A love of crochet that began in childhood is now being passed on to a new generation through children’s classes in Ōhope.

Ōhope resident Natalia Zefferino has started weekly crochet classes for children aged eight to 12.

Zefferino keeps the classes small, with five children attending the first class last weekend, so she can give each child plenty of individual attention. She was impressed by how quickly the beginners picked up the basics.

“It went really well,” she said. “I was actually very impressed with how quickly they picked things up. They were enthusiastic, curious and very willing to have a go.”

Zefferino first learned to knit from her mother when she was eight, before learning to crochet at around 12.

She has taught herself the rest over the years and said crochet had remained part of her day-to-day life.

She previously volunteered to teach crochet to children at Ōtamarākau School, which her own children attended, before moving to Ōhope and becoming busy with work.

Earlier this year, she began running adult crochet workshops and decided to start offering classes for children after receiving an enquiry from a parent.

“I was already thinking that I would really like to teach children, so her enquiry gave me the little push I needed to go ahead and advertise some children’s classes,” she said.

The classes start with the basics, including how to hold a crochet hook and yarn, make a slip knot and chain, before moving on to basic stitches.

For their first project, the children made bracelets they could take home and continue practising.

Zefferino said she wanted the classes to be enjoyable rather than feel like another lesson at school.

“I think that age is a lovely stage to introduce crochet,” she said.

“They are old enough to understand the basic techniques and concentrate on learning them, but they are also at an age where they can really enjoy the creative side of it.”

As the children develop their skills, they will be able to make projects including flowers, granny squares, small bags and decorations.

Zefferino said crochet offered children an opportunity to develop patience, concentration, hand-eye co-ordination and fine motor skills while creating something themselves.

“There is something very rewarding about making something from a ball of yarn with your own hands,” she said.

“They can see their progress quite quickly, and there is a real sense of achievement when they finish something they have made themselves.”

She said she also valued giving children an opportunity to take a break from screens and focus on a hands-on activity.

“Crochet requires them to be present and focused, but at the same time it is relaxing and creative,” she said.

She said she had received more enquiries than expected and already had two more children waiting, with the possibility of starting a second group if there was enough interest.

For now, the classes run on Friday afternoons from 3.30pm to 5pm, costing $30 per child with all materials provided.

Zefferino said she was looking forward to watching the children develop their skills and confidence.

“For me, crochet isn’t just about learning how to make something,” she said.

“It’s a skill that I’ve carried with me since childhood, and it has stayed with me throughout my life.”

To see Zefferino’s latest handmade work, visit the Point de Chaînette Facebook or Instagram pages.

To enquire about upcoming classes, send her a message via either page.