March is National Crochet Month, which means it’s the perfect time to discuss its benefits! In a time where many of our lives are fast-paced and centered on screens, crocheting encourages us to take time for ourselves to be creative. This hobby boosts physical health, including brain development. Crocheters also find their mental well-being improved. The crafting community – which is largely comprised of women – is open to anyone who would like to learn to crochet.

Researchers at Henry Ford Health have found that crocheting “helps build new neural pathways that help with memory and can reduce the cognitive decline that comes with age.” Jane Brody with The New York Times noticed her arthritis improving with frequent crocheting. Her research also revealed that crocheting helps reduce heart rate and blood pressure.

Crocheting has a marked impact on mental well-being, encouraging you to slow down and be more mindful of your body. The hobby lowers stress and improves self-esteem. It is a means of self-expression, allowing for creative control. It’s empowering to be able to customize patterns to one’s preferences and to see the physical product that results.

On this note, crocheted items also have a positive impact! I have found that handmade hats and blankets I’ve gifted are cherished for years. Some crocheters also create small businesses where they sell their craft – the money they make allows them to financially support their hobby. Other crocheters work with charity groups like Project Linus, which collects crocheted blankets for sick children.

Learning to crochet can appear daunting at first, but it is more beginner-friendly than most expect. All you need to start is yarn and a crochet hook – both of which cost only a few dollars. Once you have these supplies, you can utilize a variety of avenues for learning. There are print books available for those who prefer a physical copy of their instructions. The Internet also offers a plethora of tutorials and videos, with enough content to take you from washcloths to sweaters.

In-person options are also available. Traditionally, women learn handicrafts from older female relatives, but even if you don’t have a grandmother to teach you, other women would be happy to! I found that a few members of my childhood church were eager to help me learn the hobby; one woman even gave me a starter collection of yarn and crochet hooks. Libraries often offer free in-person crafting classes. There are also online forums that provide a place to discuss techniques and share projects – crocheters get to connect over a shared interest, encouraging each other to improve their work. Overall, it is a warm, supportive community!

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The Future of Connection for Women