One Hook, One Ancient Craft

Crochet is the craft of interlocking loops of yarn, thread, or other materials into fabric using a hooked needle. Its biggest difference from knitting is that in crochet each stitch is completed before the next begins, whereas knitting keeps many stitches "open" at once. Humble as it looks, this craft carries a rich history and contemporary meaning.

From Famine Relief to Fashion Language

Substantive physical evidence of crocheted fabric only emerges in Europe in the 19th century. One of its most moving chapters came during the Great Irish Famine (1845–1849), when crochet lace was introduced as a form of famine relief — impoverished workers made a living from it as co-operatives formed, schools opened, and teachers were trained and sent across Ireland to pass on the craft. When the Irish emigrated to the Americas, they took crochet with them. Irish crochet lace became popular across Europe and America, produced in quantity until the First World War.

Crochet detail

Why Crochet Is Naturally Sustainable

In an era dominated by fast fashion, crochet's value is being seen anew:

  • Slow, handmade: crochet is almost entirely made by hand, aligning naturally with slow fashion's pursuit of unhurried, skilled work.
  • Eco-friendly materials: it can use upcycled and environmentally friendly yarns such as bamboo, hemp, cotton, linen, and wool.
  • Undo and reuse: crocheted fabric can be easily unravelled and reused, or added to worn garments as collars and cuffs for upcycling.
  • Versatile: crochet's versatility reduces the need to constantly buy new things.

Slow fashion promotes respect for people, animals, and the environment, supports local artisans, uses eco-friendly materials, and preserves craftsmanship — and crochet is an ideal vehicle for these ideals.

A Revival on the Catwalk

In recent years crochet has enjoyed a revival on the runway. Christopher Kane's Fall 2011 ready-to-wear, Moschino's crocheted skirts for Spring 2024, and Miu Miu's crocheted pieces have all brought the craft back into the spotlight. Social media has fuelled the trend too — searches for the keyword "crochet" reportedly rose by around 32% on the resale platform Depop.

"The warmth of the handmade is a luxury machines cannot copy." —— Guushu Design Team

A Thought Worth Keeping

When fast-fashion brands use knitting machines to "imitate" the look of crochet, the true value of crochet lies precisely in its handmade nature and sustainability — a reminder that clothes can be slower, longer-lasting, and made with more care.