why is gen-z so obsessed with crochet? (crochet-tok & quiet activism)

[@charlichats]

omg thank u for the love ❤ I love the crochet community you’re all so wholesome 😊

[@Sagopearl]

this is rly out of context but you kind of look like claudia jessie

[@wiktoriadomanowska8677]

I think what bothers me most about crochet in fast fashion is that there's not even a good opportunity for crocheters to sell their crochet. A lot of people don't sell their completed pieces and instead sell the pattern because the price they'd have to sell the piece at to account for yarn + time + effort would be too expensive for anyone interested.

[@gamespc-zi6zo]

exactly, if my top took me 3 hours and 10 dollars of materials and i was paying myself minimum wage (10 Dollars) an hour thats 30 in hours already, plus materials thats 40, if im selling on etsy i need to also add in fees, around 3 dollars so thats 43, and i also need to add in the shipping fee thats around 6 dollars depending where, its gonna be around 50 dollars for one top and thats already underpaying

[@Danielle-zq7kb]

Passioknit Kelsie has made selling her stuff work by incorporating KZbin revenue into it. This isn’t an option for most fiber artists. Fast fashion is killing the planet; we’ve got to change.

[@froggiepie]

Exactly, the simple top i made would be $90 paying myself minimum wage

[@irregularstuff5290]

​@@gamespc-zi6zo3 hours?! You're a very fast crocheter. I'm slowly making a vest out of flowers and it's still taking me about a month as of now.

[@Madiiiiiiiii316]

Fr even me that has been crocheting for 6 years to sell someone a sweater will cost over 100 dollars because it takes hours to make a sweater especially if you want to be paid by the hour. I have also noticed that some brands are selling items that look crochet but actually are knit with machines but either way someone has to tweak it to make it look nice to sell

[@frogdrug8282]

I’m obsessed with crochet because I feel like I have more control over my wardrobe and it feels unique.

[@Catladycatherine]

Same it's been a while since I've actually bought any new clothes!

[@jacklyntree7752]

Thrifting and wearing lingerie with my outer wear does this, but adding crochet and embroidery to this has been a game changer

[@karamochu]

And it’s basically free (crochet math)

[@rontanamo_bae]

as a gen z male, I got into crochet during 2020 because I needed a hobby during lockdown and knitting was harder 😭

[@charlichats]

saaaame knitting is so tricky!

[@coolchameleon21]

i agree! i never really got into knitting because i found so difficult and finicky. plus i hated that if you dropped a stitch by accident, you basically had to start the project all over again

[@rontanamo_bae]

@@coolchameleon21literally my worst nightmare when I tried it 💀

[@sant_vauls]

@@coolchameleon21that's not completely true, as a crocheter and knitter, there are ways to pick up dropped stitches and it's not hard at all!

[@Bolprk]

​@@coolchameleon21 you can pick up dropped stitches in knitting rows and rows later using a crochet hook just fyi don't despair

[@brittany16950]

I know why!! It’s fun!! It’s challenging!! You get a cute stuffed toy or a cuddly blanket as a reward at the end!

[@ratchetcakezvani7435]

yes!! this is exactly what it is for me :) I was so hesitant to even try crocheting cause I was worried id be bad at it and it'd just be a waste of money, but early October I decided to give it a shot and now I can't wait to find more patterns to try! and in the end I get a silly little plushie to add to my collection! :D (I'm already someone who LOVES plushies so this just adds fuel to my fire lol)

[@Ashaasmith2]

I have been crocheting for years. My grandma and mom taught me how. Honestly because I know crochet can’t be machine made, I often think “I love this but there’s no way someone got paid well enough at that price” or “I could make that myself” or “that is the correct price but I don’t have nearly that much money” whenever I pass crochet work in stores

[@xlifexwithxlithiumx]

there is almost NEVER real crochet in store... its knitt by machine to LOOK like crochet.. real crochet in stores almost NEVER happens

[@Desaundrea]

I refuse to buy anything made with yarn from stores. I refuse to be a part of slave labor. It’s why I don’t buy new clothing, and if I need a sweater I make one.

[@suzykendallosborne]

@@xlifexwithxlithiumxI assumed OP was talking about small craftsmanship centric stores that sold those thousand dollar handmade pieces where there’s a blurb about the artist handwritten on a 3X5 card pinned to the wall next to the piece

[@blueca]

i've been seeing more and more machine knit objects being labeled as crochet in big stores as crochet has become more trendy. it's really sad to me that these corporations are trying to profit off of a craft that's impossible to mass produce by lying about their products and intentionally mislabeling their products in order to be "trendier"

[@kathyoneill4011]

And selling AI made paterns to uninformed buyers

[@abigailcampbell2402]

Crochet also provides instant gratification. On days where work or social life don’t provide a sense of accomplishment, seeing that my project grew an inch makes me feel more productive.

[@mariaalejandracastillaberd6103]

As a med student who crochets, I receive so many comments like how do I get the time and stuff like that. And now that I think about it, it started in the pandemic, but now it's also about no dedicating every second of the Day to medicine. Which May be a way to reject the expectations of the med student that only studies, and doesn't have time for their friends or actually anything.

[@tomilola12]

I'm a med student too and I only have time for things like a bucket hat, scrunchie and shoulder bags. I find time to crochet and those are the best times.

[@abby-xo7kf]

Entering med schooo this year! I crochet during MS too for stress relief. It also helps avoid nicotine addiction for me. I quit abd it helped

[@kirradactyl]

^^ absolutely yes. Crochet is one of the ways that I take care of my humanity and reject the idea that if I'm not suffering enough I'm not doing med school right.

[@sitad6271]

I’m a med student too. I started crocheting before pandemic and went to med school when pandemic started. When ppl knew that I could crochet, they thought that I had more time than they imagined. Noooo😭 It makes me sad when they asked me to "crochet mine too". They asked me to crochet such a bag, bucket hat, things that takes a lot of time. I can reject them but I don’t have any idea why they could ask me like that as if crocheting theirs wasn’t a big deal for a med student. If you know what I mean.

[@abby-xo7kf]

@@sitad6271 yes haha like as if you just whip out these huge projects, meanwhile it takes like 30 min a night a bunch of nights a week for one thing to be done. It’s a leisure

[@NNG1314]

Im a teen and started crochet about 2 years ago. Its the best hobby i ever learned and feel awesome that i have a whole skill.

[@bryellejungong156]

I’m also a teen who started crocheting about two years ago and I definitely agree with it being one of my best hobbies that I have

[@toniantiporda9024]

Dropping this comment before starting the video just to say: I’m actually quite happy that crocheting made a resurgence. Elder millennial here, and I’ve been crocheting since the 3rd grade, but never have I seen so much variety in available yarns and hooks, it’s insane.

[@Desaundrea]

I hear you ☺️ I am 49 and learned to crochet when I was 6, my grandmother taught me. I wasn’t huge at it for years and I made a blanket for my son. I met my husband and stopped crocheting because HE HATED IT. He said it was a waste of time and money. So for 10 years starting in my 30’s, I did not crochet. I saw Bag O Day here on the Tube, and said “ Why did I ever stop for him?” So I took it up despite my husband’s negativity. When I picked it back up I was thrown into a world of: Tulip, Furls, mohair, CASHMERE, Lion Brand, Herrschners 😳😮 I was SHOOK girl 😂 I wanted to get it all, but Furls was where I started 😂. I am a Furls fan, and a bamboo yarn super fan now, and going back to my crochet helped/helps me mentally. I vowed to NEVER be out of the crochet loop again. My husband passed in 2021 😔 And I went to Michael’s to find something to make me feel better. I bought $140 worth of yarn 🧶 And I felt better. I started using it, my first project was a shawl/cardigan. I look for new stuff everyday now 😂

[@toniantiporda9024]

⁠@@Desaundreaoh, I also stopped for a bit because, when I started working and earning my own money, I also thought it was such a waste of time and money (you know, gotta hustle all the time and get those cookies 😅). But glad I rediscovered it during the pandemic, more for my mental health also because I needed to do something with my hands to manage my anxiety levels. And now I’ve been making so many projects I wouldn’t have done before. I just recently purchased my first Furls also as a birthday gift to myself and it’s so nice! 😊

[@Desaundrea]

@@toniantiporda9024 My grandson turned 4 eight days ago, so I went to Furls to get their Cancer hook. Oddly enough, it looks like the Aquarius hook made a baby with the Sagittarius hook 😂. His mother, my daughter, is an Aquarius ♒️ and I am a Sagittarius ♐️ 😂 They are great hooks though 🥰

[@thelemurofmadagascar9183]

Same here. I started crocheting in 2012, and I largely taught myself through online tutorials and patterns. There were decent online resources available back then, but it's exploded in the past few years. I'm so happy with how diverse and creative the patterns have become, because Lord knows I'm terrible at coming up with my own designs lol

[@caroline7420]

As someone who despises fast fashion and has made a lot of effort to not buy from any fast fashion brands new as much as possible for years now (I still slip up occasionally but that’s okay) ive nearly either thrifted or made my entire wardrobe. I find it a lot of fun to plan an outfit for an event 6 months in advance and thrift what supplies I can and make it thoughtfully in ways I know I’ll be able to wear for years instead of running out and buying a cheap dress for an event. It’s more work but worth it for sure.

[@StayArtsy]

Same!

[@marabanara]

I’m a 40 year old (so an older millennial). I learned crochet basics at a school club at age 11. My grandmother and mum taught me to knit a bit but I never loved it. Then at age 20 my very crafty future MIL refreshed my crochet knowledge and taught me more stitches. Most of her projects were embroidered items just bordered in crochet with cotton. Which was fine, but I started to search for videos as I was and still am obsessed with KZbin. Of course it was much harder back then to find content but I knew enough to start figuring things out on my own. The problem I see now is very inexperienced/new crocheters jumping in making content or selling patterns that are unfortunately of terrible quality. These days when paying for pattern, it’s not always possible to figure out if it will be well graded and have been properly tested. Of course the use of crochet in fast fashion is a big problem. And not even always actual crochet! Oftentimes, it’s machine-knit fabric made to imitate crochet. Yes, any crocheter can spot it easily, but your average fashion consumer wouldn’t necessarily know. This further devalues handmade items. As others have noted, the difficulty with making and selling crocheted items means that instead, creators turn to selling patterns, and as I said before, these aren’t great quality most of the time. Similar things happen with knitting but it’s often impossible to tell if something has been totally hand knit or has had matching knitting incorporated too. Even smaller sellers crank out machine knitted garments, and this is kind of becoming a craft all of its own, but still sold as “handmade” just not “hand knit”. It’s crazy that when something is done by women, it’s often not even considered a craft but purely a hobby, or just what women did in the past to help clothe their families or make items for their homes. Yet men’s handicraft’s mean their makers are “craftsmen”, a well regarded term, and when men engage in fibre crafts, their work is art, and they’re considered artists. I’m making generalisations, but you get the picture. I even see this in crochet, and KZbin crochet content. Out of all crocheters, men make up very, very few. And while there are fewer male than female crochet content creators, I get surprisingly many of them suggested to me, sometimes daily! I also will say most are also white. So I have to go hunting sometimes to find crochet inspiration from women around the world- because it’s a worldwide craft. As I was born in Chile and still can speak Spanish, I seek out Latin American crochet content (such as Majovel Crochet- she has an English Channel too) as the designs are great and quite different to the designs from English speaking channels. Black American women crocheters also have some great stuff too, with a well known favourite being TL Yarn Crafts. I even speak just enough Italian to admire Il Filo Rosso’s stunning designs that I still haven’t found an English standard equivalent for, particularly for fingering or laceweight yarn. As much as I do also enjoy young mainstream crochet KZbinrs (such as Jenna Phipps), I don’t love the reliance on granny stitch/granny squares, lack of garment shaping (the boxy sweaters) and chunky or DK yarn (I’m loving the drape of fingering weight and sock yarn).

[@Niquenique-uv6gv]

I agree with you about the lack of shaping! I've often seen a crochet cardigan or sweater on social media that I consider purchasing the pattern for, but I take a look at the shoulder/armhole area and I change my mind. The piece is either falling off the shoulders or bunching up at the underarm.

[@andheregoesmyname]

Hola! También soy de Chile. ¿Ha revisado el canal de Petus Ochoa? tiene patrones muy buenos!

[@lizjo7213]

​@Niquenique-uv6gv I've made several cardigans, sweaters from patterns on YT...KnitCro Addict, Wool Story, Crafting Shed, Bag O Day, Handmade DIY and the items come out perfect every time....

[@Niquenique-uv6gv]

@@lizjo7213 Thank you for sharing, I'll give them a look! Honestly I think I'm just ready to move on from rectangles and squares and make more tailored things.

[@Alinda1308]

Since you understand italian, may I suggest the channel "Uncinettando con Elsa"? She makes very pretty things, IMHO 😊 I'm just learning, so I'm not an expert, but it seems you have some experience already and I highly appreciate your comment because you suggested a lot of interesting channels ❤

[@TheHarryKnit]

I'm on the knitting side of TikTok and Instagram most of the time but the rise of crochet as both a hobby and an art form is incredible to see - I wonder about how these crochet works will compare over time and if it become a staple like knitwear or be considered a trend of the 2020s

[@charlichats]

I'm super interested in this too! thanks for watching xx

[@CarleyRoseStudio]

literwally crocheting while i watch this 🤪this was so insightful, i hadn't thought about the actual reasons for the resurgence and/or disappearance of crochet as a trend and hobby. Love it!

[@charlichats]

thanks so much! xx

[@savannah4439]

I crochet, and love that I have something tangible to show for my hard work at the end. I originally started in 2022 bc I was recovering from a surgery and wanted to learn a less physically-based hobby, and I fell in love! I like the creativity of personalizing something (a garment, blanket, toy, whatever) any way I want, and I love the challenge of learning how to make my creative vision into a reality. Mentally, depending on what you’re making there can be a fair amount of math and problem-solving involved, which I also find fun. Plus, I like how easy it is to undo your work when you mess up (this was the big reason I learned crochet over knitting). My only drawbacks are that it’s time-consuming and yarn can get expensive! Like, if I make a sweater it’ll be like $50 of materials plus like a month of labor. But the trade off is that I can make it fit and look exactly how I want, and I know I’ll end up with a truly unique garment

[@homestylealchemy]

Well done video! I've been into crochet well before the pandemic, but it is so exciting to see it become so popular in today's crafting space. I hope it is here to stay.

[@lilrootroot8692]

I love that you researched the background history of this craft! It's really good to hear that "crochetivism" is (and was) always a thing that a lot of us hold onto in this community

[@Steviejustine824]

I started crocheting in 2013 and LOVE that so many more people are into now because there are way more crochet pattern videos and inspo than there used to be when I started. A lot of the youtube vids were older women and not very in style. There's so much more variety. I'm in my early 30s now, and the younger generation is SO creative. It's fun learning from them 😊

[@marlasinger8274]

i feel like a lot of times crochet isnt rlly "slow fashion" because ppl make projects just for fun or boredom and then never wear them

[@cyncyn778]

i feel like it’s very subjective bc everyone has their individual relationships with crochet and what they make as well

[@froggiepie]

i feel like you might have assumed that and i’m not sure why ?? I personally wear my crocheted things all the time because i made them to fit my tastes and be comfy

[@oliviaormsby7114]

I feel like this argument is very one sided though. We wouldn’t argue that a hobby painter and sketch artist is wasting paper and killing the environment. I feel like criticism of crochet fast fashion is rooted in classism because crochet is less refined than knitting and very female dominated

[@differentperspective7336]

@@oliviaormsby7114what do you mean by „less refined“? Genuine question^^

[@chainsawmay]

​@@differentperspective7336 knit is seen as being more put together/neat because its weaved instead of knots, it takes more precision and more time to make than crochet, and its also more practical because of knitting machines and the fact that knitwear can more easily fit different bodies, although i personally prefer crochet pieces over knitwear

[@looseleaflyra]

i know i sound like a gatekeeper but i stand by the fact that you do not deserve to wear crocheted garments if you are not making it yourself or supporting an independent artist.

[@theyxaj]

Or if it was gifted to you by the maker

[@looseleaflyra]

@@theyxaj imo, thats the same as supporting an independent artist, although its not financial, you're still supporting them.

[@Elennar29]

Not gatekeeping, it's against China's free labor for crochet items. It's dead wrong. Any person who makes handmade anything deserves to be paid decently.

[@morninglynn6281]

I agree, if you find crochet at a big box store, it is 100% made but the hands of slaves. Machines cannot crochet, only knit

[@joyatodd]

Crochet for me is an art form. I happen to get wearable items at the end of each project which is better than trying to find space on the wall for another painting. I love wearing unique garments. I love mixing colours in individual ways. I like not using patterns but making it up as I go. Making is where it's at.

[@clairequillot7929]

I got into crocheting after my final exams in med school, they were so incredibly stressful and waiting for the results I didn't know what to do with myself. Whilst preparing for the exams, I had completely abandoned any form of self care or hobby, so learning to crochet once everything was done was a life saver... It really shuts my brain off, and whenever I get anxious, I just crochet away. I now crochet on my way to work and the journeys fly by! Thank you so much to any creator who has ever posted a pattern on YT !

[@ameretbudihas6770]

I started crocheting again a few years ago and was excited my 25 yo daughter wanted me to make her some stuff. I’m gonna keep going till no one wants what I make anymore…except me. I am very grateful to those that make tutorial videos on KZbin. I’ve learned so much and made so many things I would not have been able to even attempt without the more knowledgeable crocheters teaching me. Thank you.

[@sleepy_cloud2501]

I got into crochet in late 2021 thanks to TikTok. I tried as a child but only had magazines with confusing tutorials and no one in my family knew it. Trying again with more accessible tutorials was amazing! The appeal of creating literally anything out of yarn is definitely what drew me in

[@JessicaTaylorIO]

Great job! I just started crocheting this year. My mom had bought crotchet supplies probably about 10 years ago and hasn't really used them because it was hard to learn how to back then, like you said it was basically a book or old videos that weren't zoomed in. I was looking for something to do that would keep me off my phone. So basically I've replaced doom scrolling with crotcheting because it feels more productive and it shuts my mind off.

[@caroline7420]

I’ve know the basics of how to crochet since before I can remember but only in the past few months have I actually started learning how to read patterns and make unique things that I love. I’m big on minimizing my footprint and being more mindful of what I buy so taking the time to make a unique sweater and dress and add embroidery details and things like that has opened up my world to make unique high quality items that actually fit me and that I cant possibly afford to buy from ethical places. I also love giving thoughtful gifts and learning how to make something that is specific to that persons interests and then spend 30+ hours making it for them over the course of a few months is a way I can portray my love to someone. So yeah I really like crochet.

[@kimjaspers3827]

Thanks for this fascinating history!Hobbyist crochet is an act of rebellion in that the creator can simply exist in the process without focusing on the outcome or profit motive. Rhythmic and soothing, it allows the mind a reset from technology to reconnect with the inner self 💓

[@marthfador]

I'm crocheting as I listen to this lol. I started crocheting at least 15 years ago. I focused more on stuffed animals and such- I just enjoyed having a hobby that gave me something cute and tangible at the end! I actually started off with knitting and learned that crochet was easier for the types of projects I wanted to do.

[@YourDarlingZoe]

great video :) Been crocheting for 15ish years I'm very much enjoying this crochet resurgence. I've always found it frustrating that "craft work" is deemed lesser than other arts or skills when it's so rich in history. I feel so connected to the world and generations of women and artisans before me when I crochet. If you're new to crochet please don't be intimidated by reading crochet chart patterns, I promise once you understand them (it won't take you along) they are much easier to follow than a video. The 2000's also saw a huge push in amigurumi in the western crochet scene as well. Patterns, pictures, and video tutorials that broke down language barriers were able to spread easily around the world via the internet, and lots of Japanese kawaii aesthetics were being borrowed by alt kids in the west. Amigurumis were also much easier to sell on emerging marketplaces like Etsy.

[@charlichats]

love this! I haven't heard of amigurumi I'll have to learn more :) xx

[@marabanara]

@@charlichatsbasically crocheted stuffed toys! Very cute, and based on the Japanese art form, amigurumi.

[@jocelynflores000]

I learned how to knit when i was 13 and didn't pick it up again till lock down and now I've made most of my winter wardrobe!

[@idkeitherwasntavailable]

I love how educational this video was. It's been about 4 years since I took crocheting as a serious hobby, and even before the pandemic, I was introduced to it through a friend, though, I wasn't very good at it then. I was really happy to see more and more people on social media learning how to crochet and really pushing pass the limit of creativity when it comes to what you can make and design with it.

[@fernandaabreu6835]

Loved the video! I haven't learned how to crochet yet but I started sewing recently and I would add that one of the things that really makes me love these kinds of hobbies is simply being able to immerse your attention in something other than a screen... also, I feel like even if you start crafts with no political intentions, it's kind of impossible not to think about it. I mean, I have been reading about fast fashion and the environment for years now but *actually* making something with your own hands just hits different because now you're face to face with all the labor involved and how little *you* would be payed considering the cost of the materials alone.

[@marii9640]

loved this video! you brought so many aspects from the world of crochet, things i didnt even think abt, so that was awesome to learn. just one reason i personally think, as a crochet lover, that made crochet still so interesting, is the fact that it encourages individuality. its so nice to make something from scratch and receive praise from others, like yes, i made that! and you can truly show your personality throught it, also confronting fast fashion like you said.

[@marii9640]

i think an example of this is the fact that even though tiktok changes aesthetics every week, you can fit crochet into every single one of them, from grunge all the way to coquette, so its very flexible!

[@nocerebrums682]

I started crocheting in June last year after my Nanna passed away, I have always been drawn to ‘turn your brain off’ hobbies and it helped me to crawl out of my grief at the time, now a year on I have crocheted almost every day since I started and I never see myself stopping, it has brought me so much creative release and also education on fast fashion, and a surprisingly amazing community in my city and online. I’m so happy that my generation have revived this beautiful craft

[@elodiepollock7326]

For me it is just very emotionally regulating, it's like stimming, and the fact that I can have nice stuff after as a result is just the cherry on top!

[@theferger]

I got into crochet again in 2020, I initially learned from my grandma when I was a kid. It was so rewarding to make projects and gift them to people I love!

[@irregularstuff5290]

I started crocheting after 2020 because i saw tutorial of hyperbolic plain crochet from mathematician. I thought that if he can do it without any training whatsoever - then I can too. Then I saw a pattern of horseshoe crab and decided it'll be cool to make it, then a lot of other amigurumi, and now I can read graphic patterns (and honestly I prefer them in a doilies, they're very convinient as in you don't have to crawl through wall of text, plus usually you don't even have to remember a lot of symbols unless you go out of your way to find complicated piece) and am slowly doing my own clothes.

[@emmao6578]

yay I'm glad to find a fellow pattern diagram enjoyer, they are so much more convenient than having to read through text patterns which gives very little indication what the finished shape of the pattern is and finding your place in a text pattern is way more awkward too. Often if a pattern doesn't have a diagram and it's got a lot of repeats or I'm going to make it a few times I'll draw up my own quick diagram as it's just so much easier for me to glance at. I feel like reading them came pretty naturally to me for whatever reason so I've always been baffled that so many people seem to view them as indecipherable squiggles

[@irregularstuff5290]

@@emmao6578 I. Honestly haven't thought of making sketch diagrams myself. Thanks, in highsight that was obvious!

[@SydneyKohm]

Just started crocheting on election night to keep my mind busy and off my phone! Thank you for this. It’s so cool to understand the history behind it.

[@courtrosss]

my grandma tried to teach me to knit over skype when I was young and I could never really pick it up and didn’t like it that much but when I learned to crochet I FELL IN LOVE!! it’s so calming and makes me feel so cool to have it as a skill when people compliment my projects 😊

[@annavanderwal990]

i started crocheting right after the pandemic and what i love most about crochet is when i finish a piece and put all those hours of work in it i just feel so proud to wear something or use something that i made myself. i also get compliments from strangers when they see it and its the greatest thing ever😊

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

This was such an interesting video! Thank you for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶

[@Shitting_pissing_cuming]

Omg hiii Elise

[@LeineyX3]

I'm so glad you used clips of Jenna Phipps because she was all I would listen to when I would crochet! I showed my friend a picture of her and she said that she was ugly. And I was like 'thats no the point.' 😕Lets just say Im not her friend anymore. Anyway, great video!

[@chandrikai8319]

I used to crochet when I was a teenager, back in the late 70s and 80s and found it again after retiring from work. It's the ability to create something which I can touch and feel, rather than writing (I am a writer). The joy of creating something tangible with your hands is irreplaceable. I'm also learning new things everyday, thanks to the very generous crochet community who post tutorials online from all over the world. It's something to learn and do. Don't know much about selling, so right now, just happy to learn and create. Lovely video. Enjoyed watching this and would love to learn more about history and how crochet is prevalent and where in the world. A video on latest trends in crochet would also be very welcome. I keep thinking, why bolero sleeves are so popular...Thank you charli!

[@AlletaLady]

One thing I love about handmade clothes is the side effect that the creator then learns just how much effort goes into a garment. And then it spirals into appreciating all your clothes and being more mindful about it, in a world where mindfulness is replaced with automation.

[@capellamorel]

personally, i got into crochet because my grandma was bored one day and wanted to teach me. love you granny! 🕊️

[@emilybowne6043]

I got into crocheting because I saw my mom doing it. I like your use of the phrase "quiet activism" because while attending college, I crochet out in public only to harassed for doing something that was anti feminist. Those of us who liked crocheting, knitting, and embroidery had to do in the college library otherwise we got verbally shamed for doing something that we enjoyed. This was before the pandemic, and I'm very glad that anything craft related is gaining popularity

[@Enoo-Wynn]

I learned when I was in hospital for 12 weeks. I love buying pretty yarn and I love giving people handmade gifts. I love that moment when I finish a long project too.

[@MoonlitBookworm73]

I’m a cosplayer and crochet has been SO USEFUL when doing my cosplays! My most recent cosplay featured a crocheted shrug, potion bottle amigurumi, and glass jar cover! The potion bottle and glass jar also got last minute attachments so they could slip onto my belt!

[@kalenreichert]

I started crocheting in the mid-90s as a way to relieve stress and keep warm in my drafty dorm room in college, and fill a hole I’d felt since my Grandma Tillie passed just before my 7th birthday. She crocheted an afghan for my parents that was proudly displayed in our living room for as long as I could remember and I’d always wanted to learn how to crochet but my Mom’s craft was cross-stitch so that’s what she taught my sisters and me. After we moved out of my childhood home, the afghan was put away in storage in my parents’ new home and when I was home one weekend working on a still life painting for college, I found the afghan and included it in my painting which I titled, “Memories Tucked Away”. After I’d finished the painting, I visited my favorite craft store, bought the “Learn to Crochet in Just One Day” booklet, a hook, and a skein of rainbow variegated yarn, and it worked. I was hooked. 29 years later, I still feel the same connection with my Grandma and the love that goes into every handmade item.

[@shirleykent3839]

I'm 84 years old and have crocheted since I was a child. I found your video fascinating. What a great job. ❤

[@hello_again9149]

Personally I’ve wanted to start crocheting since I was little because we always bought those crochet kits from Costco to make these dolls for all types of shows such as star wars but nobody in the house could figure it out. Not even my mom who could knit or my grandma who used to crochet a bit. Then last year we went to an art shop with a bunch of crochet pattern books and kits and we bought one amigurumi book and a crochet kit for me and my sister to learn together because it was our dream since we were little. I ended up learning it alone near the end of the school year and now at this point I make anything crochet for any reason but mostly for gifts.

[@EH.Crochet]

I tried to learn a few years back, fell off and then got back on it when I saw how cute amigurumi is and the stuff you can make. As I was watching this I was literally crocheting a bandana and it’s just so therapeutic for me. If you’re thinking of giving it a go I would really recommend it!

[@mardzigaga]

I have started crocheting this summer and I'm in love with it❤❤❤The feeling of knowing that you made this piece of cloth by yourself is amazing❤

[@javi_jpg]

I have been interested in knitting and crochet since I was very very young, like I remember I was aprox 8 years old when I saw my grandma and mom knitting sweaters and curtains and said "I AM GONNA KNIT A SCARF FOR MY MOM!"... And then I didn't, I was a child with zero capacity to stay quiet for more than 4 hours (I was very good at sitting doing something entertaining enough like drawing or painting but never lasted more than a day doing the same project or piece) and a scarf would've taken at least 4 days to make. Since then, I just never tried it again, always loved it from afar, but never gave it a chance until very recently, as a 22 year old with a great boyfriend that, in celebration of our first anniversary, provided me with materials, a LOT of yarn and a set of crochet hooks and utensils so that I could FINALLY give it a try~ Now that I have adult patience and that there are a lot of very beginner friendly tutorials everywhere on the internet, I couldn't just let the opportunity pass. That was on may 14th, I've been crocheting mini amigurumis with a passion since then~ I've made two little cats, a small chicken, a bunny and now, the hardest one yet, a little Yoshi amigurumi. I really can't wait to start making accessories and clothes! like I really wanna make a shrug, some leg warmers, gloves and cute mushroom or strawberry bags!

[@abbyag]

My aunt taught me how in high school and picked it back up a year ago. I like it because I love giving handmade gifts. People appreciate it a lot more than something bought.

[@Mimi-watches-youtube]

this was such an interesting video! I was always interested in crafts my whole life and always wanted to learn crochet or knitting, and I finally learned to crochet last year (after lots of attempts) the good thing about crochet trending is easier tutorials and more cute designs that inspire me!

[@TheBeckyStargazer]

I started crocheting 20 years ago when I was 9 and it’s just something that’s always been so versatile and relaxing for me. Even when the hype wears out I will never stop crocheting or gifting crocheted items. ❤

[@karaleigh_eva]

I threw this video up to occupy my brain space while mending with thread and needle a few clothing items and just, this is absolute perfection. I'm in love with you and this video brought to light so many things that I've overlooked and connected so many dots for. You're so intelligent

[@ashboheme]

Crochet has become my favorite art form over the past 1.5 years. It's empowering to be able to make items and clothing by hand. I'll need something, and instead of buying it, I make it myself. The more things I make by hand for useful purposes or art, the more I become confident in myself and my abilities. I love it!!

[@chaoticwhoopsie203]

I started crocheting 2 years ago during my sophomore year in college. I was so stressed with everything that I needed a hobby to just sit down and relax to while listening to music, so i picked up crocheting. Now I have a shelf full of blankets, scarves, and some wonky amigurumi plushes 😅

[@moonstar9559]

I didn't realize that crochet was trending until I randomly decided to engage in crochet. One day I needed a new beanie and I just had the idea to make one instead of buying one. I had dabbled in crochet in the past but never got into a community until I made my beanie and enjoyed it so much i wanted to try other patterns. I sort of fell into the crochet algorithm and found there was a very active community. Now it's everywhere and I just assumed it only cause I interact with it.

[@Aa1iyx]

I’m 21 and I love crocheting. I started back in late 2023. After getting into it I learned so much about fast fashion v slow fashion. Now my wardrobe only consists of my crochet pieces and second hand clothes from Depop and thrifts

[@bthalody]

i started crocheting because i needed a sort of easy, mindless, creative hobby that i could focus on and use up my time with so i tried to start knitting coz i remembered my mum teaching me to knit as a kid but tbh it was a lot harder to pick up on my own than i expected. and my sister saw me struggling and was like 'you should do crochet instead, its so much easier' and i was like 'okay' and went out and bought a crochet hook and i've been obsessed with it ever since. that's not to say i've really made many actually useful or pretty things, but the act of crocheting is just very calming and nice and gives me something to do with my hands and something to think about and focus on when im not otherwise occupied. which i need because i need multiple forms of stimulation at all times and at least this way i can feel more productive than just scrolling on my phone while watching a show

[@madisonsteffel6084]

I started crocheting in Jan of 2023 because I saw videos of adorable amigurumi and decided I wanted to learn a new hobby. Still going strong 18 months later and I love being able to make gifts for my friends and family. Most importantly, I enjoy the satisfaction from creating something with my hands. Especially at the end of a long corporate day 😅

[@luxifer_2194]

I started learning in like 2018, i found a hook in an old sewing kit but stopped bc i got frustrated, then picked it back up in 2021 and havent stopped since, it really helps my anxiety, keeps me busy and its made me more resourceful, i love shopping and worry i fall into the consumerism trend of today, so being able to make literally anything i need and design it to exactly how i want creates less of a need to go and buy cheap, fast fashion and other items.

[@Anonymousweirdo2000]

Dude this video is so well made! I’m a guy and got into crochet like a year ago? I’ve done markets where I sell my crochet plushies. To me why I love crochet is because I enjoy working with my hands, counting/math, and making silly little creatures. Also if i can make extra income off of that that’s a win.

[@rubynkitchen8730]

I picked up crochet to make stuffies for myself and my loved ones! My mom taught me a little as a kid, but I've been learning online through still pictures and text, as that works best for my brain. This video seemed very well balanced and researched and I love it! Thank you for your thoughts and the clips you shared!

[@crow_creek]

as a gen z crocheter, i actually got into it from a young age as i got yarn and hooks from my aunt for a birthday along with being gifted some old crochet books from my moms boss. i lost the hooks for a couple yrs but then my aunt gifted me a new hook set last year and ive picked it up permanently as one of my favourite hobbies❤

[@bemysugarcookie]

I’ve been crocheting since I was 8 because this lovely old lady taught me because I was curious. I love that crochet got popular because that meant I could now bond over a hobby with people my age🥺

[@sarapardo8980]

I started crochet also in the pandemic but the main reason was that I couldn’t find cute clothes in my size where I live so I found a way to make them myself. Now it is my main hobby, it turns my brain off and I can forget about my job, stress and anxiety while crocheting. It is rewarding and you can always challenge your brain a little bit more each project💕

[@adgurl01]

22:07 Awesome critique! You could literally write a thesis on this subject. One of the things that brought me to this craft that I love so much was the death of my dad in 2013. My grief at times was unbearable 😢 then one day a very good friend of mine posted a beautiful crochet blanket on Facebook and I was obsessed to find out how to make one on my own. Eventually I started making hats, scarfs and blankets. Crocheting has given me a peace that I couldn’t find anywhere else.❤

[@Anoniempie_]

I really like the free form of crochet. You quite literally are so free in the things you can make. I also used to draw but I really like the lack of prerequisite ideas of what ‘art’ should be in crochet. Some pieces help to feel cosy. Creating other piece feels connected to my grandma that passed away. I also think we all need some cosyness after the past years. But it is also just fun to create. It is also like you said easy to get started due to many new ideas an tutorials. And the limited materials you need. And when you are chronically ill it is accessible. (hopefully there will me even more accessibility tools in the future tho). Finally, it does feel great to have less extortion for needed for new clothes. And have the say about exactly how I want to pieces to look. We don’t yet have to be a homemaker so crafting is not a ‘necessity’ and it can be grounding

[@TheOneTheyCallTim]

As an elder millennial who got teased growing up for loving crochet, I am so happy to see this generation embrace it with a death grip.

[@ariatownshend3853]

i started to crochet, bc my ENTIRE friend group started to, and it is so satisfiying and caling, you feel productive and at piece whenever you crochet in my opinion

[@jennifervandevooren9105]

Thank you for this interesting deep dive on crochet history and philosophy. It was really thought-provoking and I’m an instant fan of yours now! 👏

[@daddialthy]

I’ve been crocheting for years on and off. It’s such a stress reliever and fun thing. My mom taught me and it was the best thing ever! 🫶🏿

[@cozygoblin]

I am millennial and I've been knitting since 2009 and have been wanting to pick up crochet to supplement what I can do...started crocheting this year and I've loved it. I had no idea it was a huge trend 🤣 I'm appreciating all the cool patterns from gen z tho!!

[@yourlocalsaggirl8702]

thank you so much for this video, I really enjoyed learning more about crochet history since I am becoming more and more obsessed with this craft. to me it's a way to express myself and I'm even starting to appreciate the small imperfections of my pieces because they feel like the proof that I'm human, not just a machine making things out of instructions and monotony. also nothing compares to the satisfaction of receiving compliments and saying "thanks, I did it myself"😂❤

[@peytongarrett4535]

My great-grandmother taught me to crochet when I was very young (mostly to keep me quiet while i was in her care), so I've known how to crochet for most of my life! It's exciting to see a resurgence in popularity for crochet after growing up always being told that it's a dying art, but i am also glad that people are speaking up for the true time and value of the craft.

[@alandoodles]

Personally, I just started crocheting when I was 11 because I saw my best friend's mom crochet really cool hats and loved. She gave me two balls of yarn, two crochet hooks, and an instruction book for my birthday. I was hooked since and made my own blankets. Nowadays I make more stuffed toys, coasters, and now I'm starting to lean into switching colors more for small tapestries. Making images. This video was interesting to watch to be sure. I always joked as a kid that I was like a grandma for crocheting as a preteen and later teenager in the 2010s. It was a surprise to me to later find out more people my age crocheting recently after the pandemic.

[@helenlayley]

That's an excellent discussion of crochet history! Thank you. I learned from my gran, 35 plus years ago, and it was the fun of creating as well as a way to occupy me.

[@zabacinjsh]

I wish 90's and early 00's crochet/knitwork boom could have also been mentioned. There is so much there that could be used as comparison also showing some darker aspects of activist fashion becoming a trend with how the grunge aesthetic eventually resurfaced too with a capitalist tint

[@marleyBsalinas94]

I just started crocheting seriously this past month. My grandmother thought me when I was a kid but I recently wanted to feel creative and it gives me that outlet. I also feel really accomplished when I create a piece I can actually wear. So far I’ve made two crop tops and I’m making matching shorts for one of them. I’ve feel like I’ve finally found something my adhd brain can stick with and I have so many more ideas for clothing I want to make 💙

[@Nik-ko9eq]

I have been a crocheter since 2002, I was 18, now I’m 40! The resurgence makes me happy but yeah… the fast fashion aspect ticks me off! I love gen z, my daughters generation, for bringing it back to the public eye

[@youllbemytourniquet]

I love crochet (and knitting) because it’s really cool that I can create things with my hands! I’ve always wanted a hobby and I’m so happy that I finally do! It’s really upsetting that it’s trickled into fast fashion, but I hope people make the right choice when it comes to these items.

[@strawberr_innie]

gen z crocheter here, i began crocheting in late early this year because to be honest, i struggle quite a lot with thinking of gifts to give people and it's just such a great feeling to see someone like a piece that was made with care. also started because i do quite like the idea of making clothes and i know a couple of designer friends who have their own brand and all, and crocheting helps me in fulfilling my desire to make clothes i'll wear and also being able to try patterns and giving it a bit of a personal flare.

[@AbraCassandraCrafts]

I'm 35 and just starting my crochet journey. Not because it's "trending" but because I've struggled finding my thing my whole life and have done so many things. Art, clay, photography, jewelry etc. This is actually my art channel which will be converted to a crochet channel lol. My grandmother is my inspiration. She has been doing yarn arts for over 50 years and she's thrilled I'm finally dipping into it. I do wish it wasn't so trendy because people assume I'm doing it because of that but in fact, I've been considering it for a good 10 years now. I think it'll be difficult to sell anything since the market IS so saturated right now but I won't let that stop me because I enjoy it very much.

[@jordanlopez3034]

watched this while crocheting a custom piece to sell haha , but I really like your points in this video. I love the trend of slower fashion, wearing your own creations, and learning how clothes you make yourself can serve you and last longer

[@fridafredag]

I found this so interesting, especially the historical context and examples of art - especially since it's so rare! "Burnt Breakfast" seems like a perfect name for an all girls punk band.

[@shiivainu9442]

It was fun learning the history of crochet! I do it every day and never thought to look into it. Thank you

[@liquid_computer]

I got into crochet last summer after being influenced by a good friend of mine who has been crocheting for ten years! I actually had no idea that the crochet boom online had started in 2020, and thought it was much more recent, but maybe it's just because I started tuning into it more recently.

[@Margot_Lazarus]

32 year old millennial here. I started crocheting when I was 12 simply because during the months of January and February grades 5-8 would have half days on Mondays and the second half of the day was spent doing activities. Most people chose skiing/snowboarding, but I'm not good or that into that. Crocheting was an option and as someone who always like crafting it sounded cool to me. I never stopped doing it. It was so interesting to learn the history behind it. Thank you for you!

[@fimarshall2272]

Really interesting video, thank you! I've been crocheting for a year now, it appealed to me for a few reasons: 1 - you can make cool stuff 2 - i love having something to do that isn't too physically challenging for relaxing time 3 - i was quitting smoking, and the only thing that appealed about smoking was the repetitive hand movement, so i figured crochet was an excellent replacement! I've also found that crochet is GREAT for ADHD. Keeping me busy and focused on something whilst watching TV or youtube feels so much more fulfilling AND relaxing.

[@Atla.s.]

honestly so glad crochet is more popular lol, I remember trying to learn when I was 9-11 but they didn't have many tutorials on KZbin for left handed people and the tutorials were often hard to follow because they would cover their stitches!!! I finally learned once I was 17 and it has been a year! I even made my first dress.

[@kynteji]

I never thought crochet was a trend, i wanted to learn it so i can master all 3 artforms of making clothes; knitting, sewing, and crochet

[@maddyearhart]

I started crocheting but switched to knitting just for personal preference. Regardless, it’s been interesting watching people around me notice my slow change in wardrobe towards things I made. They fit better, they’re more unique, they’re more comfortable, and they’re way more towards my style - but they also often take me 50-100 hours to make. People often tell me they want to have the clothes I have, and I’m kind of torn because I’m just aware that not everyone can have them - they’re too labor-intensive for me to make for other people, even if I sold them. And the care, especially if you’re using an animal fiber like wool/silk is higher. So while on one hand it feels like a rebellion against fast fashion, I also don’t feel comfortable telling other people that this is the right solution for everyone, because it requires time and energy in both producing and maintaining the clothes that I just know isn’t accessible to all people everywhere. And I still struggle to hold both sides of this coin in my head as true. It’s the right thing for me, but I can’t fault other people for not adopting it because I know it’s not the right thing for everyone. Regardless, really loved your thoughtful deep dive into this topic!! Made me think about this craft from a new angle!

[@ahlamamr4659]

I started crochet two months ago and I am obsessed I cant stop even if my hands hurt, I wanted to learn it so I can make gifts for people I love and make clothes for myself and not support fast fashion brands. I already stopped purchasing from global brands like zara ana H&M for like a year, and when I need something I look for a local brand, my aunt starting a brand also helped (she designs everything and go to a tailor to sew the designs). plus being a graphics and media student I was tired of screens and needed a new hobby, crochet seemed perfect in this economy.

[@adgurl01]

Maybe your next video could be on the history of knitting. Since I taught myself to crochet back in 2013, I have now embraced knitting and I love it!!!

[@kaymastclinic2171]

I started to crochet back in 1981 as a 14 year old. I was shown how to make a ch and a tr(AUS), dc. by a neighbour up the road. I practiced until I got it. I was loaned a book with some basic stitches. The rest is history. I did stop for quite a few years but started again this year. Absolutely love it. Thank you for sharing this video. Fast fashion is not and never can be crochet. Part of crochet is its handmade with love. A machine can’t produce love into a garment or accessories, afghans, etc. One of my current projects is a blanket for my husband.