Crochet - history, facts and patterns by Cygnet Yarns' Blog (2024)

FAQs

What is the oldest crochet pattern? ›

The earliest known recorded crochet patterns were printed in 1824 and were typically patterns for luxurious purses of gold and silver silk thread. Although these were the first documented patterns, there seems to be evidence to suggest that women in particular, had been sharing crochet patterns since well before then.

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".

We can help! 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.

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.

Crochet Thermal Stitch is a super dense and one of the thickest crochet stitches. It's worked on two rows simultaneously which gives a double layer and a super thick and sturdy texture. Thermal stitch is the perfect stitch for potholders, bags, coasters or anything where you need extra sturdiness in crochet.

Typically, the Jasmine Stitch is considered by crocheters to be the hardest stitch to learn. It is certainly a beautiful stitch, but it uses a very unconventional technique that doesn't always come naturally to people.

One view suggests that indigenous South American communities hold the key to crochet's beginnings while another theory states that crochet evolved from a Chinese needlework technique, subsequently spreading to Turkey, India, Persia, and North Africa.

And 66% of respondents said they both knit and crochet, while 22% said they crochet only and 13% said they knit only. Following are more highlights.

What's the easiest crochet project to start with? Small square coasters or dishcloths allow you to practice and learn new stitches with a quick payoff.

The word crochet is derived from the French word crochet, a diminutive of croche, in turn from the Germanic croc, both meaning "hook". It was used in 17th-century French lace-making, where the term crochetage designated a stitch used to join separate pieces of lace.

Where did the crochet trend come from? ›

Early Origins

The exact origins of crochet are unclear, but it is believed to have developed independently in various cultures. Some historians trace its roots back to ancient China, Egypt, and South America, where similar techniques of interlocking loops with a hook were used.

The earliest crochet hooks had removable needles. Crochet needles were made in Redditch, England, using the same techniques used to make sewing needles and fishing hooks. The needles were handmade of wrought iron and then the iron was converted to steel. Only a final polishing of the very hard steel was required.

Wrap your yarn around the hook (referred to as a yarn over and abbreviated as YO in crochet patterns) and pull the loop through the chain. You should have two chains on your hook. Yarn over hook and pull the yarn through the two loops on your hook. That's your first single crochet stitch (SC).

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.

What's the easiest crochet project to start with? Small square coasters or dishcloths allow you to practice and learn new stitches with a quick payoff. Simple scarves, baby blankets, and granny square throw blankets are also good choices.