Myriam and Nathalie – The comeback of knitting and crocheting
The stereotype that knitting and crocheting is for grandmas has long painted these crafts as hobbies reserved for elderly women in rocking chairs. Yet, in recent years, these traditional pastimes have undergone a remarkable revival, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z. These younger generations have embraced a “Do-It-Yourself” (DIY) ethos, inspired by platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest, where creators and influencers share tutorials, patterns, and their finished creations. Adding to their modern appeal, celebrities such as Former First Lady Michelle Obama, British Olympic diver Tom Daley, and singer Demi Lovato have all been spotted knitting or crocheting in public.
For Myriam and Nathalie, however, these crafts are more than a trend – they are lifelong passions. “I have knitted almost every week for the past 40 years”, says Myriam, wearing a beautiful, self-crafted shawl. Nathalie spends just as much time crocheting, in the evenings and during weekends, even powering through car rides (when she’s not driving). Both learned to sew, knit and crochet in primary school, at a time when girls were taught textile arts associated with domestic roles, while boys handled carpentry and other physical activities. Their first “clients” were their dolls: “I had a big doll that I dressed very badly until I became more skilled”, Nathalie recalls with a laugh. Myriam agrees, admitting her dolls endured a number of questionable fashion seasons in their early days.
People are curious about the creation process of handmade goods and ask a lot of questions.
Over time, these cultural expectations have become outdated and irrelevant. Yet Myriam and Nathalie continued to practice their crafts, because they valued the self-expression space it gave them. From designing bespoke, one-of-a-kind pieces, with bold colour choices to intricate, fiddly designs, their skills have grown to encompass a wide range of creations, including clothing, bags, decorative and practical items, like Nathalie’s reusable sponges called “Gratounettes”. Today, their handmade creations are cherished gifts for special occasions.
Aside from the joy of creation, knitting and crocheting have provided solace during life’s challenges. “To me, crocheting is a form of therapy or meditation” Nathalie explains. “When you start a project, you have to count every stitch to get the desired shape and size. Then, muscle memory kicks in and you can let your mind wander.”
Unsurprisingly, the COVID-19 pandemic saw a surge in interest in these crafts, as people sought calming, productive hobbies they could enjoy at home. Thanks to the internet, knitting and crocheting have become more accessible than ever. Free tutorials, YouTube videos, and downloadable patterns have lowered the barrier to entry, making it easier for beginners to get started. “In the past, you had to understand written instructions and diagrams,” Nathalie explains. “Now, I follow tutorials on YouTube, sometimes even in Japanese or Korean. I learn by watching – language is no longer a barrier.”
This online resurgence has also sparked a wave of in-person events, where people gather to craft together. Knitting circles, workshops, and fairs have become popular, fostering a sense of community. Even Pictet hosted a knitting club for a time –it was here that Myriam and Nathalie discovered their shared passion.
Both women have embraced this social aspect of their craft. For much of their lives, they worked on their projects alone, but now they are active members of their respective communities. “I’ve made many friends through knitting”, Myriam says.
A regular at La Frange’s events, she also connects with designers she admires, sometimes meeting them in person. It was through one of these designers that Myriam discovered specialist fairs, where she meets wool producers and other craftspeople from all over Europe.
Some people think knitting and crocheting are monotonous or dull, meant for old, lonely people to pass the time. On the contrary, they are highly creative and challenging. Mastering advanced techniques requires significant skill and practice.
Nathalie, meanwhile, has turned her passion into a small business. To manage the piles of creations from cluttering up her home, she set up an online shop called “1000idées” (“a thousand ideas”) and began exhibiting at Christmas markets, selling bags and other handmade items. “I connect with other exhibitors, some of whom have become good friends,” she says. She also enjoys interacting with customers: “People are curious about the creation process of handmade goods and ask a lot of questions.”
The growing popularity of knitting and crocheting has been transformative in more ways than one. The communities surrounding these crafts are vibrant hubs of creativity and knowledge-sharing. Myriam and Nathalie’s skills have improved significantly in the past six years, and their projects have become increasingly ambitious. “Online platforms, events, markets, and fairs are all spaces for open dialogue,” Myriam explains. “We exchange tips, share ideas, and inspire each other.” For instance, a fellow crafter taught her a seamless knitting technique that produces more comfortable garments. She has also begun experimenting with natural, untreated fibres, such as silk and wool from yaks and camels.
Even as Nathalie recently became a grandmother – with baby-related projects now filling her to-do list – both women defy the clichés often associated with their crafts. “Some people think knitting and crocheting are monotonous or dull, meant for old, lonely people to pass the time,” Myriam says. “On the contrary, they are highly creative and challenging. Mastering advanced techniques requires significant skill and practice, and the social aspect is incredibly vibrant.” Nathalie adds: “In a world dominated by fast fashion, mass production, and AI, crafting feels like an antidote.”
One thing is certain: neither Myriam nor Nathalie will run out of projects anytime soon.
