It began with “Crochet is my life,” spoken by senior Emely Cardenas, the president of the Crochet Club, during last year’s Academic Decathlon competition. What started as a personal passion project quickly wove into a space where students of all grades could unwind.
The Crochet Club, a newly established group at school, is more than just a crafting space. “It’s a safe space… [somewhere] students, from any grade, background, and skill level, [can] come together, learn, and practice crochet,” Cardenas said. This inclusivity has been a driving force behind the club’s success and growing popularity. “I [get] to connect with the people at my table. [I] talk to them not only about crocheting, but also about themselves,” Grecia Robles, a sophomore club member said.
For Chris Perdomo, a freshman club member, it was a flyer in the hallway that caught his attention and hooked him right in. “It had pictures of yarn and it seemed really interesting,” Perdomo said. He decided to give it a try, and he found great value in taking a break from the demands of school. “It was really cool seeing all of us participating in something we enjoy [and cool down] after a long day,” Perdomo said. The liberating art of crocheting is a commonly shared sentiment. “[My friends and I] were having fun together while we were learning how to crochet, it was [fun],” Isaac Enriquez, a senior club member said.
Cardenas, whose leadership has been key to the club’s success, also aims to challenge stereotypes surrounding crochet. “Crochet isn’t just for grandmas,” she said, emphasizing that the craft is both creative and accessible for all ages and backgrounds. Gabriel Duran, the Principal of Duran, echoed this sentiment, noting, “To see boys in there [crocheting] a scarf, that is the most rewarding thing,” Duran said.
Her ultimate goal for the club is to empower students through creativity. “I want students to gain confidence in their creativity and the freedom they experience once they realize the power of crocheting,” Cardenas said.
Looking ahead, Cardenas has big plans for the future. “Crochet Club reaches its goal every week by providing a space for people to unwind… [but to] answer the question more realistically, by the end of the school year, I’d love for the club to complete a group project—a visual representation of the connections, love, and effort of our club,” Cardenas said.
The Crochet Club meets every Thursday during lunch in Ms. Hanson’s room (5-101). As Cardenas puts it, the club is “a lunch period spent bonding over a craft and strengthening the bonds of their friendships.” Their Instagram (@maces.crochet) keeps followers updated on meetings and provides a space for questions and feedback.
