Workers

What does a crochet worker do? – Tasks and work environment

A crochet worker produces textile products using crochet hooks and various types of yarn, often within manufacturing industries or smaller craft environments. Tasks may include following patterns, selecting materials, assembling details, and quality control of the finished work. Crochet workers can be employed by larger textile companies, smaller ateliers, or work as self-employed. The work environment is often characterized by sitting work, good lighting, and demands for precision and finger dexterity, especially during fine handwork or machine-made crochet.

Salary development over time

The salary for crochet workers has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,700 SEK per month. The following year, 2023, it increased to 29 600 SEK, which is approximately a 6.9% increase. In 2024, the average salary continued to rise to 30 400 SEK, representing an additional increase of about 2.7% compared to the previous year. This salary trend reflects a certain stability and moderate improvement in conditions within the profession, although the salary level remains relatively uniform across the industry. The increase can partly be explained by general industry wage growth and an increased focus on craftsmanship and experience, rather than major changes in demand or education levels.

Crochet worker salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 30 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 29,400 SEK/month (female, private sector employee, 3-year upper secondary education)
• Highest salary: 32,200 SEK/month (male, regional sector, up to 2-year upper secondary education)
• Hourly wage: 183 SEK
• Women: 29 700 SEK/month (95% of men's salary)
• Men: 31 200 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Highest salaries are found in the regional sector, mainly among men

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a crochet worker usually involves vocational upper secondary education in textiles and fashion, but some individuals also learn the profession through practical experience on the job. Formal education requirements are relatively low, but a good sense of craftsmanship, material knowledge, and precision are important qualities. Many employers also offer internal training or opportunities for further development, especially for those wishing to specialize in more advanced techniques.

• Vocational upper secondary education: Textiles and fashion, 2–3 years
• Internship: Often through apprenticeships or on-the-job training
• Certificates/courses: Special courses in crochet and textile techniques can be advantageous
• Prerequisites: Interest in textiles, good fine motor skills, and accuracy
• Self-study: Common within craft professions, online resources and evening courses are available

Common benefits and compensations

Crochet workers often benefit from collective agreements including occupational pensions, holiday pay, and insurance. Many workplaces also offer wellness allowances and opportunities for skill development within the profession. In larger companies, there may also be subsidized lunches or employee discounts on the company's products.

Competition and challenges

Competition within the profession is significantly affected by automation and globalization in the textile industry. Since the profession belongs to a broad category with many machine operators, it is difficult to stand out solely through basic skills. Challenges often include maintaining high quality craftsmanship while increasing production demands and efficiency. Job opportunities can be influenced by economic cycles and demand for Swedish-produced textiles, as well as changes in fashion and design trends. For those wishing to develop further in the profession, continuous updating of skills in new techniques and materials is important.

Tips for those wanting to become crochet workers

To succeed as a crochet worker, it is beneficial to have a strong attention to detail and perseverance to work with repetitive tasks over longer periods. Precision is crucial because small mistakes can affect the final result, so work should always be done methodically. Creativity allows for creating your own patterns or solving problems, which is appreciated both in industry and among smaller employers. Flexibility and adaptability are also important, as tasks can vary between different clients and projects. Showing engagement and willingness to learn new techniques provides better opportunities for development and specialization. Good teamwork skills facilitate collaboration in production teams, and clear communication can be critical when working on orders or customer requests. Lastly, patience is essential, as some tasks require time and precision to achieve the desired quality.

Key facts about crochet workers

• Education level: Vocational upper secondary education in textiles and fashion
• Work environment: Sitting work, often in industrial or craft studio settings
• Employment type: Commonly both permanent and hourly-based assignments
• Demand: 1,437 available jobs within the profession (May 2024)
• Gender distribution: The profession is dominated by women, but men have higher average salaries

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, crochet workers can advance to more specialized roles, such as pattern designers, production supervisors, or quality managers within the textile industry. Those wishing to develop further can also start their own business or pursue further education in design and product development. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that it is difficult to make precise predictions about future prospects, as the profession is part of a larger category with limited statistical data. Nevertheless, the relatively large number of available positions suggests stable demand within the textile and fashion industries.

Common questions about crochet workers

• What is the average monthly salary of a crochet worker?
  - A crochet worker has an average monthly salary of 30 400 SEK.
• What are the gender differences within the crochet profession?
  - Women earn on average 29 700 SEK, which corresponds to 95% of men's average salary of 31 200 SEK.
• What education is required to become a crochet worker?
  - The most common is vocational upper secondary education in textiles and fashion, often supplemented with practical experience.
• Are there many job openings for crochet workers?
  - Yes, there are a total of 1,437 available jobs according to the latest data.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for a crochet worker?
  - The highest salary is 32,200 SEK (male, regional sector), and the lowest is 29,400 SEK (female, private sector employee).
• What personal qualities are important for a crochet worker?
  - Attention to detail, patience, creativity, and good teamwork skills are highly valued in the profession.
• What are the future prospects for crochet workers?
  - Prognoses are lacking for the profession, but demand remains stable within the textile industry, and many job opportunities exist.