Crochet Plushies and Mental Health Benefits; does it really help?

There's something quietly magical about crocheting.

The moment your hook slips through yarn, the outside world seems to soften. Your breathing slows. Your thoughts stop racing quite so loudly. And before you know it, you're wrapped in a rhythm that feels oddly comforting - almost meditative.

It turns out, this feeling isn't just in your head.

Research and surveys consistently show that crocheting, especially crafting small plushies ( also known as amigurumi ), offers meaningful mental health benefits. From easing anxiety to boosting mood, this humble craft has become a powerful tool for wellbeing.

Crochet as a Form of Meditation: 

One of the largest international studies on crocheting, aptly named “Happy Hookers” (2020), surveyed over 8,000 crocheters worldwide. The results were striking: 

• Nearly 90% of participants reported feeling calmer after crocheting. 
  
• 82% said they felt happier 

Why? Because crochet naturally encourages mindfulness. The repetitive, rhythmic motion of stitching mimics the effects of meditation, helping the brain enter a “flow state.” In this state, the mind quiets, stress hormones like cortisol decrease, and attention gently anchors in the present moment. 

Many people describe crocheting as a form of protective meditation-something they return to during times of anxiety, overwhelm, or emotional exhaustion. 

 

The Mental Health Benefits of Crochet 

Research into crafting and mental wellbeing highlights several powerful benefits: 

Reduced Anxiety and Stress:

• The repetitive motion of crochet can help lower heart rate and blood pressure while calming the nervous system. Many individuals use it as a coping strategy for anxiety, depression, and even PTSD. 
  

A Natural Mood Booster

• Finishing a project - especially a small one - creates a sense of achievement. This triggers the release of dopamine and serotonin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemicals, which can help lift mood and improve emotional balance. 

Mindfulness and Grounding 

• The tactile nature of yarn - the softness, weight, and movement - helps ground the body in the present moment. This can be especially helpful for interrupting negative thought cycles or rumination. 

Cognitive Health Benefits: 

• Studies from organisations like the Mayo Clinic suggest that engaging in crafts such as crochet and knitting may reduce the risk of cognitive decline and memory loss as we age.

Connection and Community: 

• Whether through online platforms like Ravelry or local crochet groups, crafting creates social connection. 
• Sharing projects, patterns, and progress helps reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. 

Why Crochet Plushies Are Especially Powerful 

While all crochet projects offer benefits, Plushies bring something extra. 

Quick, Tangible Wins 

• Unlike larger projects such as blankets or scarves, plushies can often be completed relatively quickly. This means faster feelings of accomplishment - something that’s incredibly important when motivation or mood is low. 

Comfort You Can Hold 

• Designing or choosing colours for a plushies allows for creative expression, which research links to higher life satisfaction and emotional wellbeing. Each plushies becomes a small, personal reflection of its maker. 

What the Research Says 

Multiple studies back up what crocheters have long felt intuitively: 

• The “Happy Hookers” study (2020) found that around 90% felt calmer and 82% felt happier after crocheting 
• A 2022 study by David Rossi Sebastiano et al., showed that even a 20 minute crochet session increased alertness and improved communication between areas of the brain. 
• Research published in the Journal of Neuropsychiatry (2011) reported a 30-50% reduced risk of memory loss in older adults who regularly engaged in crafts. 
• Occupational therapist Betsan Corkhill found that 74% of participants experienced a calming, therapeutic effect, and 81% of those with depression felt happier after crafting. 

More Than Just a Hobby 

Crocheting plushies is more than a creative pastime - it’s a gentle, accessible way to care for your mental health. By turning anxious energy into something soft, tangible, and meaningful, the process offers both comfort and reward. 

Sometimes, healing doesn’t have to be loud or complicated. 

Sometimes, it’s as simple as yarn, a hook, and a few quiet moments of making something with love  🧶🤍