The crochet enthusiast of today has access to patterns, fiber in many colors and textures. We all can easily find hooks in various sizes to make fine laces, doilies, warm sweaters and blankets. A man or woman can settle into their favorite chair and crochet a thick luxurious afghan or make stuffed toys for gifts. We've come a long way from the first recorded days of the art of crochet.
History
There is no proven time period recorded when crochet was introduced as a craft. It is believed by some that crochet was developed or taught to nuns in the 1500's. It was part of needle arts that was termed "nun's work" or "nun's lace." In the 1700's it was believed that people finger crocheted in a macrame type fashion to make trim for clothing. One theory is that crochet was derived from Chinese needle art called "tambouring." A thin needle was used to weave and interlock yarn into needlework. In the mid 1800's the art of crochet has been recorded in patterns that surfaced in Europe.
Function
In the early years of crochet it was an art and high end extravagance for the wealthy. Crochet hooks were fashioned from silver, brass, steel, ivory and bone which were set into handles. The most expensive hook was fashioned from mother of pearl and was generally a wedding gift for a wealthy bride. The poor who were hired as house help were not allowed to learn to crochet. They were expected to only be able to craft things that would meet their basic needs. They would knit stockings and mend clothes. Fisherman crafted a form of crochet to make or repair their fishing nets while on board their vessels for months at a time.
Geography
During the "Great Famine" in Ireland crochet became a business to help put food on the tables of those crafters who made Irish lace. The term cottage industry was born as women literally worked and created items in their cottages.The lace was known world wide and became a coveted material for fancy trims for weddings, expensive clothing and homes. In the late 1800's crochet lace was also made in Europe, predominantly in the Balkans region. Mademoiselle Riegodela Branchadiere introduced crochet on a commercial level by publishing her own patterns for others to purchase. She created patterns by adapting bobbin lace needlework into crochet. Bobbin lace was an expensive commercially produced trim. Crochet patterns allowed crafters to make similar products for much less money.
Benefits
As time passed and crochet became a craft that anyone had access to it became a major way for young and older people to make things for clothing and home decorations. In the late 1800's to early 1900's young women would learn to crochet fine cotton and make lace trims for their hope chests which would help them store things to set up a new home as a bride. The trims would later be sewn to pillowcases and table linens. They also spent hours making doilies, tablecloths and bedspreads. Crochet yarn was used to make warm afghans, blankets, clothing, slippers, hats and mittens.
Effects
World War Two drastically reduced the activity of crochet. Resources went into uniforms and blankets for soldiers around the world. Women who were the predominant artisans of crochet were needed in factories and other work positions of the countless men who who sent to war. Crochet was still passed on through the generations but has not been a tool for earning money as it was in the past. Today the cottage industry for crochet is centered in India, Greece, Italy and some Asian countries. Crochet has become an art for modern crafters. We make many of the same things for our homes, for gifts and for creative enjoyment. Crochet will stay as long as there is a willing teacher and an interested crafter aching to learn to hold a hook and manipulate simple fiber into warm or decorative creations.
