Crochet is more than a silly craft; it’s a form of self-expression and a way to make lasting memories and last-minute gifts. Unlike knitting, crocheting is done with only one hook, which makes it better for different shapes and more intricate things. At Ida B. Wells, there used to be a Knit and Crochet Club held in room 223, but it was put to a stop at the end of last year when its leaders graduated. There’s been talk of it starting up again and potentially being a place to teach new people about how to get started.
For those who have tried and failed to learn how to crochet, “Don’t give up, because once you get the hang of it, it’s kind of the same,” says Azelle Jaitla, a sophomore and crochet enthusiast at IBW. When you learn the first basic stitches, the rest is easy-peasy. You can make whatever you’d like once you’ve started. Need a floral coaster set, a new coin purse, or a stuffed duck? No problem, patterns for all those things already exist. Sometimes you don’t even need a pattern, just your imagination.
Jaitla started crocheting during the 2020 lockdown. “I was bored during COVID,” says Jaitla. So if you’re bored during winter break, then get some supplies and watch some YouTube videos.
“I made this kind of hat that is inspired by the one my mom has,” says Anastasia Von Antz, a senior at IBW. “It’s a rainbow beret-type hat, and it has matching fingerless gloves. I made it for my aunt because she’s always been super jealous of my mom’s hat. And it turned out so pretty. It was my second or third project, and it turned out so much better than I was expecting.”
Many people look at crochet designs of pretty tops and stuffed animals and think that they are way too complex and too difficult to attempt. But the truth of the matter is that anyone can learn how to crochet if they set their mind to it. “It’s not about how easy or beginner-friendly it is,” says Von Antz. “It’s about how much motivation you have to complete the project.” If you want to start crocheting, then you should start with whatever interests you most. Whether you want to make a warm scarf or a stuffed animal, the only thing that’s holding you back from achieving your crochet dreams is you.
There’s no time like the present, so pick up a hook and start crocheting away.
