Hooked on crocheting

Ky McCombe

A giraffe, teddy bear and bee all made out of yarn by using crochet techniques.

Felicity Knabenbauer, Lifestyle Editor

Oh, what a day to crochet. An art form that just about anyone can pick up in a matter of hours has been stringing itself throughout the lives of everyone who is feeling a little crafty. September 12th was national crochet day; however, this hobby has been going viral since the beginning of quarantine where millions had to stay at home and find new ways to entertain themselves. Crocheting is cheap, easy and portable, making it the perfect craft to occupy yourself in your free time. Some may have this notion that the only things you can crochet are dollies or Christmas sweaters, in reality, there are millions of different items that you can craft with just your hands, a hook and a ball of yarn.

With the chilly weather coming in hot or should we say cold, many have gone online to learn how to crochet articles of clothing to keep themselves warm and fashionable. One of these crafts involves using fuzzy yarn to make super soft gloves and mittens. Another requires them to get their favorite color of yarn in browns, reds and yellows to make a fall themed vest. One can even learn how to make a pom pom out of yarn to put on top of a crochet beanie or hat! These are just a few ideas of different ways you can crochet your own clothing, out of the thousands. Other ideas include cropped sweaters, flared or A-line skirts, cardigans and so much more. 

Clothing is not the only thing you can crochet into your life. Some of the most popular crocheting, how-to, videos are ones that involve making adorable stuffed animals and jaw dropping decorations for any season. One video that will pop up frequently is a step-by-step instruction on how to make a plush bumble bee out of just fluff and yarn. Other popular animals include octopuses, turtles, teddy bears, bunnies, whales and even axolotls. If you are looking for cheap decorations for any season, then you are in luck, as there are thousands of free patterns online showing how to make them. For summer, go and create your own tiny mushrooms to display on your windowsill or mantel. For fall, find your favorite pumpkin design whether that be pumpkin shaped coasters, or a fluff filled pumpkin decoration to place throughout the house. Flower patterns are a go-to in spring, while snowflake and wreath designs are popping up everywhere in winter. 

Crocheting is one of those hobbies you will get hooked on, no matter what design you decide to recreate. When there are so many compelling and simple patterns shared to us for free, it would almost be a tragedy not to try out crocheting at least once in your life.

If you wish to learn how to crochet yourself watch this video with 50 million views: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAxGTnVNJiE

Or this one with 5.3 million views: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcOzdAzmtNM

If you would rather read and see pictures of how to crochet, then start here: https://www.wikihow.com/Crochet-a-Chain

A teal bumble bee being held by a pink and yellow giraffe. (Kylie McCombe)