#crochethistory — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #crochethistory, aggregated by home.social.
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The Surprisingly Interesting History of the Humble Coaster
If you’ve ever set your coffee mug on a crocheted coaster and wondered who first decided that cups needed their own tiny rugs, you’re not alone.
The history of the coaster is much older—and much more interesting—than most people realize.
Before Coasters Existed
For much of history, people simply placed their cups, mugs, tankards, and goblets directly on tables. While this wasn’t a problem for rough wooden furniture, it became a bigger issue as homes became more refined and expensive furniture became more common.
By the Victorian era, beautifully finished wood tables were a point of pride. Unfortunately, they were also highly vulnerable to water rings, heat marks, and spills.
Something had to be done.
Enter the Coaster
The first recognizable coasters appeared in the late 1800s. Early versions were often made from cork, felt, silver, porcelain, or pressed paper.
The name “coaster” actually comes from a different object altogether. Wealthy households often used small trays or stands that would “coast” around the dinner table carrying wine bottles from one guest to another. Over time, the name became associated with the smaller protective mats we use today.
Crocheters Get Involved
It didn’t take long for crocheters to put their own spin on the idea.
By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, crochet was enjoying enormous popularity. Women created decorative household items including doilies, table runners, antimacassars, and, of course, coasters.
Unlike today’s minimalist designs, many vintage crochet coasters looked like miniature doilies. They featured shells, picots, lacework, and delicate edging that transformed an ordinary household object into something beautiful.
Many of those patterns were passed from generation to generation and became treasured family heirlooms.
The Golden Age of Handmade Home Decor
For much of the twentieth century, handcrafted items filled family homes.
Crocheted coasters sat beneath coffee cups during visits with neighbors. They protected end tables while family members gathered around the television. They appeared at church socials, holiday dinners, and countless kitchen tables.
For many people, seeing a crocheted coaster today instantly brings back memories of parents, grandparents, or favorite relatives.
It’s amazing how a simple piece of yarn can hold so much nostalgia.
Why Coasters Still Matter Today
Modern furniture may be different, but coasters remain as useful as ever.
They help prevent water rings, protect surfaces from heat, and add a touch of personality to a room.
More importantly, handmade coasters allow us to slow down and create something both beautiful and practical.
In a world filled with disposable products, there’s something satisfying about making an item that will be used every day.
Bringing a Little History to Your Table
That’s one of the reasons I designed the Vintage Coaster pattern.
I wanted something that captured the charm of those old-fashioned crocheted pieces while still being practical for modern life. The shells, picots, and lace-inspired details give a nod to the coasters our grandmothers may have used, while the size and construction make them perfect for today’s coffee cups and tea mugs.
Every time I look at one, I can’t help but think about all the crocheters who came before us—stitching away at their kitchen tables, creating beautiful things for the people they loved.
And honestly, that’s one tradition worth keeping alive.
Do you remember crocheted coasters in your family’s home? I’d love to hear your memories in the comments below.
Happy crocheting!
❤️ Tanya
#beginnerCrochet #coffeeCoaster #cottageStyle #Crochet #crochetBlog #crochetCoaster #crochetCoasters #crochetDesign #crochetGifts #crochetHeritage #crochetHistory #crochetHomeDecor #crochetInspiration #crochetMemorie #crochetNostalgia #CrochetPatterns #crochetTraditions #crochetedDoily #doilyCrochet #easyCrochet #fiberArts #freeCrochetPattern #handmadeGifts #handmadeHomeDecor #nostalgicCrochet #oldFashionedCrochet #teaCoaster #vintageCoaster #vintageCrochet #vintageStyle
HodgePodge Crochet -
Crochet Trends We Need to Bring Back
There are crochet trends that come and go every year.
One year it’s giant bees. The next year it’s chickens wearing sweaters. Then suddenly everyone is making bucket hats and granny square cardigans again.
But every now and then, I stumble across an old crochet pattern and think:
“Wait a minute… why did we stop making these?”
Some crochet trends deserved to fade away quietly into history. (I’m looking at you, scratchy acrylic toilet seat covers.)
Others? Those deserve a comeback.
So today, let’s take a nostalgic trip through some crochet trends that have been gathering dust for far too long.
Enjoying this trip down crochet memory lane?
Subscribe to HodgePodge Crochet for more crochet history, free patterns, project ideas, and plenty of yarny fun. You never know which forgotten crochet trend we’ll revive next!
1. The Mighty Pineapple Doily
For decades, no respectable crocheter’s home was complete without at least one pineapple doily.
Or twelve.
They sat proudly on coffee tables, dressers, end tables, televisions, and any flat surface that wasn’t moving too fast.
Back then, crocheters didn’t ask:
“Where should I put this doily?”
They asked:
“What object in my house has not yet been doily-fied?”
The pineapple motif is actually beautiful, and modern yarn choices could make these stunning again.
I vote we bring them back.
2. Crochet Bedspreads That Took Three Generations to Finish
You know the ones.
Thousands of motifs.
Miles of thread.
A project that began sometime during the Eisenhower administration and was finally completed shortly before the invention of Wi-Fi.
These bedspreads were works of art.
Today we’re all looking for “weekend projects.”
Meanwhile our grandmothers were casually crocheting something that required the dedication of a medieval cathedral builder.
Honestly?
Respect.
3. Kitchen Towel Toppers
If you know, you know.
A crocheted ring attached to a kitchen towel was practically required equipment in many homes.
The towel never fell off the stove handle.
It always looked neat.
And somehow every crocheter knew how to make one.
I rarely see them anymore, but they’re still incredibly practical.
Not every crochet project has to be decorative. Sometimes it’s nice when it actually helps.
4. Filet Crochet Wall Art
Before people decorated their homes with inspirational signs that said things like:
“Live. Laugh. Laundry.”
Many crocheters were creating detailed filet crochet pieces.
Flowers.
Birds.
Lighthouses.
Scripture verses.
Entire scenes worked into thread.
These pieces required patience, counting, and occasionally the ability to resist throwing the pattern across the room.
But the results were incredible.
5. Granny Square Vests
I know.
Some of you just flinched.
Stay with me.
Yes, many vintage granny square vests looked like someone lost a fight with a patchwork quilt.
But modern yarn colors and updated shaping could make these surprisingly stylish.
Fashion is cyclical.
The evidence?
Bucket hats came back.
Anything is possible.
6. Crochet Christmas Decorations
Before every decoration came from a big-box store, many families had handmade ornaments.
Crocheted snowflakes.
Angels.
Tree skirts.
Little bells stiffened with starch.
Every decoration carried a story.
Some were handmade by moms.
Some by grandmothers.
Some by great-grandmothers.
And every year they came back out of storage.
There’s something special about decorating with memories instead of just decorations.
7. Just Doilies… On Everything
Let’s be honest.
The doily wasn’t limited to tables.
There were doilies on televisions.
Doilies on dressers.
Doilies on pianos.
Doilies on armchairs.
If someone stood still long enough, there was a real chance they’d end up wearing one.
It may have been excessive.
But it was also kind of charming.
Why These Trends Matter
When we look at old crochet trends, it’s easy to laugh. And honestly, we should laugh a little. Some of them are wonderfully ridiculous.
But they also tell the story of the people who came before us.
The crocheters who learned from their mothers.
Who learned from their mothers.
Who learned from theirs.
Every pineapple doily, every bedspread, and every towel topper carries a piece of that history.
Today’s trends will eventually become tomorrow’s nostalgia.
One day, a future crocheter will find an old photo of a giant emotional-support pickle wearing sunglasses and think:
“Why on earth were people making these?”
And we’ll smile because we know exactly why.
Because crochet has always been about more than yarn.
It’s about creativity, tradition, family, and occasionally making something completely ridiculous just because it makes us happy.
And honestly?
That’s a trend worth keeping.
What crochet trend do you think deserves a comeback?
Tell me in the comments. I’d love to hear which vintage crochet projects you remember—or maybe still make today!
#christmas #crafts #Crochet #crochetBedspread #crochetBlog #crochetCommunity #crochetGifts #crochetHistory #crochetHomeDecor #crochetInspiration #crochetLife #crochetMemories #crochetNostalgia #CrochetPatterns #crochetTrends #filetCrochet #grannySquares #handmade #knitting #pineappleDoily #traditionalCrochet #vintageCrochet #yarn #yarnCrafts -
The Crochet Projects Nobody Makes Anymore (And Maybe We Should)
There was a time when every crocheter had a mission.
Not a vague goal like “use up my yarn stash” or “finish that cardigan before next winter.”
No, these crocheters had purpose.
Somewhere in America, a grandmother was furiously crocheting a toilet paper doll to protect the family bathroom from… something. Dust? Shame? Nobody really knows.
Another was creating a doily large enough to cover every flat surface in the house.
And someone, somewhere, looked at a perfectly functional tissue box and thought:
“This needs a crocheted cover shaped like a Victorian cottage.”
Crochet trends come and go, but some projects have quietly faded away. Today we’re taking a trip down memory lane to revisit some of the crochet projects that used to be everywhere—and asking whether they deserve a comeback.
Enjoying this trip down crochet memory lane?
Subscribe to HodgePodge Crochet for more crochet history, free patterns, project ideas, and plenty of yarny fun. You never know which forgotten crochet trend we’ll revive next!
1. The Toilet Paper Doll
If you’re under 40, you might think I’m making this up.
I assure you, I am not.
For decades, bathrooms across North America featured elaborately dressed crochet dolls sitting proudly on top of spare toilet paper rolls.
These ladies wore magnificent gowns.
They had hats.
They had lace.
Some looked like they were attending a royal wedding.
And underneath all that elegance?
Toilet paper.
Looking back, it seems ridiculous.
Looking back, I kind of love them.
2. Doilies on Literally Everything
There was a time when a bare table was simply unacceptable.
Coffee table?
Doily.
End table?
Doily.
Dresser?
Doily.
Television?
Believe it or not…
Doily.
If a flat surface existed, a crocheter somewhere felt compelled to decorate it.
Today’s minimalist design trends may have pushed doilies out of the spotlight, but there is something beautiful about knowing someone spent hours creating intricate lace simply to make a home feel special.
3. The Television Cover
Younger readers may need a moment here.
Televisions used to be giant wooden boxes.
And apparently, giant wooden boxes needed sweaters.
Crocheted TV covers were surprisingly common.
When guests weren’t watching television, the set could be covered with a decorative crochet piece, making it blend into the room.
Imagine explaining that to a teenager today.
“Back in my day, we crocheted clothing for the television.”
4. Tissue Box Covers
Crocheters once looked at ordinary household objects and declared war on boredom.
The humble tissue box was transformed into:
- Cottages
- Barns
- Flower baskets
- Churches
- Teapots
No object was safe.
Honestly, modern crochet could use a little more of this energy.
5. Bed Jackets
This one always fascinates me.
A bed jacket was exactly what it sounds like: a short sweater worn while sitting up in bed.
People wore them while reading, knitting, crocheting, writing letters, or recovering from illness.
They were practical.
They were cozy.
And somehow they’ve almost disappeared.
Considering how many of us spend evenings curled up on the couch with yarn, maybe it’s time for bed jackets to make a comeback.
6. Crocheted Pot Holders Hanging in Every Kitchen
Not just one.
A dozen.
Usually hanging from a hook somewhere near the stove.
Every color imaginable.
Some shaped like flowers.
Some shaped like fruit.
Some shaped like things no one could identify anymore.
They weren’t just kitchen tools.
They were little pieces of everyday art.
Why We Miss These Projects
The funny thing is that none of these projects were really about the project itself.
The toilet paper doll wasn’t about toilet paper.
The doily wasn’t about protecting furniture.
The tissue box cover wasn’t about tissues.
They were about making a home feel loved.
Every stitch represented time, patience, and care.
In a world increasingly filled with disposable things, there is something comforting about remembering the handmade touches that used to fill our homes.
Final Thoughts
Will toilet paper dolls ever return to mainstream crochet?
Probably not.
Although I’ve learned never to underestimate crocheters.
After all, we’ve recently brought back granny squares, bucket hats, and crochet hacky sacks.
Anything is possible.
And if I suddenly find myself designing a toilet paper doll pattern next week…
Please pretend this article had nothing to do with it.
What crochet project do you remember seeing at your grandmother’s house that you never see anymore? Leave me a comment and let me know!
#crafts #Crochet #crochetBlog #crochetCommunity #crochetDoilies #crochetHistory #crochetInspiration #crochetMemories #crochetNostalgia #CrochetPatterns #crochetProjects #crochetToiletPaperDoll #fiberArts #grannyCrochet #handmadeGifts #handmadeHomeDecor #knitting #life #retroCrochet #tissueBoxCoverCrochet #traditionalCrochet #vintageCrafts #vintageCrochet #yarn -
The Crochet Projects Nobody Makes Anymore (And Maybe We Should)
There was a time when every crocheter had a mission.
Not a vague goal like “use up my yarn stash” or “finish that cardigan before next winter.”
No, these crocheters had purpose.
Somewhere in America, a grandmother was furiously crocheting a toilet paper doll to protect the family bathroom from… something. Dust? Shame? Nobody really knows.
Another was creating a doily large enough to cover every flat surface in the house.
And someone, somewhere, looked at a perfectly functional tissue box and thought:
“This needs a crocheted cover shaped like a Victorian cottage.”
Crochet trends come and go, but some projects have quietly faded away. Today we’re taking a trip down memory lane to revisit some of the crochet projects that used to be everywhere—and asking whether they deserve a comeback.
1. The Toilet Paper Doll
If you’re under 40, you might think I’m making this up.
I assure you, I am not.
For decades, bathrooms across North America featured elaborately dressed crochet dolls sitting proudly on top of spare toilet paper rolls.
These ladies wore magnificent gowns.
They had hats.
They had lace.
Some looked like they were attending a royal wedding.
And underneath all that elegance?
Toilet paper.
Looking back, it seems ridiculous.
Looking back, I kind of love them.
2. Doilies on Literally Everything
There was a time when a bare table was simply unacceptable.
Coffee table?
Doily.
End table?
Doily.
Dresser?
Doily.
Television?
Believe it or not…
Doily.
If a flat surface existed, a crocheter somewhere felt compelled to decorate it.
Today’s minimalist design trends may have pushed doilies out of the spotlight, but there is something beautiful about knowing someone spent hours creating intricate lace simply to make a home feel special.
3. The Television Cover
Younger readers may need a moment here.
Televisions used to be giant wooden boxes.
And apparently, giant wooden boxes needed sweaters.
Crocheted TV covers were surprisingly common.
When guests weren’t watching television, the set could be covered with a decorative crochet piece, making it blend into the room.
Imagine explaining that to a teenager today.
“Back in my day, we crocheted clothing for the television.”
4. Tissue Box Covers
Crocheters once looked at ordinary household objects and declared war on boredom.
The humble tissue box was transformed into:
- Cottages
- Barns
- Flower baskets
- Churches
- Teapots
No object was safe.
Honestly, modern crochet could use a little more of this energy.
5. Bed Jackets
This one always fascinates me.
A bed jacket was exactly what it sounds like: a short sweater worn while sitting up in bed.
People wore them while reading, knitting, crocheting, writing letters, or recovering from illness.
They were practical.
They were cozy.
And somehow they’ve almost disappeared.
Considering how many of us spend evenings curled up on the couch with yarn, maybe it’s time for bed jackets to make a comeback.
6. Crocheted Pot Holders Hanging in Every Kitchen
Not just one.
A dozen.
Usually hanging from a hook somewhere near the stove.
Every color imaginable.
Some shaped like flowers.
Some shaped like fruit.
Some shaped like things no one could identify anymore.
They weren’t just kitchen tools.
They were little pieces of everyday art.
Why We Miss These Projects
The funny thing is that none of these projects were really about the project itself.
The toilet paper doll wasn’t about toilet paper.
The doily wasn’t about protecting furniture.
The tissue box cover wasn’t about tissues.
They were about making a home feel loved.
Every stitch represented time, patience, and care.
In a world increasingly filled with disposable things, there is something comforting about remembering the handmade touches that used to fill our homes.
Final Thoughts
Will toilet paper dolls ever return to mainstream crochet?
Probably not.
Although I’ve learned never to underestimate crocheters.
After all, we’ve recently brought back granny squares, bucket hats, and crochet hacky sacks.
Anything is possible.
And if I suddenly find myself designing a toilet paper doll pattern next week…
Please pretend this article had nothing to do with it.
What crochet project do you remember seeing at your grandmother’s house that you never see anymore? Leave me a comment and let me know!
#crafts #Crochet #crochetBlog #crochetCommunity #crochetDoilies #crochetHistory #crochetInspiration #crochetMemories #crochetNostalgia #CrochetPatterns #crochetProjects #crochetToiletPaperDoll #fiberArts #grannyCrochet #handmadeGifts #handmadeHomeDecor #knitting #life #retroCrochet #tissueBoxCoverCrochet #traditionalCrochet #vintageCrafts #vintageCrochet #yarn -
The Crochet Projects Nobody Makes Anymore (And Maybe We Should)
There was a time when every crocheter had a mission.
Not a vague goal like “use up my yarn stash” or “finish that cardigan before next winter.”
No, these crocheters had purpose.
Somewhere in America, a grandmother was furiously crocheting a toilet paper doll to protect the family bathroom from… something. Dust? Shame? Nobody really knows.
Another was creating a doily large enough to cover every flat surface in the house.
And someone, somewhere, looked at a perfectly functional tissue box and thought:
“This needs a crocheted cover shaped like a Victorian cottage.”
Crochet trends come and go, but some projects have quietly faded away. Today we’re taking a trip down memory lane to revisit some of the crochet projects that used to be everywhere—and asking whether they deserve a comeback.
1. The Toilet Paper Doll
If you’re under 40, you might think I’m making this up.
I assure you, I am not.
For decades, bathrooms across North America featured elaborately dressed crochet dolls sitting proudly on top of spare toilet paper rolls.
These ladies wore magnificent gowns.
They had hats.
They had lace.
Some looked like they were attending a royal wedding.
And underneath all that elegance?
Toilet paper.
Looking back, it seems ridiculous.
Looking back, I kind of love them.
2. Doilies on Literally Everything
There was a time when a bare table was simply unacceptable.
Coffee table?
Doily.
End table?
Doily.
Dresser?
Doily.
Television?
Believe it or not…
Doily.
If a flat surface existed, a crocheter somewhere felt compelled to decorate it.
Today’s minimalist design trends may have pushed doilies out of the spotlight, but there is something beautiful about knowing someone spent hours creating intricate lace simply to make a home feel special.
3. The Television Cover
Younger readers may need a moment here.
Televisions used to be giant wooden boxes.
And apparently, giant wooden boxes needed sweaters.
Crocheted TV covers were surprisingly common.
When guests weren’t watching television, the set could be covered with a decorative crochet piece, making it blend into the room.
Imagine explaining that to a teenager today.
“Back in my day, we crocheted clothing for the television.”
4. Tissue Box Covers
Crocheters once looked at ordinary household objects and declared war on boredom.
The humble tissue box was transformed into:
- Cottages
- Barns
- Flower baskets
- Churches
- Teapots
No object was safe.
Honestly, modern crochet could use a little more of this energy.
5. Bed Jackets
This one always fascinates me.
A bed jacket was exactly what it sounds like: a short sweater worn while sitting up in bed.
People wore them while reading, knitting, crocheting, writing letters, or recovering from illness.
They were practical.
They were cozy.
And somehow they’ve almost disappeared.
Considering how many of us spend evenings curled up on the couch with yarn, maybe it’s time for bed jackets to make a comeback.
6. Crocheted Pot Holders Hanging in Every Kitchen
Not just one.
A dozen.
Usually hanging from a hook somewhere near the stove.
Every color imaginable.
Some shaped like flowers.
Some shaped like fruit.
Some shaped like things no one could identify anymore.
They weren’t just kitchen tools.
They were little pieces of everyday art.
Why We Miss These Projects
The funny thing is that none of these projects were really about the project itself.
The toilet paper doll wasn’t about toilet paper.
The doily wasn’t about protecting furniture.
The tissue box cover wasn’t about tissues.
They were about making a home feel loved.
Every stitch represented time, patience, and care.
In a world increasingly filled with disposable things, there is something comforting about remembering the handmade touches that used to fill our homes.
Final Thoughts
Will toilet paper dolls ever return to mainstream crochet?
Probably not.
Although I’ve learned never to underestimate crocheters.
After all, we’ve recently brought back granny squares, bucket hats, and crochet hacky sacks.
Anything is possible.
And if I suddenly find myself designing a toilet paper doll pattern next week…
Please pretend this article had nothing to do with it.
What crochet project do you remember seeing at your grandmother’s house that you never see anymore? Leave me a comment and let me know!
#crafts #Crochet #crochetBlog #crochetCommunity #crochetDoilies #crochetHistory #crochetInspiration #crochetMemories #crochetNostalgia #CrochetPatterns #crochetProjects #crochetToiletPaperDoll #fiberArts #grannyCrochet #handmadeGifts #handmadeHomeDecor #knitting #life #retroCrochet #tissueBoxCoverCrochet #traditionalCrochet #vintageCrafts #vintageCrochet #yarn -
The Crochet Projects Nobody Makes Anymore (And Maybe We Should)
There was a time when every crocheter had a mission.
Not a vague goal like “use up my yarn stash” or “finish that cardigan before next winter.”
No, these crocheters had purpose.
Somewhere in America, a grandmother was furiously crocheting a toilet paper doll to protect the family bathroom from… something. Dust? Shame? Nobody really knows.
Another was creating a doily large enough to cover every flat surface in the house.
And someone, somewhere, looked at a perfectly functional tissue box and thought:
“This needs a crocheted cover shaped like a Victorian cottage.”
Crochet trends come and go, but some projects have quietly faded away. Today we’re taking a trip down memory lane to revisit some of the crochet projects that used to be everywhere—and asking whether they deserve a comeback.
1. The Toilet Paper Doll
If you’re under 40, you might think I’m making this up.
I assure you, I am not.
For decades, bathrooms across North America featured elaborately dressed crochet dolls sitting proudly on top of spare toilet paper rolls.
These ladies wore magnificent gowns.
They had hats.
They had lace.
Some looked like they were attending a royal wedding.
And underneath all that elegance?
Toilet paper.
Looking back, it seems ridiculous.
Looking back, I kind of love them.
2. Doilies on Literally Everything
There was a time when a bare table was simply unacceptable.
Coffee table?
Doily.
End table?
Doily.
Dresser?
Doily.
Television?
Believe it or not…
Doily.
If a flat surface existed, a crocheter somewhere felt compelled to decorate it.
Today’s minimalist design trends may have pushed doilies out of the spotlight, but there is something beautiful about knowing someone spent hours creating intricate lace simply to make a home feel special.
3. The Television Cover
Younger readers may need a moment here.
Televisions used to be giant wooden boxes.
And apparently, giant wooden boxes needed sweaters.
Crocheted TV covers were surprisingly common.
When guests weren’t watching television, the set could be covered with a decorative crochet piece, making it blend into the room.
Imagine explaining that to a teenager today.
“Back in my day, we crocheted clothing for the television.”
4. Tissue Box Covers
Crocheters once looked at ordinary household objects and declared war on boredom.
The humble tissue box was transformed into:
- Cottages
- Barns
- Flower baskets
- Churches
- Teapots
No object was safe.
Honestly, modern crochet could use a little more of this energy.
5. Bed Jackets
This one always fascinates me.
A bed jacket was exactly what it sounds like: a short sweater worn while sitting up in bed.
People wore them while reading, knitting, crocheting, writing letters, or recovering from illness.
They were practical.
They were cozy.
And somehow they’ve almost disappeared.
Considering how many of us spend evenings curled up on the couch with yarn, maybe it’s time for bed jackets to make a comeback.
6. Crocheted Pot Holders Hanging in Every Kitchen
Not just one.
A dozen.
Usually hanging from a hook somewhere near the stove.
Every color imaginable.
Some shaped like flowers.
Some shaped like fruit.
Some shaped like things no one could identify anymore.
They weren’t just kitchen tools.
They were little pieces of everyday art.
Why We Miss These Projects
The funny thing is that none of these projects were really about the project itself.
The toilet paper doll wasn’t about toilet paper.
The doily wasn’t about protecting furniture.
The tissue box cover wasn’t about tissues.
They were about making a home feel loved.
Every stitch represented time, patience, and care.
In a world increasingly filled with disposable things, there is something comforting about remembering the handmade touches that used to fill our homes.
Final Thoughts
Will toilet paper dolls ever return to mainstream crochet?
Probably not.
Although I’ve learned never to underestimate crocheters.
After all, we’ve recently brought back granny squares, bucket hats, and crochet hacky sacks.
Anything is possible.
And if I suddenly find myself designing a toilet paper doll pattern next week…
Please pretend this article had nothing to do with it.
What crochet project do you remember seeing at your grandmother’s house that you never see anymore? Leave me a comment and let me know!
#crafts #Crochet #crochetBlog #crochetCommunity #crochetDoilies #crochetHistory #crochetInspiration #crochetMemories #crochetNostalgia #CrochetPatterns #crochetProjects #crochetToiletPaperDoll #fiberArts #grannyCrochet #handmadeGifts #handmadeHomeDecor #knitting #life #retroCrochet #tissueBoxCoverCrochet #traditionalCrochet #vintageCrafts #vintageCrochet #yarn -
The Crochet Projects Nobody Makes Anymore (And Maybe We Should)
There was a time when every crocheter had a mission.
Not a vague goal like “use up my yarn stash” or “finish that cardigan before next winter.”
No, these crocheters had purpose.
Somewhere in America, a grandmother was furiously crocheting a toilet paper doll to protect the family bathroom from… something. Dust? Shame? Nobody really knows.
Another was creating a doily large enough to cover every flat surface in the house.
And someone, somewhere, looked at a perfectly functional tissue box and thought:
“This needs a crocheted cover shaped like a Victorian cottage.”
Crochet trends come and go, but some projects have quietly faded away. Today we’re taking a trip down memory lane to revisit some of the crochet projects that used to be everywhere—and asking whether they deserve a comeback.
1. The Toilet Paper Doll
If you’re under 40, you might think I’m making this up.
I assure you, I am not.
For decades, bathrooms across North America featured elaborately dressed crochet dolls sitting proudly on top of spare toilet paper rolls.
These ladies wore magnificent gowns.
They had hats.
They had lace.
Some looked like they were attending a royal wedding.
And underneath all that elegance?
Toilet paper.
Looking back, it seems ridiculous.
Looking back, I kind of love them.
2. Doilies on Literally Everything
There was a time when a bare table was simply unacceptable.
Coffee table?
Doily.
End table?
Doily.
Dresser?
Doily.
Television?
Believe it or not…
Doily.
If a flat surface existed, a crocheter somewhere felt compelled to decorate it.
Today’s minimalist design trends may have pushed doilies out of the spotlight, but there is something beautiful about knowing someone spent hours creating intricate lace simply to make a home feel special.
3. The Television Cover
Younger readers may need a moment here.
Televisions used to be giant wooden boxes.
And apparently, giant wooden boxes needed sweaters.
Crocheted TV covers were surprisingly common.
When guests weren’t watching television, the set could be covered with a decorative crochet piece, making it blend into the room.
Imagine explaining that to a teenager today.
“Back in my day, we crocheted clothing for the television.”
4. Tissue Box Covers
Crocheters once looked at ordinary household objects and declared war on boredom.
The humble tissue box was transformed into:
- Cottages
- Barns
- Flower baskets
- Churches
- Teapots
No object was safe.
Honestly, modern crochet could use a little more of this energy.
5. Bed Jackets
This one always fascinates me.
A bed jacket was exactly what it sounds like: a short sweater worn while sitting up in bed.
People wore them while reading, knitting, crocheting, writing letters, or recovering from illness.
They were practical.
They were cozy.
And somehow they’ve almost disappeared.
Considering how many of us spend evenings curled up on the couch with yarn, maybe it’s time for bed jackets to make a comeback.
6. Crocheted Pot Holders Hanging in Every Kitchen
Not just one.
A dozen.
Usually hanging from a hook somewhere near the stove.
Every color imaginable.
Some shaped like flowers.
Some shaped like fruit.
Some shaped like things no one could identify anymore.
They weren’t just kitchen tools.
They were little pieces of everyday art.
Why We Miss These Projects
The funny thing is that none of these projects were really about the project itself.
The toilet paper doll wasn’t about toilet paper.
The doily wasn’t about protecting furniture.
The tissue box cover wasn’t about tissues.
They were about making a home feel loved.
Every stitch represented time, patience, and care.
In a world increasingly filled with disposable things, there is something comforting about remembering the handmade touches that used to fill our homes.
Final Thoughts
Will toilet paper dolls ever return to mainstream crochet?
Probably not.
Although I’ve learned never to underestimate crocheters.
After all, we’ve recently brought back granny squares, bucket hats, and crochet hacky sacks.
Anything is possible.
And if I suddenly find myself designing a toilet paper doll pattern next week…
Please pretend this article had nothing to do with it.
What crochet project do you remember seeing at your grandmother’s house that you never see anymore? Leave me a comment and let me know!
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