UNK junior Julia McKlem, center, leads an activity during a recent Crochet Circle meeting, where members created yarn from old T-shirts. McKlem started the student organization last year and serves as president. (Photo by Erika Pritchard, UNK Communications)
KEARNEY – Julia McKlem moved from table to table inside a classroom in the basement of Calvin T. Ryan Library, stopping beside each group of students as they meticulously worked yarn through metal hooks.
“What are you working on right now?” the University of Nebraska at Kearney junior asked, checking in with members of Crochet Circle as blankets, scarves and coasters slowly took shape around the room.
The UNK students compared projects and shared ideas while they stitched. At this particular meeting, the conversation also turned to sustainability, with members experimenting with making yarn from old T-shirts – a way to turn worn clothing into new materials for future crochet works.
The relaxed Wednesday evening gathering reflects the spirit of Crochet Circle, a student organization formed last year that brings together Lopers who share an interest in crochet and other forms of fiber art. The group typically meets twice a month in the library basement, offering a place for students to work on pieces, learn new techniques and connect with others who enjoy the craft.
McKlem, a K-12 art education major from Omaha, created the club in March 2025 as part of a project for the UNK Honors Program. She had noticed growing interest among classmates whenever they saw her crocheting and began thinking about how to build a community around the hobby.
“I thought it would be a good idea to start a club because there was a lot of interest and I knew a lot of people who crochet,” she explained. “It got super popular during COVID.”
McKlem picked up the hobby about two years ago after a friend suggested they try it together. Already involved in other creative pursuits such as scrapbooking, embroidery, cross stitching and painting, she quickly found that crochet fit naturally with her artistic interests.
“I do a lot of artsy things, so it made sense,” she said.
A Place to Create and Connect
Crochet Circle began with a handful of meetings during its first semester and has continued to grow. The group now has more than a dozen regular members, with about 10 to 20 students attending most meetings. A beginner’s night earlier this academic year drew more than 30 people interested in learning the craft.
Although crochet is the group’s primary focus, McKlem emphasizes that the club welcomes a wide range of creative interests.
“All forms of fiber art are welcome,” she said with a smile. “We’re fiber arts inclusive.”
Meetings often combine demonstrations with time for students to work on their own projects. Some gatherings focus on themed creations, such as strawberries around Valentine’s Day, pie-shaped coasters before Thanksgiving or hats ahead of the winter holidays. Others are more relaxed movie nights where members crochet while watching a film together.
Gabby Klein, a junior from Holdrege and vice president of Crochet Circle, discovered the group through a Snapchat post.
“The only other club I’m in is related to my major, so it’s kind of nice to have a club to go to and hang out with people in an environment that’s not strictly academic,” said Klein, who’s studying pre-veterinary medicine. “It’s my relaxation time. I know when I go to Crochet Circle that I’m not going to worry about homework.”
Klein first learned the basics of crochet as a young girl when an aunt showed her how to make chains. She picked the hobby back up a few years ago.
“I think I just decided one day I was bored and needed something to do,” she said with a laugh. “And I’ve been doing it ever since.”
Katy Lovejoy, a junior early childhood education major from Central City, joined Crochet Circle this spring after transferring to UNK. She had already been crocheting for about two years, often bringing her projects along to class, where fellow students fell in love with her handmade plushies.
“I know of at least five students who want plushies,” said Lovejoy, who recently created Bowser from the Nintendo franchise for her nephew.
McKlem, Klein and Lovejoy all agree that crocheting is a great de-stressor, a way to relax, “turn your brain off” and let your hands create something fun and unique.
“It’s just so versatile,” Klein noted. “You can make so many different things. I’m currently working on a blanket, but I’ve also made cardigans, coasters and tapestries. It’s also very rewarding when you finish a project you’ve spent hours on.”
Expanding the Circle
The group finds ways to share that enthusiasm across campus and beyond.
In January, Crochet Circle partnered with the UNK Film Club and The World Theatre in downtown Kearney to host a “Craft Cinema” event featuring a free screening of “How to Train Your Dragon.” Attendees were encouraged to bring projects to work on during the movie, and Crochet Circle provided yarn, stitch markers and hooks for anyone who wanted to try crocheting.
More than 200 people attended the event, including many younger students.
“Horizon Middle School actually has a class where they can learn how to crochet, so there were sixth and seventh graders participating in the event,” McKlem said. “That was pretty cool to see.”
Looking ahead, McKlem hopes to continue expanding Crochet Circle’s reach through partnerships with other student organizations and community groups. Club members already sell their handmade items in the Museum of Nebraska Art gift shop, and she’d like to offer classes there, too. Other possibilities include a “yarn bombing” street art display in downtown Kearney and incorporating crochet lessons into campus wellness events.
“I’d love for us to be involved with more organizations and do more collaborations, both on campus and in the community,” McKlem said.
“Community. Collaboration. Crochet. The three Cs,” she added with a smile.
Even as it expands, the heart of Crochet Circle remains those Wednesday evenings in the library basement, where students can slow down, exchange ideas and spend time with people who share their interests.
“Most people just like the vibes,” McKlem said. “They like meeting new people and the social aspect of it. Hopefully it’s a hobby they can take beyond college and continue doing as a way to relax.”
For anyone interested in giving crocheting a try, there’s always room to join the circle.
