An academic survey of crochet that went viral worldwide and attracted responses from more than 8000 people in 80 countries has reported significant positive impacts on wellbeing. It also showed that crochet made people feel useful and part of society, and was important for connection across generations, said research Dr Pippa Burns from the University of Wollongong.
Pippa and a research colleague studied how the handcraft of crochet may assist with mental health and wellbeing, following the lead of Betsan Corkhill in the United Kingdom who had found positive impacts of knitting on wellbeing.
“At the end of survey we had a free text box asking if there was anything else people wanted to tell us. Over 50 percent shared their experience of using crochet to get through high-stress times, but also for connection across generations, a sense of producing something for future generations, or materials passed down between generations,’’ Pippa said.
“People were saying there were connections to it being a mindful process, counting stitches, being in the moment and not thinking about stress or burdens. Handcrafts at present are a very useful way of being in the moment … there is something about using your hands and being in the moment which helps still racing thoughts.”
Listen to the conversation with Dr Pippa Burns below (or read notes at bottom)