I’m asked this question a lot: Why did I start crocheting, and why has it remained such an important part of my life?

I have been crocheting since I was about seven years old. My grandmother first taught me, and my mother also helped me learn. From the very beginning, crochet became more than something I enjoyed, it became my creative outlet and a safe place for me to land.

I grew up in a home that could be stressful, unpredictable, and sometimes tumultuous. Crocheting helped calm my nervous system, quiet my anxiety, and bring down the stress I was carrying. It was my thing, one part of life that I could control, shape, and transform into whatever I wanted it to be.

Whenever I went through a difficult or burdensome season, I returned to crochet. It was there through childhood turmoil, teenage struggles, young-adult problems, becoming a wife and mother, and all the challenges that come with life.

Crochet has always been a place where I can find joy, peace, and a sense of accomplishment. The repetition settles my thoughts. The feeling of yarn moving through my hands helps bring me out of that fight-or-flight feeling and into a calmer place. It gives my mind and hands something meaningful to focus on when life feels overwhelming.

About seven years ago, I almost died. During that time, I leaned heavily on my faith in God and His Word—but I also leaned heavily on this art form. Crocheting brought me peace and joy during a season filled with fear and uncertainty. It helped quiet the racing thoughts and gave me something positive to focus on.

I remember sitting through different chemotherapy sessions, crocheting sweaters for each of my children. As I worked, I focused on the belief that I would be there to give them those sweaters and watch them grow into them. Stitch by stitch, crochet helped me reset and renew my mind. It gave me hope.

That is why I will always advocate for crochet as more than “just a hobby.”

Crochet is an art form. It is creativity, self-expression, comfort, and connection. It can be fun, lighthearted, and wonderfully addictive, but it can also be a valuable tool for people living with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, or PTSD. It is not a replacement for professional care, but for many people, it can become a comforting and supportive part of caring for their mental and emotional well-being.

Crochet can be whatever you need it to be. It can challenge your mind, occupy your hands, calm your body, and give all that built-up pressure somewhere healthy to go.

This is also why I am creating these different spaces for crocheters. I want us to have a community—a place that feels like home, where we can land, learn, create, and simply be together.

I am so thankful for the community I have built with all of you. I am grateful that I get to teach you this beautiful art form and create alongside such wonderful people.

Thank you for being here. I cannot wait to share more of my journey with you.

What does crocheting do for you? Has it helped carry you through a difficult season?