Plushies, Jewellery, & More: Homegrown Crochet Artists On Our Radar

Gen Z might get a lot of flak for being 'soft' but in this part of the world, we appreciate and encourage it. Lately, the demographic has been finding solace in the art of crochet. This centuries-old craft is experiencing a resurgence, thanks in part to the popularity of cottagecore aesthetics on social media. With its rhythmic loops and calming motions, crocheting offers a welcome respite from the constant stimulation of screens. It's a way to relax, unwind, and reconnect with the tangible world; a digital detox. This newfound love for crocheting goes beyond just a relaxing hobby. Younger generations value individuality and self-expression, and crochet provides an outlet for that. They're creating unique clothing items, home decor, and accessories; showcasing their personal style through every stitch. The craft has led to a community of enthusiasts fostering friendships through sharing tricks of the trades both online and offline. Crochet also aligns with Gen Z's growing awareness of sustainability by encouraging the use of natural fibers and even the recycling of old materials to create new ones.

In fashion, crochet has always had a place in feminising outfits and lending a ‘softness’ to any design. The love and care, not to forget the man-hours that go into making each piece is truly appreciated and celebrated in the community. This has led to a rise in small businesses by homegrown independent crochet artists that are highlighting the beauty of the craft through their designs. Here are 5 that are on our radar:

Acubi Studios

Previously an online jewellery store, Acubi Studios now operates as your go-to spot for cute crocheted flowers, keyrings, and tiny yarn dolls. You can use the choched charms for home decor or your workstations. A mini plushie or a lil crocheted sunflower bouquet will certainly separate your desk from the neon gaming bro-setups. HG’s favourite from Acubi Studios are the jellyfish charms for our fellow thalassophiles.

Check it out here.

Captain Hook

Based in Kanpur, UP Captain Hook is 17-year-old Anushka’s side hustle. Maintaining a small but adorable inventory, the page has crocheted keychains, bouquets, book covers, decor for your headphones, fingerless gloves, and more. HG’s favourite is the ingenious headphone sprout that can be used to decorate headphones, as a bookmark, or even a cord organizer.

Check it out here.

Hey Crochet

Hey Crochet’s ‘yarn therapy’ in practice has led to an extensive collection of keychains, charms, plushies and, believe it or not, crocheted earrings and pendants that have received a lot of great reviews. The artist also has made wearables like gloves, baby co-ords, beanies, bucket hats and bags/phone covers previously. HG’s favourite is the froggy balaclava. It's for the swamp gangster in all of us.

Check it out here. 

Crochet By Kunal

Crochet by Kunal is a queer-owned brand specialising in handmade crochet items. The artist has created quite a community of crochet enthusiasts with his plushies, lip balm and earbud covers, bucket hats, and more. Apart from offering Pinterest-worthy charms, Kunal also hosts crocheting workshops to help beginners of the art form. There is one coming up on July 21. Through this online workshop, you can learn the fundamentals of crochet, including how to hold the hook and yarn, create basic stitches, and read patterns. From Kunal’s collection, HG’s favourite is probably the chunky duck. It's cuteness and aggression guaranteed!

Check it out here. 

Crochet Diaries 

Sejal is a crochet artist who started her journey two years ago and has built a community of crochet enthusiasts, not just through her collections but also through her tutorials on YouTube. If her Swiss roll keychains and coquette hair clips don't impress you, the Miffy and Batman plushies definitely will. HG’s favourite has to be the coquette cow. I mean come on: it’s a coquette cow! 

Check it out here.

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