Weaving Together Through the Knit, Crochet, Relax Group

By Valeria Raymond

Unwinding from the demands of classes and life, students participate in the weekly Knit, Crochet, Relax event, where their skills in needlework and connections with peers are stitched together.

Knit, Crochet, Relax is one of Purchase College’s weekly stress reduction activities offered at the Harbor Center within Fort Awesome that occurs Fridays from 4 to 5 p.m. in Room 136. As a place designed for decompression, students walk into a dimly lit room where soft music plays, tea and hot cocoa are served and various forms of creativity are expressed.

Beyond providing free needles and yarn, students are offered coloring pages and the opportunity to kick back and chat with their peers as they work. For returners and newcomers, Knit, Crochet, Relax group provides an inclusive setting for creative self-expression.

“It’s a really low-pressure environment where people can bond easily,” said Ruby Hentoff, a junior majoring in creative writing as well as playwriting and screenwriting. “You can relax and know that there are people who you share a passion with.”

Various colorful yarn skeins provided in a crate for students to choose by Shanaz Moudud. (Photo by Valeria Raymond)

Clinical psychologist Shanaz Moudud founded Knit, Crochet, Relax in September 2021, to combat the isolation students faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Inspired by her own family, Moudud envisioned an area where students could recharge from their academics while learning a new skill. Over time, the weekly gathering that began with only three attendees has grown into a community for hundreds over the years.

“I'm so delighted that some students that have said they didn't know anybody on campus have grown to meet through this group,” said Moudud. “There is this space to go become friends rather than staying alone on their own.”

Clara Syta, a freshman arts management student, attended Knit, Crochet, Relax for the first time in March, where she was coloring floral designs in the shape of penguins.

“I'm just doing some coloring, but I think next time, I'll bring some of my own drawing supplies,” said Syta. Syta expressed that she was looking for a space to “unwind” and make friends to build connections and community. “I can just see by being here, I can feel the warmth in the room, and everybody here seems so friendly, and willing to just talk to you,” said Syta. “It's incredibly important to have these spaces, especially for freshmen or new students.”

Asal Vaseghnia, a graduate studio composition student, has attended since the fall 2025 semester and sees the group as a moment to celebrate getting through weekly pressures.

“It’s a nice moment to cheer, you have your hot chocolate, and paint and crochet,” said Vaseghnia.

Vaseghina would attempt to attend with a friend every two weeks and expressed that Moudud made the atmosphere comforting and welcoming. “Shanaz is so lovely and is like a best friend,” Vaseghina stated. “You know that you're in a safe place, and a cozy place to just come, relax, have fun and put the studies away.”

Left: Freshman Clara Syta (left) and Graduate Asal Vaseghnia (right) seated together enjoying tea and hot chocolate. (Photo by Valeria Raymond)

Projects made in the group vary in types, mediums and sizes, such as handbags, accessories, clothing and stuffed dolls. Freshman voice and opera student, Katelin Huang, had spent time crocheting their very first project ever made in the group, a green scarf for her sister’s dog.

“I might have made it too big, but hopefully, you just keep wrapping around her,” said Huang. Huang found this event to be a “nice relaxing” opportunity to attend after their classes and rehearsals, and hopes to “make and share more projects in the future.”

Moudud noted that many attendees who learned to knit or crochet had sold their creations and customized items, beginning small businesses of their own.

“Some would go to the Stood to sell their wares and make some money on the side, which is nice,” said Moudud. One of these attendees includes Hentoff, who has sold different pieces of clothing and accessories.

“I have made a lot in this program, my favorites being sweaters,” said Hentoff. “I was also able to make a bunch of hats for people, and it makes me really happy to see people wearing them.” This program has been “the rock” for Hentoff, and she expressed gratefulness for being in a “warm and accepting community” such as Knit, Crochet, Relax.

 Freshman Katelin Huang holding their work-in-progress dark green scarf, to eventually gift to their sister’s dog. (Photo by Valeria Raymond)

Along with fostering creative freedom, this group is designed as a space for participants to prioritize their personal well-being during personal or academic challenges.

“With all the stress and crazy things happening in the world, it's really nice to relax and put everything that's been going on behind the door when you walk in,” said Zara Kapron, a senior new media student. Kapron added that during their past two semesters of attendance, they mainly engaged in drawing throughout their time at the event and recently began to learn to crochet through Moudud.  

“It's good to have downtime for myself because I have a really busy schedule,” said Erika Molina, an undeclared student. “I get to calm down, drink a little tea and color. I and others benefit from this club as we meet new people in a place where they feel comfortable.”  

Founder and host, Shanaz Moudud (center) teaching students how to do a single loop crochet. (Photo by Valeria Raymond)

When the clock hits 5 p.m., though the materials are packed away, the final stitches are made, the serene music stops and the final drops of tea and cocoa are sipped, the ties of connection remain as strong as the crafts.

“It’s easy to bond over our skill or lack of skill with crocheting and knitting,” said Niara Omowale, a junior double majoring in art history and painting and drawing. This weekly refuge remains open to every student regardless of their major, year or artistic background.