Crochet’s Long History of Being Problematic — to Somebody | S2 Ep15

In this episode of Exploration Crochet, ReRe explores why crochet has historically been viewed as controversial, overly decorative, too feminine, too homemade, and even “hostile to feet.” Comparing crochet to knitting across multiple historical eras, the episode examines how knitting was often associated with practicality and utility while crochet became entangled in debates about labor, class, domesticity, art, and taste. Topics include Irish crochet lace during the Great Famine, Victorian decorative culture, industrialization, gender expectations, modern fiber art, and online crochet discourse. ReRe also examines how crochet continues to face assumptions about acrylic yarn use, granny squares, crochet garments, and crochet socks in both yarn shops and internet culture. Ultimately, the episode argues that crochet itself was rarely the true controversy — crochet simply became a visible site where larger social anxieties played out. This week we’re exploring why crochet has spent so long being ‘problematic’ — to somebody.

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