Why Crafting with Hand-Dyed Yarn is Good for Mental Health

Mental health is a common discussion today, with over 1 billion struggling. It’s a proven fact that crafting is good for mental health, but did you know that hand-dyed yarn too has a special place. The artisanal yarns are created by hand-dyeing processes in various vibrant shades and colors perfect for knitting and crochet projects. If you have tried knitting or crocheting with a skein of hand-dyed yarn, we are sure that you have noticed the difference from mass-produced yarns. The quality is finer, colors brighter and sharper, and the joy of crafting with them doubled over thinking about the beauty and skill of hand-dyeing. Every single yarn skein is unique.

This blog has all your answers as to why crafting with hand-dyed yarn is good for mental health.

Also read: Crafting Can Contribute to Improved Mental Health: Five Transformative Aspects

Why is hand-dyed yarn so special?

Hand-dyed yarn is special as it has been dyed by hand, therefore sharing a bond with the handiwork that it will create.

Hand-dyeing process: Dyed on a small scale, the coloring process is unique; therefore, each skein is one-of-its-kind. In fact, every batch will be different. The dyes can be natural or specially designed hues inspired by nature, certified for safe use next to the skin. Not just solid shades, there are many variegations to try. There are interesting colorways included: speckled, gradients, ombre, and more.

Also read: Colorful Yarns: 6 Hand-Dyeing Techniques Explained

Fiber: The fiber chosen for hand-dyeing is generally premium, such as the finest wool, cashmere, cotton, silk, etc. As merino wool is a favorite among knitters and crocheters for its natural feel, thermoregulatory properties, and ease of working on projects. You can explore extrafine merino wool and beautiful blends of merino-polyamide and merino silk in hand-dyed colors and variegated hues.

Also read: Best Types of Yarn for Hand Dyeing and How They Behave

The extraordinary beauty of hand-dyed yarns shines even in the simplest stitch patterns, such as garter or stockinette, in knitting and grows in leaps and bounds with lace patterns, cables and other textures. Similar in crochet, be it basic stitches or textured patterns, the yarns are charming for every kind of project. Planning projects is never a hard task with hand-dyed yarns.

And, before we miss it, you can explore hand-dyed colors in any yarn size. From lightweight fingering to the commonly used DK to slightly bulky worsted-weight, any yarn skein can be dyed by hand.

1. Is Sustainable

With most supplies available naturally, it assists in meeting the needs of today without compromising the future.

Wool comes naturally from sheep, and the animal fiber has suppliers that make the material available with the best practices. Cotton, silk, and hemp are produced from natural plant-based sources. They can be easily available and do not damage the future or the present. Also, given the wide variety available, yarn is available for all seasons. There are a wide variety of blends available that are a mix of natural and manufactured materials.

2. Is Meditative

The act of crafting is relaxing, empowering, and mentally stimulating, and it gives you complete power over your thoughts.  The most common statement is "I knit love into every stitch." You just need to focus on your hands and let your thoughts free. Even when you think of the person you are knitting for, you feel happy. If it’s a gift or charity, it helps in the practice of gratitude. Even for physical aspects, the relaxation response lower blood pressure, heart rate and even prevents from ailments.

3. Handmade is Love

Handmade adds a touch of magic. When you make something with your own hands every stitch has love. Think of all the praises heaped on your knitted sweater or how thankful you will be for a warm hat or scarf on a chilly winter day. Even for babies, seeing the lovely angels wrapped in a knitted hat or blanket is every worth your time and love. Also, if your body-shy and stay away from fashion labels, it’s the best opportunity to create some stylish pieces.

How to use hand-dyed yarn?

Now that you have everything ready, it's time to get started on your special project. Any yarn skein could be a shawl, scarves or maybe a hat? A perfect one, skein wonder. So experiment and go wild, but always remember to swatch your yarn before starting a project. You don't want to play yarn chicken with your precious yarn, as it won't be easy to "buy another one" to ensure that you can finish your project.

Also read: Easy Knitting & Crochet Projects

For a curated collection of hand-dyed yarns, look no further than Symfonie Yarns. Offering four exclusive ranges- Viva, Terra, Luna and Bella, the yarns are hand-dyed in interesting colors and variegated colorways. Each skein is inspired by India's colorful landscape, vibrant culture, daily lives, rich spices, food and emotion. Skilled hand-dyers who are proficient knitters and crocheters put their creativity into the dyeing process, making unique colorways that speak for themselves.

So, what are you waiting for? Plan your next project with hand-dyed yarns and see your project transformed into a masterpiece.