You’re overwhelmed.

You’re busy.

You’ve tried deep breaths, maybe even some meditation, but your mind’s still buzzing.

The thought of sitting down to crochet might seem like another useless suggestion.

Can something so...simple actually work for anxiety management?

It feels like a stretch, doesn’t it?

What if crochet isn’t about fixing your stress, but about making space for a little calm in the chaos?

I gave it a shot, and here’s how my journey unfolded over four weeks. Hopefully, this will give you the confidence to try it out for yourself.

Let’s dive in.

Week 1: Recognizing the Situation and Getting Started

When you first decide to tackle stress head-on, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by everything on your plate. You know something needs to change, but where to start? It’s hard to even pinpoint what’s causing the most anxiety when it feels like everything’s a constant whirlwind.

Let’s take a step back.

Identify Stress Triggers and Commit to Crochet as a Mindful Practice

Could crochet really help me manage stress?

I had been crocheting for years, but it was always mindless—while watching TV, chatting, or doing something else.
This time, I wanted to be intentional. I wanted to see if it could actually help me manage my stress.

What I Did:

I sat down with a journal and listed everything that was stressing me out.

Work deadlines
Family responsibilities
Constant mental to-do list

It was clear I needed something to help me ground myself.

I decided to start with a super simple coaster pattern.

Nothing fancy—just chains and single crochets. I set aside time in the evening when things were winding down, and I made a promise to myself to dedicate just 15 minutes to it. I wasn’t expecting miracles, but I knew that creating space for mindfulness would be a step in the right direction.

My Experience:

At first, it felt awkward. I was used to crocheting while my mind was elsewhere, so focusing solely on the yarn and hook felt... strange. But there was something calming about the simplicity of it. The repetitive motions slowly pulled my mind away from the noise of the day. It wasn’t magical right away, but there was definitely something meditative about it.

Tip for You This Week:
To get started, find a simple crochet kit or pattern—something with basic stitches, like a dishcloth or scarf. Set aside 15 minutes in a quiet space, away from distractions, and just give it a try. Even if it feels a little off, stick with it. The act of showing up is half the battle. You can get a free pattern here.

More on the topic: How to Create a Cosy Crochet Self-Care Corner

Week 2: Building the Routine and Facing Skepticism

By week two, I was starting to get into a rhythm. But there were still moments of doubt.

Was this really going to help, or was I just adding more stress by trying something new?

I kept telling myself to stick with it and see what happened.

What I Did:

I decided to commit to 20 minutes of crochet every evening. To make it feel more like a ritual, I paired it with a cup of tea and some calming music and my favourite candle. At first, I was constantly battling frustration. I’d make a mistake, and the voice in my head would go, “This isn’t working. You’re just making another to-do list item.”

My Experience:

It was a constant internal battle. I struggled with the mistakes—getting frustrated when a stitch didn’t look right, or when the yarn tangled. But I focused on the rhythm instead. There was something calming about the repetitiveness. Each stitch was a small win, and I began to notice that when I concentrated on the yarn and the hook, my mind quieted down, even just a little.

Tip for You This Week:
Stick to a routine. Set aside 20 minutes each day—preferably in the evening, when the day’s chaos is winding down. It doesn’t need to be perfect, and it’s okay if you make mistakes. Keep your focus on the motion of your hands and the rhythm of the yarn. That’s the key to shifting your mind away from stress.

➤ Challenges: Mistakes and Frustrations

You’re going to hit bumps. Mistakes are going to happen. And if you’re anything like me, there’s a good chance you’ll catch yourself thinking, “Is this really doing anything for me?”

Remember, crochet isn’t about getting the perfect pattern or stitch—it’s about taking a moment to slow down. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about showing up.

Every single time.

Week 3: Discovering the Meditative Power of Crochet

By week three, I was starting to feel the calming effects of crochet in a way I hadn’t expected. The rhythm, the focus, the simplicity—it was all starting to work. Crochet wasn’t just about making things anymore; it was becoming a meditative practice.

What I Did:

I tried something new this week: pairing my crochet time with deep breathing. As I worked, I focused on syncing my breath with each stitch. Inhale, stitch; exhale, stitch. It sounds simple, but it worked.

The repetitive motion helped calm my busy mind, and I felt more connected to the moment. I also decided to take my crochet outside for one session—crocheting in the fresh air was an unexpected game-changer.

My Experience:

The more I practiced, the more I noticed a shift. My mind was quieter, my thoughts less scattered. Crocheting became an intentional act of self-care. I wasn’t just making coasters or scarves—I was using crochet to slow down and focus. The simple act of creating something with my hands brought me back to the present.

Tip for You This Week:
This week, experiment with mindfulness while crocheting. As you work, try to focus on your breath—breathe in as you start a stitch, and breathe out as you finish one. Count your stitches to keep your mind anchored to the moment. If possible, take your crochet outdoors. The fresh air and change of scenery can help enhance the calming effects.

➤ A Sense of Calm

As the days pass, you’ll start to notice a difference. Your mind isn’t racing like it used to. In fact, the repetitive motions of crochet have a strange power—they create space for calm to enter. You can feel the tension in your body melting away. Your thoughts, once a whirlpool of worries, are now a bit quieter.

Crochet isn’t about completely erasing your stress. It’s about making space for peace.

And when you can sit with your thoughts in a relaxed way, you start to realize that the panic doesn’t always need to take over.

More on the topic: Unwind and Create: Master Mindful Crochet for Ultimate Stress Relief

Week 4: Feeling Calm, Clear, and Joyful Again

By the time I reached week four, the change was undeniable. Crochet wasn’t just something I did to kill time anymore. It had become a tool to help me manage stress and regain a sense of calm.

What I Did:

I looked back at my journal from week one, where I had written about feeling overwhelmed. Now, I could see how far I’d come.

My stress levels had dropped, and crochet had become a key part of my evening routine. I wrapped up my coaster project and moved on to something bigger—a scarf. The sense of accomplishment after finishing something was incredible.

My Experience:

The best part?

I actually enjoyed it. Crochet had become my go-to way to unwind, and each project I completed gave me a sense of pride and confidence. It wasn’t just a hobby anymore—it was a way to feel grounded and present. Even more surprisingly, I found myself a lot more patient with my kids.

The calmness I was finding in crochet started to spill over into my day-to-day life. I wasn’t as quick to snap or feel irritated; instead, I was able to stay centered, even in chaotic moments.

The simple act of focusing on crochet gave me the emotional space I needed to be more patient and present with my family.

Tip for You This Week:
This week, reflect on your journey so far. How does crochet make you feel compared to when you started? If you haven’t finished a project yet, focus on completing something small, like a scarf or beanie. Don’t rush—let the process be the reward. Celebrate your progress, and share your work with someone if it feels right. You’ve earned it.

A Quiet, Calm Victory: How Crochet Can Become Your Lifeline

At the end of these four weeks, I can confidently say that crochet isn’t just a way to pass the time—it’s become a tool for managing my anxiety. It doesn’t need to be perfect, and it’s not about the finished product.

What matters is the time you carve out for yourself, the rhythm, the mindfulness, and the small wins along the way.

If you’re feeling sceptical, I get it.

But trust me—give it a try.

You can do this.

One stitch at a time, you can ease into relaxation, build a routine, and discover the meditative power of creating.

So why not give it a try?

Take that first step.

Just grab some yarn, let go of the expectations, and start.

Happy crocheting!

Can Crochet Actually Chill You Out? I Tried It So You Don’t Have To