The Timeless Romance of Crochet
Crochet presents one of the most romantic fabrics that humankind has seen. Being one of the more enduring hobbies and crafts of all time, the beauty of its products is timeless. Crochet is a type of needlework or stitching craft that makes use of a hook and yarn/ thread. It is often confused with knitting but the two are actually different and distinct from each other in spite of certain similarities.
History of Crochet
The word crochet was derived from the French word “croc” or more particularly its feminine form of “croche” which means hook. The method involved in creating crocheted fabric is basically pulling loops through other loops through the use of the hook. Crocheting is considered an old craft.
Long before it became popular in Europe during the 19th century, crocheting or a semblance of it was believed to have been practiced in places like Iran, China, and South America. Crochet patterns have been discovered in Swiss magazines from the year 1819 although earlier existence is not being discounted. Crochet lace work was introduced as a way of making money for impoverished Irish workers during the Great Irish Famine of 1845-1849. Crochet lace was very popular and has been produced in considerable quantity until the First World War. The New Edwardian Era produced the most elaborate crocheted lace in history, forever marking its place as one of the most beautiful creations produced by human hands.
The Materials
The hook is the main and only implement used in crocheting. It comes in different sizes and materials including steel, plastic, aluminum, bamboo, and bone. For a lacy effect, a hairpin loom may be used. Depending on the project, some materials may be added to accessorize the crocheted item.
Yarn is the most commonly used although other threads may be used as well. The size of hook to be used will depend on the thickness and weight of the yarn or thread. Natural or synthetic dye can provide color accent.
Stitches and Patterns
Crochet has at least six basic stitches comprised of the chain stitch, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, triple/treble crochet, and double treble crochet. These are US terms and the same stitches can be known in other places such as UK in different names. The schematic symbols remain the same.
Crochet project usually follow a pattern thus it it important to learn how to read a crochet pattern. Patterns provide instructions using basic stitch abbreviations and terms. Knowing them or keeping a copy of them handy while working on a project will make following the pattern instructions a lot easier.
Crochet Charities
It is interesting to know that crocheted items play an important role in charity work. The needy, homeless, and survivors of disasters are in constant need of donated crocheted items. The most commonly required items include caps, afghans, scarves, mittens, and blankets, among others. There are several charity organizations involved in the distribution of these items. Cancer societies require a regular supply of the so-called “chemo caps” specifically for children.
Crochet enthusiasts who wish to help in any way with regards to making and donating crochet items can contact their nearest charitable organization or crochet clubs/organizations for more information. The neo-natal department of local hospitals can be the best place to donate crocheted baby items, for example. Experienced crochet crafters say that crocheting is easily learned when desired.
My Say
The work that is given to every crocheted piece is very personal which is probably the reason why it appeals to human emotions and activities such as charity and giving. There is something so special about handmade pieces knowing that they would not have been done without human hands. Crochet represents a hobby that does not only provide warmth but also classic beauty and timeless romance.
Chel Inumerable
I have never tried or dared to make a crochet. I’m not really the crafty type of person. But I personally think that crochets make the best gifts.
Teresa Martinez
I for one love receiving crochet gifts because they are so elegant in spite of their simplicity.
RonLeyba
I am seeing a lot of bloggers getting hook with Crochet. Cool!
Teresa Martinez
Well, it can be a way to relax in between writing posts.
chicalgene
My mom loves doing her crochet activities 🙂 In fact, we have many collections of finish crochet items at home.
Teresa Martinez
In my case, it was my aunts who were responsible for the many wonderful crochet creations which I still use up to now.
marri
In this day and age, seldom do I see people making this traditional handmade creation but for some… still consider it a hobby.
Teresa Martinez
The last time I did my own crocheting while I was still in school so I am not really sure if I can still produce a finished product but I really do love crochet items.
Gemma|My Dailies
My mom is the talented one! She loves to crochet!I love to admire though! Lol!
Teresa Martinez
I likewise admire those who can produce crochet items almost effortlessly.
John
Hmm, now I know things about crochet. I remember several years ago that it became so popular even kids asked their parents for the tools so they can start doing it.
Teresa Martinez
Most kids will encounter this because of school requirements but only a few pursue the hobby.
lovemindanao
arrgg… this reminded me of my elementary days .. in our home economics class when we were assigned to do this … duhhh ,,, never got it right ! hahahah… not really for me
Teresa Martinez
Yes, it’s not for everybody but at least you experienced doing it.
leadershipforfilipinos
I agree that that this art form is very personal. I know somebody that spends 24 hours sometimes to work on her crochet. Wow that is dedication and passion – an art!
Teresa Martinez
Yes, it takes dedication and patience to produce crochet items. This is one of the reasons why I like crochet products so much.
jo-ann
When I was a gradeschooler, this is one of my hobbies. I even bought different thread colors as my collection.
Teresa Martinez
Its the same for me but I’m unable to practice on it for a long time already.
Tess Chancellor
I love crocheting or any home economic projects. I know that the generations of today is not into this kind of stuff, blame it on modern technologies.
Teresa Martinez
Crocheting is associated with a time that is more relaxed and serene which is something many people no longer have time for.
Donald Pagulong
All I know is my wife simply loves crochet and she wanted that I learn this craft too. Thanks Teresa for sharing bits of information about crochet.
Teresa Martinez
So did you learn crochet? That must have been interesting for you.
Mai Flores (@mai_eaflores)
I used to crochet back in the day, and was able to give my creations to family members as gifts. 🙂
Teresa Martinez
You creations must have been pretty good.
Franc Ramon
My mom was into crochet for some time as a hobby though she usually shifts from one hobby to another but she was able to do a lot even with the shifting.
Teresa Martinez
Shifting hobbies once in a while breaks the monotony. Anyway, she can go back to it any time with no pressure.
Mark Joseph Gesite
crochet certainly means hook… I remember my late grandmother does a lot of things out of those threads.. from cover to holder, even blazers, she’d crochet them…i suddenly miss her… but nice post, very informative.
Teresa Martinez
My aunts filled our house with so much crochet items that I have always associated them with home.
markjosephgct
surely it has this nostalgic effect right? I miss my granny.. 😀
Teresa Martinez
Yes, crochet has a nostalgic effect on me and I’m sure with some other people as well, just like you.
Mary Jane Tauyan Fitzsimmons
I used to know how to crochet before. Its been so long now i dont know how anymore though mybe some tutorials will help me in the future when i wanted a really good hobby nice to know this informations here too! xx
Teresa Martinez
I haven’t tried it myself for a long time although I’m sure a little tutorial will do the trick for us.
Rochkirstin Santos
I have tried to do crochets and made the pieces as clock designs and pillow cases. How do you make patterns? Are you inspired by magazine publications or graphics on the net? Or you create your own based on instincts and emotions solely?
Teresa Martinez
Back in the days when I was into crochet, I would simply follow my creative instinct. Looking at patterns was a little too stressful for me.
ana karen
I’ve always loved crochet… honestly. maybe it’s the spinster in me hahaha. or maybe because it reminds me so much of our ancestral house. it makes me feel so home. I’ve always wanted to try my hands in it but never had time yet. but surely i will… one of these days… 🙂
Teresa Martinez
It reminds me as well of our family home. Those were the days…