Crocheting Can Help Reduce Stress

You can solve personal problems and come up with new ideas for just about any situation. If you're anxious, upset, or just want to pass some time, you can always count on crocheting to help unwind while tapping into your creativity. The best part of this is you're also making a useful item in the process.

Choose a Simple Pattern

To really get the full benefits of reducing stress through crocheting choose a project you don't have to think too deeply about. Stay away from complicated patterns, instead choosing something simple such as an afghan or a beach bag. These have repeating stitches and don't require that you pay too much attention to what you're doing. After awhile you'll get into a smooth rhythm with your stitches and feel your mind start to wander. Let it! The worst that could happen is you'll goof up a stitch or two that you can easily take out. Most likely though nobody will even notice.

At Lion Brand Yarn you can find hundreds of free and easy crochet patterns. All you need to do is sign up and you'll have complete access to their free patterns. They also have patterns you can pay for, though with so many freebies there shouldn't be a need to purchase any.

Using the Right Type of Yarn and Hook

You'll also want to choose a yarn that's easy to work with. Anything too fine or too bulky tends to slow you down and won't allow you to get into that thoughtless groove you need to be in to properly unwind. A soft 4-ply yarn such as Red Heart Super Soft is best since it glides over the hook and comes in so many colors you can find something for any project you're working on.

A size H Susan Bates Silvalume crochet hook is ideal because it's not too big and not too small, though you'll want to use whatever hook necessary according to the pattern directions. Susan Bates hooks are easier to use than the Boye aluminum hooks since the head and neck shape of the Bates hooks allows for quicker and smoother stitches. Boye hooks have a tapered neck that tend to pull your stitches tight, slowing you down as you bring your loops through.

Make Crocheting a Habit

Set aside time each day for your "crochet meditation." This is important since everyone needs some down time after working, cleaning, running errands, and chasing after children. By making time for yourself each and every day you'll find your stress level decreasing and you'll actually look forward to it. Soon you'll wonder how you ever got along without your daily crochet time. In the process you'll be creating useful gifts that may even become family heirlooms.

Crocheting shouldn't be something you do only when holidays or birthdays approach. Make it part of your daily routine and watch stress melt away.