A. Shukor Ismail, 72, first learned to knit and crochet when he was nine years old. It’s been 64 years since, and the Johor-based septuagenarian isn’t ready to put down his needles or yarn quite yet.
“I was born in Johor Bahru and raised in Kampung Kayu Ara Pasung, Pontian in the 1950s. We did not have gadgets or the Internet to occupy our time back then. Most people of my generation spent their time outdoors or learning to do handicrafts.
“My maternal grandmother lived with us, and her hobbies included knitting, embroidery and cross-stitch. My late father encouraged me to learn these skills from my nenek. As a result, I am one of her many grandchildren who still has a passion for needlework,” says Shukor, who is fondly known as Pak Tam.
He was one of the participants at Kraftangan Malaysia’s Komuniti Kraf Keluarga Malaysia exhibition in Kuala Lumpur recently.
Pak Tam’s has developed an expertise in many needlework techniques like crochet, knitting, punch embroidery and Malay tekat embroidery. His favourite, though, is crochet, which is the art of creating textiles using a crochet hook to interlock loops of yarn, thread or strands of materials.
So passionate is Pak Tam about needlework that he’s made quite a name for himself among hobbyists.
The retired cook – who worked on a commercial ship for 30 years – has three handicraft books to his name – Seni Lipatan Hantaran, Jahitan Sarung Kusyen Beralun, and Seni Jahitan Mengait.
The creative man has also appeared on several TV talk shows, including Ntv7’s Bella, TV1’s Selamat Pagi Malaysia and Apa Kata Wanita to talk about his passion for the craft.
In 2017, he added another feather in his cap after gaining entry into the Malaysia Book of Records for crocheting the longest table runner measuring 783m (2,568.9 ft).
Though needlecraft is often associated with women, men have been knitting from as far back as the 15th century where there were professional male knitters in Europe with guilds that protected their craft secrets and helped create and improve business for them.
More recently, the pandemic saw a growing number of men taking up handiwork like knitting, embroidery and crocheting.
Last year, crocheting got into the headlines after British Olympic gold medallist Tom Daley posted photos of his hand-stitched crochet pouch and jumper on his Instagram account (tomdaley), which was immediately picked up by news agencies.
Social media platforms have become especially valuable during the pandemic as they allow crafters to learn new skills, tips and tricks while staying safe at home.
For example, on Facebook, there are several groups like Men Who Knit, SF Men Knit and Real Men Knit, where members (mostly men) share virtual lessons which enable other crafters to learn new things.
A crochet website shares how Tinsteltown actors like Ryan Gosling, David Arquette and Nicholas Hoult also share a passion for knitting alongside Hollywood actresses like Julia Roberts, Amanda Seyfried and Sarah Jessica Parker.
While needlework may have seen a rise in popularity since the pandemic, Pak Tam says that these crafts have always been popular.
“Back in the 1980s and 1990s when I was sailing, I used to see men – both young and old – knitting in parks in Canada and the United States. It’s nothing new to find men who enjoy knitting and crocheting,” he says.
Ketupat weaving skills
Pak Tam is also adept at constructing Malay wedding gift boxes and ketupat weaving. Ketupat is a savoury rice cake packed in a diamond-shaped container woven from coconut leaves. The craftsman can weave ketupat in 36 different patterns including ketupat burung (bird), ketupat bakul (basket) and ketupat lembu (cow).
He picked up these skills on his sailing travels to Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand.
The crafter reveals that he never left home without his sewing kit during his long voyages.
“Onboard, I spent my free time knitting and crocheting and doing embroidery. I used to take on orders for table covers and cushion covers and would complete them onboard. Whenever I travelled to a new destination, I’d buy handicraft books to improve my needlework skills.
"In total, I have over 120 handicraft books which I purchased from many countries, including Japan, Korea, and the United States,” says Pak Tam.
“Nothing is difficult if you have an interest for it. My grandmother learned needlework from a British woman in the 1920s. Even though my grandmother couldn’t read or write, she memorised so many patterns in her mind. She’s my source of inspiration,” he shared.
Since Pak Tam hasn’t been able to conduct physical lessons during the pandemic, he has been organising knitting and crocheting classes via Zoom and Google Meet. He doesn’t have standard charges for his classes though as his main aim is on sharing his skills with others.
“Bayar dengan ikhlas (he accepts whatever people want to pay wholeheartedly). I’m not fussy and I don’t have any standard charges (for the classes). I am 72 years old and I like to share my knowledge and passion for arts and crafts to as many people. There’s more joy in spreading knowledge than earning extra money,” he says.
A good way to unwind
Pak Tam finds his hobby therapeutic and relaxing.
“Handiwork like knitting and crocheting helps to calm the mind. It keeps the mind occupied and it’s an excellent pastime, especially for senior citizens.
“There’s also a sense of accomplishment, especially when you see your finished product,” says Pak Tam, who can spend anything from three to eight hours a day on his hobby. He also uploads photos of his creations on his Facebook handle, Pak Tam PD.
Since the pandemic, he’s received many orders for his crochet table cloths and table runners. His handmade products are priced between RM10 and RM350.
He intends to have more online classes to teach youth the techniques of ketupat weaving. In addition, he’s hoping to record some videos and post them on Facebook.
“Needlework such as knitting and crocheting are gaining momentum but sadly local traditions like ketupat weaving is slowly dying. Such crafts aren’t popular among Malaysian youth.
“My wish is to ensure crafts like knitting, embroidery and patchwork are passed down from one generation to the next,” he concludes.
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