Crochet: A popular 1900s trend makes a comeback in 2020s

MOVIDA KATRIZIA explores the emergence of a once old-fashioned trend which is now worn as day-to-day outfits and accessories.

Crocheted vest done by Shenny Goh, owner of online crochet shop, wobbleblobbe. PHOTOS: SHENNY GOH

Tired of the routine that Circuit Breaker had forced her into, Shanice Ow decided to pick up a home-friendly skill that was circulating around social media. A skill involving yarn and a hook, otherwise known as crochet.

Crochet refers to a needlework technique performed using a crochet hook and a fibre material such as yarn or crochet thread. In the early days, Crochet had been originally purposed by men for practical uses such as hunting animals. Over the centuries, the handwork became a means of personal decoration for momentous occasions and a symbol of wealth. Today, it has become a popular hobby and a commonly worn, fashionable item.

Shanice, 17, a polytechnic student, initially tried crocheting at the age of nine. Around the time when Singaporeans had to learn how to adapt to life during Circuit Breaker (CB) last year, Shanice came across an Instagram post from an online crochet business named ‘keysstringss’. The post showcased a photograph of a top completely created through crocheting.

“I never knew you could make clothes with [crocheting],” says Shanice. Amazed by the items that can be made from crocheting, she began to pick up the artistic hobby once more. Some crocheted items she has made since then included a bucket hat and a cardigan.

Shanice’s first crocheted top, inspired by keysstringss. PHOTO: SHANICE OW

Shanice also explained the enjoyability of the handicraft, emphasising how crochet can be “very rewarding because it [would be] so satisfying to see the outcome which you spend so [many] hours on”.

Apart from crochet being a home-friendly hobby to have, this pastime can also be turned into a business over time and practice. Ms Shenny Goh, owner of online crochet shop, wobbleblobbe, has done exactly so. Her shop features various custom items done with expert crocheting, with her popular works being patchworked tops such as cardigans and vests.

Wobbleblobbe had its first boost of recognition with Ms Goh crocheting her first patchwork cardigan, which was initially just an “attempt to clear out the random scraps [she] had”. The final product gained over 692 likes on the Instagram post, which was more than she had anticipated for her first crocheted clothing item.

Since her first crocheted cardigan, Ms Goh continued showcasing and selling her colourful crocheted works on her shop’s Instagram account, which expanded to a few other online platforms, namely Instagram, Ko-Fi and Etsy.

Wobbleblobbe currently has a remarkable following of nearly 20,000 people. A custom patchwork cardigan can reach up to $350. However, customers do have to consider the fact that one crocheted cardigan takes Ms Goh up to 40 hours to make!

As for her advice to youths who are thinking about starting their own crochet business, Ms Goh encourages them to “make what [they] like and not just what is on trend”.

“Crochet is quite repetitive so it can be more tiring than you would expect, especially if you’re not enjoying it.”

One does not have to learn the craft to love and take part in the crochet trend. Ms Isabel Tay Yi Gin, a full-time barista, is wobbleblobbe’s most recent customer. She purchased a custom crochet cardigan from the shop and flaunted it in her most recent post on her personal Instagram page. Her reason for purchase was that she found it “really cute” and “wanted something really unique and handmade in [her] wardrobe”.

Isabel posing for an Instagram picture while wearing her purchased custom patchwork cardigan from wobbleblobbe. PHOTO: ISABEL TAY

“I think it’s quite neat that there is a crowd for the handmade market and people are willing to pay a premium for items that aren’t mass produced or fast fashion,” says Ms Tay.

However, when asked whether she will consider picking up crochet, Isabel says she does not have the time to patiently learn and improve on the skill and would rather make a customised purchase from someone who has expertise in the field.