Exploring Craft Psychology: How Crafting Supports Mental Health with Dr. Anne Kirketerp
If you’ve ever found yourself completely absorbed in stitching, feeling a sense of calm wash over you, there’s a scientific explanation! Dr. Anne Kirketerp, a Danish occupational therapist and psychologist, delves into this idea in her book Craft Psychology: How Crafting Promotes Health, where she explores how activities like knitting—and by extension, embroidery and cross-stitch—can positively impact mental well-being.
In this insightful interview with Fruity Knitting, Dr. Kirketerp explains that crafting fosters a “flow state” — a focused, immersive experience similar to mindfulness. For crafters, this means a calming escape from daily stresses, allowing for relaxation and emotional release. The repetitive actions in knitting, cross-stitch, and other forms of needlework bring a soothing, meditative rhythm, helping to ground the mind and improve focus.
The Interview
The Take-Away?
While Dr. Kirketerp often discusses knitting, her research applies broadly to various crafts. She emphasizes that crafting as a whole;
- boosts mental health,
- improves mood, and
- supports resilience.
Cross-stitch, with its patterns and steady pace, offers the same benefits by creating a space for the brain to unwind and feel satisfaction through tangible progress. And in a time when many feel isolated, engaging with the crafting community—whether sharing projects online or learning alongside others—can foster connection and reduce feelings of loneliness.
Dr. Kirketerp’s book dives deeper into how crafting enhances well-being, offering practical insights that both new and seasoned stitchers can appreciate.
If you’re interested in exploring how your crafting hobby is benefiting your mental health, check out her book, Craft Psychology, available in English through DMC. I'm hoping to receive it for Christmas this year 🤞
