As the weather cools and sunlight decreases, people can feel disconnected, and mental health can decline. Fiber arts work like knitting and crocheting can benefit a person’s well-being. Studies from the University of Wollongong and the University of Gothenburg indicate that knitting and crocheting help people manage mental health conditions and life events such as grief, chronic illness, and pain. Another study from the Mayo Clinic found that those engaged in crafts were less likely to develop mild cognitive impairment and memory loss. There is also a social benefit when people craft together through local groups or with friends.

While it might feel overwhelming to start and learn a new craft, there are people and resources to help.

Local fiber arts groups

Montana has a network of groups, or guilds, focusing on fiber arts. Fiber arts include techniques like knitting and crocheting, weaving, spinning, felting, and embroidery. The Montana Association of Weavers and Spinners has a list of local guilds: www.montanaweavespin.org/our-member-guilds.

Library

Local libraries are an excellent resource for books about learning to knit and crochet, as well as patterns. They can also be meeting places for fiber arts groups, so check the message boards and ask the librarian if there are groups to join.

Local yarn shop

Some places have yarn or crafting stores. These are great places to ask about knitting and crocheting groups or classes. They can also be a resource for questions while learning. If you are trying to figure out where to place a knitting needle or how to read a pattern, stop by a yarn shop, and someone will probably be able to help.

Online resources

There are many free resources online. A quick search for “learn to crochet” results in many websites with written instructions and videos. Some yarn companies have online learning resources and patterns. YouTube is also a place to search for videos to learn about holding needles and hooks, starting and finishing projects, and making certain stitches. The website Ravelry (www.ravelry.com) offers an extensive searchable database of both free and paid patterns.

Two people watch a tutorial video on how to knit as they hold knitting needles and blue yarn in their hands.

Photo: Adobe Stock

 

Erika Malo is the MSU Extension External Relations Coordinator (and enjoys crocheting, spinning, and weaving).