Stitching friendships: How crochet is becoming Goa’s new social circle

Not every social gathering in Goa now revolves around music, parties or late-night outings.

As making genuine friendships becomes harder in today’s fast-paced, screen-driven world, many Goans are choosing slower, quieter ways to connect.

Armed with crochet hooks, colourful yarn and a shared willingness to slow down, they are turning workshops into spaces of creativity, conversation and community.STITCHING A COMMUNITYWhat may seem like just another hobby is becoming an unexpected way to socialise.

For many, crochet workshops offer a relaxed setting where conversations happen naturally while hands stay busy learning something new.

After moving to Goa, Sejal Luthra began hosting crochet workshops at her house in South Goa and at a café in Assagao, where people meet, talk, and form friendships while learning the craft. "I realised the traditional ‘meet and talk’ setup can feel intimidating.

A hands-on activity gives people a shared experience to bond over naturally.

I wanted women to come together as a community, and crochet became the perfect activity-based meetup," she adds.

The growing popularity of fibre arts is about much more than yarn, believe organisers.

According to Roicey Niasso, who conducts classes in Davorlim and Navelim, people today are actively seeking mindful and creative outlets. “In Goa’s relaxed atmosphere, workshops become a space to unwind, learn something new and meet like-minded people.

The experience is interactive, calming and rewarding,” she says.MORE THAN JUST A HOBBYCrochet has also shed its old-fashioned image, attracting everyone from nostalgic adults to screen-weary children.

At workshops in Chicalim, Sharmishtha Dey sees a diverse crowd. “Irrespective of age or gender, anyone can learn the basics in just three days and walk away with something handmade,” she says.

Participants say the biggest takeaway often isn’t what they make, but who they meet.

Preeti Bansal from Varca says the workshop felt “less like attending a class and more like spending an afternoon with friends—chatting, sharing stories, laughing and crocheting.” For Janhavi Noronha from Chicalim, Vasco da Gama, the hobby quickly became addictive. “It was my first time at such a workshop.

Now I can’t stop making something new every day—it’s a real stress buster,” she says.

While Sanaa Khatib says, "Beyond learning a new skill, it was wonderful to connect with so many inspiring women.

I left with new friendships, meaningful conversations and a renewed sense of creativity."Get the latest lifestyle news and trends.

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