Where Did Crochet Come From?

  Just as with knitting, no one is quite sure when it started but the word crochet comes from the middle french word for hook.  However, more is known of the development of modern crochet.

Current theories on the history of crochet follows one of three lines of thought.  First, it originated in Arabia before traveling to Tibet and Spain before spreading to the rest of Europe and the world.

Second, it originated in South America and finally, it originated in China before spreading outward.  No one is really sure if any of these are correct however it is proposed that crochet developed from tambouring, a technique using where a thin hook attaches thread through a stretched fabric to create a chain stitch.  At some point, the background material disappeared so only the hooked thread was left.

No matter which theory you go with, crochet did not make a real appearance in Europe until the 1800's.  It got a boost when Mlle. Riego de la Branchardiere took needle and bobbin lace patterns and translated them into crochet patterns she sold to the public.  She claims to have created lace like crochet also known as Irish crochet.

Irish crochet kept the Irish alive during the potato famine which lasted from 1845 to 1850 because they could make collars and cuffs later sold overseas.  In fact, the Irish organized into cooperatives to make and sell their crochet.  The money earned from this often payed for families to emigrate to the United States.

Crochet became more popular when Queen Victoria bought crocheted lace by the Irish.  In fact, she learned to crochet so she could make scarves for eight veterans of the South African War. By the end of her reign, crochet was quite popular.

Up until the 1920's crochet was primarily used as decoration through the use of collars, cuffs, and edgings.  In the 1920's designers began creating whole garments out of crochet including hats and evening dresses. Crocheted garments continued appearing in fashion shows throughout the 30's 40' 50's, 60's to today.

I learned to crochet when I was in middle school when people used the large hooks and thick yarn.  Years later, I discovered crocheting with a small hook and very fine cotton thread so I could create doilies, collars, cuffs, and edgings. Its hard but I got some cool looks using variegated colors.

Let me know what you think.  I hope you enjoyed this short history.  Have a great day.