Why crochet is making a comeback (and why you should be part of it!)

For the average person, the word “crochet” often conjures up thoughts of scratchy afghans in 70’s browns and oranges, old-fashioned lace doilies, or slightly creepy toilet paper cover dolls. “You crochet? My grandma does that!” is a fairly common response to people asking what I do. Le sigh. BUT, over the past few years, I’ve noticed something exciting: more and more 20- and 30-somethings responding with, “You crochet? Me too!”

Don’t get me wrong, grandmas are the OG girls of crochet and I personally know a few with insane crochet skills, but it is beyond exciting that younger generations are picking up steam in the crochet world!

Crafting in general is on the rise and nearly 30 million Americans currently knit or crochet according to craft and hobby research collected by the Association for Creative Industries. I found it super interesting that the age demographic break down was almost evenly distributed with 34% in the 18-34yo age bracket, 36% in the 35-54 age bracket, and 30% are 55+. Crocheting is not just for your grandma anymore!

Why a Crochet Comeback

After experiencing a lull in popularity in the 80’s and 90’s, crochet is on the upswing. Lets take a look at why! 

The Internet

There’s no doubt about it, the internet has played a massive role in the resurgence of crochet. From Etsy shops and pattern databases like Ravelry, to blog articles, podcasts, and YouTube tutorials, a wealth of crochet resources are available at your fingertips. In the age of the internet, someone who has never picked up a crochet hook could pull up a YouTube video and be on their way to their first dishcloth in under 30 minutes!

The internet has also allowed crocheters from around the world to connect via social media to find support and share their love for their craft. A Facebook search for crochet groups will turn up dozens of options, many with over 100,000 members! On Instagram, #crochet has over 24 million tags. Crazy!

On a more professional note, organizations like The Craft Yarn Council have used the internet to create and distribute crochet standards, education, and opportunities within the industry.

The Yarn

I recently had a conversation about yarn (the best kind!) with my aunt who had just participated in a yarn crawl (basically a bar crawl, but with yarn stores. Awesome!). She was amazed at the variety of yarn that is available today compared to the stiff acrylics in limited colors that were common 40 years ago when she began crocheting.

Today, you can find a huge selection of soft, drapeable synthetic yarns as well as natural fibers like wool, cotton, alpaca, bamboo, cashmere, and silk. The colors and textures of today’s yarn are nearly limitless! You can get faux fur yarn, jumbo yarn, hand-dyed, yarn for home decor…the list goes on and on.

Yarn giants like Lion Brand have made much of this variety relatively affordable and accessible to the average crafter. On the flip side, luxury yarn producers and independent yarn dyers like Handmade Home Fibers and Hickory Lane Handmade offer GORGEOUS handcrafted yarns that are almost too pretty to use (almost!).

The Mindset

Even in today’s fast-paced, disposable-driven culture, there are rumblings of longing for the simpler things. Minimalism is a hot topic and the slow fashion movement is gaining traction.

Slow fashion is the rebuttal to “fast fashion” – cheap trendy clothing rapidly (and often unethically) produced by big retailers. Slow fashion aims to be ethical, eco-friendly, and lasting. Handmade garments and accessories are an amazing way to become part of the slow fashion movement!

Why You Should Be Part of It!

So now that we’ve covered why crochet is cool, let’s talk about what’s in it for you. Maybe you’ve never picked up a hook, but you’re intrigued by the idea of making something out of string? Maybe you learned the basics years ago, but never really explored the possibilities? Well let me tell you, friend, the possibilities are astounding!

The Options

Once upon a time, blankets and baby booties were the main attraction for crochet. These days, thanks to better yarn and many fabulously talented designers, you can make sweaters, t-shirts, swim suits, wraps, cowls, mittens, hats….I’ve even seen (very chic) crocheted pants. And if you think crochet garments are just for winter, think again. Some of the hottest clothing designers are featuring crochet in their Spring 2020 collections.

Beyond clothing, crochet home decor items like pillows, wall hangings, rugs, and throws are easy to make and look great in any home. Then there’s Amigurumi – crochet stuffed dolls and toys. The possibilities really are endless!

The Impact

When you crochet a garment with your own two hands, you are creating something that is better for the environment and better for people.

Not only are you ensuring a fair work environment for the maker, many yarns today are ethically sourced and responsibly produced. Recycled and upcycled yarns are also a fairly new, but growing trend in the industry.

Crochet also offers so many ways to connect with other makers. Whether you join a local sip-and-stitch group or connect with other crafters online via social media, you become part of an amazing community of makers.

On a personal level, the quiet repetitive nature of crochet is great for reducing stress (aka a sanity saver when you’re a mom of 4!). And the best reason to jump on the crochet bandwagon? When some one asks “Hey, where’d you get that cute sweater?” You can say, “I made it!”