As yarn weaves through hooks and stitches connect, life is given to a stuffed bear. It sits on a table with a stuffed octopus and watches a camaraderie, known as Tiny Threads, chat and stitch together new creations.

Coppell High School’s Tiny Threads Club members learn and apply crochet skills to create projects such as stuffed animals, blankets and hats. Finished products are donated to organizations such as the local children’s hospital and various shelters.

Tiny Threads sophomore founders Tsering Sherpa, Diya Gandhi, Sahasra Veerapaneni and Rachel Chio began this club in the 2023-24 school year at Coppell High School Ninth Grade Campus. At the same time, senior Arya Adhikary took on the responsibility of the CHS Crochet and Knitting Club. At the start of this year, their paths and these clubs converged, ultimately combining to form Tiny Threads – now at CHS.

“When the pandemic hit, I got into crocheting a lot, and I wanted to use the skill in order to help other people who might have been struggling, whether it be financially or through other means,” Sherpa said. “I just wanted to find a way to use crochet to help other people.”

Tiny Threads strives to serve as a space for community and creativity.

“You don’t really see people crocheting around school,” Adhikary said. “I know people are interested in it, but there’s a stigma that it’s a ‘grandmother’s hobby,’ and I feel like it’s going away now. We want to get around that stigma and offer a place where people can be creative.”

Each officer expresses important virtues, such as compassion and respect towards members, ultimately instilling a sense of belonging in the group.

“When they are here with new members in the room and trying to teach other people, the officers are very kind and patient which is a wonderful quality to have as a young 15, 16 or 17-year-old,” English teacher and Tiny Threads sponsor Laura Salamone said.

Regardless of their level of crocheting expertise, members are guided and taught to expand their abilities, allowing the club to grow together and share tips and tricks with one another.

“Teaching people has been a huge thing this year,” Adhikary said. “That’s what I’m most proud of because members are actually picking it up, and it’s fun to see people when they’re like ‘Oh, hey, I know how to make a whole row’ or ‘I know how to make a whole square.’”

Tiny Threads promotes selflessness as all products made are given to those in need.

“I really like the idea behind the club and all the work we do and I’ve always liked crocheting as I’ve done it for almost four years,” Tiny Threads sophomore Shreeya Komaravelli said. “We fundraise or we simply donate.”

In addition to their donations, the variety of products Tiny Threads members make and the process of making them encourages imagination and innovation, along with providing members a community to relax and participate in a soothing activity and learn from each other while doing so.

“Tiny Threads is such a wonderful opportunity and club,” Salamone said. “It is so creative and relaxing, and they make the most beautiful things.”

Tiny Threads members have learned many things like prioritizing interaction with each other and time management to help sustain their club.

“Starting a club is a great way to put your interests out there,” Sherpa said. “You’ll meet new people and make new friends. Make sure to emphasize communication and have a fun time while you’re doing it as well. It may be a club, but it’s still your interest. You’re hanging out with people who are enjoying the same thing you are, and your interest can make a difference.”

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