Table of Contents

Title Page

Knot Your Average Hobby: Unraveling Crochet with ADHD

The Sensation of the Perfect Hook

Finding Your Hooked Haven

The Essentials of Crochet Hooks

The Essentials of Crochet Hooks

Metal Hook

Wooden Hook

Plastic Hook

Ergonomic Hook

The Soothing Symphony of Smooth Yarns

Fuzzy Fibers and the Joyful Tactile

Chunky Yarns and the Art of Hyperfocus

Bold and Vibrant - The Colorful

Variegated Yarns - Embracing the Spectrum

Adaptive Yarns for Changing

Yarn Weight

HOBBY LOBBY

JOANN FABRIC

MICHAEL’S

Embracing the Dance of Distraction

Break It Down, Stitch by Stitch

The Power of the Multisensory Marvel

The Art of Repetition - ADHD's Unlikely Ally

Creative Problem-Solving - Turning Mistakes into Masterpieces

Learning the Basics

Learning the Basics

Finding Focus in Fiber Friends

Meet the Author

KNOT YOUR AVERAGE HOBBY:

Unraveling Crochet with ADHD

L E S L I K E I S T E R

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T H E J O Y O F C R O C H E T I N G W I T H A N A D H D M I N D S E T

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Welcome! Whether you're feeling excited or distracted, you've come to the right place.

Crocheting with ADHD is not only achievable but also a thrilling adventure. Join us on this whimsical journey through yarn and stitches as we embrace the unique qualities of your ADHD superpowers. Crochet's soothing rhythm and the tactile delight of squishy yarn bring creativity and focus together in a magical way.

Grab your favorite fidget-friendly hook, snuggle up with colorful yarn, and let's start this crochet escapade that not only aligns with your ADHD mindset but also honors it! We'll unravel the wonders of crochet in a dynamic and extraordinary manner.

Whether you're here for the therapeutic benefits, the joy of creation, or the thrill of mastering a new skill, remember: this journey is yours. I'm here to cheer you on with my hook in hand every step of the way. Let's turn loops into laughter and chains into champions!

Unleash your creativity, one stitch at a time. Happy hooking!

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A D H D A N D C R O C H E T - A P E R F E C T M A T C H !

In the world of yarn and hooks, the rhythmic repetition provides a soothing anchor for the ever-active ADHD mind, transforming what might seem like a challenge into a therapeutic and engaging activity. The tactile nature of crochet offers a hands-on experience, allowing individuals to channel their energy and focus into the intricate dance of stitches. The flexibility of crochet projects accommodates the ebbs and flows of an ADHD journey—embracing mistakes, adapting patterns, and allowing for bursts of hyperfocus on a single, captivating task.

And the very best part of getting started is the simple list of supplies needed.... a hook, a ball of yarn & some scissors!

So let's talk about the various supplies you'll find at your local craft store and which ones (in my opinion) are best for the neurodivergent brain.

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D A N C E O F T H E H O O K S - E M B R A C I N G T A C T I L E B L I S S

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Welcome to the delightful realm of tactile wonders, where the humble crochet hook transforms into a magical wand for your hands. In this chapter, we'll explore the sensory symphony of crochet hooks, revealing how these tools become extensions of your creativity and comfort.

The Sensation of the Perfect Hook

Meet your new best friend—the crochet hook! Imagine holding a key that unlocks a world of texture and joy. Run your fingers along the smooth shaft, feel the gentle curve of the hook, and notice how it rests snugly in your hand. This isn't just a tool; it's a sensory experience waiting to happen.

Finding Your Hooked Haven

Crochet hooks come in a variety of materials, each offering a unique tactile adventure. Whether it's the cool touch of metal, the warmth of wood, or the modern feel of ergonomic designs, there's a hook for every preference. Explore different materials until you discover the one that resonates with your senses.

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F I N D I N G T H E R I G H T H O O K

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So here’s the thing — every crocheter has their favorite crochet hook. It’s a matter of trial and error. Of finding the one that doesn’t feel yucky in your fingers. The one that slides just right. The one that doesn’t feel too skinny. You don’t have to be nuerodivergent to know what does & doesn’t feel right.

The Essentials of Crochet Hooks

Crochet hooks come in various materials, but they all vary in their thickness or shaft size, which is measured in millimeters. The thickness of a stitch is determined by the size of the shaft - the thicker the shaft, the thicker the stitch. To denote the millimeter size of a crochet hook, most manufacturers label it with a letter and number.

On the next page, you’ll find a handy chart that breaks down the millimeter size and it’s corresponding letter.

C R O C H E T H O O K C H A R T

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F I N D I N G T H E R I G H T H O O K

The Essentials of Crochet Hooks

Now that we understand the sizing of the crochet hook, let’s talk about the actual material that is the crochet hook.

Metal Hook

When starting with crochet, many beginners tend to opt for a metal hook as their first choice. However, in my honest opinion, I find them to be subpar.

Metal hooks often feel too skinny and insubstantial in my fingers, making it difficult to handle them for extended periods of time. Additionally, they can snag the yarn, leading to unnecessary frustration especially when first learning stitches.

The upside — they are typically inexpensive. If you prefer a slim pen when writing, you may like a metal crochet hook.

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F I N D I N G T H E R I G H T H O O K

Wooden Hook

Wooden crochet hooks are made of a wood such as bamboo or a composite of dyed wood.

Wood is warm to the touch and a little slower to slide than aluminum hooks. They provide a nice earthy feel when you are crocheting, and are a great choice when working with more slippery yarns (especially non-organic fibers like acrylic) because they add some additional grip to keep the yarn from sliding too fast.

Wooden hooks are typically more expensive than the other types of crochet hooks. For that reason, they are not my recommendation when first starting crochet.

F I N D I N G T H E R I G H T H O O K

Plastic Hook

Plastic crochet hooks are often made in brightly-colored plastic. They are inexpensive, readily available, and work with most yarns.

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Plastic crochet hooks are also lightweight and fairly slippery, and available in many sizes. Most jumbo hooks (commonly used for afghans or rug-making) are made in plastic.

Plastic hooks are great for beginners because of the low price and other features; however, they can sometimes have ridges where the seam of the plastic mold comes together, or they can snap if used with heavy yarn or a tight tension.

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F I N D I N G T H E R I G H T H O O K

Ergonomic Hook

Ergonomic crochet hooks have large rubber handles that are easier to grip, and can reduce the pain associated with yarn crafting. The actual hook is made of steel or aluminum metal.

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The brightly-colored handle typically denotes the hook size and is soft to the touch with a bit of ‘give’ or cushion. This is ideal on cutting down on hand fatigue when crocheting for long periods of time.

C R O C H E T H O O K R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S

AMAZON Eligible for commission

Single Hook

One ergonomic H-8 5mm hook

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Good Set

Set of 12 ergonomic hooks

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Best Set

Set of 10 and my personal favorite brand Clover

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Stitch Marker Kit

Kit includes stitch markers, which are very handy, as well as needles to help sew in cut yarn ends

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Hands-Free Magnifyer

A great device to help you see your stitches up close and personal

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Y A R N P A L E T T E - A N E U R O D I V E R G E N T S Y M P H O N Y

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Welcome to the kaleidoscopic world of yarn, where textures, colors, and patterns weave together to create a neurodivergent symphony. Just as every brain is beautifully unique, so too are the yarns waiting to be embraced by your creative spirit. In this chapter, we'll explore the diversity of yarns and how their characteristics harmonize with the nuances of a neurodivergent mind.

When I began to crochet, the yarn section of the craft store felt overwhelming. All the different names, thicknesses, textures — it felt like the secret language of a secret society and I didn’t get the invite to join.

But don’t be intimidated. I’m going to offer recommendations for beginners and common projects. You pick what feels good between your fingers. The color that brings you joy. The skein that inspires excitement about this new hobby.

The Soothing Symphony of Smooth Yarns

Smooth yarns, akin to the gentle strokes of a comforting melody, offer a calming embrace for neurodivergent minds. With their soft touch and consistent flow, these yarns create a serene foundation, allowing for a sense of control and tranquility in the rhythmic dance of stitches.

Fuzzy Fibers and the Joyful Tactile

Tango

For those who revel in tactile sensations, fuzzy yarns bring a playful texture to the crafting table. The joyous tactile tango between fingers and fibers adds an extra layer of sensory delight, turning each stitch into a dance step, making the creative journey not just visual but a hands-on celebration of textures.

Chunky Yarns and the Art of Hyperfocus

For moments of intense concentration and hyperfocus, chunky yarns provide a satisfyingly swift progression. Their thickness allows for quick and visually rewarding projects, transforming bursts of energy into tangible creations. Dive into the art of hyperfocus, letting the chunky yarn guide your hands in a therapeutic flow of productivity.

Bold and Vibrant - The Colorful

Rhapsody

Neurodivergent brains often appreciate the power of color to influence mood and focus. Enter the vibrant realm of colorful yarns, where each hue becomes a brushstroke on the canvas of your imagination. Choose colors that resonate with your feelings and energies, turning your crochet project into a vibrant expression of your

neurodivergent spirit.

Variegated Yarns - Embracing the Spectrum

Celebrate the diversity within neurodivergence with variegated yarns, where an array of colors seamlessly blends into one harmonious spectrum.

These yarns mirror the kaleidoscopic nature of different minds, embracing the beauty of uniqueness and unpredictability in the creative process.

Adaptive Yarns for Changing

Rhythms

Just as neurodivergent brains experience ebbs and flows, consider adaptive yarns that adapt to changing rhythms. Self-striping or gradient yarns effortlessly introduce variety and surprise into your projects, reflecting the fluidity of the creative journey and accommodating the evolving needs of

a neurodivergent mind.

Y A R N W E I G H T C H A R T

Y A R N S

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Yarn Weight

All yarn is broken down by its weight, or thickness. Changing yarn weight or needle size can have a significant impact on the finished project, so the The Craft Yarn Council of America has developed a system that seeks to standardize the labeled weights of yarn.

Most yarns state their weight on the ball band, as well as the recommended hook size.

Acrylic yarn is the most common found at the craft store, and is the easiest to work with. Not only is it soft, it doesn’t shrink and offers some stretch in your project.

Y A R N R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S

AMAZON Eligible for commission

Premier Worsted Yarn

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Bernat Satin Worsted Yarn

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Hobby Lobby’s I Love This Yarn

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Yarn Bee Soft & Sleek Yarn

HOBBY LOBBY

I Love This Yarn Worsted  Yarn Bee Soft & Sleek

JOANN FABRIC

Bernat Satin Worsted

Big Twist Medium Weight (do not recommend their Value line)

Premier Worsted

Red Heart Soft Yarn (do not recommend their Super Saver line)

MICHAEL’S

Many of the yarns listed above   Just stay away from anything

that is scratchy or seems to be cheap in color or quality

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A D H D & C R O C H E T : A J O Y F U L L E A R N I N G E X P E D I T I O N

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Embarking on the crochet journey with ADHD is like setting sail on a ship of boundless creativity, where each wave is a stitch, and every breeze carries the promise of a new discovery. In this chapter, we'll navigate the waters of learning to crochet with ADHD, celebrating the unique strengths and quirks that make the voyage both thrilling and utterly yours.

Embracing the Dance of Distraction

In the world of crochet, distractions are not roadblocks but rather part of the joyful dance. Embrace the ebb and flow of focus; let your mind wander as your hands weave the yarn. The rhythm of crochet can transform distractions into a soothing background hum, making the process both meditative and delightful.

Break It Down, Stitch by Stitch

Chunking is the secret weapon in your crochet arsenal. Break down projects into bite-sized, manageable chunks. Each stitch becomes a victory, and each small accomplishment fuels the motivation to conquer the next. ADHD minds thrive on these bite-sized triumphs, turning the learning process into a series of exciting checkpoints.

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A D H D & C R O C H E T : A J O Y F U L L E A R N I N G E X P E D I T I O N

The Power of the Multisensory Marvel

Crochet is a multisensory marvel, engaging sight, touch, and even sound. Feel the yarn, see the stitches, and revel in the soothing sounds of the hook meeting the fibers. This sensory engagement can transform the learning experience into a dynamic, immersive adventure, catering to the diverse preferences of ADHD minds.

The Art of Repetition - ADHD's Unlikely Ally

ADHD minds often crave variety, but the repetition in crochet serves as a comforting anchor. The consistent nature of stitches provides a structured framework, allowing for a sense of stability while still allowing room for creative expression. It's a paradoxical dance of routine and spontaneity that resonates perfectly with the ADHD learning style.

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A D H D & C R O C H E T : C R E A T I V I T Y U N L E A S H E D

Creative Problem-Solving - Turning Mistakes into Masterpieces

In the crochet world, mistakes are not flaws but opportunities for creative problem-solving. Unraveling a misstep is part of the process, a chance to refine your skills and make each project uniquely yours.

ADHD minds excel at thinking outside the box, and in crochet, there's no such thing as a mistake—only a detour on the path to brilliance.

Learning the Basics

The great part about crochet is that there are all kinds of little milestones to win as you begin to learn the basics.

In the following pages, I’m going to list the basic skills you’ll build upon, with links to helpful YouTube tutorial videos.

Just remember, it’s only yarn. Your stitches are not going to be perfect. Your lines may not be straight. None of this matters. It’s all about learning, growing, expanding, making mistakes, and embracing that creative side of your neurodivergent brain. ‘Frogging’ is a common term in crochet — this is when you ‘rippit’ out and start again. Embrace the frogging!

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A D H D S U P E R P O W E R S - C R E A T I V I T Y U N L E A S H E D

Learning the Basics

Holding the Hook Holding the Yarn Tying a Slip Knot Learn to Chain Single Crochet

Half Double Crochet

Double Crochet Triple Crochet

Step by Step Tutorial Simple Scarf Tutorial Daisy Bookmark Dish Cloth

Weekly Beginners Project Group

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A D H D & C R O C H E T : A J O Y F U L L E A R N I N G E X P E D I T I O N

Finding Focus in Fiber Friends

Joining a community of fellow crocheters is a game-changer for ADHD learners. Connect with others who share your passion, swap tips, and celebrate victories together. The communal energy provides a supportive backdrop, turning the learning process into a shared adventure full of encouragement and shared excitement.

YouTube and Pinterest are your best friends to find projects, free tutorials, patterns, guides, and more. There are quite a few crochet groups you can join on Facebook, as well.

A fun crochet phenomenon is called a Crochet A-Long. This is when a designer creates a project, usually a blanket, and releases the pattern in small chunks. The idea is that everyone participates at the same time, creating their masterpiece together, where they can rely on the pattern creator and the group for positive reinforcement and/or troubles.

Here is a link to just one such Crochet A-Long group on Facebook

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A D H D & C R O C H E T : C E L E B R A T E P R O G R E S S

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So, fellow adventurer, let the journey of learning to crochet with ADHD be a celebration of your unique strengths. Dive into the stitches, relish the moments of distraction, and savor the triumphs. In the realm of crochet, your ADHD brain is not just welcomed; it's a guiding star in a constellation of creativity.

Meet the Author

Howdy! I'm a Gen-X lady living it up in the Kansas City metro area. My husband and I run a small biz here, but when I'm not boss-lady- ing, you can find me hooked on crocheting!

Thank you, YouTube and Pinterest, for teaching me the skills to become a crochet queen in 2014! Since then, I've tackled countless projects, but nothing beats the warm snuggles of a good ol' fashioned blanket. My family's been blessed with an abundance of crochet- covered goodness (whether they like it or not!)

I'm thrilled to hear your thoughts on this e-book and see your creative crochet creations! Give me a holler via email here. Good luck, happy hooking, and let's get crafty!