How Crocheting Cows (and Other Cute Things) Helped Me Heal
I learned how to crochet when I was little. But it wasn’t until 2020, when the world hit pause and outside felt like a deleted scene from a dystopian movie, that I really got into it.
Y’all. I fell in love with crocheting.
Not just because it gave my hands something to do while binge-watching old shows, but because it gave my mind some peace. It’s wild how looping yarn around a hook can calm your nervous system, but here we are.
🐄 Why I Crochet (and Why I’m Kinda Obsessed with Making Cows)
At first, I made the basics: scarves, beanies, purses, a few blankets that took longer than I want to admit. But then… I discovered the joy of crocheting stuffed animals, also known as amigurumi.
Baby turtles, sleepy bunnies, chunky dinosaurs, lil’ bears with tiny arms… I’ve made them all. But nothing, and I mean nothing, brings me joy like making cows.
There’s something about the round belly, tiny snout, and stubby little legs. I’ve made so many crochet cows, I could open a soft yarny farm. Right now, I’m finishing up a Highland cow and every stitch feels like a self-care moment.
Crochet for Beginners: Terms That Sound Complicated But Aren’t
If you’re new to crochet, welcome to the club! Here’s a quick starter pack of crochet terms so you don’t feel lost when you look at a pattern:
- Slip Knot – the loop that starts it all. It’s literally how you begin every project.
- Chain (ch) – your foundation. It’s just a line of loops.
- Single Crochet (sc) – the most common stitch. You’ll use this A LOT.
- Double Crochet (dc) – taller than a single, great for blankets or lacy patterns.
- Magic Ring – sounds mysterious but it’s how you start circles for things like animals, beanies, or granny squares.
- Frogging – when you mess up and have to undo stitches. It’s called “frogging” because you rip-it, rip-it. (Crochet humor. I had to.)
Types of Yarn I Love
- Acrylic – cheap, colorful, good for beginners.
- Cotton – soft, natural, perfect for stuffed animals.
- Chunky/Bulky Yarn – great for fast projects and cozy things like blankets.
- Velvet Yarn – super soft and lush but can be a little trickier to work with. Totally worth it for plushies though.
Pro tip: If you’re making animals, stick to medium or worsted weight yarn (like size 4) and pair it with a 3.5mm-4mm hook for tighter stitches.
Why You Should Try Crocheting
If you have anxiety, depression, or just find your brain doing too much… crochet might be your new bestie. It’s quiet, creative, and forgiving. You can mess up, unravel it, and try again. No judgment. Just yarn.
It’s also something you can do while listening to music, watching a show, or sitting in silence and just being. And honestly, when the world feels too loud or you don’t have the words, creating something with your hands feels sacred.
Thinking About Starting?
Start with:
- A simple pattern (like a square, beanie, or even a cow head 😌)
- A hook (I like ergonomic ones so my hands don’t cramp)
- Yarn in a color that makes you happy
- Patience. You’ll get better fast if you just keep going.
And if you ever need inspo, I’ll be over here finishing this Highland cow, sipping something warm, playing Sims in the background, and being proud of myself for learning how to make joy out of string.
You can too. 💛
Want me to drop an easy crochet pattern or tutorial? Let me know in the comments or message me. I love sharing the love!