Sunday, 1 June 2025

Why Should We Engage in Handicrafts?

 The Importance of Yarn Therapy

Handicrafts are activities performed manually and can be carried out either with or without the assistance of tools. These practices encompass a wide variety of creative endeavours, including drawing, painting, knitting, crocheting, embroidery, among others.

Yarn therapy is a therapeutic activity that consists of hand knitting. Like all forms of handicrafts, it offers numerous benefits; it enhances fine motor skills, improves hand-eye coordination, stimulates creativity, and facilitates emotional expression. Additionally, knitting helps strengthen concentration, fosters resilience, and serves as a method of relaxation, thereby reducing stress. It is also a social activity that encourages interaction with others. As a result of engaging in this practice, the body releases endorphins - commonly known as “happiness hormones” - which contribute to a sense of calm and well-being.

The use of natural fibres, such as wool, in the creation of garments not only benefit personal health but also supports environmental sustainability. Natural fibers reduce the need for harmful chemicals in production processes and promote ecological responsibility. Wool garments are generally more durable, and biodegradable compared to synthetic alternatives.

Knitting is an ancient technique; however, it was not until the 13th century that it became a recognized branch of production in France. Although today hand knitting is often associated with feminine domesticity, historically it was primarily a male-dominated craft. Women were traditionally responsible for spinning the wool, while men would knit socks and stockings using wooden or wire needles or looms. Over time, these handmade garments gained value, leading to the production of gloves, hats, and openwork knitwear.

Knitting is named as such because it involves interlacing threads or yarn into repeating rows, creating flexible meshes. In addition to being a recreational activity, knitted fabrics can also serve as an artistic expression. The National Museum of Popular Art in Mexico City and the Amano Museum in Peru are two institutions that house significant textile collections.

At the National Museum of Popular Art, its collection of handicrafts showcases the creativity and skill of artisans, as well as the country’s cultural and artistic diversity. Visitors can appreciate a wide array of handicrafts, including embroidered rugs and traditional blankets, all entirely handwoven.

On the other hand, the Amano Museum is home to one of the most important pre-Columbian textile collections in South America. Visitors can admire a broad variety of fabrics, including garments made from the bright and flexible alpaca hair.

There are various hand-knitting techniques, with the most popular being two-needle knitting, crochet, circular knitting, intarsia, Tunisian knitting, and both the continental and English styles. Each of these techniques employs specific needles to create diverse designs and interlace colours.

In the fashion industry, garments made by hand using fibers such as merino wool and alpaca are highly valued by designers. Coco Chanel famously incorporated wool into her classic designs, and today, other designers such as Lauren Manoogian and Amelia Roge Hove showcase their wool-based creations on international runways. It is worth noting that wool is a versatile product, as crochet garments can be worn in both winter and summer.

In modern society, where stress is prevalent, knitting is a relaxing activity that contributes positively to health. In fact, today, knitting is recognized as a therapeutic practice known as yarn therapy. By using the hands to crate knitted pieces, the mind remains active, stimulating brain function and helping to exercise memory.

Furthermore, knitting involves the movement of the hands, which strengthens both the muscle and joints, helping to alleviate hand pain and reduce inflammation.

Knitting is a rewarding activity that stimulates creativity. One can knit garments for personal use, choosing textures and colours of their preference. Additionally, one can create unique pieces to be given as gifts, which strengthen bonds with others and enhance self-esteem.

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By Isabel O'Donoghue at

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Why Should We Engage in Handicrafts?

  The Importance of Yarn Therapy Handicrafts are activities performed manually and can be carried out either with or without the assistanc...