The pandemic shutdowns led us to try out many new hobbies—baking sourdough, urban gardening, some regrettable TikTok dances—and lots of crafting. Knitting, crochet, embroidery, and similar textile arts boomed and have continued to maintain popularity even as schedules return to their crowded norm. 

Exhale chatted with crochet expert and pattern maker Ashley Parker of The Loopy Lamb about the appeal of old-school hobbies. 

Creativity

“If you give the same yarn and crochet hook to multiple different people, each person will create an entirely uniquepiece,” says Parker. “The idea that something as simple as what is essentially a string can be transformed in countless ways to express creativity is absolutely remarkable to me.

“If you give the same yarn and crochet hook to multiple different people, each person will create an entirely unique piece,” says Parker. “The idea that something as simple as what is essentially a string can be transformed in countless ways to express creativity is absolutely remarkable to me.” 

There’s something very creatively satisfying about making something out of nothing. Textile arts, many of which require little equipment to get started, are an accessible way to begin creating customized toys, garments, and art pieces. It’s also a creative outlet that can (often) be transported so you can knit a scarf during your commute or bring your crochet project on vacation. 

Mental Health Benefits

“Crochet has a lot of mental health benefits; it’s been shown to help people relax, reduce the symptoms of anxiety, and even decrease the risk of memory loss,” says Parker.

The numbers don’t lie. A study cited in the National Library of Medicine says that more than 70% of participants found that crochet made them feel calmer, happier, and more useful. Mood significantly increased after crocheting as opposed to before. The repetitive motion and visually discernable progress of these activities can be calming and satisfying in a world of unpredictability and never-ending tasks.

A Side Hustle

“The popularity of the “side hustle” culture also contributed to the explosion of popularity these crafts have seen in recent years,” says Parker. “People are increasingly looking for creative ways to earn extra income, and selling handmade items has become a popular option.” 

The pandemic lockdowns also saw an increase in small hobbyist businesses, some of which ballooned into full-time gigs. Whether you’re looking to dip your toe into serious entrepreneurship or to make some extra spending money on Etsy, textile crafts are a popular and marketable product.