Here’s how self-driven Mulund teenager Vaibhavi Aklekar taught herself this classic craft form without seeking help from professional tutors
Vaibhavi Aklekar with her dream project of a flower blanket (right) The completed creations of basket and sunflower
Mid-Day: How did you get interested in crocheting?
Vaibhavi Aklekar: MY interest in crocheting started with a small hobby that my friends and I shared, which was loom band bracelets. These are bracelets made of rubber bands. I discovered that I could make different things with flowers out of those rubber bands. I felt that it was very interesting, so I tried a few variations of that. Meanwhile, I was also scrolling on the Internet when I came across the hobby of crocheting. A particular project which was the flower blanket was my dream project, and I was also intrigued by how these artists pulled off such complex projects and wanted to try it myself.
A close-up of the basket and sunflower
MD: When did you decide to learn it on your own? Were you anxious about the challenges?
VA: During my recent school vacation, when I discovered crocheting and aspired to pursue it as a hobby, I asked my parents to enrol me into classes to learn it. We searched online and asked around for information but didn’t find good matches that suited our requirements such as in-person tuition. When I started crocheting my family got me a crotchet kit for my birthday as I had requested for one. That kit was especially made for making a basket equipped with QR codes with the video tutorials and all the required supplies for the project. My project started with that kit using their YouTube channel and started learning different stitches and slowly making progress. It took me two days to complete the basket. It was my first project. I was nervous about making mistakes and being unable to complete it. I encountered some challenges. I also took help from a few YouTube tutorials, which was useful.
MD: How did you feel when you saw your first completed work of crochet craft?
VA: I was excited and beaming with joy that I could finally create something of my own. It wasn’t perfect, but it was mine and I loved it. I showed it to everybody in my family and my friend circle. They were surprised that I had learnt this hobby on my own. I made a functioning basket and was happy that I had leaned the skill and could slowly move on to more complex projects.
Representation pics/Istock
MD: Could you suggest a few channels that people your age can refer to, to learn this craft by themselves?
VA: I feel that trying to learn crocheting online by watching YouTube videos can be challenging as countless channels claim that their videos are beginner-friendly. However, these can get complex, and skip getting into smaller details that are crucial. This can discourage the person keen to learn this craft. A tip that can help is to take up a smaller, easier project as it will enable you to learn all the stitches practically. Besides, it gives a feeling of satisfaction and motivation.
My picks to learn crocheting:
>> lilthings
>> Crochet creation (basic crochet tutorials)
>> DIY Club (sunflower coaster) tip: It is advisable to concentrate on the basket
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