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Feature image courtesy: Gul Jaipur<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n If you had told an Indian grandmother 10 years ago that her crochet hook would one day become a wedding essential, she might have laughed you out of the living room. Crochet was supposed to belong to sweaters, cushion covers, and slightly lopsided dolls that nobody wanted to wash.<\/p>\n Yet, in 2025, this humble hook-and-yarn craft has made its way into the centre of one of the most symbolic wedding rituals: the varmala<\/em>.<\/p>\n Now imagine this: instead of tossing your varmala <\/em>into the compost bin, you hang it on your bedroom wall, frame it like art, or even pass it down like an heirloom. No dried petals, no smell of fading roses, just soft, colourful yarn flowers<\/a>, stitched lovingly by hand.<\/p>\n Crochet varmalas <\/em>are turning one of India\u2019s oldest wedding rituals into something playful, sustainable, and ever so slightly Pinterest-worthy.<\/p>\n Yes, you read that right. The sacred garland exchange, long dominated by fresh roses, marigolds and orchids, is now being reimagined in cotton yarns, pearl beads, and pastel threads. Crochet varmalas <\/em>are the new stars of sustainable weddings, and they are fast gaining ground with couples who want a keepsake that lasts far beyond the pheras<\/em>.<\/p>\n \nAdvertisement<\/span>\n<\/p>\n From Instagram feeds to destination weddings, this handcrafted alternative is being embraced by brides and grooms, who are looking for something personal, unique, and environmentally conscious.<\/p>\n But how did this trend, equal parts quirky and sentimental, take root?<\/p>\n A stunning creation by Enchanted Threads, founded by Ananya Malhotra. Image courtesy: Enchanted Threads<\/a><\/p>\n For Ananya Malhotra, founder of Enchanted Threads, the idea sprouted from a simple observation. \u201cPeople were already preserving their varmalas <\/em>in resin art. I thought, why not preserve the entire thing instead of just parts of it?\u201d she says.<\/p>\n At first, the concept raised eyebrows. Could yarn really replace the fragrance and grandeur of roses?<\/p>\n \u201cThe response was mixed,\u201d Ananya admits. \u201cSome people loved the concept of forever sustainable varmalas<\/em>, whereas others still preferred fresh flowers because of their elegance. It took time for people to warm up, but now we\u2019re seeing far more queries compared to last year.\u201d<\/p>\n Much of this surge, she explains, comes from the diaspora.<\/p>\n \nAdvertisement<\/span>\n<\/p>\n \u201cMostly, the NRIs are really loving the concept. It has this delicate, niche quality and connects them back to their heritage. They also appreciate the custom options, different flowers, pearls, and colour schemes, which allow them to personalise in a way fresh flowers often can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n A single crochet varmala <\/em>takes between 14 to 20 hours to complete, depending on the design. The process begins with careful planning: the right flower size, the right colours, the right balance of pearls and embellishments. Once the prototype is approved, her team of 25 underprivileged women artisans from Uttarakhand gets to work.<\/p>\n Tanya Setia\u2019s Gul is another powerhouse of sustainability where beautiful crochet varmalas<\/em> take shape. \u201cEach piece is a work of art that embodies the beauty of rural India and the passion of our women artisans. We at Gul Jaipur are firm believers in the virtues of conscious living,\u201d says Tanya. \u201cWe work closely with our women artisans to guarantee that they receive their much-deserved recognition and working conditions while creating our products using their learned skill sets,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n Tanya Setia\u2019s Gul is another powerhouse of sustainability where beautiful crochet varmalas<\/em> take shape. Image courtesy: Gul Jaipur<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not production that\u2019s the issue,\u201d Ananya explains. \u201cThe challenge is timelines. Because this trend is still new, couples often place orders just a week before the wedding. Customisation takes time, and since it\u2019s for their special day, it has to be absolutely perfect.\u201d<\/p>\n Beyond sentiment, Ananya also points to the sustainability argument. Fresh flowers often travel from different parts of India or even internationally, requiring refrigeration and transport. Crochet alternatives, she says, cut down this carbon footprint significantly.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a better way forward. Fresh flowers end up in the garbage within hours. Crochet varmalas <\/em>can be priced in the same range, and you can keep them forever,\u201d she shares.<\/p>\n \nAdvertisement<\/span>\n<\/p>\n For 18-year-old Manya Jain of Knot Kisses, the journey to crochet varmalas <\/em>began in her bedroom during the 2020 lockdown. She was barely 13 when she picked up a hook because she wanted new clothes and her mother refused to buy them. What started as a rebellion became a craft, and then a calling.<\/p>\n \u201cI taught myself entirely through YouTube,\u201d she recalls. \u201cMy grandmother used to crochet, and I was always fascinated. With time, I fell in love with the process.\u201d<\/p>\n The leap from fashion accessories to wedding garlands came unexpectedly. At a Delhi event where she had set up a stall, a bride-to-be asked if she could make crochet varmalas <\/em>for her wedding.<\/p>\n \u201cThat moment was really special,\u201d Manya smiles. \u201cI\u2019d always imagined making one for my own wedding someday. To actually craft one for someone else felt surreal.\u201d<\/p>\n Her process is deeply collaborative. Couples share references, colours, themes, and even the mood they want to create. Manya sketches five or six design options, balancing length, floral motifs, and detailing before she begins crocheting. \u201cI undid my first varmala <\/em>three times before it felt right,\u201d she laughs.<\/p>\n \nAdvertisement<\/span>\n<\/p>\n Each pair takes about four to five hours to craft. Basic designs with a single string of flowers and beads start at Rs 3,500, while customised versions can go up to Rs 9,500 or more.<\/p>\n Couples can choose not just the colours and flowers, but also add small personal details. \u201cOne couple wanted their college colours included because that\u2019s where they fell in love,\u201d she says, adding, \u201cThat\u2019s the beauty of crochet, you\u2019re not just saving flowers, you\u2019re saving a moment, a story, a piece of love stitched by hand.\u201d<\/p>\n Sustainability plays a role here too. Manya prefers cotton yarn for its lightness and comfort, and she often upcycles beads or embellishments from old jewellery.<\/p>\n Social media has been her biggest stage. \u201cI started by posting crochet work online. Consistency, sharing behind-the-scenes, connecting with people, that\u2019s how orders came in. Now, there\u2019s a steady stream of queries, especially for crochet varmalas<\/em>. It hasn\u2019t gone viral overnight, but it has grown steadily.\u201d<\/p>\n For Zainab Mukhtyar, crochet varmalas <\/em>are about intimacy and permanence. \u201cTraditional varmalas <\/em>are lovely, but they fade away within hours. With crochet, you can preserve that special moment. It\u2019s a keepsake that couples can hold on to, just like their memories,\u201d she says.<\/p>\nA garland that never wilts<\/h2>\n
A lockdown hobby turns into forever memories<\/h2>\n
A keepsake that is full of soul<\/h2>\n