A student models a top Annie Altemus (’25) crocheted. “My visions for my pieces are always dynamic,” Altemus said. “I love being able to adapt and switch stitches as well.” Photo by Annie Altemus.

When you come across a piece of crocheted clothing, you can see the intricacy of each hand-stitched row. Yarn comes in all different materials, sizes and colors, making the art of crochet unique and exciting to some.

Crocheting is the process of making clothing or items by interlocking thread with a crochet hook. Senior Annie Altemus said she enjoys crocheting and has been pursuing the hobby for many years. The Oracle sat down with Altemus to discuss her passion for crocheting.

How did your passion for crocheting start?

Annie Altemus [AA]: My grandma was trying to teach me how to knit when I was really little, but I never caught on. But then I started during quarantine. I was really bored at home, and I had nothing to do, and I saw many people starting to crochet, so I looked up tutorials on YouTube and started learning how to do different stitches. For me, the biggest thing was learning how to do each stitch, and then after I learned how to do each stitch, I could create my own things and my own patterns.

What is your favorite part of crocheting?

[AA]: So many things. I think it’s so cool that I can imagine something without necessarily using a pattern. It’s awesome that I can just create something, whether that be a shirt or a dress. Bing able to envision something and then trying to replicate that is really fun.

How do you come up with ideas for your pieces?

[AA]: I take a lot of inspiration from other clothes I see – not necessarily crocheted clothes, but just clothes in general. Once, I saw someone walking with a skirt on, and then I ended up making a shirt inspired by it. I also love taking YouTube tutorials for crochet scarves and lacy scarves and then using those as the bottom half of a shirt. I normally try to use different things and take inspiration from different things that aren’t exactly what I want to make, but incorporate that into my pieces.

What is your favorite thing you’ve crocheted?

[AA]: I made a dress that I really love. My great-grandma gave me a giant bag of her old doilies. I really wanted to do something with them, so I used scraps and crocheted them into a really cool dress.

Have you ever gotten frustrated while crocheting?

[AA]: All the time. For example, I had this shirt I was trying to make, and it took me six or seven hours to make it. When I tried it on, it did not fit. But I think the main thing to remember is that I made this shirt, so I can still change it. And with that shirt, I altered it a tiny bit in the neckline, and then it ended up turning out great. So I think even when I do get frustrated, just taking a break and then changing a little thing to make the piece better is really helpful.

Do you see this passion being a part of your future?

[AA]: I hope so. Crocheting is something that I rely on when I’m stressed, or even when I just need a break. I hope in the future, I will crochet, even if it’s not a career. I love making gifts for people. I just made a baby blanket for my cousin. I also enjoy gifting things to people, so I definitely want to continue gifting my pieces in my future.

Do you recommend this hobby to other people?

[AA]: Absolutely. At first, I did not think I could crochet at all… it looked so daunting. But, I think just starting very simple, like learning each stitch, is a lot easier, then, you can make anything. It’s awesome, and it’s super calming. It’s so cool to know how to make things.