Knitting & Crocheting: The Ideal Crafts to Help You Get Through COVID-19 Pandemic

Even though the documented history of knitting begins with a pair of Ancient Egyptian socks, the structural complexity of the first socks suggests that this craft is far older than archaeologists can prove. Wool garments became popular in the UK from Medieval times due to their weather-resistant qualities making them increasingly popular among soldiers, sailors and labourers. You would be surprised to learn that knitting is most popular now in countries like Australia and New Zealand, which despite the warmer climate, are fonder of knitwear than ever. 

The first evidence of crocheting, on the other hand, emerges in Europe during the 19th century. But what’s the difference between both these crafts and is it easier to knit or crochet? 

Knitting requires 2 pointed needles and there are 2 basic types of knitting stitch, plain and purl whereas you only need one hook for crocheting and 4 core stitches. However, they are both performed with wool, cotton or other synthetic yarn so even if you can’t decide what to start with, visiting a yarn store or an online yarn shop for sale should be your first destination. Which activity you find easier is individual. Nonetheless, they are both beneficial. Here are some reasons why is knitting and crocheting are good for you and how they could help you survive the time spent at home during these tough times.

Create a Unique Wardrobe 

In a consumerist and cookie-cutter world, daring to be different and above all modest is a soul and mind rejuvenating experience. The best way to start appreciate something, unfortunately, is after investing your own sweat and blood (and perhaps even tears) in it. Homemade knitted and crochet garments can help you realise the real value of handmade items. As you experience the amount of time and effort that goes into them, you’ll finally get why are handmade clothes more expensive.  

Yet, making your own clothing can go easy on your pocket as much as it does on the planet. Buying handmade clothing is better than fast fashion but making it yourself is an even better choice. The variety of options in a yarn shop for sale give you more freedom of choice than any chain store. Furthermore, this shift of consumer perspective will not only help you be a better person but also allow you to teach your kids better values.  

Although it’s easier than you think, it’s also easier said than done and it will take some time and practice before you can fully clothe yourself or your loved ones. So, what should a beginner crochet or knit?  

Start with something simpler like scarves, washcloths, hats and blankets, which give you the chance to practice basic stitches and skills while creating usable items or gifts. It’s always good to start with thick chunky wool, big needles and a small project that does not take a lot of time to finish. This way you’ll keep the motivation high and the frustration low. 

Also, is it better to crochet or knit a blanket? As crocheting is a bit faster, you might want to start with that but as mentioned above, the level of difficulty experienced is individual.  It will take practice and a lot of tutorials but just remember that beginnings are the hardest and the hardest step you’ll take is tying the first knot.  

Keep Your Hands Busy 

Are you binge eating or binge-watching TV shows? Bad habits start to creep in when people get bored. For all of you introverts out there, knitting and crocheting are a great way to keep yourself busy while also having some quality “me time”.  

An online survey including 8391 individuals from 87 different countries (mostly females aged between 41 and 60 years) reported that the three most frequent reasons reported for crocheting were: to be creative (82.1%), to relax (78.5%) and for a sense of accomplishment (75.2%). Respondents reported that crochet made them feel calmer, happier and more useful. Moreover, significant improvement in mood after crocheting was reported.  

Research strongly suggests that crocheting and knitting can play a role in promoting positive wellbeing in the general population. Many respondents actively used crochet to manage mental health conditions and life events such as grief, chronic illness and pain. Knitting keeps your mind occupied and improves your self-esteem when you see the creation from your own 2 hands.   

Keep Your Hands Functional 

Knitting is not only good for the brain but also it can be good for your body. Seniors experience difficulty with hand-eye coordination as they age. Regular knitting maintains fine motor skills as you force your brain and hands to cooperate.  Furthermore, it can also improve grip, dexterity and strength in the hands, making these crafts ideal aids for the elderly. 

Researchers have been trying to figure out is knitting good for arthritis as isometric contractions (a type of muscle contraction involved in knitting; the length of the muscle stays although the muscle tone changes) have been shown effective to reduce pain perception, both in healthy individuals and in patients suffering from chronic pain. 

However, long-duration activity (30 min) seems to be necessary to trigger exercise-induced pain relief.  Also, psychosocial aspects can also contribute to the beneficial effects of exercise on pain. Hence, pain can be reduced both by movement and by your knit or crochet buddy. 

In addition, a randomized controlled trial testing the positive effects of knitting in morning stiffness and pain in patients with hand osteoarthritis has shown promising results. Thus, more research into the benefits of knitting can offer us a greater insight into the management of this debilitating disease.  

On the other side of the spectrum, even kids can have a positive impact on their psychomotricity, making knitting or crocheting a perfect bonding time activity through this pandemic.