Club Profile: The Crochet and Knitting Club
By Gabriella Gomperts, Features Editor
Adina Betsalel (SCW ‘25) is a senior majoring in speech pathology and audiology. She took over as head of the Crochet and Knitting Club this year, working with the leadership board to plan events centered around a niche hobby at Yeshiva University. The club strives to create a community for those who like to knit and crochet, while also taking part in chesed initiatives.
What inspired you to start the crochet and knitting club?
The YU club was actually started last year by Yitzchak Graff (YC ‘25) and other students at Yeshiva College (YC) and Stern. I was a member of the club until fall 2024 when Yitzchak said he was stepping down as president and asked if anyone in the club wanted to take over. I asked if I could take over as head of the club, as I’m really passionate about crocheting and have started crochet clubs in the past. I have been crocheting since I was nine years old, and I’m excited to grow our club and share my passion with others.
What has been your favorite crochet and knitting club event you’ve had so far?
The Crochet a Penguin event has been my favorite so far. Each member got their own crochet kit with all the materials they needed to crochet a little penguin. We sat in a circle in the third floor lounge and worked on our penguins together. Some students at this event never crocheted before while others were advanced. It was so beautiful to see advanced crocheters taking their time to help the beginners. I enjoyed meeting new people and socializing with everyone who came.
What’s your favorite thing to do while crocheting or knitting?
Listening to music or talking to friends on the phone. For music I listen to whatever I’m in the mood for, I like listening to bands like Imagine Dragons, One Republic and The Script.
Have you learned any unexpected skills or lessons through running the club?
Something unexpected that I learned through running this club is how much crocheting and knitting can really help build community. Ever since we started having more events I have made so many new connections with other students, and it’s been a pleasure sharing this hobby that I’ve been passionate about since I was kid.
What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to someone learning to crochet or knit for the first time?
My biggest piece of advice is to be patient with yourself. When you first learn how to crochet or knit, it may be a little frustrating to learn the techniques of how to hold the needle and yarn. Give yourself time and patience because once you learn how to do it, it’ll be worth it. Also, take advantage of the resources around you; ask advanced crocheters or knitters for help and watch videos on YouTube that will show you how to crochet or knit and teach you new patterns.
What’s the most unexpected thing that’s happened as a result of the club?
Adding chesed opportunities to the club has been the most unexpected thing to happen. One of the two current chesed opportunities and drives that we’re having is to crochet or knit yellow scarves that we’re sending to Israel to be given to family members of hostages to wear. We’re sending them through my mom’s organization, Yarn Yisrael Chai, which is also partnering with Mishmeret 101 and Threads of Hope to send these scarves. We’re also partnering with Stern alumna Tehilla Bitton (SCW ‘24). She reached out to me from Israel asking if we can help crochet and knit kippahs for lone soldiers.
What’s your dream for the future of the crochet and knitting club?
I hope that the club continues to partner with other organizations and clubs to maintain chesed opportunities. I have always loved donating things I’ve made such as baby blankets, scarves, hats and kippot. My dream for the future of the club is for it to continue to grow. For students to continue to join our events and learn how to crochet and knit. I envision the passion for this hobby to continue to spread and for students to be able to use this club as a way to meet new people and connect to others.
Photo Caption: Students at the crochet and knitting club’s knit a penguin event
Photo Credit: The crochet and knitting club