Flow Slipover, and My Thoughts About Modern Crochet

Two weeks ago, I had a fantastic opportunity to visit h+h cologne in Cologne, a major international trade fair for handicrafts and hobbies held every year. I was invited by De Bondt to their booth to do some crochet demonstrations and also to talk about my A City Walk book. 

About Flow Slipover (my new crochet design) 

I brought a few of my crochet projects to showcase at the booth. One of them was my new design, the Flow Slipover, named after the recent Stone Washed Flow (affiliate link) yarn by Scheepjes (a colorful gradient addition to the well-established Stone Washed yarn family). 

The pattern for the Flow Slipover has already been published, and you can find it on Ravelry HERE and on Etsy HERE. 

The pattern comes in 9 sizes (from XXS to 4X) and can be adjusted for both width and length. It includes written instructions in English (US crochet terms), a detailed photo tutorial, and links to external video tutorials for additional support. 

The construction of the Flow Slipover is quite straightforward. It consists of front and back panels worked vertically in turned rows. The front and back are then joined at the shoulder seams. Next, the bands with buttons and buttonholes are added along the sides, and finally, the collar is worked around the neck opening. The collar is optional, and you can leave a crew neck by working a few rounds around the neck opening. 

 I made three samples: 

• one using the new Scheepjes Stone Washed Flow yarn, as I was curious about how it would work up in crochet, and I must say I was not disappointed at all, 
• another one also using Stone Washed yarn (affiliate link), but this time in a single color, 
• and a third sample made with Scheepjes Kindsome yarn (my current wool-blend favorite due to its softness and excellent stitch definition). 

 

 

The Future of the Craft Industry (happy news) 

At h+h cologne, I met many lovely people and had interesting conversations about the yarn industry and crochet in particular. This made me reflect on the future of crafts and the possible directions in which modern crochet is developing. 

The good news is that the yarn industry is alive and doing very well. I met many people wearing handmade garments, saw a wide variety of beautiful yarns for all tastes, and spoke with young people who already run yarn businesses, teach classes, and design patterns themselves. I also met yarn shop owners who have moved to larger spaces in recent years and saw children who are passionate about yarn and crafts.

In a world of rapidly advancing technology, people tend to turn to crafts more often to keep their minds balanced and to reconnect with themselves. 

My thoughts about “transitional crochet” 

Most shop owners who stopped by our booth were knitters who crochet occasionally. They often had very straightforward views on crochet, suitable yarns, and the possibilities for creating crochet garments. Some were even doubtful that a nice drape and refined garment shaping can be achieved with a crochet hook. 

Crochet has often been perceived as a “second-class” craft compared to knitting. However, modern crochet can produce sophisticated, drapey fabrics that are sometimes indistinguishable from knitting. Many designers are now moving away from traditional granny-square crochet and are pushing the craft forward. 

This made me think that today, alongside traditional crochet as we know it (often associated with blankets, shawls, home décor, bags, and amigurumi, and sometimes hesitant about garments), there is also a new direction emerging — what I would call “transitional crochet,” supported by many modern designers. 

It feels like transitional crochet sits somewhere between traditional knitting and crochet. Designers and makers are exploring modern techniques and garment construction, showing interest in “knit-look” crochet with good drape and refined aesthetics.

As a crochet designer, I feel that I belong to this category. Through my work, I aim to show that modern crochet is very different from what it was 10 years ago. With a crochet hook, we can create a wide variety of stitches — some that mimic knitting and others that celebrate the unique texture of crochet. 

The term “knit-look” has become more common in today’s crochet, perhaps because crocheters are unconsciously trying to get closer to what is often perceived as the “upper class” of knitting. In my opinion, this can sometimes diminish the uniqueness and original identity of crochet as an independent craft (although I should admit that I have also used “knit-look” stitches in my own designs). 

 

 

Conclusions 

I returned home from h+h cologne filled with inspiration and bright emotions. I had the opportunity to connect with people from different parts of the world and to share a love and passion for crochet and yarn. 

I strongly feel that modern crochet is not only alive and thriving, but also has an exciting future ahead — with many talented designers continuing to innovate, and adventurous makers who are not afraid to explore new techniques and contribute to the evolution of crochet as a craft. 

See you next year at h+h cologne in Cologne?