Hooked on Heat: Crochet as a Hobby for the Hot Season

FLOWERS, keychains, outfits, you name it; there’s definitely a cute crochet version of everything. Crochet has been making waves with its adorable and eye-catching pieces that can capture everyone’s attention. As the sunny season is fast approaching, picking up this new hobby can be a life hack to help us beat the heat in style. 

Hunting down a stylish wardrobe and accessories for the weather is a must for Gen Zs! Luckily for us, crochet pieces specifically made for the hot Philippine climate can be your go-to! If you want to add more spice to your style, be it tops, bags, flowers, or anik-anik, get ready to pick up a hook and yarn and start crafting your dainty accessories.

In the loop

#Crochetersoftiktok is a hashtag famous for passionate crocheters active on social media platforms, especially Tiktok. Through this hashtag, creators can share their creations and find new crochet inspirations they can work on. This became more famous during the pandemic when many picked up on this hobby to pass the time and ease boredom.

Chynna Basillaje and her younger sister Chezka learned to crochet in 2024. Her sister found crochet videos on TikTok, pushing them to learn the craft. During the season of giving, the sisters toyed with the idea of gifting their creations to close relatives, “Since the holidays were approaching, we thought—why not give our family members handmade crocheted gifts?”

With the help of technology, crocheting can be readily accessible for everyone; with many crochet beginner sets sold online and tutorials posted across social media platforms, anyone can pick up on this new hobby. 

Chynna and Chezka began learning by understanding the basic stitches and eventually moved on to watching YouTube tutorials, “We began by learning each stitch and its abbreviations. When we first watched YouTube tutorials, we were confused by terms like “sc” and “dc,” so we decided to start with the basics. Once we understood them, following tutorials and patterns became much easier.” she explains.

The video tutorials on YouTube provide patterns and visuals that can guide those who wish to learn. For advanced crocheters, experimenting with new designs with the free-hand approach can allow you to challenge your creativity.  This hobby is suitable for anyone and everyone, depending on their learning pace. 

Although beginner-friendly, like any hobby, it requires patience; one can’t immediately get their knots and stitches correct instantly, requiring more practice. Admittedly, learning was not easy for Chynna. Nevertheless, she persevered and could execute it well, “At first, there were a lot of trials, mistakes, and frustrations when I couldn’t follow the instructions or create what I envisioned. But with practice, I gradually got the hang of it.” she recalls.

Crochet Craze

More than just an activity, crocheting has built a community. If you’re looking to connect with like-minded people who share the same passion, there are plenty of online groups such as Crochet Lovers in the Philippines on Facebook or #crochetersoftiktok on Tiktok where you can seek advice, showcase your projects, and learn tips and techniques from experienced crocheters. 

Chynna often creates keychains and amigurumi, and recently, she and her sister made crochet flower bouquets for Valentine’s Day. Regarding inspiration, she looks for tutorials she can follow on YouTube and sometimes sees crochet-related posts on her Facebook feed.

With the Philippines’ hot climate, lightweight and breathable material for clothes and accessories is a must. Although Chynna has not dabbled in summer outfits, she has made hair ties, headbands, and even hats for our fur babies that suit the hot weather. These pieces are designed and personalized to suit the country’s hot and humid weather, providing an avenue for crafters to channel their creativity fashionably and practically for the dry season.

So, what are you waiting for? Whether you’re looking for a new activity to pump you up or an excuse to create all sorts of crafts, all you need is a hook and yarn to start your crafty and creative journey.

With reports from Samantha Vidal