UNK’s Crochet Circle Club welcomed over 20 students from all backgrounds for its 2025-26 opening night last week. The night gave crafters of every skill level a chance to create and have fun while staying connected to campus.
The club was founded in March 2025 by Julia McKlem, a junior K-12 Art Education major, and has quickly grown into a space for creativity and friendship for many students.
“I would always have people come up to me and mention that it was so cool that I crochet, and they wish they could learn how to do it,” McKlem said. “I wanted to make a club to teach people, but also one where people who do crochet can just come and work on their projects.”
McKlem, who has been crocheting for about two years, said her journey with yarn started when a good friend encouraged her to try it out as a hobby, and she has been doing it ever since. At the meeting, she showed off some of her past projects, ranging from simple creations to more intricate designs.
“Crochet flowers were the first thing I ever learned how to make, and I eventually worked my way up,” McKlem said.
The club is not just for experienced crocheters. Beginners or those who are curious are encouraged to join in on the fun. All crocheting supplies are provided through funding from the student government, so attendees can join in on crocheting without needing to bring any supplies.
The club meets every other Wednesday at 7 p.m. in room 011 of the Calvin T. Ryan Library. Each session has different themes and projects, ranging from beginner’s nights to show-and-tell sessions and movie nights.
“Crocheting is a mindless pastime,” McKlem said. “I just wanted to have a fun non-academic club.”
Beyond the library, the club is already making a name for itself throughout campus. Members participated in the Blue and Gold Showcase earlier this semester and plan to attend the upcoming UNK craft fair later this semester where they will showcase their creations.
The club has already attracted students from across majors and even beyond campus. Laura Sisanin and Lara Fohnick, student teaching aids from Germany working at Meadowlark Elementary, joined the club after discovering it at the UNK Blue Gold Showcase.
“I saw one of the flyers and took it home, and decided I wanted to try it out,” Sisanin said.
While Fohnick already knew how to crochet, she joined the club with her friends to experience American college life.
“I like the schools here because the spirit is different than back home,” Fohnick said.
The club has also turned to social media to stay connected with members and reach out to the local community. Crochet Circle club has an Instagram page and a GroupMe to share updates on meetings and upcoming events throughout the year.
Looking ahead, McKlem said she hopes the club continues to grow as word spreads. With meeting plans scheduled through November, she hopes members take away more from the club than just crocheting.
