Once viewed primarily as a pastime for older generations, crochet is experiencing a significant revival among young people. From creating custom plushies to launching small businesses, teenagers are reclaiming the “granny’s craft” as a tool for creativity and mental wellness.
A New Generation of Crafters
For 18-year-old Ms Soo Qian Rong, the hobby began two years ago. Drawn by the “cosy and whimsical aesthetic” of online videos, she used YouTube to teach herself the craft.
Ms Soo recently applied her skills by crocheting Miffy rabbit dolls as farewell gifts for colleagues following her first part-time job. She describes the process as a therapeutic, off-screen activity that helps her relieve stress.
Others started even earlier. Ms Angela Liu Yik, 19, has been crocheting for seven to eight years, having picked up the skill in Secondary 1 during the Covid-19 pandemic via Home-Based Learning tutorials.
The Pandemic Catalyst and Digital Influence
The surge in popularity is closely linked to the pandemic. Ms Jassandra Nay, owner of Memo’s Art House, noted that while crochet had little presence in Singapore 12 years ago, it “became a thing” when people were stuck at home during Covid-19.
This trend eventually trickled down to younger audiences, often influenced by adults who had taken up the craft. The barrier to entry has been further lowered by a vast array of YouTube tutorials and a wider variety of materials from yarn manufacturers.
Social media has similarly played a pivotal role. Local celebrity Edwin Goh, who started a crochet business around 2023 with Rachel Wan, has worn his own handmade crochet tops to events.
Similarly, 18-year-old content creator Arielle Tan Qi-xuan (@cl0udyches) has grown an Instagram following of over 40,000. She uses her platform to share and sell her crochet plushies, with one post reaching 439,000 views.
Building Community and Social Bonds
At Nanyang Junior College (NYJC), the interest grew enough to spark the formation of “NYCrochers” in 2022. The student-led interest group draws about 60 members annually.
President Young Jun Ting, 17, explains that the group allows students to bond and relieve school stress. Members meet on an ad hoc basis to share skills or create items based on themes like “ocean” or “floral.”
The group also uses the craft for social good, organizing fund-raising projects where plushies are sold for charity. In 2025, they collaborated with the People’s Association and the non-profit “Hey, You Got Mail!” to teach elderly residents in Ang Mo Kio.
Looking Ahead
The community outreach efforts may expand, as NYCrochers looks to make their Ang Mo Kio void deck sessions more regular from May to July this year.
In June, the group is expected to man a booth at the “Eat. Rest. Play.” event in Toa Payoh, where they will offer children the chance to customize crochet keychains.
On a personal level, crafters like Ms Soo may continue to experiment with pop-culture trends, with her next project likely to be a Smiski creature figure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between crochet and knitting?
Knitting involves interlooping yarn using two needles. Crochet uses a hook to loop and connect yarn and is generally more versatile for creating 3D shapes, such as clothes, bags, and plushies.
How did the Covid-19 pandemic affect the crochet community in Singapore?
The pandemic acted as a catalyst; as people were stuck at home, many sought new activities, leading to a surge in interest. This created a group of “pandemic crocheters” who are now an entrenched part of the local community.
What is NYCrochers?
NYCrochers is a student interest group at Nanyang Junior College established in 2022. It provides a space for students to bond, relieve stress, and engage in charity and community volunteer work through crochet.
Do you think traditional crafts can provide a meaningful escape from today’s digital-heavy lifestyle?
