Nigerian crocheter sets new Guinness World Record after 72-hour crocheting marathon

Chidinma Modupe Okafor has smashed the Guinness world record for the longest crocheting marathon at 72 hours. During her three-day “crochet-a-thon,” the 30-year-old Lagos resident made a white dinner gown, surpassing the record of 34 hours and seven minutes set by Alessandra Hayden (USA) in 2021.

Since she was a little child, Okafor has been crocheting clothes and clothing accessories. She explained that her lifetime enthusiasm for the craft and her desire to challenge herself mentally and physically led her to decide to attempt this record.

She told Guinness World Records, “I aim to showcase the artistry and perseverance involved in this craft and promote awareness about crocheting and its benefits.”

Okafor had to crochet nonstop throughout the attempt to break the record, which meant that she had to start working on the next ball of yarn as soon as she completed the previous one.

However, the platform observed that, as with all “longest marathon” record attempts, Okafor was only allowed two hours of break every day — five minutes per hour of crocheting. She could not eat, sleep, use the restroom, or change her clothes except during these short breaks.

She recounted, “My preparation for the record attempt involved rigorous training and mental conditioning. It also required physical endurance and strategizing to maintain a consistent pace while minimizing fatigue.

“Additionally, logistics such as arranging for sufficient yarn with support staff were crucial for the uninterrupted progress of the attempt.”

She had intended to crochet a wedding gown, but when exhaustion set in, she changed her mind and decided to make a dinner gown instead, explaining that “I couldn’t do extra hours.”

Okafor said she took inspiration from Hilda Baci, a fellow Nigerian who completed the longest cooking marathon the previous year.