Creative Crochet: An Adventure in the Intricacies of Yarn Smithing (N208)

Monday/Wednesday, 3:00 – 5:30  (24726 & 24865)

10/22/25 - 12/21/25
Eskenazi Hall,  Room 116

Instructor: Li Hertzi (Pronounced Lee)
Email: lihertzi@iu.edu

Office hours: by appointment
Office location: 262. (Cat Door Knocker)

In-Person Class

Official Course Description:

Creative Crochet: An Adventure in the intricacies of Yarn Smithing
This course introduces the use of Crochet as a method in the creation of fiber art.

The first 4 weeks will include instruction on basic crochet stitches for flat and 3d work, color changing, yarns and tools, inspirational fiber artists, wearable art, and designing parts that will combine to make a whole.  We will use short week-long projects to master the skills, including a 3d character, an installation piece, unique jewelry, and a landscape (inner or outer) made into a container.  We will play with various materials, including yarn, recycled plastic and clothing, roving, and many other surprising fibers.  In the final weeks, each student will create a unique piece of art using the techniques and materials of their choosing.

No prior sewing or fiber arts experience is necessary.  Remember, Crochet isn’t just another artistic hobby; it’s a post-apocalyptic survival skill!

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Understand the historical roots and global traditions of crochet.
2. Identify and perform the following basic crochet stitches: slip stitch, chain stitch, chainless foundation, single crochet, double crochet, ½ double crochet, treble crochet
3. Identify and perform the following techniques: working in the round, increasing and decreasing, granny squares, and color changing
4. Read basic crochet patterns and diagrams, and know your tools (yarn and hooks)
5. Design and complete a creative crochet project from concept through execution to exhibition.

Materials Needed:

This will be your “Kit”. Please bring it to class each time, adding what you need for the current stage of your projects.

1. Crochet hook set (various sizes). Herron will supply a set of Inline Susan Bates Hooks
2. Yarn (multiple colors and types). Herron will supply some yarn for initial projects.
3. Scissors, yarn needle, measuring tape
4. Polyester stuffing or yarn scraps
5. Sketchbook or notebook for planning
6. Your Binder will be required intermittently, and I will let you know when.
7. A container to put all these tools into and carry around.

Grading
You will receive four grades for this class: 1. Your swatch binder demonstrating your acquired crochet mastery.  2. Your Personal Project.  3. Your Group Project and 4. Scholarly Engagement. (see list below)

Scholarly Engagement
Receptive to Input – Are you taking feedback and applying it appropriately?
Contributions to Class- Are you speaking up, offering input to peers, etc?
Progress - Are you improving over the semester?
Quality of Work - This is a consideration of creativity, risk taking, experimentation, individuality,
                                Mastery of craft.
Attendance - 3 for Free. Students are allowed three unexcused absences. Three tardies count as an absence, and leaving class early counts as a tardy. Campus doesn't close for bad weather like we did in the past, though we might switch to "limited operations," in which case our class will be online. Please keep the professor updated on your situation and never endanger yourself or others in an attempt to push through inclement weather.

Overall Effort - Are you putting in the time, completing all preliminary work, etc?

Explanation of Letter Grades

A - Excellent: The student went above and beyond the minimum requirements of the course.
B- Above average: student met all requirements, but some improvement is possible.
C- Average: minimum standards of course objectives have been met, the student is passing.
D- Below average: student is passing the course, but they have not met minimum standards.
F- Failure: The student did not meet the minimum requirements to pass the course.
I - Incomplete: This is given only in extreme and verified circumstances, and never in lieu of an "F."

Projects and dates listed below are subject to change.