The rise of crochet and knitting in Bangladesh

Shivering as she emerged from the piano's hidden shutter, Taylor Swift sat down wearing a cosy white cardigan-a scene every Swiftie can instantly recall.

The music video for Cardigan debuted four years ago and has since become iconic. And at that moment, with one cosy sweater, Taylor set the internet ablaze. Dubbed the Folklore Cardigan, fans everywhere were inspired, diving into crochet and knitting to create their own.

Fans frequently recreate iconic pieces worn by their idols, making tutorials, sharing patterns, and creating a new wave of followers.

In Bangladesh, this phenomenon feels right at home as interest in crochet and knitting has surged, becoming an art, a hobby, and even a budding business.

With the nighttime chills and the daytime warmth settling in, Dhaka may not be wrapped in fog yet, but winter is coming. And for the women especially, that means it's time to hunt for yarn. Although Bangladesh's winters are mild, the preparations for cold weather are anything but, as the trends in crochet and knitting capture attention.

Once considered a pastime for grandmothers-an image often fueled by Western shows-the crafts of knitting and crochet have been redefined by the internet and social media. A quick scroll through Pinterest reveals endless possibilities, challenging outdated stereotypes and sparking a worldwide crochet revival. In Bangladesh, crochet, or "Kushi katar kaj," as it is locally known, is just as popular as knitting. Unlike knitting, which requires two needles, crochet is done with a single hooked needle, and it's just as mesmerizing.

Thanks to the online aesthetic trends, crochet and knitting are back in fashion, not only for sweaters and shawls but for bags, shoes, headbands, scrunchies, and even modern hats that offer a refreshing change from classic beanies.

When it comes to how long crochet and knitting take, a small beanie might take anywhere from half an hour to over an hour, depending on the type and pattern. Each item has time requirements, but once you learn the basics, it's easy to progress from beginner to intermediate.

Customisation is a significant part of the appeal, allowing people to make personalized garments and accessories instead of relying solely on store-bought items.

Beyond Taylor Swift's cardigan, Harry Styles's patchwork cardigan became a viral project, inspiring fans worldwide to take up crocheting or knitting. This trend has yet to bypass Bangladesh; local crocheters and knitters are embracing the art form, creating designs inspired by global trends.

Contrary to popular belief, crochet and knitwear aren't limited to winter. You will find vests, lightweight cardigans, and lacy embellishments all year round. Just look closely, and you'll see the difference in quality between these handmade creations and mass-produced items.

Anjum Islam Prome, a journalism student at Dhaka University, exclaims, "When crocheting, I can switch on and off my head's chaos."Reminiscing about her loved ones."

"Doing crochet makes me feel nostalgic; it reminds me of when I watched my nani-dadi making hand-stitched nakshi kantha for us, for their loved ones. Now, I do this for my loved ones. Rather than buying something readymade, giving handmade things speaks more volumes of love," she adds.

But how is the knitting and crochet industry thriving in Bangladesh? Many might argue that a warm climate hinders business, but this hasn't proven true.

Nilajona Champa, the CEO of Bangladesh Women's Entrepreneurship Forum, says, "Visit online stores or local markets, and you'll find handmade items displayed everywhere. The prices at local shops or the street shopping area are unbelievably low."

The online market for crochet and knitting is expanding quickly. The main challenge remains the high cost of materials-yarn, needles, and hooks are mostly imported from China and elsewhere, making them expensive. While some companies attempt to produce local options, quality can sometimes fall short. In terms of demand, it's pretty high.

Nevertheless, crochet and knitting are here to stay, blending traditional warmth with modern style. Whether inspired by global trends or homegrown creativity, Bangladesh's crochet and knitting community continues to grow, stitch by stitch, piece by piece.

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