9 Reasons Why Knitting & Crochet Help with our Physical and Mental Health
1. Reduce depression
81% of knitters said the felt happier during and after knitting, and 54% of the respondents who were clinically depressed said knitting made them feel happy or very happy.
Cardiff University (Betsan Corkhill)
In a study of 3,545 knitters, 81% reported feeling happier after knitting, and more than half said it made them feel “very happy.”
Riley et al, British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2013
Therapeutic engagement in creative arts and crafts can have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing
Perruzza and Kinsella, 2010
2. Improve Brain Function
Knitting and crochet improve cognitive skills and reduce memory loss.
Mayo Clinic 2011
Engaging in meaningful hobbies such as knitting can promote emotional well-being and reduce cognitive decline.
Mayo Clinic 2020
3. Relaxation
Knitting induces a relaxed state similar to that of meditation, helping to decrease heart rate and blood pressure.
Harvard Medical School ,2018
94% say their skill helps them to relax.
Craft Council
4. Reduce Heart Rate
Knitting and crochet lower the heart rate by an average of 11 beats per minute.
Harvard Medical School, Mind & Body Institute 2001
5. Sense of Achievement
83% say the biggest benefit of learning the skill is the sense of achievement.
Craft Council
Engagement in the creative arts and crafts can influence wellbeing positively by promoting motivation and self-esteem
Bedding and Sadlo 2008
Creative arts can improve the quality of life and personal growth
Hacking et al 2006
6. A reason to meet up and enjoy good company
76% knitters and crochetiers say they like to knit with someone else.
Craft Council
7. Feeling Included
Knitting reduces loneliness and increases feelings of usefulness and inclusion
Mayo Clinic 2011
65% felt that knitting with others ‘usually’ or ‘definitely’ gave them confidence and 86% said that knitting with others gave them a feeling of belonging. In addition, 90% said that they had made several or more friends through knitting and 70% found it ‘usually’ or ‘definitely’ easier to talk to other knitters.
Riley J., Corkill B., Morris C., 2013, British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 76(2) 50-57.
8. Stress Reduction
80% of crochetiers say it helps them reduce stress
Craft Council
Frequent knitters, especially those who knitted more than three times per week, were more likely to report feeling calm after knitting.
Riley J., Corkill B., Morris C., 2013, British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 76(2) 50-57.
9. Learn New Skills
Analysis revealed that those who knitted in a group, whether virtual or face to face, were more likely to feel that knitting had definitely helped them to learn new skills, both knitting skills (72%) and other skills (41%), when compared with respondents who did not knit in a group.
"From talking with other knitters I’ve learned new cooking, gardening, sewing and beading techniques".
Riley J., Corkill B., Morris C., 2013, British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 76(2) 50-57.