A spool of yarn and the pull of a hook has the potential to create intricate patterns. The craft is unique, as it can only be done by human hands. Machines aren’t capable of manipulating the yarn in a way that emulates the centuries-old art form.
Fourth-year psychology major Stevee Judy has been crocheting for more than a decade. She was taught by her grandmother — who had been crocheting her whole life — when she was young.
“I consider it a fine art form, honestly, and it’s so useful. You can make just about anything with a crochet hook,” Judy said. “I think it’s, historically, been one of those things that’s passed down maternally, so it’s kind of cool to see that continue in a different way.”
With major advancements in technology, Judy appreciates that the craft has survived. Since modern technology isn’t capable of crochet, people are the only source of crocheted products.
The item Judy has made that she’s most proud of is a replica of Harry Styles’ “iconic patchwork cardigan,” which she described as time-consuming but rewarding.
People have recommended Judy sell her work because they said they would want to order something from her. She first sold her work in November 2023 at a craft sale put on by the Crochet and Crafts Club at Ball State University, which she is a member of.
Judy was initially unsure if anyone would be interested, but she thought it could be a fun way to make money. Those who advised her to sell her work were right, and she is currently taking order requests on her Instagram @steveestitches.
“I just finished up a bouquet of lavender for an order. I'm currently also making another bouquet for my friend's wedding, which is exciting. And I'm gonna crochet a turtle for a friend of mine,” Judy said.
First-year entrepreneurship and innovation major Natalia Gonzalez picked up crochet in 2020. She has always been an artistic and creative person, but she felt like she needed a new hobby during the pandemic.
Like Judy, Gonzalez’s grandmother also crochets, so she was already familiar with the craft. She started watching YouTube videos to teach herself how to crochet. She also shares Judy’s thoughts on crochet continuing in newer generations.
“I think it’s really nice, especially since crochet cannot be made by machines,” Gonzalez said. “It’s nice that it’s still a learned craft rather than something that’s older and doesn’t really have more representation.”
Gonzalez is also a member of the Crochet and Crafts Club, which meets every Monday from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the L.A. Pittenger Student Center, and she enjoys the casual setting the club offers.
She said she enjoys learning new things about crocheting from her peers and having a shared space for people to work on their projects together.
Gonzalez invited first-year finance major Ella Browder to one of their club meetings in September 2023. She went just to socialize but soon became a member of the club.
“I was going to go color or something, and they gave me a hook and yarn, and Natalie Gonzalez — she is my bathroom mate — she started teaching me, and I just picked it up really fast,” Browder said. “It was really just out of boredom, but it became a big hobby.”
Browder has an anxiety disorder and discovered crochet didn’t just cure her boredom. She used to do puzzles to help ease symptoms but switched to crochet after joining the club.
“It’s something that calms you down, and it really brings your focus in on something, and you’re doing something with your hands that makes your brain focus on something,” Browder said. “Whenever I get super anxious, crochet is my go-to. I turn on some white noise, put some peaceful music on, dim the lights, and I crochet.”
While Browder has utilized crochet as a coping mechanism, the market Judy has found, for the passion she shares with her grandma, allows her to make money doing something she enjoys. She has advice for others who take a similar route:
“Know the value of your work, even if it's not crochet. Know the value of arts and crafts. It still is art even if it’s silly [and] simple,” Judy said. “If it brings you joy, keep doing it. That’s kind of cliche, but there is a market out there. If you don’t think so, there is a market out there for whatever you’re doing.”
For those interested in learning how to crochet, Judy advises that people take advantage of the free resources that are out there.
“Stick with it, have patience, because you’re going to get angry, and there’s going to be things that are confusing and hard,” Judy said. There’s [sic.] tons of tutorials on YouTube and on Pinterest and the internet. You don’t have to buy a bunch of fancy supplies and spend a ton of money to get started. There are tons of ways to do it on a budget, and it’s one of the best things that you can do if you want to pick up a hobby.”
Contact Ella Howell with comments at ella.howell@bsu.edu.
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