For Knitwits co-president Jane Higgins, multitasking in class doesn’t mean playing computer games or subtly working on other assignments; all she needs is a ball of yarn, a crochet hook, and her stitching knowledge.

Higgins, who learned how to crochet from both her lunch lady in second grade and her grandma, finds joy in the productivity and connections that come with crocheting.

“I love making gifts for my friends and family, so it’s a really fun hobby that I can do while watching TV,” she said.

Modern crocheting can create anything from stuffed animals to beanies to blankets. The art is believed to have originated from Chinese tambour embroidery and European shepherd’s knitting.

Although the process was typically passed on orally, crocheting became popular in Europe in the 1800s as patterns that could be followed were developed and shared. Crocheting is similar to knitting through its usage of yarn and stitches, but it only uses one loop/stitch at a time rather than a row. When looking at a finished product, knitted stitches have a “V” shape while crochet stitches look like knots.

Higgins’ favorite project was a hat, but she’s currently working on making a tote bag. She mainly makes things her friends would like, although she tends to knit more than crochet.

Junior Belle Weng learned to crochet when her mom, who enjoys handicrafts, signed her up for classes at a young age. The functionality of crocheting even as a form of art is one of her favorite aspects of the craft.

“I like art in general, but I like art where you can create things that are usable,” she said. “So painting isn’t really my thing, but for crochet, you get to use a product you make.”

Weng particularly likes making clothes, including beanies, scarves, and cardigans. Many crocheters similarly enjoy making useful products like coasters, tea holders, dishcloths, and rugs.

For new crocheters, Higgins emphasized the satisfaction of creating products after the initial struggle of learning.

“It might seem a little difficult or confusing at first, but it’s rewarding once you commit,” she said.

Weng also recommended using video tutorials and books to learn the basics of crocheting and to get past the difficulty of reading patterns, as there are differences between the American and British systems. While the materials remain the same, the UK and US terms refer to different stitches, which can make the patterns confusing to follow.

“It’s great to have someone who can teach you, but start with the basics like the stitch types,” she said.

Easy beginner projects include granny squares, hats, flowers, and anything that starts with a circle like stuffed animals. Some popular places to start learning crochet are the “Learn to Crochet” series from The Crochet Guild of AmeriReady to try crochet? Watch Bella Coco’s “How to Crochet for Beginners, Ep.1” on YouTube. ca and Bella

Weng also recommended using video tutorials and books to learn the basics of crocheting and to get past the difficulty of reading patterns, as there are differences between the American and British systems. While the materials remain the same, the UK and US terms refer to different stitches, which can make the patterns confusing to follow.

“It’s great to have someone who can teach you, but start with the basics like the stitch types,” she said.

Easy beginner projects include granny squares, hats, flowers, and anything that starts with a circle like stuffed animals. Some popular places to start learning crochet are the “Learn to Crochet” series from The Crochet Guild of AmeriReady to try crochet. Watch Bella Coco’s “How to Crochet for Beginners, Ep.1” on YouTube. ca and Bella