Crochet

History	Basics	Links		Personal Info	Study Questions

Crochet
History Nun’s Lace Shepard’s Knitting “Crochet in the Air” Crochet Today Basics Abbreviations Basic Stitches Variations Tunisian (afghan stitch) Cro-Knit (double ended) Study Questions Links Personal Info Sources			History of Crochet Other needlecrafts have evidence in various forms that prove they were practiced thousands of years ago. Knitting for example can be traced back to the 6^th or 7^th century AD because of knitted socks found in tombs. Very little research has been done to explore the history of crochet. There are many theories about the origins of crochet, but few have provided any real evidence. Theories include crochet originated in Arabia and spread throughout Europe along Arab trade routes. Another was that crocheted pieces were first used in South America in rites of passage. Crocheted three-dimensional dolls from early China are also supposed to have existed. One predominate theory of the early origins of crochet is that of Nun’s Lace in the 1500’s in Italy. The actual origins of crochet can most likely be traced to two different locations. The first was a form of crochet known as Shepherd’s Knitting, and the first written evidence of this dates from 1812. The second confirmed origin of crochet is in the form of “Crochet in the Air” adapted around 1800AD from Tambouring which reached Europe in the 1700’s. Crochet in Other Countries v United States, France, Belgium, Italy, and Spain all know it as crochet. v Holland: haken v Denmark: haekling v Norway: hekling v Sweden: virkning The earliest known printed crochet patterns were in Penelope, a women’s magazine from Holland in 1824. Advertisements were not contained in the first crochet books, but between 1900-1930 yarn companies started selling their own needlecraft books. The old patterns were not clear or precise. It was often uncertain what the actual finished product would look like. Crochet was advanced a great deal by Mlle. Riego de la Branchardiere, the author of many pattern books of the time. Her books were actually written so the patterns were easily duplicated and reliable. Old-style lace was expensive to produce, and in her patterns she also published a way to crochet cheaper versions. Mlle. Riego also claimed to have invented Irish crochet. Crochet became an important source of income in some countries at various points in history. During the potato famines in Ireland crochet was used by the women of villages to supplement their incomes. Irish crochet, also called Irish lace, was very intricate with various motifs crocheted or sewn together. Often each woman would become skilled at making specific pieces or at combining the pieces, and the women would form what was known as “cottage industries.” Industries developed in other countries, but few had the importance that they did in Ireland. Cottage industries still exist today in some countries producing cheap crochet pieces for worldwide sale. Such industries exist in countries like India and some other Asian countries, and some in Greece and Italy. Crochet Today According to research conducted by Research Incorporated of Atlanta, GA, in fall 2002 for the Craft Yarn Council of America (CYCA), an estimated 9-18% of US women under 45 know how to crochet or knit. This number is said to have doubled in the last 6 years. This study also found 66% usually crocheted and 34% preferred to knit, and the number one reason people crochet is to relax. Many people choose to donate their completed crochet projects charities. There are many organized charities designed to give crocheted items to various causes. One example of such an organization is called Afghans for Angels. This charity distributes crocheted or knitted baby blankets to local hospitals to give to parents who have lost their infant through miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death. During the brief time the parents are able to hold their child, the child is wrapped in the blanket. Later the parents are allowed to keep the blanket. Many celebrities crochet, and many choose to participate in several of these various charities. Some celebrities who crochet include Julia Roberts, Vanna White, Cameron Diaz, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Daryl Hannah, and many others. Basics of Crochet Abbreviations: To use today’s patterns it is important know what the commonly used abbreviations stand for. Instructions for Basic Stitches: This includes casting on and the basic chain, single and double crochet. These basic stitches can be used to create an endless number of projects. Variations of Crochet Tunisian Crochet: Tunisian crochet is also referred to as the afghan stitch. It is worked with a hook that looks like a knitting needle with a hook on the end. There is no definite source or date for the origins of this form of crochet. Tunisian crochet is considered to be a link between crochet and knit. Some think it may have been the source of both, but no evidence supports this. Double-ended crochet may have developed as a version of Tunisian crochet. Double-ended Crochet: This form of crochet is showing up a lot in today’s pattern books as “Crochet-on-the-Double.” The hook used is a long tool with hooks on both ends. The loops are kept on the hook and then the piece is turned and worked from the other side with a different strand of yarn. This type of crochet can create a springy, stretchy fabric. Double-ended crochet is also known as Cro-hooking and Cro-knitting. Study Questions Just a few questions to review the information. Links These are some links to crochet related sites. Personal Info This is just a little bit about me.
Back to top			Sources Paludan, Lis. Crochet: History and Technique. Trans. Jean Olsen. Colorado: IWP, 1995. Vohra, J.N. History of Knitting. 31 Oct. 2003 <http://www.geocities.com/invtex/knitwear/history.htm>. Marks, Ruthie. “History of Crochet.” Sept. 1997. Chain Link. 20 Oct. 2003 <http://www.crochet.com/newslet/nl0997a.html>. Fixx, Alice. Did You Know? 2003. Craft Yarn Council of America. 20 Oct. 2003. <http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/know.html>. Crochet for Charity. 21 Sept. 2003. Crochet Guild of America. 20 Oct. 2003. <http://www.crochet.com/charity2.html>.
K. Dickerson Last revised: 11/05/03

Hosted by www.Geocities.ws