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Photo Credit: Crochet For A Cause

Awareness and kindness are at the heart of Crochet For A Cause at Mason

BY VALENTINA FALA, STAFF WRITER

Crocheting has gained popularity for its beginner-friendly approach and ability to fuel creativity. At Mason, Crochet For A Cause puts the hobby to good use, bringing members together through a creative outlet fueled by kindness to raise awareness on various causes.

The hobby is individualized so that everyone learns at their own pace; it is a matter of practice.

In crocheting, stitches are made one at a time, making it easier to learn compared to other textile crafts like knitting and sewing.

“There is the classic crochet hook, a type of crochet that replicates knitting with a very long crochet hook, micro crochet—which uses a sewing needle with a hook at the end—and you can even crochet with your fingers if the yarn is big enough,” said Crochet For A Cause Vice President Katelyn Sturch. 

Crochet For A Cause regularly seeks new partners each semester to advocate for various causes. Last semester, they partnered with Mutt Love Rescue, an animal rescue center and non-profit organization in Fairfax, Virginia. 

This semester, they partnered with Bren Mar Park Elementary School in Alexandria, Virginia. Bren Mar Park is a Title I school, meaning a high percentage of students come from low-income families. 

Initially providing crocheted hats, scarves and clothing items for kids, the club now assists with providing school supplies. Their Fall 2025 partner is not yet set, but the club is open to continuing existing and past partnerships.

“For [collaborations with] other organizations, anything that members sell –where we have promoted their work– we ask them to donate 10% but currently we haven’t had fundraisers yet for this semester,” said Crochet For A Cause President Amelie Garcia.

Regardless of skill level, anyone is welcome to join. More experienced members help others by demonstrating techniques and offering advice. The club has also compiled a list of online learning materials ranging from videos and tutorials to patterns for both beginners and more advanced crocheters.

“It is just another form of art honestly. A lot of people like crocheting clothes, a lot of people also do plushies, so it’s a really fun way to just try something new and express yourself,” said Sturch.

Photo Credit: Crochet for a Cause

Around 10 members attend each meeting, usually held on Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., enjoying the process of creating plushies and other items. The club provides the necessary crocheting tools—yarn, hooks ranging from 2 mm to 8 mm, and stitch markers—free to all members.

The club hosts  various events, including Kiosk Days at the Johnson Center, where they give away crocheted items made by members and engage with interested students.

Crochet For A Cause’s newest event will take place on Friday, March 21, in collaboration with Fairfax Releaf, an organization that helps restore native plant life while removing invasive plant species. Members will go to an overgrowth site and spend two hours removing invasive plants to support the growth of native species.

To join Crochet for A Cause or learn more, visit their Instagram for additional information.