Knitting and Crochet

“Craft or health benefit? I think you’re going to love this, I know I did!”

Lowers blood pressure and stress

The meditative, repetitive motions of knitting can decrease heart rate and blood pressure. In one study, participants experienced an average 11‑beat/min drop in heart rate, while also reducing anxiety and depression symptoms.

Boosts mood and combats chronic pain

Knitting has been shown to release serotonin and dopamine (the “feel‑good” hormones), helping distract from chronic pain and strengthen emotional resilience. 

Improves emotional well‑being and relieves mental health symptoms

A large international study found crocheting helped people manage anxiety, depression, grief, chronic illness, and pain, with respondents reporting marked improvements in well-being. 

Enhances fine motor skills and cognitive function

Regular crochet exercises improve dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and cognitive ability while providing a dopamine boost that helps reduce stress.

Reduces the harmful effects of fast fashion

Handmade garments with knitting or crochet embrace slow fashion principles. Unlike mass-produced clothes, crochet allows upcycling, easy repair, and personalized items that last, thereby cutting consumption and waste tied to fast fashion. 

Benefits of using natural fibers

Choosing natural fibers like wool, cotton, hemp, or linen means using materials that are renewable, biodegradable, and require fewer washes (reducing water and energy use). They shed no harmful microplastics, unlike synthetics, leading to much smaller environmental footprints.