Labor of Love: Crocheters Question Mass-Produced Crochet

Crochet has become a staple on runways in recent years, solidifying it as a timeless essential for wardrobes everywhere. High-fashion designers like Victoria Beckham, Alejandra Alonso Rojas, and Gabriela Hearst regularly feature crochet in their collections, which has led to a surge in mass-produced crochet items lining the racks in big box retail stores.  

Crochet goods are being sold at such low prices that many are asking how it’s possible to produce something for so little when it can only be made by hand.  

Crochet Cannot Be Produced by Machine 

Unlike knitting, crochet cannot be produced by machine. For more than 400 years, knitting machines have been used to create knit fabric. However, it’s not possible to reproduce crochet.  

As Krista Cagle of Easy Crochet explains, “Most crochet comprises multiple layers, making it much more three-dimensional than basic knitting. The creation of the layer is done through inserting the hook through specific previous layers to create different types of stitching, and this 3D type of intricacy is something that machines simply cannot do.” 

It’s no wonder that TikTok crocheters were alarmed when Target listed a crochet granny square sweater for just $28.00 in early 2023.  

As we head into the heart of sweater season, it’s important to remember the value of crochet labor. Crochetville designer Amy Shelton crunched the numbers and called the rate of just 25 cents per hour going to the maker of a Liz Claiborne New York sweater “amazing and pretty horrifying.”  

Alysha Littlejohn calls out this trend in fast fashion “modern-day slavery.” She also highlights that many independent designers are having their designs stolen. 

Buy Direct, Fair Trade Crochet, or Make It Yourself 

Marly Bird regularly discusses the value of crochet on her blog. She points out that the best way to ensure crocheters are being paid fairly is to purchase directly from the maker or from Fair Trade companies. She warns, “Remember, however, that any company can set up a website. Therefore, it’s best to do a deep dive into the company’s background. Try to ascertain if they really practice what they say they practice.” 

Better yet, you can learn to crochet your own clothes. If you haven’t made the leap from crochet blankets and amigurumi to making your own clothes, there is no better time. Crocheting your own wardrobe allows you to control color, fit, and style in a way that’s unique to you.  

Designer Krista Ann shares, “Knitters will sometimes stare at a sweater being worn by the person standing in front of them at a grocery store and wonder if it has been knit by hand. But crocheters can rest assured that if they see a crocheted toy, sweater, blanket, or any other type of item, they know without a doubt that it was created one stitch at a time by a highly skilled person with a crochet hook.” 

As the allure of fast fashion tempts with unbelievably low prices, it is crucial to recognize the true value of crochet’s craftsmanship. As we dress ourselves in handmade items, let’s celebrate the crocheted creations that bear the imprint of dedicated hands and the timeless spirit of human ingenuity. 

Join the conversation! Do you crochet your own clothes? Share your favorite pattern in the comments below.  

Serial yarn sniffer Kerry Bogert loves to spend her time knitting when she’s not collaborating with the team at Interweave or editing Interweave Knits magazine. Her passion for making things with her hands is only matched by her love for her children and a well-attenuated stout. Kerry endeavors to never stop learning, buying yarn, or collecting beads. Read her latest articles at Interweave.com.