radio derby split image

Crochet fans from around the world descended on a UK city to enjoy their hobby together in a record-breaking event.

960 people got crafty at Derby Arena on Friday to snap up the record for most people crocheting simultaneously.

The group smashed through the previous record of 604 people set in Australia in 2017.

radio derby breaks a crocheting record

They crocheted for 15 minutes to bag the record, with everyone keeping their focus despite the cyclists whizzing around just above them on the velodrome track.

The event was organised by BBC Radio Derby following a campaign they ran, encouraging people to knit blankets throughout the winter to help people cope with the cost of living and fuel crisis.

Around 2,000 blankets were made and donated to food banks and charities in the area for the Make A Difference: Make A Blanket campaign, inspiring the idea for an official Guinness World Records attempt.

radio derby gathered 960 people together to crochet

Local people and members of the WI weren’t the only ones keen to get involved, with people flying in from around the globe to take part.

A crochet superfan from New York made the trip across the pond and someone from Gibraltar, who connected with likeminded crocheters from the Derby area, also jetted in to take part.

The group also included a lady, taking part on her birthday, who has always wanted to have a Guinness World Records title.

radio derbys record breaking moment

Radio Derby had put out a call to action to crochet fans, and they turned up in their droves.

The station’s Andy Twigge was there to oversee the events, presenting live on the airwaves while Adjudicator Jack Brockbank enlisted the help of stewards and an independent crochet expert to declare all those present Officially Amazing.

Want more? Follow us across our social media channels to stay up-to-date with all things Guinness World Records! You can find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Snapchat Discover– including our in-depth Curious Casebook series.

Don’t forget, we’re also on YouTube!

Still not had enough? Follow the link here to buy our latest book, filled to the brim with stories about our amazing record breakers.