5 Reasons You Should Learn to Crochet Today

Do you have a favourite hobby, or looking for more ways to be creative with your free time?

A few years ago, I found myself fed up with knitting (dropping a stitch is a whole new kind of anxiety). For some reason, I'd always thought crochet looked terribly difficult, so I'd avoided it.

As I was browsing the supermarket shelves one evening, I spotted a craft magazine that had a free gift of two yarn skeins and a hook. Suddenly, I was taken back to being about 12 years old and buying those girly magazines that featured little free lip glosses and stickers, so I think that's what edged me toward the checkout, magazine in hand.

That impulse purchase ignited a hobby I've enjoyed for years!

So if you're stumped and want a hobby that is quick and cheap to pick up, how about learning to crochet?

Whether you're brand new to fibre crafts, or you've been considering learning to crochet for a while, here are five reasons you should stop making excuses and learn to crochet today.

Crochet is a fulfilling hobby

There's nothing quite like learning a new hobby that exercises your creative streak.

The great thing about crochet is that there are many beginner-friendly patterns online, for free, that take next to no practice to learn and very little time to complete.

All it takes to learn to crochet is an inexpensive hook and yarn, some time, and patience!

Unlike other artistic hobbies such as painting or sculpting, crochet isn't messy and doesn't require hours of building up your skills to make something you can be proud of.

You can make your own clothes and furnishings

If you're someone who likes to stand out and make a statement, learning to crochet can be a wonderful medium for crafting your own clothing, ornaments, and soft furnishings.

Crochet is a versatile skill that fits any style, meaning you can quickly learn to make items that fit your body, home, and aesthetic.

You can find many free or inexpensive patterns to follow along with on loads of websites, including Ravelry and Pinterest.

Give thoughtful handmade gifts

Finding presents for birthdays and Christmas can be increasingly difficult, especially if the people you're buying for seemingly have everything they need!

Why not put love and care into your next gifts by crafting some of your own? Learning to crochet items for men, women, and children means opening up a world of unique present ideas.

Whether you plan an intricately crocheted shawl months in advance or whip up a super quick set of crochet cup coasters the night before, handmade crocheted gifts are appreciated by all!

Crocheting is therapeutic

Between running your household, going to work, and everything else life throws at you, times can be stressful.

Learning to crochet may be the therapeutic outlet you're looking for.

Did you know that crochet is used as a form of therapy and can help manage depression, anxiety, and insomnia, according to The American Counseling Association?

Allowing your mind to focus on counting, remembering patterns, and giving you something positive to work towards (your finished project!), crochet can take your mind off your stress and problems and even help you deal with things easier.

And guess what? Unravelling your yarn, or 'frogging', is easily a better stress buster than bubblewrap.

Crochet supplies are cheap and easy to find

In the last few years, the art of crochet has surged in popularity! Combined with online shops providing more stock and faster delivery options has made picking up this creative hobby easier than ever.

Although you may spend hours scrolling Pinterest and craft blogs gazing lovingly at artisan yarns and handmade hooks, crochet is cheap to begin and you don't need anything fancy.

To start learning how to crochet, all you need is:

• Some cheap yarn - acrylic is usually cheapest, in a standard DK size
• A set of cheap hooks - these are usually less than £10 for a set of metal or wooden hooks
• Some stitch markers or safety pins
• Access to free patterns for beginners - YouTube and Pinterest have loads
• Patience!

Now has never been a better time to start learning to crochet. What will you make?