Crochet is the perfect regulator for our nervous systems. But not all crochet time will bring that calm that we sometimes crave when we’re looking for some respite from the every day. If you’re reading this and already agreeing with ‘it’s not making me calm’ thoughts, then you definitely need to keep reading!

One reason that crochet has stood the test of time is because of it’s calming benefits. The same can be said about many crafts, but crochet is the one that I experience the most calm with. And knowing how beneficial it has been for me is one reason why I try to help others get better at crochet too. Once you get to a point of being able to experience the calm, you really won’t be able to put your hook down.

The first step to feeling the calm is to get comfortable making at least one stitch that you can then use for at least one project. It doesn’t need to be a big project either. It can be something small like a granny square – in fact I make a granny square almost every morning just so that it sets me in the right mindset for work and the day ahead. I often have a final project in mind that they will be destined to (hence my monthly granny square inspiration blogs), but when I am making the square my focus is on just making it and how I feel while I am.

If you’re not comfortable with one stitch yet then I encourage you to experiment and find one that you enjoy and could make over and over. For me it is half double crochet (half treble in UK terms) or double crochet (UK treble). If you do have one stitch that you love, test it out with different yarns to see if the fibre or the ply that you use makes a difference. Maybe even try a different hook as that can play into it too.

When you have the stitch and small project figured out you can then focus on crocheting for the sake of crocheting. Try make something just for the experience of making something. Instead of focussing on how much progress you’re making, focus instead on how it makes you feel. Try and lose yourself in the stitches and the rhythm of your hook and yarn moving together. Don’t worry if it’s perfecr or not, just create. It might not feel very synergistic to begin with, but the longer you crochet the more likely you are to lose yourself and just ‘go with the flow’.

Another consideration is to make sure that the time is dedicated to you. It helps to find a quiet room or corner somewhere in your house, or even outside if the weather permits. Set a timer if you have to, maybe turn on some music and honour yourself by crocheting. Once you get into the rhythm it can become meditative, and I find it much more calming than a meditation session that leaves me feeling fidgety.

If you’ve gotten this far and are thinking that you understand what I am saying but are getting stuck on the moving forward part, then why not give my Square a Day Challenge a try. We have some accountability days coming up, but you can also start it anytime and do it at your own pace. If you want the structure and the support then it is a really great place to start. You’ll get access to a private hub with 5 granny squares, full written tutorials, left and right-handed video tutorials and a community to cheer you on. And just doing the square from day 1 might be all that you need as it is the most calming of them all.

If you do feel the calm, share your favourite proejcts or stitches in the comments so that others might be inspired too!

Seona x