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Can Crochet Save Your Life? Your Health?

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I’m turning over the crochet reigns today to Kathryn Vercillo so she can give us good information about her latest survey.  Please feel free to respond to her here and to go to her site (linked below) to participate in the survey.

Now, Kathryn writes:

How Has Crochet Helped You?

This is a guest post by Kathryn Vercillo, author of Crochet Saved My Life and blogger at Crochet Concupiscence. You’ve read about her on this blog before.

She has created a new survey to explore the healing aspects of crochet. How has crochet helped you? Has it helped relieve depression, anxiety or other mental health symptoms for you? Has it distracted you from difficulties in life including grief or chronic pain? Has it provided you with a creative outlet, improved your sense of self-esteem or been your saving grace during bouts with insomnia?

Crocheters cite these benefits as well as others in their stories about why they crochet. However, the details of how crochet helps people have yet to be studied in depth … until now.

We have seen studies that look at whether or not crochet helps people, and those studies have added a lot to our understanding of the craft. They have taught us that crochet is likely to help reduce depression and may prevent age- related memory loss. But those studies have typically looked at crochet as one of several crafts, and they’ve been asking if crochet helps people rather than exploring how crochet helps people.

I have created a new survey to expand upon this existing material and study the many different ways that people are healing through crochet. I’ve based the survey questions on existing research including the research I’ve done myself in the writing of my crochet health books and articles. The survey is designed to examine the benefits people are currently getting from the craft. I will be analyzing and publishing the results.

It is my hope that the published results can help people in a variety of settings. If we can prove the ways in which crochet heals, we can get more support for the craft in hospitals, recovery centers, therapy groups, prisons, schools and more. And all of us
can have a better understanding of how this craft that we love is helping us in more ways than we even know.

Please consider helping by taking the survey now. Or you can learn more about it from this press release.

Thanks, Kathryn!  Your hard work in this area is going to pay off.  Many crocheters are already aware of the benefits of crochet to their health and well-being.  Now, more will have this information.  Please keep spreading the word!

Comments

  1. I started crocheting when I was pregnant and stressed. It completely eased my mind by slowing my breathing and focusing my mind on one project (which of course made me think of a million other projects u couldn’t wait to dive into lol)

  3. when I’m crochet in front of the TV I’m not eating stuff like chips so that’s good for my health!

Have you read?

Lightweight Lacy Crochet Tee Pattern That’s Perfect for Layering

Some crochet garments look beautiful on the hanger but feel awkward to wear. This Lacy Crochet Tee from Lana Grossa is not one of those pieces. It’s light, breathable, and very much designed to be worn — the kind of handmade top that slips easily into your everyday wardrobe without feeling “too precious.”

What immediately stands out is the openness of the stitch pattern. It has that airy, lacy feel that works so well for warmer weather or for layering over a tank or dress. This isn’t a heavy, structured garment; it’s soft and fluid, with just enough texture to make it interesting while still letting the yarn shine.

From a making point of view, this tee is a really enjoyable project if you like crochet that feels calm and rhythmic. The lace pattern keeps your hands engaged without constant counting or frustration, which makes it perfect for evening crochet or quiet weekend sessions. It’s also very satisfying watching the fabric grow — those lacy stitches really show progress quickly.

Skill-wise, this one is best suited to confident beginners moving into intermediate crochet. You don’t need advanced shaping skills, but being comfortable with stitch patterns and keeping even tension will make the process much more enjoyable. If you’ve been wanting to dip your toe into wearable crochet without tackling a full sweater, this is a great place to start.

What I really appreciate about this pattern is how versatile it is. Change the colour and fibre and it can feel casual and beachy or clean and modern. It’s the kind of tee you’ll reach for again and again, especially when you want something handmade that still feels light and effortless.

If you enjoy crochet garments that are wearable, practical, and quietly stylish, this lacy tee is a lovely pattern to have in your collection.