I started crocheting in quarantine when I was bored out of my mind and needed something to keep me busy (or else I would literally go insane). It didn’t take long before I became addicted, and now I have a drawer in my dorm stuffed with balls of yarn and half-finished projects.
I know what you’re thinking: crochet is a grandma hobby, but hear me out, the grandmas are onto something. Crochet is inexpensive, rewarding and incredibly fun.
Below, I’ve listed seven reasons I crochet and why you should too.
It’s A Great stress reliever
When my school work becomes a little bit too stressful, crochet is the first activity I turn to. The repetitive movements calm my nerves and force me to focus on something other than my (tragic) grades. Plus, it’s so satisfying to watch my project slowly take shape.
You can turn it into a small business
Platforms like Etsy and Instagram allow crocheters to sell their handmade projects online! This is great if you’re a broke college student (like me) who needs a little extra spending money. There’s a wide variety of crochet projects you can sell as well, whether it be a stylish mini skirt or an ultra-soft blanket.
It’s cheap
It can be pretty frustrating to learn a new skill, especially when it involves shelling out a ton of cash for supplies. Luckily, crochet is among the cheaper hobbies. Acrylic or cotton yarns are great for beginners and are typically under $10. Crochet hooks are also inexpensive — I bought a pack from Amazon for only $8!
It’s an amazing way to be creative
Before I learned to crochet, my only hobby was scrolling through TikTok. I was in dire need of a creative outlet, and surprisingly, crochet provided me with one. There are no limits to what you can make with crochet, from trendy new clothes to adorable amigurumi. If you want total artistic freedom over your creations, you can even draft your own patterns!
It makes you feel better about binge-watching Tv
Before I learned to crochet, I felt a tiny bit ashamed of the amount of Netflix I watched. Now, I can crochet while I binge-watch television! I’m no longer spending a whole day on the couch, glued to a screen. I’m honing a valuable, creative skill with some ~background noise~.
It allows for inexpensive gift-giving
As someone who used their meal plan to buy Starbucks cups for their relative’s Christmas presents last semester, I know a lot about gift-giving on a budget. Using crochet, you can make your loved ones a gift they will cherish forever and you don’t even have to break the bank. Plus, your family and friends will definitely appreciate the amount of time and effort you spent handcrafting a unique gift just for them.
It’s ethical
Knitwear is super trendy right now, so you may be tempted to buy crochet garments from fast-fashion retailers. However, these companies use unethical practices to produce their knits.
Evvia, a crochet artist who sells her designs on Instagram, told Refinery that crochet can’t be done by machine. This means that fast fashion brands use manual labor to create each piece by hand, which is a tedious and labor-intensive process.
“I remember last summer seeing these beautifully done, intricate crochet pieces that, honestly, I would never have the patience for popping up in Zara. And it was horrifying,” Evvia said. “I’m quite a fast crocheter, I’ve been practicing for a long time now, and that would have taken me a full day’s worth of work, especially when you see all the tiny, detailed little stitches.”
As evidenced by the low retail prices of crochet clothing, fashion companies are not compensating their garment workers fairly for their efforts.
Instead of supporting these unethical brands, you can crochet your own outfits. There are numerous tutorials available online that include patterns and detailed instructions. Plus, you can customize your garment for a completely unique look!
All in all, I hope this article convinced you to learn how to crochet. If you do try this hobby, I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do. Trust me, it’s not just for grandmas.