Teen crochets Zendaya-inspired prom dress in 3 days after last-minute invite, gets shoutout from actress

While most teens keep themselves busy shopping for dresses to wear to their prom, a few skilled ones opt for making their own DIY prom dresses.

Sarah Akinbuwa, a Boston teenager, gained online popularity for crocheting her floor-length prom dress inspired by Zendaya, all for just $60.

She was invited at the last minute to someone else’s prom as a date, but she had only four days to prepare.

So, Sarah, a passionate crocheter, was resolute in making her dress.

“I had to make a dress by hand,” Sarah, 18, tells PEOPLE.

Using her crochet skills, the 18-year-old crafted 100 roses in two days and dedicated additional hours to assembling the DIY prom dress.

She crafted a pink, strapless floor-length gown adorned with crocheted roses, complemented by a matching shrug and handbag, all completed in an impressive three days.

Her inspiration was Zendaya’s 2023 SAG Awards outfit: a pink strapless gown by Valentino Haute Couture adorned with 190 roses on the skirt.

Sarah’s unique DIY prom dress garnered attention and praise from attendees, with social media videos showcasing admiration for her creative outfit.

Another TikTok clip shows her wearing the dress in a public restroom, receiving admiration for her craftsmanship.

“I love your dress,” the person said.

Sarah responded by saying that she made it herself in three days.

Speaking to PEOPLE, she mentioned that her friends loved the dress, and she received numerous compliments.

Her TikTok video detailing the making of her prom dress has surpassed 26 million views.

Crocheting a floor-length gown in just three days is challenging, but Sarah is skilled in her craft despite her youth, having started crocheting at 12.

Sarah crafted her prom dress and took custom orders from friends, family, and followers on social media.

She looks forward to becoming a fashion designer after high school.

“I have to be a fashion designer,” she said.

When did crocheting start?

Crochet, a relatively modern fiber art, uses a hook to interlock loops of fiber with various styles and cultural patterns like Irish crochet, according to Darn Good Yarn.

In contrast to knitting’s open stitches, crochet generally closes each stitch before proceeding, highlighting their distinct differences despite comparisons in craft stores.

Crochet can create a wide range of projects, from small amigurumi animals to large and intricate pieces of clothing.

Crochet, like knitting, has uncertain origins and creators, and its birthplace is unknown.

The term “crochet” originates from the French word “croc” or “croche,” meaning hook, possibly linked to the Norse word “krokr.”

As we recognize it, the craft emerged between the 15th and 17th centuries.

Many cultures, such as those in France, South Africa, England, Italy, Arabia, and China, have asserted their crochet traditions, yet their origins remain ambiguous.

Some fiber artists propose that crochet originated in the Middle East and spread rapidly to Spain, much like knitting.

The extensive trade routes of the Middle East likely contributed to the dissemination of this craft.

Archaeologists encounter difficulties in finding crochet evidence due to the deterioration of ancient pieces made from natural fibers, like challenges with knitting artifacts.

Though its origins are uncertain, crochet has emerged as a globally influential craft.

Originally essential for creating nets, traps, and clothing, it has evolved into a sophisticated art form.

Mademoiselle Riego de la Branchardiere, in 1829, authored the first crochet pattern.

Known for her French and Irish heritage, she is celebrated as the founder of crochet and the innovator behind the Irish crochet style.

At just 18 years old, she published her initial book on fiber arts and needlework.

Her patterns are renowned for their intricate lace and delicate decorative elements, designed not for everyday use but as meticulous displays of craftsmanship and skill.

Today, crochet has expanded from traditional uses like making doilies and shawls.

It has grown into a widely popular hobby and is increasingly used in therapy to alleviate stress and anxiety.

Zendaya gave Sarah a well-deserved shoutout, watch below:

Follow Sarah on TikTok to see more of her creations!