Stitching a comeback: How Gen Z is reviving needlecrafts

A growing number of young people are picking up yarn and needles, rediscovering the benefits of slow, handmade creations.

Anyone who has been to a grandparent’s house has probably, at one point or another, seen their grandmother knitting or crocheting something beautiful. Since 2019, though, needlecrafts have seen a significant rise in popularity among younger generations.

Mental health experts have agreed for decades that crocheting, knitting, and sewing all have positive impacts on mental health. Nigel John, who runs a group called “Legin Knits” that plays smooth jazz while teaching teens and young adults to crochet and knit, told CBC, “It’s a beautiful thing and, in this day and age of technology and a fast pace, it’s great to just keep connecting the dots with something that takes a bit more time.”

Another interesting fact is that crocheting can burn up to 173 calories an hour due to the constant movement of wrists and arms. Needlecrafts can also be used to make quick and easy gifts, such as small stuffed animals for younger siblings, cousins, nieces, or nephews, and they provide a fun and sustainable alternative to fast fashion.

There is also an entrepreneurial aspect. Some young creators have begun selling their work online for extra income alongside their regular jobs. Many people in Gen Z have started rejecting fast fashion, and knitting and crocheting offer additional ways to create and wear clothing in a more sustainable way. 

As more young people pick up these timeless skills, needlecrafts are proving to be not only creative outlets, but meaningful ways to support mental health, sustainability, and self-expression.
 

Sources and further reading:

• CBC: Young people are starting to knit and crochet for mental health
• The Straits Times: Not just a granny's craft: Why teens are getting hooked on crocheting
• Hygge Crochet Co: Does crocheting burn calories?
• The News House: Crafting on the ride: How Gen Z is stitching together creativity and community

NextVoice is a youth-led newsroom created through the Mastermind Youth Foundation, where teenagers across Sarnia-Lambton share stories that matter to them and their community. Every piece is written entirely by local youth, reflecting their own ideas, perspectives, and voices, with a clear commitment to original, human-created work. Learn more here.