The Basics of Crochet

Article Written By: WinifredHolstone

The word crochet is derived from the word croc, which is French for hook. Crocheting is an art of fabric creation from a thread, yarn or other materials using a crochet hook.

Origins 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. There is evidence that the type of crochet that's enjoyed today initially gained popularity throughout the mid 1700s. At this time, the tambour style of embroidery also reached Europe. Tambour embroidery was created using a smaller crochet-like hook. The earliest evidence of modern crochet can be traced back to about 1800. Samples found in archaeological digs may suggest that crochet existed before the 1800s. A few people maintain that crochet pieces can be found in Egyptian tombs, while others say that nuns made crocheted pieces to adorn early churches. It has been argued that the crochet is very basic and most likely had its beginnings some time in ancient history. Unfortunately, there have been no pieces found to legitimize these claims about ancient crocheting. Crocheted pieces became viable substitutes for lace in the 1800s. It was very expensive to purchase fine lace pieces, so many people used crochet to produce less expensive fabrics. Few tools or pieces of equipment were needed for crochet, and people of all skill and class levels were able to do it. Crafters began to crochet with natural fibers and hooks were made of brass, ivory and hardwood. Over time, crocheting became more and more popular and found a niche as a cottage industry. The craft supported some communities after their livelihoods had been deposed by imperialism. The middle class, and those emerging in society, purchased the finished products. Some will say that crocheted fabrics were no more than imitations of the symbols of wealthy families. Crocheted pieces were looked down upon by those who were able to afford real lace and other more expensive fabrics. Queen Victoria had a hand in diminishing the negative attitude that people held about crochet. She purchased crochet laces created by the Irish, and then she also learned how to crochet. 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. In the 1950s, crocheters used thick yarns to create less detailed clothing and fabric. The craft of crocheting using thread was popular throughout the 1960s. Homemakers were very involved in crocheting but during the 1960s, more and more people became hooked to crocheting, particularly the younger generations. Granny squares and other popular patterns began to emerge. Usually created in fun, bright colors, these squares were completed in round style. These new trends helped crochet to pick up a much-needed popularity boost in the 1960s. 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. When compared to other ways of creating fabrics, crochet is a relatively young craft. It has taken several evolutionary steps to become the art form that we know today. With the advent of different technologies and modern ways of creating fabric, the art of crochet is in danger of becoming a thing of the past. Thankfully there are still many people who love crochet and, with any luck, these people will continue to pass on the art to the generations to come.

About the Author

Contributor Winifred Holstone is a writer for several popular Internet magazines, on other hobby and hobby store topics. Don't reprint this exact article. Instead, reprint a free unique content version of this same article.

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