The art of crochet fashion: the crochet shirt
Crochet and knitting look alike from a distance, but they are different crafts. Knowing the difference helps you see why a crochet shirt looks, feels and costs the way it does.
What crochet is
Knitting uses two needles and keeps a whole row of loops open at once. Crochet uses a single hook and finishes each stitch before the next one starts. That makes crochet good at shapes: flowers, squares, open lace and motifs that are made one by one and then joined.
Crochet is very hard to do by machine, which is why crochet clothing is made by hand. At Smyrna Collective a shirt takes one maker 2 to 8 days.
How to judge and care for a crochet shirt
Look at the joins between squares or motifs: they should lie flat and even. Look at the openwork: the holes should repeat in a regular pattern. And look at the hem and the sleeve edges, where a careful maker finishes the yarn so it does not come loose.
Crochet lasts if you treat it gently. Hand wash it or use the wool program at 30°C, press the water out without wringing, and dry it flat on a towel. Fold it in a drawer rather than hanging it, so the shoulders do not stretch.
Three shirts to start with
The granny square summer shirt is light, breathable cotton, cool on hot days, for $190. The colorful crochet shirt is soft cotton yarn in many colors, for $200.
Our vintage-style granny square shirt joins squares in many colors of Turkish cotton, a classic pattern from our grandmothers in a relaxed modern fit, also $200.
From casual to boho
For a casual look, wear a crochet shirt with jeans and sneakers. For a boho look, add a flowing skirt, layered necklaces and sandals. At a festival it goes over a tank top or a swimsuit.
If you want a shirt in your own colors, open the design studio, pick a garment and yarn colors, and see three designs before you order.
