The benefits of knitting and crocheting: according to science, knitting or crocheting makes you happier and improves emotional and physical well-being

Studies show that these activities reduce stress, combat depression and promote well-being. During the pandemic, they have become refuges of calm and creativity, offering a soothing way to relax and strengthen social connections despite isolation.

Personal testimony: return to crochet

As a child, I always saw my mother knitting and crocheting. She always had a bag with all her equipment, ready to use whenever she had a few minutes spare. Whether placemats, tablecloths, “Phentex” slippers, etc. 32 years ago now, she even made the little knitted dress for our son's baptism.

I found her creations very beautiful and I too had a taste for learning. So my mother introduced me to knitting and crochet. I continued crocheting until the birth of our second child. Unfortunately, with the lack of time, I put this activity aside.

Later, as my children grew older, I returned to this activity, realizing that it brought me deep relaxation and calming, clearing my mind of daily stress. As I researched further, I discovered that knitting and crochet promote mental health.

But why did this activity have this impact on me? So I started researching on the Internet and the answer was so clear! Several scientific studies indicate that knitting or crocheting is good for our mental health.

Health benefits according to science

In a world where everything moves quickly and where technology takes up a large place, an ancestral activity like crochet or knitting retains its relevance. Far from being a simple hobby of your grandmother, it turns out to be a precious ally for emotional and physical health.

By knitting or crocheting, we engage in more than just a repetitive gesture: we stimulate our brain. The regular, rhythmic movement of our hands activates neurotransmitters, thus promoting a better connection between neurons. This leads to a real activation of our mind, with positive, long-term effects.

Research from Cardiff University reveals several varied benefits:

• Brain stimulation: Strengthens neural connnections, which is excellent for cognitive health.
• Relaxation: Acts as a form of meditation, focusing our attention on the movement of the hands, thereby reducing daily stress and tension.
• Heart Health: Helps lower blood pressure, contributing to better cardiovascular health.
• Pain relief: Alleviates chronic pain such as osteoarthritis, significantly reducing pain intensity.
• Fine Motor Skills: Improves dexterity and can serve as therapy for those with mobility issues.
• Well-being and happiness: Provides great personal satisfaction and stimulates the production of hormones of happiness and well-being.
• Patience and perseverance: Encourages calmness and perseverance.
• Creativity: Allows you to express your personality.

Another study published in 2013 by the Washington Post, involving 3,500 knitters and crocheters, reveals that the benefits of knitting and crochet on well-being are undeniable. Participants where asked about their emotional state after knitting or crocheting, and the results speak for themselves:

"More than 80% said they felt significantly happier after their knitting or crochet session."

Knitting as therapy and social practice

In a world where everything moves quickly and where technology takes up a large place, an ancestral activity like crochet or knitting retains its relevance. Far from being a simple hobby of your grandmother, it turns out to be a precious ally.

Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi associates this state of intense concentration with a state of “flow”, where the person is totally absorbed, finding a sense of satisfaction and pure well-being. These interactions strengthen friendship, but according to the Cardiff study, they also improve the quality of life and well-being of the participants.

Formerly solitary and although we think that this activity is reserved for women, more and more men are discovering, in turn, the benefits of this practice on mental and physical health, and also finding it a source of happiness and relaxation.

These activities are now becoming social and therapeutic, attracting more and more young people and even public figures, such as Tom Daley, silver medalist in the 10m synchronized high diving at the Paris Olympics in 2024, known for to be seen in the stands, between his knitting competitions, Ryan Gosling does it for passion, Harry Styles to relax and Russel Crowe to channel his anger and relax. 

The return of knitting and crochet during the COVID-19 pandemic

During this pandemic, knitting has become a refuge activity for many people. In times of uncertainty, it offered a calming way to relax while still remaining creative. Lockdowns provided time to learn or perfect techniques, while creating handmade clothing or accessories brought a sense of accomplishment and comfort. Additionally, knitting strengthened social connections through online communities, where enthusiasts shared advice and encouragement despite isolation.

Taking the time to nurture your creativity and work on projects that bring us joy is a great way to take care of yourself. I think it's crucial to discuss mental health, especially during this time of physical distancing.

Red Cross survey

A survey, conducted by Red-Cross in April 2020, found that almost half of young adults wereexperiencing more mental health concerns during the pandemic. The days pass both quickly and slowly: although it feels like we've been stuck at home for an eternity, we're inundated with information that can easily overwhelm us.

In conclusion, knitting and crochet are more than just a distraction. It is a gateway to creativity, mental well-being and connection with others. Whether for its relaxing effect, its health benefits or for the joy of creating, there is always a good reason to try it!

And you, do you knit or crochet? For what reasons?