Crochet (Knitting, etc.) as Meditation

I love to crochet. I’ve been doing so since I was 13 years old when my maternal grandmother showed me after I took interest in an item she was creating.

I have always found crochet to be meditative, relaxing and soothing. Whether it is making an afghan or my daughter’s little baby sweaters, or even my now grandkids hats and little things, I just adore doing so. I’ll be honest, I just don’t have the opportunities as I did in the past. But that could change, of course, right? Never say never.

When we do a craft such as I mentioned, it takes focus and quiet. Yet it brings us ease and comfort. I’ve started and stopped many projects of afghans just for the sake of actually doing the rhythmic and calm nature of doing so.

Crochet is a great way to achieve mindfulness because it requires focus and attention. When you are following a pattern and counting stitches, it’s hard to think about anything else. That’s good, that’s what leads to a clearing of the head and relaxation. Challenge yourself with a pattern that you think is too hard — the extra effort and concentration you will have to put into the project will enhance your abilities to achieve focus and mindfulness. But, at the first sign of frustration, put the project down, nothing is achieved by added stress or disappointment. Come back to it when you are ready or abandon it all together — it is the experimentation that is valuable in this setting, not the finished product!

What about you? Tell me below in the comments what you find meditative and relaxing: crocheting, knitting, woodworking, pottery, etc.

If you are in Madison and would be interested in a meditative group of crocheters, knitters or other types of crafting, let me know.

I know I have had interest in crocheting a prayer or meditation shawl. Perhaps it’s a project we can do together, interested?

And by the way, as we speak of this, here’s a great article by Kathryn Vercillo on “Crochet as Meditation.”

Happy Meditating and Crafting!

How We Can Help

Here at Meditation Stepping Stones, our meditation classes assist you with learning to be mindful in your life. You can learn more about our classes below.

Our current classes:

In-person classes at our Meditate Madison studio.

Classes by video with our monthly video class subscription.

Meditation – Mondays at 7 pm Central Time in Virtual Classroom (formerly Wednesdays)

Mindfulness – in Virtual Classroom (Next class to be announced)

Meditation and Mindfulness (Including Loving-Kindness) – Various Classes in Madison, Wisconsin (New dedicated meditation studio now open- Join us at “Meditate Madison”)

For the online classes, you must be a member of our Meditation Stepping Stones Facebook Group. The class is streamed live to the group and is available for 48 hours.

Personal Sessions – The personal sessions will run similarly as well except it will be only you and myself meeting. You will have more time to ask questions, work intimately together on goals, right technique, receive worksheets and other easy assignments to help you grow in your meditation practice.

Access our Meditation Pebbles Podcast for easy five minute practices you can do easily.

If you have further questions, use the contact form here on the website. I’m happy to answer any questions may have.

We have a Facebook Group you could join so you can ask questions, share with others and receive support.