Once thought of as a craft reserved for older generations, crochet has made a colorful comeback with today’s kids. Since the pandemic, and with a little help from TikTok, young people across the country have rediscovered the joy of creating with yarn and a hook. You can hardly walk into a store without seeing crochet kits, books, or handmade pieces on display.
At Lansing Intermediate School, that creative energy is thriving. For the past three years, our fourth and fifth graders have learned the basics of crochet thanks to LIS art teacher Libby Stevenson and a dedicated crew of parents, grandparents, and community members who volunteer their time and talents.
“Crochet teaches patience, problem-solving, and perseverance,” said Stevenson. “It’s amazing to watch students gain confidence as they turn a single strand of yarn into something they made themselves. I’ll be honest, when I first started this unit I thought ‘What if they hate it?!’ I’ll admit, they were skeptical the first year. Since then, it has been a favorite among the students. They start asking about it the first week of school.”
That enthusiasm shows up in every class period, and our students say it best:
“It may be hard at first, but it gets easy if you really try. It’s fun!” - Aidan Jones, 5th grade
“It’s fun once you learn it and you can make fun keychains and crafts with it.” - Collin Ryan, 5th grade
“I want to get to the point where I can get creatures!” - Grace Poulton, 4th grade
“It’s easier once you get the hang of it.” - Asher Robinson, 4th grade
What began as a small classroom project quickly grew in popularity. Students look forward to learning new stitches, experimenting with color and texture, and sharing their finished pieces with friends and family. Many even keep crocheting at home after they’ve learned the basics at school.
Because crochet is traditionally taught one-on-one or in small groups, the support of volunteers has been essential. Community member Beckey Blanken shared, “It was a joy to volunteer in Mrs. Stevenson’s art class. Her passion and excitement for fiber arts was evident in her class, which transferred to the students. They were all so excited to learn crocheting and the joy that lit their faces when they were showing her their progress was a pleasure to see. Thank you for letting me be a part of this.”
Crochet at LIS has become more than an art lesson. It’s a calming creative outlet, a bridge across generations, and a reminder that handmade crafts never go out of style.
Want to help? We’d love to have you. If you’re interested in volunteering, please reach out to Libby Stevenson at Libby.Stevenson@usd469.net for more information.