The Art of Crochet

When Rachael Mills first picked up a crochet hook 25 years ago, a Turner Prize couldn’t have been further from her mind – but that’s exactly where her creative passion would take her!

Back in 2021, talented Blackburn crocheter Rachael Mills received an unusual commission – a request for an oversized doily.

The request came from Glaswegian artist Jasleen Kaur, who needed it for an exciting new piece she was working on for Uncultured Creatives and the British Textile Biennial.

Hosted here in East Lancashire, the free festival showcases contemporary art – commissioning artists and designers from all over the world to create work inspired by the context and legacy of the textile industry and its global impact.

Once completed, the crocheted doily was draped over a 1980s Ford Escort Cabriolet – expertly rebuilt by Blackburn College motor vehicle students – and displayed in the historic Exchange building in Blackburn town centre, attracting thousands of visitors.

Sociomobile tells Jasleen’s personal story of growing up in a South Asian family in Scotland.

It went on to be included in her critically acclaimed Alter Altar exhibition and, when that was nominated for the 2024 Turner Prize, Rachael was certain it would win.

The Turner Prize is about creating conversations around art, and people often talk about the car with the giant doily, she tells The Shuttle.

Since the Turner Prize announcement in December 2024, the piece has been on display at Tate Britain in London, where Rachael was reunited with her creation earlier this year.

It was amazing!

We told the gallery assistant that I’d made the doily and asked if we could take photographs. He seemed delighted that I was there and went to tell other staff.

We attracted a bit of attention then, and other people visiting the gallery asked questions about the commission and shook my hand.

It was a bit strange, to be honest, but it made me feel really proud!

Back in Blackburn, Rachael’s full-time job is running her businesses, REM Designs and Crochet Crazy Creations, from her home studio.

It’s here that she also runs five crochet classes each week for enthusiasts of all abilities.

In this homely environment, Rachael brings together people who perhaps wouldn’t normally cross paths – their shared love of crochet the only obvious thing they have in common.

But around the table in Rachael’s back room – wall-to-wall with wool and crocheted creations – lasting friendships are formed.

I’ve got one woman who’s been coming to my classes for 12 years. We’ve been through a lot together in that time.

In recent years, Rachael has seen more people picking up crochet as a mindful activity, using it as a way to unwind and look after their mental health.

In my classes, there are some people who have struggled with anxiety.

When someone new contacts me about joining, I can tell who might need a little more help to settle in, and I’ll always give it.

They soon relax and start to open up. It’s amazing to see the transformation of someone who’s been in my classes for a few months – they’re often unrecognisable from the person who first walked through my door.

Rachael’s crochet students come from all walks of life and all ages too – ranging from 10 years old to a woman in her seventies.

And she doesn’t see herself hanging up her crochet hook anytime soon.

I’ve got too much wool to use up! she laughs.

You can find out more about Rachael and her sessions by searching ‘REM Designs’ on Facebook.

The British Textile Biennial – supported by Blackburn with Darwen Council – will return in 2025, running between October 2 and November 2. www.britishtextilebiennial.co.uk