Hello everybody, and welcome to my new blog post!
This time, I have decided to do some research and discuss the origins of crochet. I’ve been captivated by this craft for quite some time, yet I’ve never really pondered who had the ingenious idea of creating this wonderful handcraft until now. So, following my curiosity to gain a deeper understanding of this ancient technique, I embarked on this journey.
For this research project, I pursued what I believed to be the appropriate steps: I ventured to the library and conducted online searches, aiming to amalgamate both worlds and gather pertinent historical facts in a straightforward manner. It’s important to clarify that this post isn’t intended as an exhaustive study. It merely comprises information that caught my interest from the material I found. With that clarification in place, let’s dive in!
Nancy Nehring authored an article titled “Crochet: Developing a Craft” where she imparts intriguing facts and cites, “Crochet’s history is well-documented by Lis Paludan, who found no existing pieces or written references to needlework that can be positively identified as crochet. This makes it relatively new compared to other handicrafts such as knitting and embroidery.”
Early instances of crochet can be traced across various countries. Nevertheless, it was in Europe where crochet gained popularity, although it wasn’t always like that. Crochet was once perceived as an inferior craft due to its affordability, viewed as a substitute for traditional lace. However, that perception shifted when Queen Victoria acquired crochet lace crafted by Irish women and even learned to crochet herself. In due course, crochet captured nearly all of England.
Now, let’s talk about the genesis of crochet’s foundations. It all began with a single stitch (known as single crochet in British terminology), yet at that point, numerous limitations existed in creating garments. For instance, increasing stitches weren’t possible with slip stitch alone; work was always carried out from the right side, and the crocheter couldn’t turn the item using slip stitch alone. These restrictions seem inconceivable today when creating anything without these foundational principles.
Thankfully, over time, the chain stitch and the single crochet were added, facilitating a wide variety of shapes, decorations, and patterns. This was important because crochet was no longer confined to linear pieces. “The next major innovation came 10 years later, when in 1847 Mile Ringo de la Branchardiere published patterns in England to reproduce raised Spanish needle lace. Not only was three-dimensional, it was worked forward and backward, included taller stitches, and was worked through both of the top loops. A complete foundation for crochet as we know it today was in place”
Evidently, crochet evolved progressively, but according to Nancy Nehring, “four factors contributed to the progression from slip stitch to intricate patterns and creations: materials, tools, women’s education, and travel.”
Material and tools became cheaper after the Industrial Revolution where machines were invented to make huge quantities of good-quality of these.
Also “The Industrial Revolution gave working middle-class women free time to obtain basic education, and read was critical because the product was more complex and a written pattern became necessary”
Ultimately, this evolution and growth allowed “the employment of women by thread companies to travel across Europe, studying local needlework to reproduce pattern books (viewed as marketing tools for sales) based on these needlework techniques, eventually extending to crochet. Moreover, thanks to cross-continental travelers, materials and patterns were distributed around the world .”
I came across these intriguing facts about crochet that truly captured my attention. While we are familiar with the significant roles men have played throughout history, it’s essential to acknowledge the contributions of women. During wartime, women on the home front played a vital part by crocheting various garments for troops in both Britain and the US. These items, including mittens, underwear, and vests, helped keep soldiers warm during the colder days of winter.
During the 60’s and 70’s witnessed a remarkable surge in fashion clothing and home decor crafted from crochet. Remarkably, many of these crochet designs are experiencing a revival and renewed popularity today. Crochet has evolved beyond being a mere craft; it’s now a way to express our individuality. It serves as a tool for stress relief, encouraging us to slow down and embrace the creative process and life itself. This technique has transformed over time, shifting from being regarded as an inferior craft to being globally embraced, valued, and even explored as a potential small business idea due to heightened consumer awareness. It has also played a significant role in various cultures and civilizations worldwide, contributing to their distinct forms
In conclusion, after exploring a little bit deeper into its history, we can confidently affirm that crochet is a versatile and creative technique, empowering contemporary artisans to design their own unique and personalized items. It’s cherished and practiced by people worldwide and will continue to be passed down to new generations.