Crochet, a younger fiber art technique than knitting or weaving, is the art of creating by using a metal, wooden, or bone hook to make interlocking stitches (or loops) of fiber. There are dozens of different styles of crochet and many cultures have very specific patterns and designs, like the world famous Irish crochet style.
This is much different than knitting. While knitting is the process of working with ‘open’ stitches, in the majority of crochet cases you will not go onto the next stitch without closing the current stitch. Most crafting stores will compare knitting and crochet, but these two art forms are so different!
Crochet can be used to make a plethora of different projects. From small little amigurumi animals to large pieces of intricate clothing.
Much like knitting, historians do not know who the creator of crochet is or the exact place where it originated.
Crochet comes from the word croc/croche, the French word for hook. It also could be connected to the Norse word krokr, which also means hook. What we consider to be crochet today can be traced back to the 15th - 17th century. Many cultures have claimed their crochet history including: France, South Africa, England, Italy, Arabia, and China. But the true homeland of crochet remains unknown.
Some fiber artists claim that crochet started in the Middle East and then was found very soon after in Spain, much like knitting. The Middle East is highly known for their vast trade routes that crossed the continents and it can be assumed that the art form would be traded along the routes as well. Much like knitting, it is difficult for archeologists to find evidence of crochet as many pieces were made from natural fibers that degraded over time.
The History of Crocheting
With the origins of crochet lost to time, the relatively new technique has made a large impact across the world. What was once a life-saving necessity of crocheting to create nets to fish, animal trapping or clothes has become an intricate artform.
In 1829, the first crochet pattern was written by Mademoiselle Riego de la Branchardiere. The daughter of a French father and an Irish mother, she is known as the mother of crochet and said to be the creator of the Irish crochet style! At 18 she published her first book about fiber and needlework.
These patterns are very lacy and delicate decorative work and are not made for average day-to-day wearing. These pieces were painstakingly created with delicate lacy stitches to show off the maker’s prowess. Mademoiselle Riego published a book of knitting and crochet patterns in 1846 - some of which you can surprisingly find today on Ravelry!
Today, crochet is so much more than intricate doilies and shawls. Crochet has become one of the most popular hobbies and is even used in therapy to help reduce stress and anxiety! If you’re interested in joining the legion of crocheters that span the globe, we have a few starter kits that will help you kick off your newest hobby!
Meet the Author
Kate has been on the Darn Good Yarn team since 2018.
They have their degree in Creative Art Therapy & Psychology - and like crafting and animals a little too much.
Crochet embroidery has a rich history in India, spanning 300 to 400 years. Introduced in the 18th century by British rulers, it gained popularity among upper-class women in the 19th century.
Ranking at #3 in Google's most popular how-to search of 2014, crochet's beginnings were pretty humble. The first evidence of crochet in history was in early nineteenth century Europe, where it was referred to as 'shepherd's knitting'.
Eléonore Riego de la Branchardière died in England at the age of 59, the day after Christmas 1887. By then, she'd gone down in knitting history as the "Mother of Modern Crochet".
Crochet is an ancient textile art that was first developed by the ancient Egyptians. Like all things, crochet has a history. The word crochet is derived from the French croc or croche, meaning hook.
Slip-Stitch Origins. The oldest form of crochet is slip-stitch crochet, but that is a term we give it today. It was known as “shepherd's knitting” in the British Isles and pjoining in Denmark, and had other names in other languages.
South America: In countries like Peru, crochet is a traditional craft that has been passed down for generations. Many artisans in South America create beautiful and intricate crochet items using local fibers and techniques.
All applied art contains the skills of craft; some applied art is also original and gives tangible form to the unique creative vision of the artist; hence it's art rather than craft. [Here is where] crochet has been growing in evidence as an art form.
' It is an artistic hobby where you create exquisite pieces of textile by using yarn and a single needle with a hooked edge. By graceful interlocking of threads, you can create blankets, socks, sweaters, winter hats, toys, or home décor items.
Hand crafts remain hand crafts because they aren't standardized. No two people crochet in exactly the same way. The hand movements are are unique to the individual. Many of the stitches involve multiple wraps of the hook, or multiple directional changes.
The rapper and noted Martha Stewart bestie also shared that he enjoys crocheting as a pre-show ritual. In another goofy moment from their interview, Clarkson called attention to Snoop Dogg's impeccable “nail game” and said his nails looked “shinier and better” than her own.
A crocheter is the main term used for someone who crochets. Just like knitter is used for someone who knits. But there are some other fun and unique names that crocheters can be called. Crocheter and crochet defined. Names for people who crochet. #
Lisa Gentry of Monroe, Louisiana, USA did just that, managing to set a record of 5,118 stitches in just 30 minutes! That is the equivalent of 170 stitches per minute!
Another theory suggests that crochet evolved from the Chinese needlework technique that spread to Turkey, India, Persia, and North Africa. However, the development and widespread popularity of crochet, as we know it today, is attributed to European immigrants to the US in the early 19th century.
Basically, during the Viking-age (793-1066 AD) knitting and crochet were unknown, so they had to use another very old and effective method for making warm socks, mittens and hats: nalbinding.
The 1960s and 1970s saw a “hippie” crochet trend, with colorful, bohemian-style garments and accessories. Not only was crochet a fashion forward trend, but it was popular for making home decor items as well. Granny squares became a very popular trend at this time.
Hobby: Reading, Ice skating, Foraging, BASE jumping, Hiking, Skateboarding, Kayaking
Introduction: My name is Cheryll Lueilwitz, I am a sparkling, clean, super, lucky, joyous, outstanding, lucky person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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