When I was actively seeking for an identity during my teen years in high school, I always being labelled by people (ie family and friends) and self, that eventually build up my self-belief, like:
- I am not creative, rigid, and academic oriented mind. I was good in academic and was quickly labelled as left brainer, hence not good in creativity.
- I have no close friends because I lacked social skills. My friends were often pissed off with my misbehavior.
- I am not confident to do big things. I stayed small and doing my own things.
- I don’t deserve nice things in school. True story; I was nominated to become one of the member in the most prestigious club in school. I’ve followed them to China and secure a bronze medal from them. Although it had been 10+ years, I still feel like I don’t deserve it.
- I’m not the best in sports.
The shyness, awkward, unconfident character faded slowly when I learned a rare skill called crochet.
Crocheting had taught me valuable skills and nurture relationship with people. My character grew and shone bright alongside with my crochet skills.
Here are the valuable skills that I learned from crocheting:
Creativity and Design
I overcame my biggest self-belief of ‘not creative enough’ with crocheting. I’m always grateful with this hobby for transforming this self-belief.
Crocheting allows me to explore the creativity and design skills. I can choose from a wide range of yarn colors, textures, and stitch patterns to create unique and personalized items.
Creativity doesn’t mean you have to be completely original. During my early years of crocheting, I am so eager to copy crochet projects that available for free in Youtube. I discover my favourite stitches, techniques and project type.
I also improved my creativity level in terms of color swatching. My late mother always assisted me on this matter. There are many times my close friends dislike my preference color swatches, which made me belief that I’m not good in picking colors. It took me years to realize that not all people have same color preference with us, and that’s okay! Creativity is not limited to pastel colors and viral designs. It is more than that.
Problem Solving
Being creative is always closely related to problem solving. As years goes by, I realized that there are patterns that was not exist (ie the free crochet pattern version) but I’m dying to realize my wildest idea.
One of my earliest original work is A5 book cover! Everyone in religious high school had their own hardcover, small Quran scripture which ruined quickly. I crochet book cover for that!
It took me few iteration before I firm the pattern instruction. I was so proud with that creation.
Patience and Persistence
Definitely. Crochet projects often take a lot of time and require high patience to complete a project. Learning to work through complex patterns and stitch techniques can teach you perseverance and the value of patience in achieving your goals.
The patience and persistence always paid off at the end! I love the ending part of a crochet project. The happy hormones is at peak seeing my creation done. It is even more satisfying seeing the recipient’s happy face receiving our crochet item.
Fine Motor Skills
Crocheting involves working with small hooks and yarn, which helps to develop fine motor skills. The repetitive motions of crocheting can strengthen your hand muscles and improve dexterity.
Crocheting also requires precise hand movements and coordination between your hands and eyes. As you manipulate the yarn and hook, your hand-eye coordination improves over time.
Focus and Concentration
At the era of TikTok, IG reels and Whatsapp story, we developed short attention span so quickly that we become so impatient. Until now, I always taking time to practice my focus and concentration through crocheting.
Working on intricate designs or complex stitch patterns really demands focus and concentration. It can help improve your ability to concentrate on a task for an extended period.
Math Skills
Crocheting involves counting stitches, measuring gauge, and adjusting patterns. These activities can enhance your basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and pattern recognition.
Stress Relief
Crocheting has a calming effect and can serve as a form of stress relief. The repetitive motions and the rhythmic nature of crochet can help relax your mind and promote mindfulness.
I remember I grabbed my crochet hook and yarn soon after I finished my additional mathematics examination – which was known as the most nerve wrecking exam among all the subjects. My adrenaline rush calm down while crocheting a green case.
Social Connection
My shyness and awkward face quickly faded away when I started talking about my little hobby to my friends and colleagues. It lighted up my spirit and sparks curiosity among them, making us drawn to each other to connect at deeper level. Conversation about hobby making me vulnerable as I open my cabinet of inner self to others.
I quickly making some form of relationship through crocheting. I listened to people’s story for whom they bought my crochet flowers. I know my customers better by knowing what are their pain point.
Crocheting is often a social activity, providing opportunities to connect with other crocheters through online communities, local meetups, or workshops. Engaging with fellow crocheters can expand your knowledge, inspire creativity, and build lasting friendships.