Now that we’re deep in winter, it’s midterm season for those in college, and we’re all in need of a fun, stress-relieving hobby, crocheting seems like the obvious answer. Although this relaxing trend may appear daunting at first, once you get the hang of it, crocheting really becomes second nature. Now, you can be doing something productive while binge watching a show or listening to a lecture. After a few episodes of Gilmore Girls, you’ll have a patchwork sweater under your belt!
Besides its therapeutic nature, crocheting is also a great way to promote sustainable fashion. Fast fashion machinery can’t replicate the hand crafted technique of crocheting. When you’re looking at a “crocheted” item from a fast fashion brand, it’s made from machine knitted fabric made to imitate the intricate look of crochet. So, whether you make your own pieces or support a small business, you’re paying for something complex and unique.
The Origin Of The Trend – Why Gen Z Is Obsessed
The art of crocheting can be drawn back to ancient needle work in China, the Middle East, and South America, but grew popular in 19th century Europe. So how did this activity associated with the elderly gather a Gen Z rennaisance? It starts with the Pandemic, as many things have. As the world slowed down in 2020, trends like cottagecore and home crafts to cope with the increased down time were on the rise.
Gen z is also more aware of the environmental impact of fast fashion, and is inclined to support small businesses. The practice of crocheting fits perfectly into the category of slow fashion.
What You Will Need
Starting out learning to crochet, you will need the right supplies. I recommend beginning with a thicker yarn with the ability to stretch. My brand of preference is Baby Soft Yarn from Lion Brand Yarn. It’s acrylic blend and super long lasting. Plus, it’s great for beginners because it has great stretch, so when practicing tension it’s pretty forgiving. It’s great for making clothing that won’t irritate the skin too.
Next, you will need a crochet hook. I recommend buying a set of ergonomic, soft-grip hooks. These are better than the thin metal ones, ensuring your hand won’t cramp as easily. Buying a set is also smart, because different types of yarn will better suit different hook sizes. The set below comes with a range from 2mm to 10mm. It also comes with ten lock stitches which can be used for measuring out amounts of stitches. It’s a great value at $9.99, so no need to splurge on supplies. Plus, there’s a super cute storage bag so that you can bring your projects anywhere. On a plane and need an activity while you wait for landing? Just bring your crochet pouch and get to stitching.
Ready To Stitch
The first step to starting a crochet project would be completing a slip knot. This is the starting point for any crochet project. There are many techniques on how to do this which you can find on social media. The method that I prefer is the ‘alligator method.’ Creating a slip knot takes a visual example, so I attached a TikTok below to help you out. Once you master the slip knot (which might take more than a few tries to perfect), you can move on to the chain stitch and then more basic stitches like the single crochet stitch. Don’t be embarrassed if it takes a while to first form a slip knot, it definitely took me a while to become fluent.
After practicing the chain stitch and then the single crochet, you can start your first project. Remember: practice makes perfect. If things are taking longer than expected to come together — maybe your yarn loops won’t glide over the hook, or your stitches are too tight to form single crochets — then you likely need to work on your hook tension.
How you hold your hook is crucial too. I hold mine in my non-dominant hand, and keep my fingers close to the yarn loop, just enough to create slight tension that stays uniform throughout my stitches.
Start Designing
The possibilities for what to crochet are truly endless. I like to find inspiration on social media, particularly Pinterest. For beginners, start with projects that don’t require many types of stitches and that are all one color. For in depth tutorials Chenda DIY and Krystal Everdeen have several YouTube videos posted giving intricate step by step guides that are excellent for first-timers. These creators are great for those looking to make basic fashion pieces, and they have tutorials ranging from beginner to advanced level.
While you can find patterns online that cost money (usually found on sites like Etsy), there are many free patterns available. The first top that I crocheted was from a TikTok tutorial by @Hannyhannyhan. It’s great because it only requires a few types of stitches, and can be done with one color. It’s a simple two panel project that has a tie back, so it takes out the complexity of figuring out fitting measurements.
Ethical Shopping
Cheap crochet items are more than likely not real crocheted items. It’s usually machine embroidered. However, hand-crocheted items sold at a low price could mean that workers aren’t being paid fairly. Crocheting takes time, which is why hand stitched pieces factor in personal labor into the price point.
The individuality from wearing authentically crafted pieces is truly unmatched. The brand Akoia Swim is known for ethically and sustainably made crocheted pieces, from bikinis to wearable designs. They use natural dyes and organically sourced materials. They also work exclusively with local villages in Bali to support home-based women artisans that make high quality, limited-edition collections. Each piece is absolutely stunning and has immense effort behind it.
Another incredible designer is Magda Butrym. This woman-founded business works with independent artisans in Poland to create hand-crocheted pieces from high quality fabrics. The pieces are feminine and designed to bring comfort and confidence.
Crocheting is an art, whether you create pieces yourself or support hand-crafted designs. This hobby is one you won’t be able to put down, and it is amazing because you’ll end up with a wearable finished product to show off. It’s a great stress reliever and way to unwind after a long day, but it’s also a great way to let your creativity shine. It’s also the best way to give meaningful gifts to others. A hand made piece is a great way to show your appreciation for a loved one. At the end of the day, this sustainable trend is a super fun obsession to start.
