Crochet 'forever' flowers are in and they're handmade with love

India Today

5 days ago

There's something special about receiving a flower from someone you love, so special that many of us press it into the pages of a book, hoping to preserve the memory. But real flowers are fleeting; no matter how cherished, they eventually fade.Enter crochet flowers, or forever flowers, a rising trend that reimagines romance in yarn. From roses and tulips to sunflowers and lilies, almost every bloom is being carefully handcrafted and gifted as a lasting symbol of love.advertisementThey're beautiful, they last forever, but can they ever truly replace the charm of the real thing?Why the hype?
The younger generation isn't just embracing sustainability, they're also celebrating the time, effort, and artistry that go into handcrafted creations."Flowers have long been seen as a beautiful expression of love, and when it comes to crochet flowers, that sentiment is magnified even more. These delicate creations are truly a labour of love, lovingly crafted by hand with the recipient in mind," Vishwa, crochet artist and founder of Rare You, tells India Today. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vishwa Narwal (@vishwa.narwal)She adds that, unlike fresh flowers that fade away, crochet flowers stand the test of time, offering a lasting reminder of cherished moments and feelings."They're not just a lovely gift, they are environmentally friendly and serve as a heartfelt keepsake that preserves memories for years to come."Swetha K, who is also a crochet artist and founder of Happy Yarn Loops, agrees. She shares that the trend for crochet flowers is increasing because people are now choosing meaningful, handmade gifts, and these flowers feel personal. They don't wilt and can be customised as per the client's request.And isn't customisation what everyone's after these days?Adding to this, Ananya Malhotra, crochet artist and founder of Enchanted Threads, tells us that crochet has seen a big rise over the past 4–5 years. People appreciate handmade, eco-friendly items, so crochet flowers fit right into that trend.She says, "The artisans creating these flowers focus on every little stitch. Some even scent the flowers for a sensory experience — that level of craftsmanship really stands out. Being able to pre-plan what flower bouquet you want to gift someone and customise it according to Pinterest inspirations is also a huge plus."The ageless appeal of crochetVishwa feels that crochet has stood the test of time. "I've witnessed my grandmothers proudly share stories of their mothers creating beautiful crochet pieces. In our fast-paced world, where landfills overflow with fast-fashion waste, people are increasingly conscious of their consumption. The shift towards eco-friendly and meaningful choices is undeniable."advertisementShe mentions that the potential of crochet as an art form is vast and exciting, and its impact will only grow. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Happy Yarn Loops (@happyyarnloops)Meanwhile, Ananya shares that crochet has been making a strong comeback for nearly four years, and this feels more like a lasting change than a passing trend."Designers today are doing far more than basic work, since we have access to a wide range of yarns — from t-shirt strips to sequined and cotton — producing incredibly sophisticated designs, from giftables and plushies to cardigans and co-ord sets. That versatility means artisans can create almost anything with yarn and a hook," she says.Ananya further tells us that crochet carries emotional weight, as people associate it with nostalgic childhood memories of grandparents making scarves, etc.With that mix of craftsmanship, material innovation, and emotional connection, crochet feels like a creative revolution, not just a faddish moment.Crochet vs the real dealadvertisementCrochet flowers are beautiful, and you can customise them in so many fun ways. But can they really replace the feeling of getting a red rose from someone you love, or watching a lily slowly bloom in a crystal vase you've cared for?Well, according to the crochet artists, you don't need to replace this feeling.Vishwa shares that real flowers are nature's most beautiful creation, and they are her primary source of inspiration."I don't view crochet flowers as a substitute for real flowers; instead, I see them as an alternative option," she says.Swetha agrees that real flowers cannot be replaced. "But crochet flowers have a magic of their own. You can customise your favourite blooms in any colour you love, and the best part? There's no season for crochet flowers! You can have any flower, any time. They may not have the scent, but they carry a special emotional value and leave a lasting impression."Meanwhile, for Ananya, while natural blooms do connect you with nature, crochet flowers carry a deeply different sentiment."They're a symbol of undying love. The care, time, and intricate detail someone invests in crafting them shows how much they care. You can really feel that effort. It makes you appreciate craftsmanship on a different level. So I don't think they compare — each one holds its own unique emotion and meaning," she states.advertisementOne makes you appreciate the wonders of nature, while the other shows the beautiful creations of human hands. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Crochet by Enchanted Threads | India | Dehradun (@enchanted_threads._)The money factorSwetha feels the younger generation is going gaga over forever flowers, partly because of the money factor. She mentions that crochet flowers are a one-time buy, and you don't have to worry about them drying or going bad.But more than money, she thinks the younger generation is leaning towards meaningful, handmade gifts.It's also the new love language"There's something incredibly thoughtful about receiving a bouquet made just for you, with colours and flowers that reflect your personality. It's not just a gift, it's a gesture that says, 'This was made just for you'. That kind of love speaks louder than words," she adds.Further, Vishwa shares, "For our generation, it's less about grand gestures and more about thoughtfulness and intention. Gifting something handmade feels deeply personal. It shows time, effort, and a story behind the gift."advertisementMeanwhile, Ananya disagrees that the money factor plays a role here, as crochet is significantly more expensive than regular fresh flowers. It's the emotional sentiment that's winning here.Everything crochetFrom cute tops to cosy rugs — and not just flowers — crochet is popping up everywhere! And with it, more and more small businesses are blooming, bringing handmade charm back in style.However, Ananya feels, "Having worked in this industry for over four years, I've seen many brands launch, and just as many fade away. High demand draws new brands in constantly, but only a few actually stick around.""Crochet remains a niche skill; most artisans knit, and relatively few can crochet well, so finding reliable talent is tough. Maintaining competitive pricing is another struggle. There's plenty of opportunity and demand for crochet businesses, but realistically, only a few will thrive long term," she concludes.- Ends