Crochet: Knot Just Another Hobby

By: Winifred Holstone

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.

Roots of Crochet

It's believed that crochet was first used in areas of Arabia, China and South America, although there is no concrete evidence to back this claim. Records do show that the craft became popular in 19th century Europe. The crochet process may have been present during ancient times, but the crochet hook, as we know it, was not yet invented. At that time, crocheters used 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 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.

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.

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 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 of the Craft

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.

Method

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.