The Basics of Crochet

Author: WinifredHolstone
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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.

Origins 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's evidence that crocheting, as we know it today, gained popularity throughout the mid 1700s. It was also was this time when tambour embroidery reached Europe. Tambour embroidery was accomplished using a smaller crochet-like hook. The earliest evidence of crocheting can be traced back to around 1800. Samples have been found in archaeological digs that may answer the question if crochet existed before the 1800s.

Some people say that crochet pieces can be found in Egyptian tombs and others say that nuns made crocheted pieces to beautify early churches. It has been argued that crocheting is a very basic technique and it most likely had its beginnings some time in ancient history. Unfortunately, no pieces have been 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.

With time, the art of crochet became more and more popular and the art form found a niche as a cottage industry. Crocheting actually supported some communities after imperialism had deposed their livelihoods. Those in the middle class, and people emerging in society, purchased the finished crocheted products.

Some say that crocheted fabrics were seen to be nothing more than imitations of symbols of wealthy families. Those who were able to afford real lace and other more expensive fabrics would look down on crocheted pieces.

When Queen Victoria took an interest in crochet, the negative attitude that people held was somewhat diminished. The Queen purchased crochet laces that had been created by the Irish and, eventually, she also learned how to crochet.

Evolution

From the beginning of the 19th century to the 1950s, crocheting was done mostly with thread. Filet crochet and crochet in the round were the most popular methods. These methods involved the building of patterns by working rows of closed or open mesh. Steel hooks were mass produced and became popular 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.

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.

As compared to other methods of creating fabrics, crochet is a relatively young craft. Through several evolutionary steps, crochet has evolved to become the art form that we know today. Different technologies and modern ways of creating fabric, however, are threatening to make the art of crochet a thing of the past. Let's hope that the many people who still enjoy crochet will pass the art along to future generations.