This past summer our wonderful local librarian started a crochet club and introduced my children to a whole new world of creativity! My daughter not only learned this skill, she took it to another level and has started her own business selling her crocheted crafts. My son completed a square and had enough. But one out of two ain’t bad! It also got me thinking about the benefits of these type of activities, especially in this age of excessive technology usage we are in now.
Kids spend more time in front of screens than ever before. While technology has its benefits, something is missing: hands-on activities that teach patience, creativity, and real-life skills. That’s why there’s been a growing movement to bring back old-school activities like crocheting, knitting, sewing, woodworking, and other traditional crafts. These timeless skills offer more than just fun. They help kids develop critical thinking, dexterity, and a sense of accomplishment. Plus, parents get to bond with their children in a meaningful way. Here are 15 reasons why bringing back these classic pastimes is one of the best things you can do for your kids (and yourself!).
1. Encourages Creativity and Self-Expression
When kids engage in hands-on crafts like sewing or knitting, they’re not just following instructions—they’re creating something unique. Whether it’s choosing colors for a crochet project or designing a handmade doll, these activities encourage self-expression in a way that screen time simply can’t match.
2. Builds Patience and Focus
Old-school crafts require patience. Unlike instant gratification from video games or social media, knitting a scarf or completing a cross-stitch pattern takes time. Kids learn how to slow down, concentrate, and appreciate the process rather than just the end result.
3. Develops Fine Motor Skills
Sewing, knitting, and embroidery require precise hand movements, which help develop fine motor skills. This is especially beneficial for young children whose hand-eye coordination is still developing, as well as older kids who can refine their dexterity.
4. Strengthens Problem-Solving Skills
When a child makes a mistake in a sewing project or needs to figure out how to follow a knitting pattern, they’re developing problem-solving skills. These activities teach them how to troubleshoot, adapt, and think critically—skills that are valuable in everyday life.
5. Provides a Sense of Accomplishment
There’s nothing quite like finishing a project and seeing the results of your hard work. Whether it’s a hand-sewn pillow or a beautifully crocheted scarf, kids feel a sense of pride and confidence when they complete something tangible.
6. Creates Meaningful Bonding Time
Spending time teaching your child how to knit or do embroidery isn’t just about the skill, it’s about the time spent together. These activities create opportunities for conversation, storytelling, and laughter, making them a wonderful way to strengthen family bonds.
7. Teaches Practical Life Skills
Knowing how to sew on a button, mend a hole in a shirt, or crochet a warm hat are practical skills that can be useful throughout life. Teaching kids these traditional crafts prepares them for independence and self-sufficiency in the future.
8. Offers a Break from Screens
With so much of childhood spent staring at screens, hands-on activities provide a much-needed break. Engaging in knitting, woodworking, or sewing allows kids to use their hands and minds in a different way, reducing screen fatigue and improving focus.
9. Encourages Mindfulness and Relaxation
There’s something incredibly calming about the repetitive motions of crocheting, knitting, or stitching. These activities have a meditative quality that helps reduce stress and anxiety, providing kids with a healthy outlet for relaxation.
10. Enhances Math and Counting Skills
Many traditional crafts involve counting stitches, measuring fabric, or calculating patterns, all of which reinforce math skills in a fun and engaging way. Kids might not even realize they’re practicing math while they’re crocheting a blanket or knitting a hat.
11. Fosters a Sense of Tradition and History
Teaching kids old-school activities helps preserve cultural traditions and connects them to past generations. Whether it’s learning a quilting technique passed down from great-grandparents or using a classic knitting method, these crafts provide a link to history.
12. Provides a Pathway to Entrepreneurship
Many young people today are turning their hobbies into small businesses. Learning how to create handmade crafts can inspire kids to sell their creations at local markets, online shops, or school fundraisers, teaching them valuable business skills along the way.
13. Encourages Sustainability and Reduces Waste
In a world of fast fashion and disposable goods, knowing how to mend clothes, repurpose fabric, or upcycle materials promotes sustainability. Teaching kids these skills helps them appreciate the value of handmade items and reduces waste.
14. Creates Personalized Gifts and Keepsakes
Handmade items make meaningful, one-of-a-kind gifts. Whether it’s a knitted scarf for a grandparent or a handmade quilt for a friend, these crafts allow kids to create something special and personal for loved ones.
15. Builds Confidence and Independence
Mastering a new skill gives kids confidence. When they successfully complete a sewing project or knit a pair of mittens, they feel empowered to take on new challenges, knowing they have the patience and ability to succeed.
Bringing back old-school activities isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about equipping kids with valuable skills that will serve them for a lifetime. These crafts encourage creativity, patience, problem-solving, and self-sufficiency, all while providing a meaningful way to spend time together as a family.
So why not grab some yarn, thread, or fabric and start a new tradition with your kids today?