Since lockdown began, there’s been an increase in the number of adults and children taking up knitting and crocheting. Having learnt to knit as a teenager, I love the fact that an ever-growing amount of people are enjoying yarn crafts and passing their skills down to the younger generations too.
One of the big benefits of knitting and crocheting, is the positive impact they can have on mental health, both in the short term and longer term. By teaching children crafting skills, we are setting them up with a healthy hobby that they can enjoy and come back to throughout their lives.
‘We all make mistakes in knitting. When you learn from an early age that it’s about the journey not the destination, you become a happier adult. Kids need to be taught that it’s okay to NOT be perfect. When kids can create an imperfect product and still love it because they made it, their confidence level goes through the roof.’ (pattylyons.com, 2019)
Knitting can lead to increased serotonin production
Modern life, the impact of social media and having access to more screen time in general, has led to an increase in mental health issues among pre-teens and teenagers. Even where parents are diligent in applying parental controls and limiting screen time, children can often pick up information from their peers, or experience peer pressure that can be unsettling or distressing for them.
The repetitive nature of knitting has been shown to release serotonin, a natural anti-depressant that helps to lift mood. As well as the therapeutic benefits experienced while knitting, creating something tangible at the end is great for children’s confidence and self-esteem.
Needlecraft for young children doesn’t have to be complicated, knitting a scarf for a favourite doll or teddy, or even one for themselves if they have the patience, can be extremely rewarding. As their skills and interest develop, more intricate and challenging patterns can be introduced.
Once the basic skills are mastered, the repetitive movements can help anxious children to self-soothe too, an important skill for their wellbeing.
Brain development, coordination and problem solving
As knitting and crocheting involve using both the right and the left hand, this helps to develop coordination. Both sides of the brain are engaged and more neural pathways are built up. Knitting helps with cognitive function, memory retention, concentration, problem solving and mental agility, which can lead to greater success, confidence, achievement and self-esteem in school too.
‘knitting requires following instructions, reading, and troubleshooting, all components of problem-solving. For any child, these are great traits for them to develop. Of course, mistakes happen in knitting, and these mishaps provide a great learning opportunity for your child to discover how the mistake occurred and how to fix it.’ (pattylyons.com, 2019)
Children can take onboard new skills quickly and easily, compared to older adults, so teaching them needlecraft skills when they are young is a great idea. It sets them up with a healthy hobby for life.
Family bonding
When skills are handed down from one generation to the next, it helps with family bonding. This, in turn, has positive benefits for mental health, as it can result in more mutual respect, understanding and tolerance.
My family has always been full of skilful knitters and I used to watch with awe, as they turned colourful balls of wool into beautiful garments, with the rhythmic click of their needles. After many attempts and lots of loving patience, my grandma finally taught me to knit and my skills and confidence grew from there. I have fond memories of our time spent together and though I lost her a few years ago, the skills she taught me and her love of yarn continue to inspire my creations and my growing Yarny Bees business.
Transferring skills from the older to the younger generations is vital, so that those key skills don’t get lost over time.
Children’s Mental Health Week (5th – 11th February)
This time of year, is a great time to encourage your children or grandchildren to take up knitting or crocheting. It’s still a little chilly to be outdoors for long and helping them to have fun, learn new skills and spend time away from the screen while indoors, ticks lots of boxes around mental health.
‘Place2Be launched the mental health awareness week in 2015 to empower, equip and give a voice to every child in the UK.’
For the many ways in which you and your family can engage in activities and/or fundraising, as part of ‘Children’s Mental Health Week 2024’ click this link:
https://www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk
Ideas and inspiration for needlecraft with children
As a mum and a former teacher, I love creating patterns and workshops for children, knowing that I’m helping to give them a great start with needlecraft.
Here are some of my upcoming workshops for children and families, in the Lichfield area:
https://yarnybees.co.uk/product-category/learn-with-me/childrens-workshops/
Simple patterns for children who are learning to knit or crochet:
https://yarnybees.co.uk/product-category/learn-with-me/childrens-workshops/
For information about future workshops and events, plus patterns and yarn, you can visit my website at https://yarnybees.co.uk
References
‘6 Benefits That Children Experience from Knitting’ Patty Lyons, 25th September 2019
‘Place2Be’s Children’s Mental Health Week’