It’s been two years since I picked up crocheting again, which has now become one of my biggest hobbies or nearly an obsession. But my first encounter with yarn work goes back to my elementary school years, when I was around ten. During summer and winter visits to my grandparents, my grandma taught me how to crochet and knit. Back then, I was far too clumsy for knitting, so I started with finger knitting and gradually learned to crochet. I still remember finishing a light-blue scarf—my favourite colour at the time—and feeling genuinely proud that I had made something wearable with my own hands.
Although I enjoyed crocheting, the hobby didn’t stick. Maybe I was simply caught up in being a teenager, or maybe I relied too much on my grandma’s patient guidance to continue on my own. Plus, the idea of crocheting being labelled a “grandma’s hobby” made me hesitate because at that age, I wasn’t ready to be associated with anything remotely “grandma-like.” Now, I see how limiting that mindset was. Hobbies don’t necessarily belong to any specific age group or gender—crocheting is for everyone. And the “grandma” label itself isn’t negative at all. In fact, it reflects skills, creativity, and knowledge that deserve far more appreciation than they usually get.
In the winter of 2023, I noticed myself craving something creative. My days had become a routine of school, home, and endless readings. I spent so much time on my laptop that even my breaks were filled with doom-scrolling. That was when I began seeing crochet videos people sharing their projects and processes on Instagram. Their work looked fascinating and unique, and something about it felt warm and grounding. Without overthinking it, I bought a set of crochet hooks and a single one-euro ball of yarn from Action.
Making something again felt almost magical. After months of producing nothing but documents and doing chores, creating a tangible object with my hands brought a sense of calm I hadn’t realised I needed. In a world full of pre-made products urging us to consume, crocheting reminded me of the slower, quieter joy of making. Since last month, I’ve been teaching myself to knit – something that once seemed impossible at my grandma’s table – and in discovering that I am capable of it, I have found myself truly delighted.
Yuki Nakamura, a third year bachelor student Arts and Culture