Success Story: Crochet 101 – Introducing Textile Arts to the Community

Issue:

In recent community conversations and informal needs assessments, it became clear there was interest in creative and heritage-based learning opportunities that support both personal well-being and cultural connection. Many residents, especially in rural and Appalachian regions, expressed a desire for more accessible evening programs that offer hands-on learning, social engagement, and cultural enrichment. Additionally, preserving traditional textile arts like crochet aligns with efforts to celebrate and sustain Appalachian heritage. Before this program, no formal crochet workshops had been offered by the Extension in our county, indicating an opportunity to both preserve tradition and spark creativity across generations.

Program/Outreach Response & Partners:

In response to this interest, the Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Extension Agent organized and facilitated Crochet 101, an introductory evening workshop focused on the fundamentals of crochet. The workshop was designed as a low-barrier entry point to textile arts, and an opportunity to celebrate cultural heritage through hands-on learning. UK Cooperative Extension provided planning, promotion, and materials. Each participant received a curated supply bag containing yarn, a crochet hook, a beginner-friendly instruction pamphlet, a SNAP-Ed recipe card, and a Homemakers pamphlet to connect them with other community resources. Light refreshments were offered.

Partnerships included:

• UK SNAP-Ed Program, which contributed healthy recipe cards to promote nutritional well-being alongside creative education.
• County Homemakers Organization, which provided pamphlets and ongoing engagement opportunities for participants seeking deeper community involvement.
• Local crochet experts, who assisted in sourcing materials at a reduced cost or offered their expertise and support.

Target Audience and Reach:

The Crochet 101 program drew 38 participants, representing a diverse cross-section of the community. Attendees spanned all age groups and included a mix of genders, demonstrating a broad interest in creative, heritage-based programming. Demographic specifics were collected, indicated participation from youth, working adults, and seniors alike, with strong multigenerational interaction. Additionally, three skilled community volunteers assisted during the workshop, providing hands-on guidance and ensuring all participants felt supported.

Statement of Outcomes/Impact:

The Crochet 101 program successfully introduced a new textile craft to the community while honoring Appalachian heritage and fostering social engagement. Immediate outcomes included:

• Increased knowledge and confidence in basic crochet techniques among participants.
• Enhanced community interest in traditional handcrafts, with several attendees expressing interest in continued learning opportunities.
• Strengthened social connections, particularly across generational lines.
• Promotion of healthy lifestyle habits through SNAP-Ed recipe cards and Extension resources.

100% of participants indicated they were eager to continue learning more about crochet and expressed interest in exploring additional textile-based programs in the future. The event’s strong attendance and overwhelmingly positive feedback have sparked plans for future programs, including intermediate crochet classes and additional heritage arts workshops. By combining creativity, culture, and community connection, Crochet 101 served as a powerful pilot for expanding FCS evening programming in the county.