Crochet came from the word croc, which is French for hook. Crocheting is an art of fabric creation from a thread, cord or other materials using a crochet hook.
Beginnings
Some say that the craft of crocheting originated from some parts of South America, Arabia and China. However, there has been no true evidence of this claim. It eventually became popular in the 1800 in Europe. Some say that the process used in crocheting was present during the ancient times but the hook itself which is used in crocheting was not yet in existence. People back then used their fingers which were bent to be able to make loops and chains.
It's somewhat clear that crocheting, as we know it today began to be seen during the mid 1700s . This was the time when tambour embroidery, reached Europe. Tambour embroidery was done using a smaller crochet-like hook. The earliest evidence of crocheting dates to around 1800. Samples should have been present in archaeological finds and missions if crochet existed before th e 1800s. Some claim that crochet pieces can be found in Egyptian tombs and some say that there were crochet works which were made by nuns to beautify early churches. It has been argued that crocheting is a very simple technique and it most probably had its beginnings during the ancient times. But it is a fact, no pieces have been found to legitimize these claims about ancient times crocheting.
In the 1800s, crocheting became a lace substitute. Laces back then were quite expensive, and people turned to crocheting to be able to produce less expensive fabrics. Crocheting didn't need much equipment and other tools and people of every kind can do it. People started to crochet natural fibers and used hooks which were made of brass, ivory and hardwood.
As history went on, crocheting became more and more popular, finding its niche as a cottage industry. The craft supported some communities when their livelihoods were displaced by imperialism. The items were purchased by the middle class, or those who were emerging in society. Some say that fabrics which were made out of crocheting were seen as a mere imitation of the symbol of richer families. The people who were able to afford the more expensive fabrics which were made from more expensive methods hated crochet.
Queen Victoria somewhat mitigated the bad impression of the people against crochet. She purchased crochet laces which were produced by the Irish and learned crocheting herself.
In the early 1800s, lace made materials are much expensive than the crochet products. In Europe, some communities use crochet products to identify their social status, which only indicate that they can afford crochet products and other lace made items. The craft of crocheting only requires less expensive supplies and materials, which are commonly threads and yarns that they can purchase in nearby markets.
Many assume that the craft of crocheting and knitting evolved in countries like China, Saudi Arabia, and Brazil. They have come up with this theory because of the cultural tradition of clothing used by the people living in these countries. Many experts also say that the craft of crocheting was more essential to bend the forefinger rather than its necessity for creating crochet and knitted products.
In the early periods of imperialism, where the art was practiced in the western part of Europe recognize crocheting as the main source of livelihood among people living in villages and communities. Most royalties consider wearing a crochet product symbolize wealth and power. During these days, crocheting and knitting is the pleasure of many people. It has developed as an art of creating very good crochet crafts and designs.
A person can acquire a variety of yarns and threads that are used to make a crochet product. There are different textures and colors he may choose depending on the type of pattern or design that he will create. There are basic types of yarns that are in the market nowadays. He may find baby/fingering, worsted weight, chunky, sport/baby, and the bulky types of yarns, which are commonly used in crocheting and knitting.
Yarns are typically labeled by their types to distinguish the yarns’ quality. This helps in identifying which specific yarn would be suitable for a particular crochet product. Moreover, a person may also need to know the amount of skein, care instructions, gauge, and the fiber content of the yarns.
Here are some other supplies aside from the yarn that are needed to create a particular crochet product.
1. The knitting needles are very essential in crocheting. They are commonly straight aluminum, wooden and plastic made materials. They can be availed in different sizes from 2 millimeters to 15 millimeters. They are purchased in pairs where they feature a knob and pointed edges. This design was made for preventing the needle to slide when it is left on the unfinished crochet product.
2. The crochet hooks are used in catching the loops of thread used in crocheting. They also draw the stitches made from loosening and sliding from the chain stitches. They also come in aluminum, plastic, and wooden made materials. The wooden made crochet hooks are the commonly used in doing a crochet product because it is easier for the fingers handle and it is also considered as the most affordable.
3. The pattern diagram is very essential in creating a crochet product. This serves as the guide on how he will follow the instructions and outline of the design. Most patterns are usually easy to follow especially if the person is highly skilled n crocheting. For most beginners, there are patterns, which are more basic and simple. They are especially designed for them to practice and understand simple patterns of crochet products.
4. He may also need the use of other resources that will provide him sufficient basic crocheting instructions such as books and magazines. There are instructional diagrams that he may use in cases he would like to choose other designs on how to make a crochet hat, crochet pillow, crochet scarf, crochet bag, and other items that can be possibly made in crochet.
5. There are also special supplies that are needed in making special crochet products. Lace made and doilies are required to be worked on using stainless steel crochet hooks. These special hooks have a different size compared to those regular wooden hooks.
Crochet products are mostly made for the pleasure of creating beautiful patterned designs. They may be displayed in exhibits especially if the tools and supplies that were used are certified crochet materials. The price of the crochet product may also depend on how long it was made by a person. Although others only work on crochet products for their own pleasure and satisfaction for finishing a particular pattern, people still find it helpful in applying their skills to generate income.
Crochet Related Articles
This website uses cookies that are necessary to its functioning and required to achieve the purposes illustrated in the privacy policy. By accepting this OR scrolling this page OR continuing to browse, you agree to our Privacy Policy