Crocheters have shown us time and time again the difference their talents can make in the world, from sustainable endeavours to social upliftment. But crochet can also be a positive force in your own world! The pros fill us in on how:
South Africa (12 September 2024) — Deemed for far too long as simply a hobby, the art of crochet can make a lot more than gorgeous creations. But, even if budding crocheters aren’t planning on using those needles for massive endeavours, make no mistake—it’s a powerful skillset that could greatly impact your own world for the better.
With today marking International Crochet Day, masters of the skill at Re.Bag.Re.Use are sharing some lesser-known benefits of joining the crocheters’ clan!
In case you didn’t know, Re.Bag.Re.Use have used crochet skills to make a big difference in the world of sustainability, all while empowering local communities.
Over three years, Regine le Roux’s lockdown-born idea has helped repurpose nearly 100,000 empty bread bags into different items, from handbags to hats. Not only has this greatly helped combat the plastic waste problem we face in South Africa, but it has also served as a social effort that’s invested in local communities and charities. Needless to say, what was born from a love of crochet has certainly made a mark on the world straight from Hout Bay.
Today, the team extends from Hout Bay to Cape Town, Pretoria and Mpumalanga, with 21 women on board.
How Crochet Can Make Your World a Better Place
Stress Relief and Meaning at a Low Cost
A better world certainly sounds a lot like one that’s less stressed and is filled with meaning. With rhythmic and repetitive motions aplenty, crocheting is known to have a calming, almost meditative effect. But beyond this, it also helps people learn how to create something meaningful out of very little.
Re.Bag.Re.Use’s Hlezipi Mnungi shares:
“Crocheting is not only a form of relaxation but also an opportunity to create something meaningful. What I love most about crocheting is that it’s simple, and with Re.Bag.Re.Use, we can make waste look chic and fashionable. It doesn’t cost anything to practice this hobby; all you need is a crochet needle and a pair of scissors. You don’t need much experience to make something out of nothing—all you need is passion, patience, and love for what you do.”
Cognitive Skills Booster
The Re.Bag.Re.Use team share that it’s also a fantastic way to boost cognitive skills, due to the focus and concentration required. They add that some studies suggest mindful activities like this can even help stave off cognitive decline!
Fine Motor Skills Enhancement
Because of the intricate hand movements involved, hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills get sharpened. This can make crocheting a super beneficial activity for those recovering from injuries or those seeking to maintain dexterity.
That Crochet-Approved Sense of Accomplishment
Most humans are driven by the boost dopamine gives us, and few things do that better than completing a project. Especially when you’re using materials like recycled plastic, that boost can often be even bigger in a double whammy, making yourself and the environment proud.
Weaving Social Connections
Whether you’re still learning or are a pro, craft groups and crochet circles are a fantastic way to be a part of a community!
Cheaper Than Therapy
When it comes to managing mental health, many might think of seeing a therapist only to realise the costs are striking. If you’re in a place where you need to do some mental spring-cleaning but aren’t in such a dire pinch you need professional psychological help, jumping aboard the crochet train can be a fantastic feat for the following reasons:
- Anxiety management
- Sense of control
- Productivity
- Connection to others
- Relaxation
- Distraction from distressing thoughts
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