As someone who has tried a lot of hobbies, crocheting is a hobby that I have stuck with. I used to collect marbles, make slime, do nail art, try complicated hairstyles, and more, but these were all phases that I fell out of. I have been crocheting for about a year now, and there are so many reasons why I believe others could enjoy or benefit from this type of art.
You can learn how to crochet for free
One major reason why I was able to get into crocheting so easily was the accessibility of crochet information online. I taught myself countless stitches, patterns, and methods merely using Youtube and a few different websites. Youtube videos provide an excellent video format to learn, as you can visually watch a teacher maneuver the yarn and hook. Here are a few crochet Youtube Creators that provide great tutorials:
You can crochet to raise and earn money
Crocheted stuffed toys that I made for a high school fundraiser.
Once people reach a certain proficiency in crochet, some decide to sell their work on sites such as Etsy. Whether it’s a side hustle or full-time job, there’s something really fulfilling about starting a small business from a hobby you enjoy. Crochet provides a means for people to make money. In high school, I crocheted little yarn stuffed toys for my school’s Mental Health Initiative fundraiser. My peers purchased these crochet animals and helped to raise over $400 for the National Eating Disorder Association.
Crochet is a practical art form
A shirt I found in Target that could be crocheted at home.
Another reason why I personally love crochet is because you can make practical, useable items. I’ve created scarves, stuffed animals, earbud cases, and more for gifts, and I’ve created a tote bag for myself. Crochet provides a medium in which you can make such a large variety of items. The above photo is of a trendy crochet shirt I found while shopping at Target. Crocheted clothing definitely became a trend in 2022, and it’s really cool that people can make these products at home as well.
Crochet can provide health benefits
Research points to the idea that crochet can help relieve stress and improve mental wellbeing. Part of why I love to crochet is because it gives me a sense of calm and accomplishment. When I’m stressed, crochet is an activity that focuses my mind on a rhythmic, soothing task rather than anxiety inducing aspects of my life. It is also strongly suspected that crochet can reduce anxiety, depression, dementia, and other mental struggles.
Crochet is fun!
I initially started crochet because I saw so many beautiful creations on social media that I wanted to make. I have a lot of fun seeing my creative visions come to life, and I realized that I happened to reap so many benefits from my new hobby as well. Crocheting is a time consuming and sometimes tricky task, especially when you are first starting out, but it is one of the most rewarding and sustainable hobbies that I’ve ever picked up.
I really like the theme of your blog, and I also really enjoyed reading your entry about crochet! I am a pretty crafty person too (I even tried to pick up crochet once, but it didn’t stick), so I love to see others my age interested in being creative and making things. Crochet is also one of the biggest trends in fashion over the past 6 months or so, and promoting the idea of making your own top instead of conforming to fast fashion and unethical labor norms is amazing. I also really loved how you included the mental health benefits of crochet, because I think it’s important for us to slow down sometimes and doing an activity like coloring or crochet helps me do that. I know my mind almost never stops moving at high speed, and I have noticed that I have to be intentional in helping myself slow down. Who knows, I might have to pick up crochet again next time I get stressed!
Crocheting definitely sounds relaxing and fun! I like the theme you used for the blog and post because I think it adds a creative vibe to the post and matches the topic. I got into embroidering a few months ago just as a way of relaxing and customizing my own clothes. I’m nowhere near the level of being able to sell my clothes, but that’s a great idea for making money on the side! It’s even better that you were able to raise money through the hobby for a good cause!
As someone who has tried knitting (and failed desperately), this post made me interested in learning to crochet! I love the reasons to crochet that you incorporate, especially that you can use crocheting as a way to conduct a fundraiser! The image of the stuffed toys you made is so vibrant and engaging and proof that crocheting is worth the reader’s time. The one comment I would make to you is to possibly switch your format up a bit more — making the pictures larger, centering them, etc. I think this would make the page just a bit more visually appealing!
I also crochet as a hobby, and I can attest to all of the reasons above why people should start the hobby (and more!). I relate a lot to crocheting for a fundraising project because I crocheted blankets for kittens in the shelter for when they were adopted. The health benefits are real, and I often crochet while I study because it keeps my hands busy and helps me to de-stress! The practical aspect of crochet is also really nice because it does feel nice to use things that you’ve made. The stuffed animals in your picture are super cute, it’s cool that you made all of them!