The Basics of Crochet

Crochet is a hobby and an art that's been enjoyed for over a century. The word crochet is actually derived from French word "croc", meaning "hook". Crochet, like knitting and weaving, is the art of creating fabric creation from a thread, yarn or other fibers. The difference is that crocheting involves the uses of a special hook.

Roots of Crochet

Some say that the craft of crocheting began in some parts of South America, Arabia and China. However, there has been no concrete evidence of this claim. It eventually became popular in the 19th century in Europe. There have been claims that the process used in crocheting was present during the ancient times but the hook itself which is used in crocheting was not yet invented. People back then used their fingers which were bent in a hook shape to make 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Method

For modern crocheters, crocheting is done by creating a slip-knot on the hook, and this loop is pulled with another loop. The second loop is pulled through the first one and this pattern is repeated to create the fabric. The chain is worked in rows or turned to create a pattern. Rounds are created by pulling several stitches through one loop. These methods separate crocheting from other kinds of 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.

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About the Article Author

Freelancer Winifred Holstone is a writer for a variety of popular web magazines, on hobby shop online and hobby crafts guide themes.

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