Passing on the craft

For Generation Z, the growing interest in crochet is mostly fashionled. With knitwear and crochet seeing a resurgence on the catwalk and high street, when Harry Styles donned a JW Anderson patchwork knit cardigan during a soundcheck for The Today Show, it sparked a TikTok knitting and crochet craze, as fans rushed to recreate Harry’s look.

Student Natalie Turner says: “I came across crocheting on TikTok in November 2020. I had found a tutorial for making different granny squares to make a version of the iconic Harry Styles cardigan, but in my own colours. It was quite an ambitious project as I had never crocheted anything in my life, and had no equipment to start it, but I ordered some things straight away.”

Natalie moved on to hats, sweaters and vests, even creating some patterns. “A friend and I have just launched an Instagram account – @crochetqweens – where we can share our projects.”

Nancy Roberts-Smith, a 25-year old living in Bristol, works part-time alongside running her new crochet business (www.fancynancycrochet.co.uk), after first picking up a hook in May 2020. “I was drawn to crochet as I love making things with my hands and it seemed a very accessible hobby,” she says. “I have always loved fashion but have never been able to really get the hang of sewing, so crochet is a way to satisfy my desire to create clothing and accessories in a medium I understand.”

Nancy’s designs are bright and bold with fun motifs. “My personal favourites are my daisy headbands as they took a while to perfect, and I think they are so cute – and I haven’t seen anything similar elsewhere.”

Nancy says the handmade aspect of crochet really appeals to her age group. “I think the younger generation are becoming more aware of the damages of fast fashion. Creating your own garments is a great way to move away from that whilst also expanding your creativity.”

Find Nancy on Instagram @fancynancy_crochet.