Is Crochet Hard?
I learned how to crochet at the age of 7. That same year I got in trouble for using gum on my wall in place of tape…. So it’s not about brainpower. I’ve had many types of crochet students. I had a young man take to it like a fish to water and another student (same class) give up and never try again.
It’s not hard at all. Millions of people of different ages, backgrounds, incomes, and education enjoy this craft from around the world. But I’m sure you are looking for a more specific answer than this. The journey of each beginner crocheter is different, therefore what is easy to some may be difficult to others. That is why I’m going to lay out what people find difficult about crochet and what they find easy about this craft.
What’s Easy About Crochet
- Compared to knitting the items work up faster due to the larger stitch.
- Once you learn your first beginner stitches, you can immediately make your first project. All you know how to do is a chain and single crochet? You will be ready to make blankets, dishcloths, & scarves. Squares and rectangles are your friends.
- All you need to know is the most basic of math when you begin to crochet. And when I say basic I mean “1,2,3,4,5”. You just need to know how to count
- If you ever get stuck. There are tons of YouTube videos online to help. When I learned how to crochet in the 80s, I didn’t have that luxury. Information is at your fingertips.
- Once you learn the 4 basic stitches you are no longer a newbie. People will claim to be a newbie crocheter for years, not realizing what they can do with it. All it takes is a good pattern to follow.
What’s Hard About Crochet
- For some people getting used to holding the hook and yarn together can take some getting used to. But like any new skill, it will take practice.
- Getting past the “I can’t do it” phase. Depending on how much you practice. This can last a few days to a month. I have taught people who took to it like a fish in water. The most resistant are the ones who don’t practice and give up.
Basically, it all comes down to “how much do I want to learn how to crochet”. If you really want to you will stick to it. If you truly want to know if crochet is hard or not. Pick up a hook and give it a try for at least a month. Hooks and yarn is very inexpensive. You basically have very little to lose but an awesome talent to gain.
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The Benefits of Crochet
- It helps relieve stress and reduce anxiety. The repetitive motions of crocheting is super relaxing, but not the only stress reliever. While crocheting, you are able to take your mind off the stress of the day. You’re redirecting your focus to something more productive.
- Crochet is calming, of course. I said it reduces anxiety, but how about ADHD, asthma & bipolar
- Helps relieve pain. In one study, knitting offered both physical relief and social support, which significantly helped reduce feelings and effects of chronic pain.
- Teachers are using knitting and stitching in the classroom to calm disruptive or violent behavior and deal with students with ADHD. Even those suffering from asthma are able to manage the panic. The rhythmic movements immediately instill a feeling of familiarity that gives you great comfort. Thereby successfully coping with less medication than they might otherwise have needed. Interestingly, those suffering from bipolar disorder (manic depression) tell me that knitting and stitching help to even out their moods.
- Crocheting can reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s by 30-50%. Those same activities reduced the risk by between 30 and 50%.
- Crochet helps with insomnia. The repetitive motion of crochet can help you wind down in the evening. Make crochet a part of your evening routine
- It’s a great reason to become more social. Join a crochet group and find like-minded individuals