Exploration Crochet

ReRe
  • 5.0 (9)
  • CRAFTS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Exploration Crochet is a storytelling podcast that dives deep into the art, history, and culture of crochet—exploring the craft itself as an evolving art form that connects stitches to stories, makers to math, and yarn to humanity. Hosted by ReRe of the Yarn Over Hook Network, each episode unravels fascinating threads—from folklore and fiber science to fairs, community and culture, and the future of handmade craft. It’s part history lesson, part maker’s circle, and all heart—celebrating crochet as both a creative act and a living tradition.

  1. 6D AGO

    Crochet Adjustable: The Evolution of Starting pt.2 | S2 Ep3

    In Exploration Crochet S2 Ep3, ReRe explores the technical and cultural history of the adjustable ring, also known as the magic ring or magic circle. This episode explains what the technique truly is—a starting method built from a controlled slip-loop foundation—and why it likely emerged organically rather than being invented by one person. ReRe traces the method from Japanese chart culture (including the わ / wa ring symbol) through the amigurumi boom, where eliminating the center gap solved the “stuffing leak” problem in cute crochet toys. You’ll hear how YouTube, Ravelry, and early internet crafting helped the technique go global, and why the West rebranded it “magic” around 2008—because naming drives adoption. We explore why the "Thread Era" favored chain starts and how modern worsted yarns made the magic circle a global game-changer. ReRe also covers common magic ring mistakes, the rule for durability (it’s not a knot—weave the tail securely), the double magic ring, and when a classic chain ring still wins. Links | Colossal Crochet Yarn Crawl of 2026 info + where to submit shops | https://yarnoverhook.com/crochet-yarn-crawl/Listen to Part 1: Crochet Unchained: The Evolution of Starting | CrochetPodcast.comLearn How to Start a Magic Ring | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2K0XLwc3XIShare your story: @ExplorationCrochet - #MRM (Magic Ring Magic or Magic Ring Misery) Sound Attribution | YOH Tune | https://dova-s.jp/EN/_contents/author/profile162.htmlRemix of 2684__TexasMusicForge__Dandelion.wav by Timbre -- https://freesound.org/s/94564/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0. Dandelion.mp3 by TexasMusicForge -- https://freesound.org/s/2684/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0

    20 min

  2. JAN 15

    Crochet Unchained: The Evolution of Starting | S2 Ep2

    In this episode of Exploration Crochet, ReRe kicks off a new deep-dive series on crochet innovations by tackling the craft’s most universal—and frustrating—beginning. We’ll explore the "Achilles' Heel" of crochet: the starting chain. This episode of Exploration Crochet traces the evolution of the starting chain and the rise of chainless foundation stitches like FSC and FDC. Host ReRe explores why the starting chain "won" the historical format war and why it took over 150 years to find a better alternative. We highlight the work of technical maverick Bill Elmore and designer Doris Chan, who fought editorial resistance to modernize pattern publishing. Learn why the transition to foundation stitches revolutionized garment making and how you can use 200 years of technical development in your next project…without “canceling” the classic chain. So, let’s dive into Crochet Unchained: The Evolution of Starting. Foundation Crochet Links | FSC - https://youtu.be/WNkjb7QMcWk?si=u_0wy_0JrjfHv3m6 FHDC - https://youtu.be/fFKdw7_reM8?si=EhU31i4WjKaEH6qz FDC - https://youtu.be/NSNSrGqEW7g?si=rmWQQ3V8b_lkJ-e_ FTC - https://youtu.be/MlCQIB17BE0?si=iFp9l_AsaUmB1wB- Sound Attributions | https://dova-s.jp/EN/_contents/author/profile162.html Synthesizer Echo Plinks 1 by ani_music -- https://freesound.org/s/165317/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Synthesizer Echo Plinks 2 by ani_music -- https://freesound.org/s/165316/ -- License: Creative Commons 0

    17 min

  3. JAN 9

    Hi, I'm ReRe and I'm a Crocheter | S2 Ep1

    In the Season 2 premiere of Exploration Crochet, ReRe officially introduces herself with a crochet creator Q&A inspired by Rachel from The Faded Wildflower Crochet YouTube channel. ReRe shares how she learned to crochet at 8 or 9 years old—three stitches, one spirally hair tie, and a lifelong love of making. You’ll hear why ReRe refuses to pick a single “favorite thing” to crochet (because the answer is basically… yes), what yarn she’d choose if “forever” means a zombie-apocalypse-level forever, and the one project she can’t see herself ever starting, let alone finishing. ReRe also talks about where her inspiration really comes from—history, math, science, stories, events, pop culture, and especially the 5 W’s. She shares a favorite recent make as well as her thoughts on the best and worst things about crochet - they are the same. Plus, an important community call: the Yarn Over Hook Network is building The Colossal Crochet Yarn Crawl of 2026, and ReRe is collecting crochet-friendly local yarn shops nationwide for a future, passport-style event complete with patterns, goodies, and yarn joy—because crocheters belong everywhere. Links mentioned | Rachel - The Faded Wildflower Crochet (Q&A inspiration) | https://youtu.be/8Iorqsy_DjoFree pattern link | Curly Cue Tie | https://tinyurl.com/curlycuetieColossal Crochet Yarn Crawl of 2026 info + where to submit shops | https://yarnoverhook.com/crochet-yarn-crawl/ Sound Attribution | https://dova-s.jp/EN/_contents/author/profile162.htmlJazz Fusion Bossa Nova Vibe by NomisYlad -- https://freesound.org/s/822784/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

    15 min

  4. 12/04/2025

    Game of Wool: Everything Isn't For Everybody | Ep. 13

    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/k4FokKLplvY Episode 2 | https://youtu.be/dZD40mA-rMg Episode 3 | https://youtu.be/yfWwzxBoPto Episode 4 | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0y1Ai4Nn1dM Exploration Crochet | https://explorationcrochet.com BBC4 Presser | https://www.channel4.com/press/news/more4-cast-new-competitive-knitting-series-game-wool Channel 4  Applicant Request | https://www.channel4.com/4viewers/takepart/game-of-wool Stuart | The Woolpatch | https://www.youtube.com/@TheWoolpatch Janie Crow | https://www.janiecrow.com/ Shetland Organization of Knitters | https://explorationcrochet.com/p/the-game-of-wool-wk1-shetland-organization Prudence Mapstone: Scrumble | https://www.knotjustknitting.com/freeform/ Sound Attribution | https://dova-s.jp/EN/_contents/author/profile162.html Morphagene Reel - Glockenspiel Rubber Mallet.wav by radiohummingbird -- https://freesound.org/s/635381/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

    24 min

  5. 11/20/2025

    Twisted Sisters: S, Z, and Your Crochet Sanity | Ep. 12

    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.html https://pixabay.com/users/brolefilmer-24731381/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=12315 https://pixabay.com/users/tunetank-50201703/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=348895 Happy Music.wav by monkeyman535 -- https://freesound.org/s/326639/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 https://pixabay.com/users/lkoliks-48415707/? utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=419356

    16 min

  6. 11/14/2025

    Weight A Minute: An Exploration of Yarn Weights and Whys | Ep. 11

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

    16 min

  7. 11/06/2025

    Acrylic Yarn: Superhero or Super Villain? | Ep. 10

    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.

    16 min

  8. 10/30/2025

    The Ties That Bind: Fiber Arts, Folklore, and Magic | Ep. 9

    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, & Magic sound attribution Music Box For Suspenseful Scenes by ViraMiller --https://freesound.org/s/742115/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Irish Field Men Female Choir Drone Myst Fantasy Atmo Mastered.wav by szegvari -- https://freesound.org/s/619179/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Half-speed! Airy wind chimes quintet at Hunter's Tor, Teign Gorge by Philip_Goddard -- https://freesound.org/s/700669/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 NEPTUN-Solo-07 Tibetan Singing Bowl by the_very_Real_Horst -- https://freesound.org/s/240934/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 https://dova-s.jp/EN/_contents/author/profile162.html

    15 min
See All (16)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Exploration Crochet is a storytelling podcast that dives deep into the art, history, and culture of crochet—exploring the craft itself as an evolving art form that connects stitches to stories, makers to math, and yarn to humanity. Hosted by ReRe of the Yarn Over Hook Network, each episode unravels fascinating threads—from folklore and fiber science to fairs, community and culture, and the future of handmade craft. It’s part history lesson, part maker’s circle, and all heart—celebrating crochet as both a creative act and a living tradition.

Information

  • Creator
    ReRe
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Exploration Crochet
  • Show Website
    Exploration Crochet

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