The Plaid Press

With only a hook and some yarn, sophomore Clementine Yau can transform her free time into clothing and gifts. For Yau, however, crocheting is more than a way to create something new, it is also a way to manage stress.
“If I have a lot going on, I would sit down and make something,” Yau said. “It would help me feel a little lighter and temporarily forget any pain.”
Yau began crocheting in eighth grade after seeing several of her close friends doing it. Inspired by them, she learned the basics from a mentor in a crochet club at her school, in addition to following tutorials on YouTube to improve her skill level. Since then, crocheting has become one of her favorite ways to relax and relieve her stress from school.
“It would keep me feeling productive because while enjoying the process of crochet, once I got the hang of it, crafting felt so fun and I could create new things like my dream wardrobe,” Yau said.
As her skills developed, Yau began taking on larger and more personal projects. She crocheted the dress she wore to her middle school culmination and created tote bags inspired by members Jay and Sunghoon from her favorite K-POP group, ENHYPEN. The bags gave her another way to connect with people who share her interests.
Yau has made other clothing, bags, and phone charms. Although she has tried other creative hobbies such as making stickers, crocheting was the one that stayed with her.
“It’s not as tedious,” Yau said when discussing her old hobbies such as making stickers in comparison to crocheting. “I finally found my favorite hobby and favorite thing to do. I kept returning to crochet because I could make things without thinking about it and I would always end up with something cute.”
At one point, Yau sold some of her creations and earned a small profit. However, she preferred the activity as a hobby. Because it only requires a hook, some yarn, and a comfortable space, she can easily return to it whenever she wants to create or decompress.
Although her early attempts at crocheting sometimes frustrated her, that frustration encouraged her to practice. As she improved, she began making gifts for her friends and family, including a graduation-inspired plushie for her sister and many character plushies for her friends.
Her family has become especially supportive of her hobby through the process.
“My dad has supported me and said if it’s something I like doing, then I should keep doing it and not let it be a phase,” Yau said.
Crocheting does come with occasional challenges such as taking breaks to prevent her wrists from cramping or running out of yarn. Her mother provides her with the necessary materials, and her father encourages her to carry with crocheting.
Yau hopes to eventually be able to create more complex designs, clothing and generally continue challenging her abilities.
“I want to make stuff I have never made before,” Yau said. “I’m currently working on a blue multi-colored dress I might wear to the homecoming dance. My next dream is to create more dresses with different designs, like sleeveless, long skirts and flowy elements.”
For now, every project gives Yau another opportunity to test her creativity and unwind.
“Good things take time, and so does crafting,” Yau said.