Once considered an octogenarian’s pastime, crochet has been reclaimed by Gen Z and transformed into the new It-activity.
The hobby is a breath of fresh air in a world of polluting fast fashion. Crocheting champions artisanal crafts, making a case for slowly-made, considered clothing creation.
So it’s just as well that crocheted pieces are back on the agenda of London’s style set. Monsoon has found new search data revealing that numerous crochet items are trending, with crochet dresses up 30 per cent alongside crochet bags and crochet tops all increasing in searches this week. Likewise, Boohoo has reported that Google searches in the UK for ‘crochet outfit’ have exploded by a significant 245 per cent in the last 30 days, demonstrating its popularity ahead of high summer.
Yet why buy a crochet piece when you can craft your own? Not only is it more sustainable, but crocheting your dream wardrobe offers a moment of calm to sit back, relax and knit to your heart's content.
Independent knitwear labels such as Lydia Bolton and Cro-Che pioneer handmade creations made both ethically and locally. Not to mention, each collection is more desirable than the next.
Even the stars are embracing the hooks, with Ella Emhoff’s Ella Likes To Knit and Tom Daley’s Made With Love Instagram pages encouraging fanbases to follow suit.
Knowing where to start is always the daunting part. Especially when it comes to yarn as you can crochet with any material. We’ll break it down for you:
- Wool is easy and fun to manoeuvre making it suitable for beginners. Wool yarn is perfect for making chunky pieces like sweaters, hats, scarves and bags
- Cashmere is ideal for crafting luxurious pieces that boast warmth and smooth exteriors such as beanies, jumpers and scarves
- Cotton is smooth and chunky. Cotton yarn can be fashioned into activewear, loungewear and easy-breezy thrown-on pieces
- Raffia is ripe to crochet to your heart’s content. Raffia is suited to summer hats (preferably bucket), homeware accessories and tote bags
- Alpaca is lightweight and relaxed. Alpaca yarn is great for layer-friendly fishnet jumpers, turtlenecks, snoods and scarves
- Mohair is the Marmite of yarns. Textural, itchy-chic mohair is popular for making jumpers and winter staples due to its fluffy design
According to crochet.com, it is advised that beginners start off with synthetic fibres like acrylic, elastic, modal, nylon, rayon and viscose as opposed to natural fibres, as they are easy to find and are machine-washable.
The site notes some points to consider before purchasing your chosen yarn, which include:
- Yarn weight: the weight of the yarn refers to the thickness, which is typically divided into lace, super fine, fine, light, medium, bulky and super bulky. It’s recommended to use the weight your chosen pattern advises
- Care instructions: ensure you know how the yarn should be washed and cared for. Read up about your chosen yarn before purchase so you can take care of the product and create a high-quality piece to stand the test of time
- Yardage: note the yardage listing on the yarn’s label. This will help you to determine how many balls of yarn are needed for your crochet creation. To calculate how many you’ll need, take the total yardage listed in your pattern and divide it by the yardage listed on one ball. Round up to figure out how many balls you need to get started
- Buying extra: it’s always prudent to buy an extra ball of yarn just in case your calculations are off. That way there's no chance your crocheting session will be interrupted by a lack of yarn
Thankfully there are many brands helping beginners to hop on the bandwagon. For example, Wool and the Gang offer tutorials for beginners, in addition to patterns and pre-made yarn bundles. Simply browse the crochet section, select the tote, blanket or jumper you want to make and the brand delivers the kit to your door.
Discover the best types of yarn for crochet, from mohair to macrame, cotton to wool and more.
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Wool and the Gang Shiny Happy Cotton
Cloud-like softness and a sleek finish are guaranteed when using Wool and the Gang’s Shiny Happy Cotton to craft your dream piece. Suitable for summer knits, the yarn can be used to fashion sweaters, dresses, accessories and lightweight childrenswear. Choose from a kaleidoscopic range of colours and get crocheting. Suitable for beginners.
Buy now £10.00, Wool and the Gang
Knitted Home London Superfine Alpaca + Peruvian Highland Wool
Opt for a layer of warmth and crochet with a luxurious wool yarn for when the temperature drops. Suitable for both crochet and knitting use, this refined alpaca wool pick can be transformed into blankets, jumpers, toys and any other cosy homeware or style accessory. It’s easy to crochet and has garnered much popularity among Etsy users.
Buy now £2.80, Etsy
DROPS Paris 100% Cotton Yarn
A solid choice for those with sensitive skin, DROPS Paris’ fully cotton yarn is blissfully soft and simple to use. Select from two types of yarn, DROPS Paris uni colour, made from 100 per cent combed cotton or DROPS Paris recycled denim, made from 100 per cent recycled cotton. Whatever your pick, the yarn is a great choice for beginners and can be incorporated into projects from towels to blankets and baby bibs.
Buy now £1.48, Etsy
Utopia Crafts DK Double Knitting Yarn 100g
A number one best-seller, this yarn is inexpensive and versatile to use in your crochet endeavours. Suitable for knitting and crochet, the yarn comes in a myriad of sweet colourways and is Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Certified, meaning it is tested for harmful substances. A win for your skin.
Buy now £2.90, Amazon
TEHETE 100% Cashmere Yarn
Submerge yourself in swathes of luxurious Mongolian cashmere as you crochet your winter wardrobe. It may feature a higher price point than acrylic options, but cashmere yarn is set to take your crocheting methods to new levels. The classic colours make for chic crocheted clothing, which can be hand-washed in cold water when necessary. Suitable for more advanced crochet enthusiasts.
Buy now £14.75, Amazon
Little Crochet Boxx 50g Balls of Milk Cotton Yarn
Crochet novices, Little Crochet Boxx has got you covered. The Etsy store has received rave reviews from customers, who highlighted the unparalleled quality and user-friendliness of the yarn for crocheting and knitting. Choose from a jaw-dropping 86 colourways and set yourself up for success in the craft department. Enjoy 100 metres of length and a light worsted design. Time to take the needles for a spin.
Buy now £2.25, Etsy
Women’s Institute Bright Lilac Premium Acrylic Yarn 100g
Up for grabs for just £3 each or 3 for 2, Women’s Institute’s premium yarn is a hit among customers. Showcasing five-star reviews across the board, the affordable, adorably-hued yarn is suitable for beginners wanting to kickstart their crochet journey and pros working their well-practised magic. Strong, durable and delightfully coloured, this fully acrylic yarn offers a fine, soft quality that’s kind to the skin.
Buy now £3.00, Hobbycraft
Knitcraft Teal Knit Fever Yarn 100g
Intertwine streams of sparkle into your crocheted wonder. This yarn has a magical, mermaid-like quality thanks to its glittering finish and rich teal hue. Ideal for summer blankets and festive occasions, the easy-to-use yarn brings a splash of sequins to every project. This particular pick is suitable for both knitting and crocheting, and even comes with a free crochet beret pattern to help you get started. Oui oui to that.
Buy now £3.00, Hobbycraft
Women's Institute Denim Soft and Smooth Aran Yarn 400g
Another, larger offering from Women’s Institute, this 400g pack of yarn will kit you out for all your crocheting needs. Opt for a three-for-two deal and choose from ten subtle, wearable shades. This yarn is 100 per cent acrylic, with a smooth, soft finish suitable for crochet and knit alike. With 400g, you have plenty to get going with.
Buy now £13.00, Hobbycraft
Paintbox Yarns Cotton Aran 10 Ball Value Pack
Get ten balls of sumptuous yarn for just over £20. Made from 100 per cent cotton, these colourful yarns by Paintbox Yarns can be transformed into adult and children’s clothing, plus home textiles. Not only is the aran yarn machine-washable, but it’s highly versatile and comes with an array of patterns which can be downloaded on the website.
Buy now £23.38, Love Crafts
