Erik Hansen Crochets for ADHD … and Profits: 10 Examples

Crochet is an amazing craft that can be used to help soothe and support many mental health symptoms such as depression and anxiety.

Crochet can also be a great outlet for those who are on the Autism Spectrum or even those with ADHD as it provides a way to self-regulate and build confidence, and leaves so much room for self-expression.

Many people who have ADHD find it hard to stay consistent with a craft or hobby and will often lose interest within a few weeks or months of starting something new. This is commonly referred to as a hyperfixation that will come on strongly, but not last long.

As someone who is both Autistic and has ADHD, I have found crochet to be an incredible tool in helping me perform daily functions and build consistency and routine within my life. Read on to learn some hacks for staying consistent with your craft even with ADHD, as well as some fantastic patterns and projects to inspire you!

Benefits of Crochet for People With ADHD

Every person with ADHD is going to have a unique set of challenges, strengths, and needs to manage. But if you love crochet and want to maintain steady crochet habits while also supporting areas of need, there are many tips and tricks you can combine with your crafting to help you on a day-to-day basis.

Maintaining a Consistent Routine

A common symptom people with ADHD experience is difficulty with maintaining day-to-day activities. Oftentimes, daily tasks can become chaotic and unorganized, and you might find yourself hopping from task to task without completing anything.

Crochet has helped me create and maintain structure throughout the day by scheduling small crochet breaks directly before and after my daily routines.

Giving myself 10-15 minutes of concentrated crochet breaks each morning allows me to do something I love first thing in my day, gives me time to think through the tasks I need to accomplish, and readies my body for being productive.

I give myself the incentive of more crochet time once all my tasks are completed, which helps me stay focused on finishing each task in a timely manner so I can reward myself with crochet time.

Finding Dopamine Hits in Quick Projects

People with ADHD often struggle to get through larger projects that require more concentration, as the excitement and novelty of a new pattern wears off quickly.

One way to combat this is by having multiple projects going at one time with varying degrees of difficulty and project sizes. Smaller projects, such as motifs, Amigurumi, or small-scale household decor can be made in 1-2 sittings, keeping your interest and enthusiasm at peak.

The rush of pride and accomplishment that comes with finishing small projects can also help with maintaining progress on larger projects.

I will often have 3-5 projects going at once with 1-2 of those projects being a larger item such as a sweater or blanket. These are the projects I work on when watching TV or listening to audiobooks.

When I feel my interest waning on those big-scale projects, I swap them out for something smaller such as a hat or pair of socks that I can finish within a few hours.

This new rush of excitement about a new project and the pride that comes with finishing it within a day or so, help to fuel long-term interest in more involved patterns.

Learn a New Skill With Each Pattern

The beauty of crochet is that it is an incredibly versatile craft with seemingly endless stitch and pattern possibilities. From Tunisian to tapestry to lace work, there are so many styles and ways to crochet that you can continue to explore.

When picking a new project, look for a new stitch or skill that you can try out. This helps immensely with having continued interest in your projects and gives you a new challenge to master.

Crochet Pattern Ideas for the ADHD Brain

Every person is different and ADHD is certainly not consistent across the board, but learning to work with your brain instead of against it is the main trick to managing the negative impacts that ADHD can lead to within your crafting.

Here is a list of different types of crochet projects that bring unique and interesting components to your craft and are of varying sizes. These types of patterns may help you find and establish the consistency you crave within your craft while being ADHD.

Crochet House Plant Patterns

Making small house plants that double as decor makes for an excellent project for ADHD folks. Each plant is unique and you can make every component of the plant slightly different (no need for perfectionism here!).

Not only do these patterns take only a few hours to do, but they bring a beautiful aesthetic to your home without needing to be watered or cared for! This is a double win for living with ADHD!

Crochet Doily Patterns

Doily Crochet
Photo Credit: Canva.

Although typically thought of as old-school and for your grandmother, doilies can come in a variety of shapes, styles, and funky colors.

Check out this roundup of 40 doily patterns that are quick to make and will keep you interested and give you a delightful finish and end result!

Crochet Pillow Cover Patterns

Stack of four colorful crochet pillow on a chair on a white background
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.

Pillow covers are another quick project that gives big results. You can change the whole vibe of a room by adding some fun, decorative pillows by making the covers yourself! This makes them perfect crochet projects for people with ADHD as they work up quickly and can invoke joy and further inspiration every time you see them!

Crochet Flower Patterns

Crochet Flower Pattern
Photo Credit: Canva.

Flowers are quick to make and fun to assemble and make for a beautiful gift or decor item around your house. Crochet flowers, be it sunflowers, pansies, roses, daisies, or more, use unique skills making them interesting and challenging.

Tapestry Crochet Patterns

Tapestry Crochet
Photo Credit: Canva.

Tapestry crochet can be so fun and engaging for folks with ADHD as it requires you to follow a chart and make a picture. Having something that isn’t a consistent repeat can help your mind stay engaged for longer and get small dopamine boosts with each row finished as it reveals a bit more of the design.

Crocodile Stitch Crochet Patterns

Crocodile stitch is fun and engaging and makes up a beautifully textured result that will bring a smile to your face. You can use this stitch in all sorts of patterns and create so many fun color combinations and looks!

Crochet Granny Squares

colorful wool and granny square
Photo Credit: Canva.

Granny squares are very quick to make and you can add so many fun designs to the middle of them as well. Granny squares work well for a multitude of projects and can easily be sewn together to make larger projects. This makes them excellent for people with ADHD as an “on/off” project you can pick up or put down at any time.

Themed Crochet Blanket Patterns

Crochet Blanket
Photo Credit: Canva.

Blankets and afghans are large and take time, often making them the worst type of project for ADHD folk, but if you do a little extra digging you can find some very fun themed crochet blanket patterns that will keep you engaged and make a larger task much more doable.

Take these princess-themed blankets as an example; although they still require longer periods of repetitive stitch, the pattern provides lots of unique techniques and skills that a more ordinary blanket pattern won’t have.

Chunky Crochet Clothes

Chunky Sweater Crochet
Photo Credit: Canva.

Creating your own clothes with crochet can be incredibly rewarding and fun, but often overwhelming for folks with ADHD as they require more concentration and focus.

However, it certainly is not impossible to get through and finish a full project, especially if it’s a chunky sweater that will keep you warm and cozy. Making clothes with bigger yarn and hook is a great way to hack your ADHD into working with you, rather than against you and your crafting.

ADHD Fidget Toys

crochet fidget toy
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.

Finally, there are many fidget toys you can make for yourself that are quick and easy to finish and that will help you be able to focus and stim when out and about. Fidget toys are a great way to keep your hands busy and allow your brain more focus on the task you are trying to accomplish.

Conclusion

ADHD can be difficult to live with and sometimes makes consistency within crafting and hobbies near impossible. ADHD can also work like a superpower and give you the energy and ability to create so many beautiful things for yourself and your loved ones.

What matters most is finding a balance that works for you and your lifestyle and we hope this article helps you do just that.

Happy hooking!

Hannah
Hannah Ege

A life long crocheter and knitter, Hannah is a creative person who enjoys designing their own patterns while having deep appreciation and love for timeless designs. Hannah's first official job was in a yarn store as a teenager and even now they regularly knit and crochet for friends and commissioned pieces. When not busy with fiber, Hannah enjoys all things coffee, reading, hiking and spending time with their kid.

4 thoughts on “Erik Hansen Crochets for ADHD … and Profits: 10 Examples”

    •  @winkieflash Don’t worry. Your contribution is definitely going to be included in the book. I just have to rework my plan for that chapter. I was hoping to hear from some more people in various parts of the spectrum. But yes, I value your terrific contribution for sure!!

    •  @winkieflash Don’t worry. Your contribution is definitely going to be included in the book. I just have to rework my plan for that chapter. I was hoping to hear from some more people in various parts of the spectrum. But yes, I value your terrific contribution for sure!!

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