How to use mindfulness in your crochet routine to help calm your mind.
Expand the way you get lost in crochet.
Our minds wander. To tomorrow. To yesterday. To everything we can’t control. But at any moment, you can pause and say, “Stop. I’m here. Right now.”
Crochet gives your hands something steady to do while your mind softens. Focus deeper, breathe slower, and let your busy mind rest.
What Is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is being present. Letting go of the past and the future, and returning to the calm of now. It’s a skill, just like crochet. It takes time, repetition, and patience.
Our emotions can feel heavy. Our thoughts rush ahead, trying to fix or prepare for every possible outcome. It’s true what they say. We can be our own worst critics. And life is not easy.
But awareness without judgment? That’s where the shift begins.
The key for me has always been to gently bring my attention to the now. Again, and again.
When I first started practicing mindfulness, I was shocked by how quickly my mind leapt from one thought to the next. I'd sit down to “be present,” only to be hijacked by distractions. Many people call this the “monkey mind.” And it’s always swinging, always moving.
You can’t silence the monkey. But you can soothe it. Calm it.
The monkey mind won’t disappear. But mindfulness isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence. Be kind to yourself. Much like you are when you crochet, perfection isn’t the goal. Growth is the goal, creating beauty is the goal.
We all want to grow. You cannot grow without giving yourself grace. It’s the journey. Enjoy the ride.
Hey, I’m Abby!
The hands and heart behind Yarnful Mind. I’m a stay-at-home mom, wife, and longtime lover of yarn. I turn to crochet not just for creativity, but for calm. What started as a way to quiet my depressingly anxious mind has grown into something much bigger: a gentle space where I can share patterns, mindful moments, and the slow magic of making.
Stitch slow, breathe deep, stay mindful.
How to Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness comes in many forms. The key is to notice what’s happening now, without judgment. You might try:
- Breathing exercises: Focus on your inhale and exhale. Slow it down. Feel your body settle.
- Grounding through the senses: Notice what you can see, hear, feel, taste, or smell.
- Body scans: Gently shift your attention from head to toe. Where are you holding tension? Where can you soften?
- Movement: Mindful walking, stretching, or crafting can all help anchor you in the present.
You don’t have to do it perfectly. Mindfulness is just returning to the moment, again and again. Start small. Even one slow breath can shift your whole state.
Mindfulness Through Crochet
Crochet creates the perfect pause. The steady rhythm, the repetitive motion, the texture of the yarn. Many crocheters know the joy of getting “lost in the stitches.” That loss of time and mental clutter? That’s mindfulness.
Let’s deepen that. Let’s expand it.
Try tuning into each sense as you crochet:
- Touch: The yarn moving through your fingers.
- Sight: The shape and flow of each stitch.
- Hearing: The soft sound of fiber sliding or your hook tapping.
- Smell: A candle, your home, fresh air.
- Taste: Maybe a square of chocolate or a favorite drink.
You can set the scene for mindfulness. Then just observe. Let your body move without rush. Notice your hands. Feel your breath.
Don’t worry about staying focused the entire time. The strength is in returning. Your attention will wander. That’s okay. Gently bring it back. Give yourself grace and patience. It gets easier.
If You’re New to Crochet...
Trying to learn both crochet and mindfulness at once can be a lot.
Start with the stitches. Let yourself get familiar with the flow, the patterns, the motion.
And when you find yourself in rhythm, just notice. Lean in. Even a few seconds of stillness counts. A little bit can change the whole course of a day.
It might be worth reading my beginner’s guide. If you’re feeling up to it, a half-double crochet stitch is my favorite and a good place to start. I have my favorite breath technique attached to a walk-through of the stitch here.
Creating a Mindful Crochet Practice
Here are small ways to build mindfulness into your stitching routine:
- Set a timer for 1–2 minutes. Focus just on your stitches and breath.
- Use a simple stitch (like half double crochet or moss stitch) to stay in rhythm.
- Have a ritual: light a candle, take a deep breath, begin.
When thoughts pop up, acknowledge them, then return. “I’m crocheting right now.” “I’m feeling my hands move.” “I’m here.”
Each stitch is a pause. A moment of care. Even if you’re only making one row, you’re still showing up. You’re still growing. That counts. Tell yourself it counts when it feels like it doesn’t. Just like crochet, you’ll be surprised to see how much you’ve grown when you look back.
Keep Stitching Calm
I’m working on a series of posts that explore how different stitches can support mindfulness. So stay tuned!
If you're looking to begin, check out my free patterns. Each one includes a mindful exercise you can do while you crochet.
If this post helped you, pin it or share it with a friend. I’m just starting out and would love your support.
And if this resonated with you, talk to me. I’d love to hear your story.