Crochet to Calm The Mind
Take time to relax as you Crochet
For many people, crochet feels like a time for quiet, a time to stop focusing on everything except your hook and yarn. It gives us a great opportunity to practice mindfulness as we crochet.
What is Mindfulness?
The Oxford dictionary states – Mindfulness is a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment which calmly acknowledging and accepting ones feelings, thoughts and bodily sensations – a therapeutic technique.
Its paying close attention to what we are doing in the present moment.
How can Mindfulness help?
By “being present in the moment” and focusing on our crochet, we can allow other thoughts go – the stress and the challenges we are facing will fade away giving us time to breathe and relax as we crochet.
It’s a great way to ground ourselves and learn how to spend time in the moment without our minds wandering and questioning the what ifs.
How can we practice Mindfulness while we crochet?
Remember that we are working towards paying detailed attention to the present moment. Take time to notice if your mind wanders to bring it back to focusing on your crochet project.
Engage your senses
- Feel the yarn slipping through your fingers as you create your next stitch
- Notice the weight of your hook as you work and where your hook nestles in your hand and palm
- Count your stitches as you make them – it really helps you focus on what you are doing, even with a simple stitch repeat
- Pop on your favourite music and really listen to it as you work
- Take time to hone in on the detail of the stitch you are creating – the yarn over the hook, inserting the hook, the way each stitch is constructed and how your project builds and grows as you work.
Mindfulness Crochet Project Ideas
Different people will find different projects help clear their minds. For some, a challenging and detailed patterns with lots of different stitches will help them focus on the pattern in hand blocking stray thoughts, but for others a simple pattern with a stitch repeat such as simple half treble crochet blanket will allow them to relax and then focus on their senses instead of their thoughts.
Giant granny square blanket – simply continue adding more rounds to your square, changing colour every row or after 2 rows – you’ll be surprised how quickly it grows
HTr Blanket – Ch250 or until your chain measures 52 inches (for a throw) and half treble across each row. Count as you go to really focus on each stitch you are making
Prayer Shawl/Mantra blanket – While making a blanket either for friends or family, you repeat a prayer, mantra or affirmation each time you start a row of the project. Its a terrific way to practice mindfulness, really giving those words and their meaning your full attention. You can include a written copy of the prayer, mantra or affirmation with the finished gift.
Mandala – this style of crochet is popularly associated with mindfulness. Some patterns are simple where as others are incredibly intricate. I’ve shared a copy of books below that come highly recommended both for beginners and those looking for a challenge.
I’d love to hear about how crochet allows you to relax and if you will taking the opportunity to practice mindfulness as you crochet.
