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The Basics of Crochet

By: Winifred Holstone

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 believe that crochet was first used in areas of China, Arabia and South America, although there is no concrete evidence of this claim. Eventually, the craft became popular in 19th century Europe. While the crochet process may have been present during ancient times, the hook itself which is used in crocheting was not yet invented. Back then, people used their 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 also maintain that crochet pieces have been found in Egyptian tombs, while others claim that nuns made crocheted pieces to adorn early churches. It's also been argued that the art of crochet is so basic it most likely had its beginnings some time in ancient history. There are, however, no pieces 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.

As time went on, crocheting became more and more popular, finding its niche as a cottage industry. The craft supported some communities when their livelihoods were deposed by imperialism. The finished products were purchased by the middle class, or those who were emerging in society.

Some will say that crocheted fabrics were no more than imitations of the symbols of wealthy families. Crocheted pieces were looked down upon by those who were able to afford real lace and other more expensive fabrics.

Queen Victoria somewhat lessened the bad attitude of some people against crochet. She purchased crochet laces produced by the Irish and learned how to crochet herself.

Evolution of Crochet

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.

Granny squares and other popular patterns began to emerge. Usually created in fun, bright colors, these squares were completed in round style. These new trends helped crochet to pick up a much-needed popularity boost in the 1960s.

Method

People who crochet today usually begin with a slip-knot on the hook. This first looped is then pulled with another loop. The second loop is pulled through the first one, and the pattern is repeated again and again to create a fabric chain. You can work these chains in rows, or turn them to create a pattern. A round is created when several stitches are pulled through one loop. It's these unique 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.

Article Source: http://www.health-fitness-for-all.com

Essayist Winifred Holstone contributes articles to numerous web magazines, on other hobby and hobby store topics.

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