Crochet might be a reasonably newer art form than embroidery, knitting or weaving, but its popularity has grown exponentially since the 1900s.
Believed to have been derived from the French word croche or the Old Norse word krokr both of which means hook, crochet has evolved to become one of the most popular hobbies for people around the world. So, how did this unique, complicated needlework technique come to be?
Where it all began…
While it has been difficult to prove its origins, with some historians even claiming its existence in Egyptian tombs, there has not been any conclusive proof to confirm its beginning.
However, though no one has an exact time or place in mind, world traveller Annie Potter believes that the modern art of crocheting, which is quite popular today, developed in the 16th century. But there are other historians who have traced it back to Arab traders and Chinese embroidery, and some ancient art forms of India, Persia, Africa and Turkey.
And while there are some who believe that it made its way to Europe through a Spanish invasion in the 8th century, a few others attribute it to the influences of lacemaking and knitting, which has been around for centuries. But be it the Irish farmers, who took up the art to survive the potato famine in the mid-1800s or Queen Victoria whose crochet skills were widely praised, over the years the craft has gained widespread popularity to gradually become one of the favourite pastimes today.
Why crochet?
Unlike knitting which uses two needles, crochet with its single hook tool is considered a much more difficult craft but is distinctly apt for creating intricate patterns. Crochet became popular for its practicality in creating warm clothes and decorative home décor products. Although it was initially done using fine silk or linen threads over the years more durable yarns have been developed making it easier for avid crocheters to create more enduring home décor products and clothes.
Types of Crochet
There are over a hundred different types of crochet stitches being practised today. For instance, the Tunisian, Aran and Bavarian are used for blankets, and jackets, the Bosnian is used for beanies, the Bruges and Broomstick are used for intricate shawls, the Japanese Amigurumi Crochet is used for children’s toys and home cushions, the clothesline crochet is used for making baskets, mats and wall hangings, the filet is used for handbags, kimonos and blankets and then there is the ever popular intricate lace crochets. The number of crochet styles has only grown in the last few decades with new crocheters coming up with newer patterns to make sustainable crochet bags and clothes.
Crochet over the years
From the time of Queen Victoria’s until now, crocheting has seen many seasons of change. The art form, which was once considered ‘poor man’s lace’ has gradually pushed past its humble reputation to become a part of fashion runways. In the early 1900s crochet transitioned from being a background fabric design to a preferred technique used creating even entire crochet outfits. Who can forget the hugely successful (and some consider scandalous flapper crochet dresses)?! The World Wars and the penury that followed gave crochet a new lease of life to make it a popular way to create sustainable clothes and accessories. But it really was the swinging 60s with its hippie culture and tie dye trend that made crochet bags and clothes an integral part of every household. From crochet dresses to home décor items, like doilies and placemats and blankets, to large crochet tote bags its practically everywhere today.
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Nowadays, crochet is not only a part of household décor but also a very valued fashion staple. With models and designers sashaying in crochet ensembles, it has become a clothing essential that belongs in every closet. But the real charm of this old art form lies chiefly in its sustainability. With green fashion trends finally gaining some much-needed prominence in the global couture scene, crochet is no longer a cheap alternative but a staple for every woman who understands the intricacies of unmatched craftsmanship.
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