Why crochet is becoming popular among young adults

Crochet has often been viewed as an "old-person" activity, but Gen Z is now embracing it on social media. NBC News' Maya Eaglin talks to two young people about their experiences with crochet and why they enjoy it.
» Subscribe to NBC News: nbcnews.to/Subs...
» Watch more NBC video: bit.ly/MoreNBCNews
NBC News Digital is a collection of innovative and powerful news brands that deliver compelling, diverse and engaging news stories. NBC News Digital features NBCNews.com, MSNBC.com, TODAY.com, Nightly News, Meet the Press, Dateline, and the existing apps and digital extensions of these respective properties. We deliver the best in breaking news, live video coverage, original journalism and segments from your favorite NBC News Shows.
Connect with NBC News Online!
NBC News App: smart.link/5d0...
Breaking News Alerts: link.nbcnews.c...
Visit NBCNews.Com: nbcnews.to/ReadNBC
Find NBC News on Facebook: nbcnews.to/LikeNBC
Follow NBC News on Twitter: nbcnews.to/Foll...
Get more of NBC News delivered to your inbox: nbcnews.com/newsletters
#NBCNews #GenZ #Crochet

[@marinaengberg3099]

As an avid knitter, y'all have done crocheters a disservice with this piece due to a lack of accuracy. You're throwing in needles, when needles are for knitting - hooks are for crochet. And the Olympian mentioned was knitting, not crocheting. Fibre arts across the board are great, but if you're going to do a piece on crochet, do a piece on crochet. There was way more information you could have put into this without diluting it with knitting.

[@oiseaufeu]

As a totally beginner in crochet, I must say that knitting and crochet uses the same materials and the techniques are very close to each other. I understand why some people would confuse the 2. I'll add that, originally, crochet is a french word. There's not a good English translation for this word other than knitting. That's the point of view of a native French speaker that also speak and write English. I also speak English.

[@marinaengberg3099]

@@oiseaufeu You're absolutely right, and I think if this piece was from an individual then I would be a lot less critical. However, this piece is coming from a national news outlet, which has a broader audience, and should therefore be more polished, well researched, and accurate. I really appreciate the point on language though! I'm a native English speaker who knows no French except what has become a part of English. Knowing that there are some translation difficulties is definitely helpful when talking with regular people about their fiber crafting hobbies. :)

[@oiseaufeu]

@@marinaengberg3099 You know, news outlet don't know everything and might confuse the two. We, native french have stolen the word clown. It's written the same, but not pronunciated the same way. Clown in french sounds like loon. The letter w isn't pronuciated at all. English has stolen some french expression like déjà vu. I'll say that English is easier with the verbs than French because of the irregular and regular. French has 3 groups of verbs that ends differently denpending on how the infinitive verb ends and from the verb tense as well. I must say that there's exceptions in French than in English. Some words in plurals end with X like les chevaux (the horses). I also kinda hate the participle in French because there's an exception to the rule that makes it feminine when the auxiliary isn't avoir (to have).

[@catbird7007]

Thank you for your comment! As a crochet lover who started out knitting, there is a distinct difference between the two. And Google doesn't help by constantly confusing the two crafts. I, too, appreciate the @oiseaufeu comments to provide an helpful international and language perspective. With my French Canadian/French ancestors, I was thrilled to find out years ago that the craft I love best had its start in France! Also, I'm aware of several stitches in either craft that mimic the other craft's original stitches -- people are beginning to merge the look of the two, where they can. I love crochet for its amazing versatility and ease of handling! But, I must admit -- 'though I, personally, find the needles very awkward to work w (including the danger of a dropped stitch that must be carefully reworked) -- knitting has always had THE look for a soft, smooth, drapey fabric for beautiful sweaters. ❤ to both of you! P.S. The statement that news outlets don't know everything is spot on, and, in the U.S. at least, there are a lot of people in the last 10-12 years w degrees in journalism and editing who were not taught properly. Half the time, they don't even research the topic beyond a quick internet search. So embarrassing.

[@oiseaufeu]

@@catbird7007 Thanks! As a native French speaker, I'm glad that I could give an insight into why they confuse knitting and crochet. French is an interesting language. It may be a bit more difficult than English because of so many rules and exceptions to the rules in grammar. I know my French enough to say this.

[@chart461]

I needed this, something positive. I’m tired of the gloom and doom. I’m happy to see people being creative, no matter what they choose.❤

[@lynnturman8157]

If it makes you happy, do it. There are a lot worse activities young people could be doing, that's for sure.

[@nnn7886]

I learnt to crochet last year Im not even 20. Its the best hobby and having the freedom to create whatever you want. You can make clothes designed for you and toys for fun. I recommend it to everyone ❤ its very easy and not something that requires too much effort to start.

[@phoenixr6811]

Good for them 👏🏾👏🏾

[@seraphina3279]

Knitting =/= crochet. They may have an overlap in audience/hobbyists but they are very different crafts with different looks and techniques. Please don't throw in people knitting and call it "crochet" as if it is the fact. If you can't even be bothered to do that research, then maybe your reporting shouldn't be published. You have two crocheters featured here. You could have let then watch some videos/examples you were going to include and let them tell you if it was accurate or not. Not having field knowledge is no excuse for not doing proper fact checking.

[@gmaelder4739]

Your so right. They clearly didn’t take the time to understand what they were reporting on.

[@kazkazzie3906]

This is amazing. This craft is such a useful activity to learn.

[@maxinewest1326]

That a neat hobby to crochet.

[@user-ph6qj5em8p]

A frog crochet is so cute 😊

[@guardemdog]

I love seeing young people embracing these yarn crafts! And needle work too! ❤❤❤❤ you guys are doing great stuff.

[@langlang9326]

There were knitting and crocheting book stores/cafes in the 90s. That's when it first started.

[@pattyduke3079]

Actually, I have crochet book from the 70s that belonged to my mother. She taught me to crochet 55 years ago.

[@Parlezvouscrochet]

I make crochet earrings !!!!

[@ananomous5919]

This is so cute. And pure ❤

[@indigenousspinster_6665]

Still been around for way longer 😂

[@ericeandco]

Can’t believe this is news.

[@pmclaughlin4111]

It is on magazine style shows

[@yarning4asmile]

I love seeing my niche in the spotlight ❤🧶❤️

[@esoteric3242]

How could this be news? Lol.

[@rayjay238]

This isn't news.

[@MsValiG]

correction: POOR young adults

[@davemathews7890]

When you're young, you're supposed to go out to parties, have fun, drink beer, meet other young people, not stay home and crochet comforters. Gen Z is a huge disappointment.

[@HenriettaHudson-we4wv]

That's what you think!!! Gen Z is using a time-honored craft to update their creative skills. Not everyone wants to party their life away!! I'm 62 and my late mother and grandmother taught me how to crochet. I'm a creative who crochets scarves for the homeless and anyone in need. You need to get out of your comfort zone and expand your mind - Which is exactly what Gen Z is doing!!!

[@davemathews7890]

@@HenriettaHudson-we4wv Chill out grandma. I didn't say you should stop crocheting. I said that young people should do young people things, not sit around like a bunch of old ladies wasting their youth.

[@rabidgoon]

but have you ever crocheted on acid?

[@amozinshade484]

​@@HenriettaHudson-we4wv This guy is ignorant. Like how he thinks gen z aren't partying like every other generation or they can't crochet on top of living life too??? I'm sorry you had to deal with this ignorant fool.

[@pmclaughlin4111]

Its been more than a few years and don't let my kids see this...the mother of one of my dorm mates in college owned a yarn store...drunk knitting is a thing...