Traditional crafts that have endured for centuries are now fading away, leading to the erosion of associated cultural identities. This paper highlights the cultural significance of fiber arts such as knitting and crochet, which are deeply intertwined with the history of feminism and women's self-expression. Women today, who balance professional and household responsibilities, often find themselves lacking both the time and resources to engage in these crafts, and they may feel discouraged from doing so due to societal pressures. The decline in handmade textiles, driven by mass production, capitalist marketing strategies, and even climate change, further reduces the relevance of such crafts in modern life. This detachment from cultural heritage and the disconnection from one’s roots can have adverse effects on mental health, particularly for women. The fast-paced, high-stress lifestyle of urban areas, coupled with diminishing opportunities for meaningful social interaction, amplifies this issue. Studies on the relationship between crochet, knitting, and mental health have shown that these crafts serve as unique forms of social bonding, particularly among women across generations. The tactile knowledge passed down from one generation to the next helps preserve cultural memory and fosters emotional well-being. This research aims to explore the significance of crochet in the personal lives of women. It seeks to create a feminist-oriented social space where crochet can be used as a tool for both mental health improvement and cultural connection. The research also outlines an online workshop designed to foster a community of crafters while addressing the challenges faced by women in accessing this traditional knowledge. This study will also evaluate the effectiveness of the workshop using measurable parameters, including participant feedback, skill improvement, and social engagement, to offer insights into how crochet can act as both a mental health intervention and a means of preserving cultural memory.

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Knitting Closely: Creating a Crochet-Based Social Community

  • Sunny Bairisal,
  • Ratna Priya,
  • Mouli Mandal

摘要

Traditional crafts that have endured for centuries are now fading away, leading to the erosion of associated cultural identities. This paper highlights the cultural significance of fiber arts such as knitting and crochet, which are deeply intertwined with the history of feminism and women's self-expression. Women today, who balance professional and household responsibilities, often find themselves lacking both the time and resources to engage in these crafts, and they may feel discouraged from doing so due to societal pressures. The decline in handmade textiles, driven by mass production, capitalist marketing strategies, and even climate change, further reduces the relevance of such crafts in modern life. This detachment from cultural heritage and the disconnection from one’s roots can have adverse effects on mental health, particularly for women. The fast-paced, high-stress lifestyle of urban areas, coupled with diminishing opportunities for meaningful social interaction, amplifies this issue. Studies on the relationship between crochet, knitting, and mental health have shown that these crafts serve as unique forms of social bonding, particularly among women across generations. The tactile knowledge passed down from one generation to the next helps preserve cultural memory and fosters emotional well-being. This research aims to explore the significance of crochet in the personal lives of women. It seeks to create a feminist-oriented social space where crochet can be used as a tool for both mental health improvement and cultural connection. The research also outlines an online workshop designed to foster a community of crafters while addressing the challenges faced by women in accessing this traditional knowledge. This study will also evaluate the effectiveness of the workshop using measurable parameters, including participant feedback, skill improvement, and social engagement, to offer insights into how crochet can act as both a mental health intervention and a means of preserving cultural memory.