Is Crochet Here to Stay?
During my Pinterest and Instagram scrolls, I have been noticing more crochet tops, hats, skirts, and dresses making their appearance lately. Not only has crochet been having its moment in the media, but in high fashion as well: Jonathan Simkhai’s collection “the crochet edit,” the Prada bucket hat, and the colourblock long sleeve from Sam and Scarlett, to name a few.
However, the unfortunate reality of trends is that they will subside once the next best thing comes around. Despite this, I am hoping that crochet has a longer lifespan than any other trend. I believe that crocheted clothes should be destined to stay in the name of sustainability.
Thrifting and buying from sustainable brands (that can often hurt your pockets) are not the only ways to build your wardrobe with more peace of mind. Crocheting your own clothes is a great way to avoid spending your money on lower quality fast fashion items. The fact of the matter is, more eco-friendly brands such as Reformation are largely inaccessible. It is a privilege in itself to be able to consider purchasing from ethical, quality brands.
From another perspective, crocheting gives you the opportunity to create a garment that fits you well, aligns with your personal style, is a complementary colour, and lasts long. Crocheting makes for an accessible hobby since there are little supplies required and many helpful resources to follow on YouTube.
What I like about crocheting is that it helps me to relax and focus. After a while, I find myself gaining muscle memory and getting into a flow state of mind. The best part is, when you’re done, you get a nice feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment. Moreover, replicating a trendy crochet item is more sustainable than buying that exact trendy crocheted item from a store.
Regardless of crochet pieces being popular at the moment, I find crochet items to be timeless. With Kingston’s cold weather, a good cardigan, sweater, or shrug can go a long way and when it comes to sustainable fashion practices, good quality, timeless items are key.
Crocheting your own garments makes for an effective way to ensure that you are adding meaningful pieces to your wardrobe that aren’t breaking the bank. Also, if you don't have the patience to crochet a whole piece of clothing, cute coasters are always appreciated.