Microtrend Spotlight: Crochet Your Way

There’s no doubt you’ve seen a resurgence of crochet clothing in the last year, as the trend has recycled from the 70s and won back the hearts of designers and casual clothing connoisseurs alike. More than just a design trend, crochet is a uniquely individual method of taking that first step into fashion creation. If you want to try out a new hobby, crochet is the perfect way to stitch together your passion for fashion with your creative and crafty side. While it may seem like a challenge, and one you probably didn’t have on your 2023 bucket list, crochet is actually a great beginner’s craft for those who want to break into fashion design. Below, we’ll talk about a few pieces you can make to kick off your crochet career

Shrug it off

The most prevalent crochet pieces currently coming out of this trend are shoulder shrugs. Embracing the witchy aesthetic of a late 90s Lisa Bonet, the long-sleeve top is meant to stop short just below the collarbone. For first-time crafters, this is a fairly easy project to kick off your collection. There are plenty of patterns and tutorials for this popular style that aren't too hard to follow, just be sure to pick out your favorite colors and materials to work with.

Top up

If making sleeves sounds like too much fuss for your liking, you can opt to create more simple pieces like tube tops and halter tanks. There are endless options when it comes to picking a style, but a cropped crochet tank in any color will be a closet staple this summer. Taking time to incorporate more colors and detail into your creations makes them personal to your sense of style, so play around with patterns! If you’re inspired by a certain image or shape, don’t be afraid to try out new patterns to practice. For example, while it may sound daunting, adding small flowers or a checker pattern to your top can be very easy with practice.

In the Bag

Perhaps the easiest jumping-off point for newbies, bags are a multipurpose and adorable start to your crochet journey. Their simplistic shape allows you to mindlessly stitch away on a Sunday afternoon without the frustration of manipulating sleeves or measurements. You can opt for a solid-color, neutral tote, or add some color to your look with a green gingham design. Bonus: once finished, you can use your new bag to hold all of your current crochet projects and supplies! Take it on the go, and whip out our needles while waiting for your order at a coffee shop. You’ll be the most creative coffee drinker in any café.

Hobby Hats

If you’re looking to take on a structural design challenge, hats are always here to help. You’ll have to start by taking measurements of your head, and I recommend sketching out a design of the look you want to achieve. You can find patterns for all different hat styles, with beanies being the least demanding in terms of planning and execution. For advanced crafters, bucket hats (especially those with custom designs) are an impressive and stylish feat. There’s no feeling better than receiving a compliment on a new accessory and responding with, “thanks, I made it!” I guarantee you’ll drop some jaws when onlookers realize you’re truly wearing one-of-a-kind pieces made from your heart.

Crochet can be a fun and easy craft that doesn’t take years to master – just remember to pay attention to your stitching and be patient with yourself to avoid frustration along the way. The best kind of hobby is one that leaves you feeling fulfilled, and with crochet, you can look as good as you feel knowing you made your very own clothing. Get to stitching, and remember, practice makes perfect, but perfection isn’t always the goal! Have fun with yourself and be proud of the learning process, even if your strings sometimes get tangled.

Written by Lily Baldwin

Copyedited by Avni Trivedi

Graphic by Lawton Harris