what is crochet
I learned to crochet a year or so after learning to knit. I was about 10 years old, as I recall, and crochet had been a mystery. How could I produce woolen cloth with a stick with a hook at the end, when 2 needles are required to weave?
Once I delved into the world of crochet, I was amazed at how quick and easy this craft is. I often switch to crochet when I’m in the middle of a big knitting project, to give myself a break from endless knitting (which I love, but can be slow) or to whip up something quick when I suffer from knitter’s block. , the horrible feeling you get when you just can’t decide what to start next,
Crochet is worked by wrapping yarn around a hook to produce stitches of different heights. Depending on the stitch, the fabric can be very dense or openwork, the choice is yours. Crochet hooks are quite short compared to knitting needles and have a small curved hook at one end. This hook is where the stitches are formed. Hooks come in a variety of sizes, from very fine hooks for working lace to super thick hooks for thick rugs and garments.
So where did the hook originate? The researchers believe that crochet may have started many centuries ago in Arabia, China or South America, although it is likely that the stitches were produced more like macramé and formed by hands rather than tools. The first real references to crochet were in France in the 19th century. In fact, the word crochet comes from the French word for “hook,” so it seems pretty safe to say that the craft first made its impact there.
Lace crocheting was very popular at the turn of the century and there are still some people who love to crochet lace doilies and placemats using fine cotton yarns and small size hooks. Modern trends lean more towards Afghan rugs, scarves, shawls and clothing as these items are quick to complete and show off the stitch textures. Today, crochet garments and home goods are made from a wide variety of yarns, including bamboo, cotton, wool, and even opossum.
Can you imagine Madonna knitting crochet? Good is true! She, along with Meryl Streep and Bette Midler, like to crochet. Queen Victoria also knitted and wore her creations in public. I’m not sure Madonna is up for wearing a granny square vest in public!
Learning to crochet is not difficult. Once you learn to hold the hook in one hand and anchor your work in the other, the actual act of stitching isn’t difficult. I won’t try to describe the technique in writing, as I’m sure you’ll tear your hair out! Crochet, like knitting, is a visual art and should be taught by watching and copying the movements of the master. There are hundreds of wonderful tutorials on video sites like YouTube, so take a look and see what comes up. Better yet, find someone who loves to knit and is willing to teach you. I guarantee you’ll have at least one crochet dishcloth sized piece finished in a couple of hours!