Back to School: Crochet garments and accessories to bring to the classroom.

September has already begun, and lessons will soon resume. Some school bells have already rung, others will soon...school corridors will once again witness children growing, tears over a poorly taken exam, and new smiles marking the start of new romances between classmates.

For many students, returning to the school desks means wearing the school uniform again and attending lessons. For us, creativity lovers, it's time to show off our crochet even at school.

So here's a list of clothing and accessories you didn't know you needed... to crochet in preparation for the back to school of your children, your grandchildren, or if you are young creators, for yourselves.

We take this opportunity, in this article, to debunk a myth, or rather two: that crocheting is a pastime for grandmothers and that crochet garments are primarily worn in spring/summer.

CLOTHING

CROP TOP

We want to start with the garments that you can showcase in this month of September, when the sun still warms our days.

The first piece to consider for the return to the classroom is the CROP TOP. Now, don't be alarmed; we know that there are certain dress codes at school, etc. You can wear or create a crop top to pair with high-waisted trousers, a bomber/blazer/cardigan - whether mini or maxi with buttons and laces, or even with a white shirt and jeans.

For its creation, you can opt for:

• baby key turquoise

SWEATER

Another essential item for the back-to-school capsule collection is definitely the SWEATER, which we will see throughout the fall/winter 2023-24 season due to its rising trend. In particular, we'll see one-shoulder sweaters and those with very high necks.

Chunky, lacy, in granny style or solid color, floral, zig-zag, mesh... It's a shining moment for these ultra-modern sweaters/shawls, which we've already been loving since last winter. It's about a mini sweater, with long mesh sleeves and bell-shaped ends, created in autumnal shades.

Worked from Criss' corner with:

• korn

CARDIGAN

A timeless piece that can be worn as outerwear or under a trench coat or an autumn/winter coat.

Choose thin yarns for a slightly more classic style and super thick yarns for a more youthful and charismatic look. Be mindful of colors; it's best to choose earthy shades like terra cotta, brick, sand, leather, rust, alternating with solid colors as well.

Have fun with bulky stitches, such as the BUBBLE or POP CORN stitch.

Crochet Granny Vest:

Crochet "Cerises" Vest:

Not sure which thick yarn is right for you? Try checking these out:

• swollen coccio master

VEST

They've always added an American touch to anyone who chooses to wear them. Lately, many influencers online have been opting for this outfit composed of knitted vests, miniskirts, knee-high socks, and loafers.

Many stores have sections dedicated to the college look, and knitted vests are the real stars, which can be paired with jeans and skirts, giving you an abundance of choices.

Knitted V-neck "STREET" Vest:

ACCESSORIES

HAND WARMERS and LEG WARMERS

Indeed, when we hear the word ''leg warmers,'' we can't help but think of Alex Owens (JENNIFER BEALS) in FLASHDANCE, dancing to the tunes of ''What a Feeling'' or LOLA (BEATRIZ LUENGO) dancing in Step Up (side note: Did you know that the TV series with all its seasons is now available on Netflix? I grew up on bread and Step Up, so I have to remind you).

These are two accessories to wear when your hands become icy, and believe us, it often happens to us too, or to keep your legs warm. Consider wearing both not only at school but also on the bus or around the city.

Not sure how to pair them? Just wear black leggings, a pair of Ugg boots, a maxi cardigan, and you're set. But back to our topic, let's see how to make a pair of leg warmers:

Crochet "Softy sport" Leg Warmers:

Made with:

• chuck lurex white

BAGS

Here, one quote wouldn't be enough, but we'll keep it brief so as not to drag on too much. There are different preferred models, from smaller shoulder bags for the first days, where you'll only put pens and a small-sized notebook, to maxi bags.

The preferred model is the maxi one that expands horizontally to fit pencil cases, diaries, books, and notebooks.

A cute idea could be the one from Fata Tuttofare, who proposed the:

Lantern Bag:

Another idea that you can carry on your shoulders is the crochet backpack, wonderful in size and also in the shades you can choose for yourself.

Crochet Sac à dos "BDolly":

BEAUTY

Who doesn't have a mini beauty bag with all the hair accessories, or a bit of makeup for a quick touch-up after school, medicine, band-aids, in short, you can vary in size, shape, and color, but you can also make more than one to always have everything you need with you.

Here we leave you with 4 ideas for 4 different types of beauty bags based on their use:

• How to make a crochet makeup bag using the EASIEST METHOD EVER!

• Crochet Clic Clac Coin Purse "Barbie":

• Crochet "Mini Granny" Clutch - Easy and Fast for Beginners:

• 2-in-1 Pouch/Two-compartment pouch:

  PENCIL CASE

  Essential for attending classes, as well as for the office or to carry in your bag to keep your pens well organized, we're talking about the CROCHET pencil case. With a bit of yarn and a zipper, you'll have a useful accessory. We fell in love with this Barbie version by CAO CROCHET:

  Made with

  • iggy orchidea iggy crema iggy rosa confetto

  Version by BRUNATICALITY, which uses a technique WAITING TO BE DISCOVERED:

  Incredible crochet pencil case with zipper:

  • sublime rame lampo zucca cofanetto

  BOOK COVER/I-PAD COVER

  An intertwined idea for your diaries, your planners, or notebooks... also usable as an iPad/tablet cover.

  There are models that attach to the first and last pages of the notebook and crochet pouches where notebooks or devices are placed.

  "Caracol" agenda cover, by Angolo di Criss:

  "FURBA" crochet tablet case

  AIR PODS COVER

  Raise your hand if you leave the house without music. Did you know that some people have a favorite playlist for post-wake-up, walks, or to start the day off right? Well, it's time to create your own playlist while selecting the songs you love the most. In the meantime, we have some wonderful tutorials to make your headphones look cool.

  Crocheted covers for AirPods have become particularly popular in recent years. Not only do they add a touch of personality and uniqueness to the classic glossy exteriors of AirPods, but they also provide additional protection:

  Incredible! Learn how to crochet your AirPod case!

  For larger headphones, here's an idea from Brunaticality that serves to protect your ears from the cold, but you can try it and turn it into a headphone cover:

  WATER BOTTLE HOLDER

  Another accessory that reminds us of school is the water bottle holder. It's a useful and aesthetically pleasing accessory, ideal for safely and uniquely carrying bottles.

  Here's a new idea, once again by BRUNATICALITY:

  Made with the yarn:

  • sublime beige sublime pistachio sublime cream

  EYEGLASS CASE

  These cases not only prevent scratches and minor damage but also allow you to express personality and style.

  From an idea by Fata Tuttofare, here's a crochet eyeglass case model to wear around your neck or to put in your bag if you have one or more pairs of glasses to take with you during your study sessions.

  "Elsa" crochet eyeglass holder:

  BOOKMARKS

  We've often seen them as party favors or placeholders or as simple little gifts, an excellent project to start with, useful at school but also at home for reading books on the go.

  Here's an easy and quick idea that's also a good luck charm:

  Four-leaf clover keychain and bookmark by Passione Uncinetto

  We conclude this article dedicated to Back to School and hope to have sparked your imagination. With these ideas, you can save money and use up any leftover yarn you have at home.

  Welcome back, and have a great school year.

  Rosaria Tessiland®