Home Crafting is Rising and Stress is Decreasing

MORTON GROVE, Ill., Nov. 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- There are 53 million Americans who know how to crochet or knit. Staying home during the pandemic has provided a new opportunity to revitalize their interest in crafting and use the hobby as a stress reliever. According to the Craft Yarn Council, yarn sales have soared to meet their demand.

"People are using yarn crafts to be creative at home and help them get through the pandemic," said Jenny Bessonette, Executive Director of the Craft Yarn Council. "In a recent survey, 83% of crafters say they are creating with yarn to relieve stress."

Reports in recent years refer to crochet and knitting as activities that positively impact wellness by helping people relax. The pandemic has brought extreme pressure into people's lives, and they are using crafts to improve their mental wellness.

"Yarn sales have seen a significant increase across retailers and manufacturers with not only existing customers but an entire new wave of crafters," said Bessonette.

The isolation of the pandemic has also created a new opportunity for crafting groups who provide a new community of friends to people isolated at home.

"Crochet has a simple point of entry because it is easy to learn and requires little investment to create that first piece," said Tamara Kelly, President of the Crochet Guild of America (CGOA). "Our association welcomes newcomers and provides access to not only patterns and ideas but a social outlet for people feeling isolated at home."

Crafters are engaged with the industry to get inspired by new projects and then are able to present their new projects within a community of shared interest. CGOA has seen an increase in their introductory classes and stitch teaching videos as well as membership.

Craft associations provide an opportunity to learn a new hobby at home and connect with others. The CGOA took their annual summer conference virtual. Although members missed the opportunity to crochet together, the association saw an opportunity for new members to participate. Classes allowed people the chance to get a sense for the organization and meet members right from their living rooms. Instructional videos are available to anyone at www.crochet.org.

"Crocheting during the pandemic has resulted in a 20% increase in crochet pattern magazine subscriptions along with an over 40% year-over-year sales growth in our crochet retail category,"  said Connie Ellison, Executive Crochet Editor of Annie's Publishing.

The interest in crafting magazines like Crochet! has increased and new patterns are providing inspiration to a new generation of crafters, helping them get through this pandemic and beyond.

With 68% of crafters surveyed confirming that they have improved mood after engaging in crafting, these hobbies will assist as families continue to shelter at home and move into the holiday season.

*2020 survey - Stitch Away Stress – conducted by the Craft Yarn Council & Warm Up America!

Contact Information:
Deb Ryan
773-405-3748
[email protected]

SOURCE Crochet Guild of America

Related Links

http://www.crochet.org