Exploration Crochet

In this episode of Exploration Crochet, host ReRe takes a thoughtful look at the first four episodes of Game of Wool: Finding Britain’s Best Knitter, exploring what the show gets right and wrong about knitting, crochet, and craft culture on TV. Speaking as a crocheter-who-has-knit, a non-Brit, and a non–reality-show person, she unpacks the title, the “new generation of knitters” tagline, and the way crochet is folded under “knitting.” ReRe walks listeners through each challenge—highlighting where crochet shines and where the format distorts how these crafts actually work. She also looks at the production side: extreme time limits, yarn choices, editing tricks, casting decisions, and the lack of clarity about compensation and intellectual property rights for contestant designs. Throughout, she balances critique with appreciation, celebrating the imagination and innovation of the makers while reminding listeners that “everything isn’t for everybody”.Links | Episode 1 | https://youtu.be/k4FokKLplvYEpisode 2 | https://youtu.be/dZD40mA-rMgEpisode 3 | https://youtu.be/yfWwzxBoPtoEpisode 4 | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0y1Ai4Nn1dM Exploration Crochet | https://explorationcrochet.comBBC4 Presser | https://www.channel4.com/press/news/more4-cast-new-competitive-knitting-series-game-woolChannel 4  Applicant Request | https://www.channel4.com/4viewers/takepart/game-of-woolStuart | The Woolpatch | https://www.youtube.com/@TheWoolpatchJanie Crow | https://www.janiecrow.com/Shetland Organization of Knitters |https://explorationcrochet.com/p/the-game-of-wool-wk1-shetland-organizationPrudence Mapstone: Scrumble | https://www.knotjustknitting.com/freeform/Sound Attribution |https://dova-s.jp/EN/_contents/author/profile162.htmlMorphagene Reel - Glockenspiel Rubber Mallet.wav by radiohummingbird --https://freesound.org/s/635381/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

In “Twisted Sisters: S, Z, and Your Crochet Sanity,” ReRe unpacks the hidden world of S and Z twist and why it almost never appears on the label. You’ll learn how S and Z twist developed through industrial spinning, why most commercial yarns are still S-twist by default, and how that history accidentally left crocheters out of the design conversation. ReRe explains how twist direction interacts differently with right-handed and left-handed crochet, why some yarns split, fuzz, and “fight back,” and how different fibers—wool, cotton, acrylic, and shiny plant-based yarns—behave under each twist. The episode also explores why more crochet influencers haven’t launched Z-twist lines, touching on mills, minimums, risk, and discontinued favorites. By the end, you’ll know how to spot S or Z in seconds, match twist to your hands and project, and stop blaming your tension when it might actually be physics messing with your crochet sanity.SOUND ATTRIBUTION https://dova-s.jp/EN/_contents/author/profile162.htmlhttps://pixabay.com/users/brolefilmer-24731381/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=12315https://pixabay.com/users/tunetank-50201703/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=348895Happy Music.wav by monkeyman535 -- https://freesound.org/s/326639/ -- License: Attribution 4.0https://pixabay.com/users/lkoliks-48415707/? utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=419356

“Weight a Minute: An Exploration of Yarn Weights and Whys” demystifies yarn weightsystems for crocheters, connecting industrial terms like tex, denier, and Nm toeveryday labels like DK, Worsted, and Bulky. ReRe explains why yarn labelsdiffer across countries, how to use WPI and swatching for smart yarnsubstitution, and shares a simple five-step checklist so your projects keeptheir intended fit and drape. Listeners also get access to a free Yarn WeightConversion Sheet PDF to make shopping and stash-diving easier.Yarn Weight Conversion Chart - https://explorationcrochet.com/p/yarn-weight-conversion-chartCraft Yarn Council - https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/aboutcyca.htmlSound Attribution:https://dova-s.jp/EN/_contents/author/profile162.htmltelephone.wav by iut_Paris8 -- https://freesound.org/s/570274/ -- License: Creative Commons 0Number Song Music https://pixabay.com/users/matthewmikemusic-25386219/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=233460Number, 12 Times https://pixabay.com/users/aicanvas-5347436/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=300089This Old Man https://pixabay.com/users/matthewmikemusic-25386219/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=373880

Episode 10 of Exploration Crochet asks: Acrylic yarn—superhero or super villain? ReRe traces acrylic’s origin from 1940s lab fiber (polyacrylonitrile/PAN) to 1950s brands like Orlon®, explaining how it’s spun, crimped, and dope-dyed for bright, colorfast, machine-washable results. You’ll learn where acrylic shines—afghans, granny-square throws, amigurumi, donation and outdoor projects—and where to rethink (high-heat kitchen use, hot-climate garments). The episode balances benefits (affordable, warmth without weight, reliable dye lots) with tradeoffs (pilling in budget grades, thermoplastic heat sensitivity, microfiber shedding) plus practical blocking and laundry tips. Verdict: acrylic isn’t hero or villain—it’s a fit-for-purpose tool that democratized cozy color.

Step into the flickering candlelight of Exploration Crochet for “The Ties That Bind — Fiber Arts, Folklore, and Magic.” In this Halloween special, host ReRe unravels the myths and mysteries spun through history’s threads — from Celtic knots and Slavic storm-binding to the Greek Fates, the Norse Norns, and the Navajo Spider Woman. Discover how cultures across centuries believed yarn, string, and fabric could shape fate, summon protection, or seal a promise. Then watch that legacy come alive in modern crochet, where each loop becomes an act of creativity, connection, and quiet courage. With stories of witch’s ladders, red-string lovers, and the tapestry from Brave, this episode celebrates the universal truth behind every stitch: we create the world together, one loop at a time.Check out the curated reading list: The Ties That Bind: Fiber Arts, Folklore, & Magicsound attributionMusic Box For Suspenseful Scenes by ViraMiller --https://freesound.org/s/742115/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Irish Field Men Female Choir Drone Myst Fantasy Atmo Mastered.wav by szegvari -- https://freesound.org/s/619179/ -- License: Creative Commons 0Half-speed! Airy wind chimes quintet at Hunter's Tor, Teign Gorge by Philip_Goddard -- https://freesound.org/s/700669/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0NEPTUN-Solo-07 Tibetan Singing Bowl by the_very_Real_Horst -- https://freesound.org/s/240934/ -- License: Creative Commons 0https://dova-s.jp/EN/_contents/author/profile162.html

In this episode of Exploration Crochet, ReRe takes listeners on afiber-filled road trip through the world of Yarn Crawls —community-driven events where crafters visit multiple local yarn shops armedwith hooks, passports, and plenty of enthusiasm. From the origins of the crawltradition to the first official LYS tours in the late 2000s, we explore howthese creative adventures connect makers and strengthen the fiber community.Along the way, ReRe highlights global yarn crawls from the U.S. to SouthAmerica, where shop-hopping and skein-squishing turn travel into craftcelebration. You’ll learn what makes a successful crawl — from prizes andpassports to trunk shows, demos, and charity tie-ins — and get practical tipsfor first-time crawlers. At its heart, this episode reminds us that every yarncrawl is about connection, creativity, and the shared joy of discovering fibertogether.Yarn Over Hook Crochet Yarn Crawl 2026 | https://yarnoverhook.com/crochet-yarn-crawl/SOUND ATTRIBUTION:https://dova-s.jp/EN/_contents/author/profile162.htmlGolden Era of Silent Film - Music by https://pixabay.com/users/pilot2kid-23069762/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=336699 Funny Happy Melody - Music by https://pixabay.com/users/pilot2kid-23069762/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=346934 Spring in Your Step - Music by https://pixabay.com/users/grumpynora-14374548/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=352055 Creepy Trip – Gypsy Jazz - Music by https://pixabay.com/users/artmanzh-3855363/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=330441record scratch.wav by luffy -- https://freesound.org/s/3536/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

In Twisted Tales: Frogging Crochet Stereotypes, host ReRe unravels the myths that have long tangled around crochet and the people who practice it. From the outdated “grandma’s hobby” image to gender stereotypes, and undervaluing of handmade work - this episode challenges every threadbare assumption. Listeners will hear how crochet bridges generations, cultures, and creative disciplines while resisting labels that try to box it in. Warm, witty, and enlightening, this episode redefines what it means to be part of the global crochet community.Sound Attribution:https://dova-s.jp/EN/_contents/author/profile162.htmlFunny Background Music Orchestra (Loop) by Migfus20 -- https://freesound.org/s/561390/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Funny music (orchestra) .wav by Darkash28 -- https://freesound.org/s/529967/ --License: Creative Commons 0Numskull by Beetlemuse -- https://freesound.org/s/650939/ -- License: Creative Commons 0Walking LA by vollkornbrot -- https://freesound.org/s/371976/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0

Step right up friends, ReRe is taking you on a stroll through the exhibition halls where crochet has shined for more than 170 years. From the lace collars of the 1850s to the amigurumi dragons of today, fairs have showcased crochet’s blend of precision, creativity, and heart. Along the way, you’ll hear how 4-H and Girl Scouts kept the craft alive for young makers, how yarn companies and magazines turned everyday crocheters into national prizewinners, and how modern fairs celebrate originality as much as skill. With stops at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair and the 2025 LA County Fair, this episode stitches together a story of evolution, artistry, and community pride. Grab your fair pass and make room for funnel cake—it’s time to celebrate crochet’s long love affair with the fair.Accompanying Blog | https://yarnoverhook.com/loops-lace-funnel-cakes/To see Alexis Kavro's fair entries check out REMY A CRAFTY HEDGEHOG - https://www.remyacraftyhedgehog.com/pastexhibitionsSound Attributions |CAMPTOWN RACES (Stephen Foster)  Camptown Races - Freedom Trail Studio -youtube.com/audiolibrary/musicTHE ENTERTAINER  (SCOTT JOPLIN) royalty free Music produced by Giorgio Di Campo for @FreeSound Music http://freesoundmusic.euFarming Game Theme by TheLastOneOnEarth -- https://freesound.org/s/800496/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Sunshine Humdrum by Markusheadroom -- https://freesound.org/s/796442/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0https://dova-s.jp/EN/_contents/author/profile162.html

At just over 200 years old crochet, the “new kid” of thread crafts, learned from its elders—especially the rustic bridge of Shepherd’s Knitting—and stepped into its own in the early 1800s. It leapt from tambour embroidery’s on-fabric chains to free-loop fabric you could build anywhere with just a hook and yarn. In famine-era Ireland, lacework became both livelihood and art, then traveled with immigrants to homes across the Americas and beyond. Over time it settled beside quilting and knitting, shaping heirlooms, wardrobes, and community projects across classes and cultures. The 1960s–70s revived it in riotous color with Granny Squares, while Japan reimagined it as amigurumi. Today, online stitch-alongs, tutorials, and pattern marketplaces keep the circle global and always open. Crochet thrives because it’s accessible, adaptable, and community-driven—one hook, one strand, endless ways to belong.Accompanying blog | https://yarnoverhook.com/humanitys-tale-of-loops-knots-thread/SOUND ATTRIBUTION:Music Box - J. S. Bach - Menuet by Flying_Deer_Fx --https://freesound.org/s/369404/ -- License: Creative Commons 0Irish Whistle.mp3 by nigelnix --https://freesound.org/s/130108/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Sci-Fi Gateway by Bachsambora --https://freesound.org/s/752034/ -- License: Creative Commons 0SunixMuz - Bravery (Opening, trailer, epic music, Free CCBY) by SunixMuz --https://freesound.org/s/767839/ -- License: Attribution 4.0https://dova-s.jp/EN/_contents/author/profile162.html

The Granny Square is more than just a crochet motif—it’s a cultural icon. In this episode of Exploration Crochet, ReRe takes us on a journey through the history, evolution, and surprising staying power of the Granny Square. This humble motif has proven itself timeless-- reinvented across decades of fashion, home decor, and fiber art. From its early appearances in Victorian pattern books to its explosion on the runways of the 1960s and 70s, the Granny Square has always found a way to stay fresh.We’ll explore its global revival fueled by the internet, its modern transformations into 3D flowers and daring festival wear, and even the darker side of machine-made imitations and underpaid labor. Along the way, we’ll imagine a “what if”: how much money Granny could have made if the motif had been copyrighted. Ultimately, the Granny Square isn’t just a pattern—it’s a shared cultural treasure, reminding us all that, L-7 aside, it’s hip to be square.Sound Attributions:double bass happy hillbilly blues by elzozo – https://freesound.org/s/613388/-- License: Creative Commons 0loopable excerpt#2 of szegvari's freesound 667103.flac by Timbre --https://freesound.org/s/667183/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0Abstract Pop Electronica (loop ver.1) by AudioCoffee https://freesound.org/s/745334/ --License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0https://dovas.jp/EN/_contents/author/profile162.html

Welcome to The Codex of HOOKSPEAK: Crochet's Secret LanguageIn this episode, ReRe opens the great folklore glossary of crochet—a living lexicon stitched together by humor, frustration, triumph, and mischief. We’ll travel from WIPs to TOADs, face the peril of yarn chicken, and meet the heroes and tricksters who embody these tales: Knights sworn to single quests, Bards who sing stitch by stitch, Dragons hoarding glittering stashes, and Tricksters who yarn-bomb the village square. This is more than slang—it’s myth-making, a language born from circles of friends and amplified by guilds, forums, and hashtags across the world. Crochet’s lexicon is alive, shifting like folklore, growing with every laugh, sigh, and whispered phrase. And the best part? You, too, are part of this saga.SOUND ATTRIBUTIONS:Viking/Medieval Theme by M-Murray --https://freesound.org/s/723202/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Viking/Medieval Theme (Instrumental Version) by M-Murray --https://freesound.org/s/723857/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Uplifting adventure music by humanoide9000 --https://freesound.org/s/568867/ -- License: Attribution 4.0https://dova-s.jp/EN/_contents/author/profile162.html

In this episode of Exploration Crochet, host ReRe takes listeners on a fun and surprising journey into the hidden world of math woven through every stitch of crochet. From the geometry of flat circles and ruffles, to Fibonacci spirals, symmetry, fractals, and even hyperbolic planes, discover how crochet patterns are living algorithms and wearable math. Whether you’re a yarn enthusiast, a math nerd, or just curious, you’ll see how numbers and stitches team up to create beauty, rhythm, and cozy comfort you can wrap around your shoulders.Crafters Autonomous | The Math Behind a Crochet Circle & Why It MattersVirtual Math Museum | Sierpinski TriangleMath Department | University of Wisconsin - Madison |Hyperbolic ModelingThe Exploration Crochet podcast is part of the Yarn Over Hook Network.

Join ReRe in Episode 1 of Exploration Crochet as she asks “Why crochet?” and uncovers the joy, creativity, and community behind the craft.In this very first episode of Exploration Crochet, host ReRe shares her personal journey with crochet and explores the deeper question: Why crochet? From sparking creativity to building community, crochet is more than just yarn and stitches... It’s a way of life.Whether you are just picking up your first hook or have been crocheting for years, this episode will remind you why we keep coming back to the craft we love.The Exploration Crochet podcast is part of the Yarn Over Hook Network.