Northampton Area Middle School students eagerly filed into the classroom of Evelyn Bachert preparing for an hour of crocheting. The NAMS Crocheting Club hails 18 members - boys and girls, in grades 6 through 8 - with different skill levels, all doing different projects. Within moments, they have settled in with their yarn, crochet hooks and friends.

Bachert, an eighth-grade instructional assistant, is the student adviser and founder of this club. She credits the initial recruitment of potential interested students from her experience with the national group Random Acts of Crocheting Kindness USA. This group was conceived in July of 2021. Members in this group crochet small, meaningful items that are placed in random locations in their communities for anyone to find. A thoughtful verse is included to brighten the finder’s day, bringing them smiles and joy.

Bachert placed various crocheted bookmarks in assorted places throughout the school, sparking curiosity and a new interest in this centuries-old craft. She decided to consult with art teacher Erin Miller regarding starting a club for crochet lovers and learners. Unsure of how this would be received by students, they still decided to give it a try.

Jan. 9 was the first scheduled meeting of the new Crocheting Club. Much to Miller and Bachert’s surprise, 36 students signed up. Some were just curious; some had seen a parent or grandparent crochet; some found the crocheted bookmark and wanted to make their own. The group was divided into two sections, receiving additional help from adult crocheters Kelsey Morrison and Kristen Sevinsky.

So why crocheting? Several students wanted a way to connect with other older family members. Sixth-grader Charlize Padilla likes being able to “do something with her hands and not really think hard about what she’s doing and see the results.” Several students said they find it calming and an escape from social media.

The Crocheting Club plans to make Worry Worms and bookmarks to distribute to classmates. Worry Worms are great aids for students with anxiety, giving them something to do with their hands - a yarn fidget toy.

The community is encouraged to donate yarn, crochet hooks, needles and poly-stuffing to the club. Just drop off donations at the school, in care of Bachert.