Search:

The Basics of Crochet

Crochet is an art form and a popular craft that's been enjoyed by modern civilizations for more than a century. Derived from the French word "croc", meaning "hook", crochet is the art of creating fabric creation from a thread, yarn or other fibers, much like knitting and weaving. The main difference is the type of hook that's used in crochet.

Roots of Crochet

Some believe that crochet was first used in areas of China, Arabia and South America, although there is no concrete evidence of this claim. Eventually, the craft became popular in 19th century Europe. While the crochet process may have been present during ancient times, the hook itself which is used in crocheting was not yet invented. Back then, people used their fingers, bent in a hook shape, to create the loops and chains.

It's believed that the type of crochet that's enjoyed today initially gained popularity throughout the mid 1700s. The tambour style of embroider had also reached Europe at this time. Tambour embroidery was worked with a smaller crochet-like hook. Crochet, as we know it, can be traced back to about 1800; however architectural digs have found samples that suggest that crochet existed before the 1800s.

Some also maintain that crochet pieces have been found in Egyptian tombs, while others claim that nuns made crocheted pieces to adorn early churches. It's also been argued that the art of crochet is so basic it most likely had its beginnings some time in ancient history. There are, however, no pieces to legitimize these claims about ancient crocheting.

In the 1800s, crochet became a substitute for lace. Back then, laces were quite expensive, and people turned to crocheting to produce less expensive fabrics. Crocheting didn't require much equipment and other tools, and people of every kind can do it. People started crocheting by working with natural fibers and used hooks which were made of brass, ivory and hardwood.

As time went on, crocheting became more and more popular, finding its niche as a cottage industry. The craft supported some communities when their livelihoods were deposed by imperialism. The finished products were purchased by the middle class, or those who were emerging in society.

Some say that crocheted fabrics were nothing more than a mere imitation of the symbol of richer families. The people who were able to afford the more expensive fabrics looked down on crochet.

Queen Victoria somewhat lessened the bad attitude of some people against crochet. She purchased crochet laces produced by the Irish and learned how to crochet herself.

Evolution of the Craft

Crocheting was done mostly with thread from the beginning of the 19th century to the 1950s. The most popular kinds of crochet methods were the filet crochet and the crochet in the round. These methods were worked in rows of closed or open mesh to build patterns. Steel hooks were mass produced and were popular beginning at the beginning of the 20th century.

Crocheters in the 1950s began to use thick yarns to create fabric and clothing with less detail. The craft of crocheting with thread retained popularity throughout the 1960s. Homemakers were still very involved in crocheting, and the craft gained popularity throughout the 1960s as more and more people in younger generations got hooked.

The popular patterns emerged, such as the granny squares. These squares were done in round style and usually incorporated bright and fun colors. The interest of the younger generation in the 1960s gave crocheting a much-needed popularity boost.

Modern Methods

Today's crocheters use a method that begins with a slip-knot on the hook. This initial loop is pulled with another loop. The second loop is pulled through the first one, and the pattern is repeated to create the fabric chain. These chains can be worked in rows, or turned to create a pattern. Rounds are created when several stitches are pulled through one loop. These are the methods that separate crocheting from other fabric making methods.

Crochet is a relatively young craft if one compares it to other fabric-making procedures. It has gone through several steps of evolution to become the art that we know today. With the advent of different technologies and modern ways of making fabric, crochet is in danger of becoming a thing of the past. However, there are still many people who love crochet and with any luck, these people will pass on the art to the generations to come.