Coming up with new gift ideas to give to a friend, acquaintance, or loved one can become more and more challenging as time passes by. Aside from running out of ideas, it also becomes imperative to think of something unique and thoughtful that will make the receiver feel loved and pleased.
One of the most popular types of handicrafts currently is crochet, a type of needlecraft that uses yarns and a crochet hook to create a patterned fabric made from loops of yarn. Crocheting became a trendy hobby in the 2019 pandemic which caused crochet hobbyists to pop up everywhere. An example of a successful crochet hobbyist is Angie of Angie Craft Yarn who started to build her own crochet business that simply started as a fun pastime. Now, she sells various types of items such as crochet bags, crochet flowers, crocheted stuffed toys, and more!
Due to the hype, crocheted items have started to become a well-received gift idea that has continued to be a trend for years. Its best selling point is its customization feature due to being a handmade item wherein clients are given the freedom to choose their preferred style and design before ordering.
Knitting vs. Crochet
With quite a similarity, it’s easy to interchange knitting and crochet. They both use pretty similar materials and can make similar designs and outcomes, but they are technically different.
Unlike knitting which involves using two hooks, crocheting uses only one hook. This means that knitted items tend to be more on the intricate side, making it difficult to create more complicated designs or structures. However, on the contrary, with a more detailed process and the use of an extra hook, it becomes easier to create smoother fabrics.
Another and bigger difference is the stitches made. Knitting requires interlocking loops, and they are constructed in a way that makes each stitch stretch a little. According to an online craft magazine, crochet stitches are more like knots, making them very solid, and any stretching will normally be minimal and largely decided by the type of yarn used.
In the process of making these stitches, crocheting allows you to finish one stitch at a time, so making unexpected mistakes concerns only the current ongoing stitch. Knit stitches, meanwhile, are often called a “ladder” as they are interlocked per row, meaning that missing a stitch will most likely cause a whole row of loose, unraveled stitches.
Crochet Gift Ideas
Giving crocheted items as a gift to friends, family, or loved ones is one of the most thoughtful ways you can make them feel loved and appreciated. However, the process of learning it especially as a beginner can be frustrating and time-consuming. At this moment of thought, it might be a brighter idea to order from shops that offer both ready-made and made-to-order crocheted items. This way, you’ll have the option to purchase right off the bat or personalize your gift to be a better fit for the receiver!
Here are some of the best crochet gift ideas:
1. Crochet Bunny
Crochet stuffed toys are one of the biggest hits when it comes to selling crocheted items. They are cute and huggable, which makes them a good stress reliever even for people beyond a young age.
Angie Craft Yarn’s crochet bunny is made from cotton, a natural fiber known to be breathable, hypoallergenic, and non-toxic. making it safe against allergies or irritations. It also has various sizes which makes it an ideal gift for anyone — may it be for a kid or an adult young at heart!
2. Crochet Bag
Popular for its stylish design and convenient function, crochet bags are another crowd favorite. Crochet tote bags are especially liked among the younger generation for their trendy look and simple, large capacity.
Angie Craft Yarn’s handmade flower tote bag features a beautiful flower design made of cotton yarn — a natural fiber known to be comfortable, absorbent, and low-maintenance which makes it one of the best gift options to be used for errands, work, school, or a casual day out with friends and family!
3. Crochet Flower
Innovation truly advances each day. How do we know? People have discovered giving crochet bouquets instead of real flowers! This has been the new way of showing affection to loved ones due to its unique charm and inability to wither. With crochet flowers, you can show your timeless, deathless love!
Crochet gift items are not only popular because people have discovered a newfound hobby; they are well-liked because they are a thoughtful gesture made with effort and love. They are also durable and flexible enough to be used however one may like, and they last for quite a long time.
Found your next gift idea? Visit Angie Craft Yarn’s store for high-quality, locally-made crochet items! Discover her story of having what was once a hobby, now a business.
Learn how to crochet for beginners: https://sarahmaker.com/how-to-crochet/