet can simply be your daily dose of treating yourself to some me-time and maintaining a positive outlook.

Whatever it is, you’ll need some strategies to help you maximize your time with crochet and make it a top priority in your self care routine.

“If more people knitted and crocheted, the world would see fewer wars and a whole lot less road rage.”

Lily Chin

In this post, I’ll give you 5 strategies to help you use crochet as a self-care tool.

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Crochet as self care – Strategy #1

Choose a comfy chair. Lighting is critical, especially if you’re working with a darker color. If you like it and it doesn’t distract you, turn on background music or binge-watch a TV show. Or, create a quiet place if that’s what you prefer. Whatever you need from your space, make it happen.

Crochet as self care – Strategy #2

Remember, the idea is to soothe your anxiety and stress, not create more! Starting a new project or trying a new stitch can be exhilarating. But, if it takes too much mental real estate, it defeats the purpose. And, that brings me to my next strategy…

Crochet as self care – Strategy #3

Choose a project with basic stitches and limited repeats. Your goal is to make this mindful/mindless crochet. If you have to keep your eyes glued to the pattern, you won’t have much peace.

Make something just for you. Or choose a project that will make someone else happy. Whatever it is, keep it simple.

For smaller projects, find a stitch pattern that’s easy to memorize. Pick a project that you can make in an evening or weekend so you can see immediate results and use/wear the shiny new thing.

For larger projects, choose a design that doesn’t include loads of color changes, multiple stitch patterns, lots of pieces to sew together, etc, unless these are techniques you can do in your sleep. The idea is to create repetition amidst the simplicity.

Crochet as self care – Strategy #4

Choose a color that makes you feel good. I like to choose muted colors that soothe me. You may prefer bold colors. Whatever your preference, choose a color you love to look at.

Pick a yarn that feels luxurious to touch. I’m not sure working with a stiff, scrubby type of yarn would provide much comfort! It kinda makes me cranky! Be sure the yarn you choose is easy to work with and feels good. That feeling will transfer to your mental well-being.

Indulge in your favorite hook. There are as many hook choices as there are crocheters it seems. And, everyone has a recommendation. My go-to hook is my trusty Susan Bates US size H-8. Yours may be entirely different. Choose the one that fits in your hand, one that creates a sense of confidence and calm.

You have to look at and feel these materials through the entire project. Make the materials part of a positive experience.

Crochet as self care – Strategy #5

Crochet is one of the first things we put away when life gets too busy. But, that’s the opposite of what we should do. I didn’t do as much crocheting when I was raising my 3 kids. Even a little time crocheting can go a long way.

I crochet at the start and end of every day. Crochet helps me center my mind for the busy day ahead. You could almost call it my morning devotion. I end every day with crochet because it relaxes me. I’m able to put the thoughts of the day I just had out of my mind in preparation for a good night’s sleep.

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Great crochet projects for practicing self care

Here’s a handy list of projects from which to choose. Before choosing one, determine what you want to get out of it and how it will serve you.

• Afghan – You’ll be able to snuggle under it while you make it.
• Lap-ghan – Make one for a senior who might need some comfort. You’ll feel good when you gift it.
• Coasters – It’s a quick, simple project that can serve as home decor or bust your stash.
• Washcloths/Dishcloths – These projects are a great way to learn a new stitch and you’ll be saving the environment at the same time.
• Scarf – Choose a luxurious feeling yarn and a simple pattern. Imagine yourself (or whoever is receiving it) wearing it when it’s all done.

These projects are perfect for a fun self care session. You can find these and more in my Ravelry and Etsy shops. Just click on one to go browse.

Remember, self care isn’t selfish…it’s essential. Put crochet in your self care toolbox and make it a prominent part of your routine.