Whenever you think of K-pop, you probably think of chart-topping songs and iconic choreography. But what about crochet?
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It is no secret that K-pop idols have the power to influence their fans and followers. For LE SSERAFIM’s Sakura, she’s influencing everyone to get into crochet. A recent segment on a Japanese news channel reported that there’s been an increase in yarn and thread sales in her home country, and they attribute it to her posting about it online. The idol has been seen working on different projects multiple times, making some fashionable and cute pieces. She’s even gifted her finished pieces to idols such as the members of TWICE.
As an avid crocheter myself, I’m a big advocate for getting into crafts. It’s a hobby that gets your hands working and your creativity flowing. With idols like Sakura sharing their love for the craft, it’s a no-brainer that fans are entering a whole new world for them to explore. While it’s definitely not the first time crocheting has surged in popularity, it’s a reminder that crafting is eternal. If you’ve been looking to start, here are a few reasons why you should get into it.
THE FASHION POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS
Crochet clothing has been trending recently, and honestly, what’s cooler than making your own clothes? Sakura has made different items, such as bags, hats, and even pieces the group wore on stage. She’s made a crochet bandaeu with the title of their single EASY, and she made some of the pieces for the group’s performance of their song SMART on M COUNTDOWN. With how cute these pieces turned out, it’s definitely proof that you can also make your own custom items that reflect your style.
YOU CAN MAKE YOUR OWN ART & DECOR
Looking to add something unique to your space? Try making your own decor and art by crocheting them. Sakura has done a technique called tapestry crochet to make some pieces in the past, and it’s a great project to add decor to your space. With the endless amount of patterns online, you’ll find a design that speaks to you. If you’re looking for something to fill your shelves, making small plushies (referred to as amigurmi) or fake plants is a great way to add a little oomph.
IT MAKES FOR THE BEST GIFTS
If you want to show the people in your life that you truly appreciate them, crocheting them a gift is the way to go. Sakura has made gifts for other idols, including some of the members of TWICE, with members Mina, Sana, and Momo having worn similar hats and posted them online. Sakura also released a crochet merchandise line called KKUROCHET earlier this year, a release that excited fans due to it being handmade by the idol herself. Being able to create something so personal is one of the sweetest gestures ever, and crochet is the perfect medium to do that in.
IT’S A REMINDER TO TAKE YOUR TIME
A big part of crocheting is getting to admire the finished product, but another important part of it is the journey you take when making it. In a world where everything moves so fast, crocheting is for the patient girlies. Taking time to create something allows us to relax and appreciate the process. I’ve also found that it really puts into perspective how much labor goes into making clothes (or anything really), and it opens one’s eyes to how important it is to value the effort put into creating something.
The learning process can also be quite slow, in fact, I remember how long it took me to figure out how to make a circle (spoiler: it felt like an eternity). But the second I finally completed one, I remembered how good it felt. Being able to create something by hand is such a powerful testament to how much we can achieve as people.
We can also see this as Sakura has continued to improve in her craft as she started off with making small accessories, and has now made larger pieces. Whether you want to crochet something major like a dress, or as simple as a keychain, the process of making them will always teach you something new. So go get to crocheting!
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