by Addison Maley,
Staff Writer
The following story was written by a student on the staff of The Jaguar Times as part of Hilliard Bradley High School’s Journalism Production course.
Handmade clothing is making its way back into the fashion trend cycle, but the hobbies necessary to create them remain largely forgotten.
Crochet clothing is weaving its way into every season’s fashion, but few people are able to replicate what’s on the shelves at the mall. While most young people have lost interest in crafts such as crochet and sewing, some talented Bradley students encourage their peers to branch out and explore the arts.
Though crochet has been around for centuries, pop culture and fast fashion have brought it back into the spotlight this past year. Fast fashion refers to cheaply mass-produced clothing in order to keep up with trending fashion. When celebrities or influencers post in a certain style, major retailers cut corners to replicate it for profit. From Harry Styles’ crocheted cardigan to viral crocheted crop tops, the style made its way into the mainstream in record time. Fiber artist Lauren Lagana (11) says the rising popularity is a double-edged sword- on one hand, “companies that sell it underprice it by a lot, so they don’t pay their workers”, but on the other, “It gets the message out about how cool crochet can be.” This cultural rebrand may be enough to revive the products, but the hobby itself remains relatively niche.
Lagana details the many misconceptions about crochet she has experienced, noting that she “would get made fun of for doing it” because it’s seen as a “grandma hobby”. Crochet pieces on fashion runways and TikTok hauls show the world that the craft is “way more than just blankets,” while accessible YouTube tutorials simplify the intimidating art. Though the internet and crochet fans are certainly extending the life of fiber arts, significant drawbacks still exist.
As crochet transitions into a consumer product rather than a DIY one, less people are aware of its origins. Bradley chemistry teacher and crocheter Mrs. Kieffer believes the biggest barrier for young people to learn the craft is that they “don’t really have role models”. She became interested in crochet because her grandmother knew how, but newer generations may lack that connection. She fears that arts such as crochet and sewing are phasing out because “it’s so much easier to just go to Target,” However, it is “important that we don't lose those skills” considering how uncertain the future is. While self-sufficiency may not be necessary now, it could become vital.
Crochet is not the only skill that is slipping away from students: sewing may be next. Its falling popularity stems from a similar issue to crochet- perceived inconvenience. Unfortunately, the rise of fast fashion preys on sewing especially. As Ameera Loukili (10) says, sewing “feels unnecessary when you can just buy new things.” With cheap clothing so readily available, “if there’s a hole in your pants, you can just buy a new pair”. Despite these drawbacks, she still believes it is a “great thing to learn,” and that it will overall save money. Though fast fashion is cheap and easy, a trusty needle and thread are often more affordable long-term.
While sewing entire pieces of clothing is less common, repairs are always useful. Another talented seamstress Alexa Peck (9) confirms “nobody thinks they need it,” but it can come in handy when “something needs fixed really quickly”. English teacher Ms. Worth agrees, citing practical advice from her dad: “everyone needs to learn how to sew a button.” Even the most basic sewing skills can save time and money, by either avoiding the cost of a seamstress or buying entirely new clothes.
Despite harsh misconceptions and the uphill battle against fast fashion, students and teachers alike encourage everyone to broaden their horizons and pick up a new craft- even if it is just learning to sew a button. Both practical and creative, fiber arts have cultivated a passionate and welcoming community that is determined to stick around.