Where does Crochet come from, who invented it….

Crochet is a process of creating fabric from yarn, thread, or other material strands

using a crochet hook. Even some Rag Rugs can be crocheted. Why am I writing

about Crocheting? I am a fan of it myself and currently teach a bunch of teenagers

at my local church how to crochet.

The word is derived from the French word “crochet”, meaning hook. Hooks can be

 made of materials such as metals, woods or plastic and are commercially

manufactured as well as produced by artisans. Crocheting, like  knitting, consists

of pulling loops through other loops, but additionally incorporates wrapping the

working material around the hook one or more times. Crochet differs from knitting

in that only one stitch is active at one time (exceptions being Tunisian Crochet

(I love that one) and broomstick lace, stitches made with the same diameter of yarn

are comparably taller, and a single crochet hook is used instead of two knitting

needles. Additionally, crochet has its own system of symbols to represent stitch types.

 

Lis Paludan theorizes that crochet evolved from traditional practices in Iran,

South America,  or China, but there is no decisive evidence of the craft being

performed before its popularity in Europe during the 19th century.

The earliest written reference to crochet refers to slip stitch crochet/ shepherds knitting

from The Memoirs of a Highland Lady by Elizabeth Grant (1797–1830) in the 19th

century. Some claim that the first published crochet patterns appeared in the Dutch

magazine “ Penelope in 1824. Crochet patterns have recently been found in the S

wedish magazine “Konst och nyhetsmagasin för medborgare av alla klasser” from

1819, discarding this earlier notion.There might exist even earlier examples in

publications not previously scrutinized. Other indicators that crochet was new in

the 19th century include the 1847 publication  A Winters Gift which provides detailed

instructions for performing crochet stitches, although it presumes that readers

understand the basics of other needlecrafts. Early references to the craft in Godey’s

Lady’s Book in 1846 and 1847 refer to crocheted before the spelling standardized in

1848.

 

Fashions in crochet changed with the end of the Victorian era in the 1890s.

Crocheted laces in the new Edwardian era, peaking between 1910 and 1920, became

even more elaborate in texture and complicated stitching.

The strong Victorian colors disappeared, though, and new publications called for

white or pale threads, except for fancy purses, which were often crocheted of

brightly colored silk and elaborately beaded. After World War I, far fewer crochet

 patterns were published, and most of them were simplified versions of the early

20th century patterns. After World War II, from the late 40s until the early 60s, t

here was a resurgence in interest in home crafts, particularly in the United States,

with many new and imaginative crochet designs published for colorful doilies,

potholders, and other home items, along with updates of earlier publications.

These patterns called for thicker threads and yarns than in earlier patterns and

included wonderful variegated colors. The craft remained primarily a homemaker’s

art until the late 1960s and early 1970s, when the new generation picked up on crochet

and popularized granny squares, a motif worked in the round and incorporating bright

colors.

Although crochet underwent a subsequent decline in popularity, the early 21st century

 has seen  a revival of interest in handcrafts and DIY, a s well as great strides in

improvement of the quality  and varieties of yarn. There are many more new pattern

books with modern patterns being printed, and most yarn stores now offer crochet

lessons in addition to the traditional knitting lessons.  There are many books you

can purchase from local book stores to teach yourself how to  crochet whether it be

as a beginner or more intermediate, there are also many books for children and

teenagers who are hoping to take up the hobby.

Crochet has experienced a revival on the catwalk. Christopher Kane’s Fall 2011

Ready-to-Wear collection has made intensive use of the  Granny Square, one of the

most basic of crochet motifs. Additionally, websites such as

 Handmadeartists.com have made it easier for individual hobbyists to sell and

distribute their patterns or projects across the internet. Today, even some jewelry is

partially crocheted.

Submitted by Monika of Myeropeantouch

Click on any image in this post to see more about the artists’ and their product!

 

Tags: crochet, crochet variations, hand crafted, Handmade, Handmade Artists, handmade crochet, history of crochet

Posted in Handmade

2 Responses to “Where does Crochet come from, who invented it….”

• admin says:

  March 16, 2013 at 9:09 pm

  Great article Monika! Thanks for the history lesson in crochet!

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• CrochetHooked says:

  April 14, 2013 at 5:28 am

  Cool article Monika! Interesting facts about crochet, which I didn’t know. ;o) My Great Grandmother crocheted, back in the early 1900s using a steal hook and thread. My mother has a bedspread she crocheted… it is amazing! Thanks Monkia (including my picture) and for great time reading about my love for this ageless art.

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