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Below is a quick summary of what was discussed plus any resources we may have mentioned.
Show Notes
This week, we’re diving straight into this new series, “Getting Started in Crochet.” For the next few weeks, Lydia will be talking us through everything you need to know (and more) about crochet, from where it originated, to steps into starting crochet for yourself. So, lets get started with this slightly shorter introductory episode.
The Origin
In this first episode, we will be discussing all about the origins of Crochet, and unfortunately the origins of this craft are a little vague. What we can tell you is that Crochet developed from ancient Chinese needlecrafts, but it wasn’t until around the 1700’s that it started to emerge. It came out of Europe in the 1700’s but was known as “Tambourin” the French word for drum. Tambourin is a combination of both embroidery and crochet, resembling normal needlework but using crochet type stitching. It would have usually been attached to a frame and then stitched using a hooked needle, working underneath the fabric. Later, in the 18th century, the frame was done away with and the fabric was worked in a way that is more common to us and closer resembles the crochet style we know and love today.
Furthermore, in the 1800’s it “evolved” even more, this time, the adaption process was brought about by shepherds. As the shepherds would be watching their sheep, they would use a crochet hook and some of their wool to produce items of clothing; like socks, to help keep them warm during the cold nights. This later was referred to as “shepherds knitting”. Instead of the common metal or plastic crochet hooks, these shepherds would have used hooks made from either bone, ivory, or even horn. We have come a long way, but I must admit, having a crochet hook made from a horn would be pretty cool, right!?
The US Origin
Before we get into the roots in the US, we thought it would be fun to mention one fun little fact. Believe it or not, the first patterns found for crochet were found in Holland; which is kind of cool, knowing that’s where our resident crochet artist is from.
But now onto its US roots. It is thought to have been brought to America with the Irish (who by the way have a great history in their own style of crochet). When the Irish immigrated to the US, they brought their crochet with them and that, as far as we can tell, is how crochet made it to America. Even though crochet isn’t the most popular of crafts today, it started to become “popular” and used on an every day scale when people would be crocheting items for soldiers in the army. They would make clothing or care packages and send them out to the soldiers as it was a relatively cheap, yet useful, gift they could send. However, it got even more popular during the 1960’s when women would start to use crocheting in a similar way to how we have it today; making blankets and scarves for everyday use!
Summary
As we said, the origins are relatively blurred and are fairly vague of when crochet really came about, but this is what we have determined from our research. Even though these are the facts, we personally believe that crochet (or at least another form or style of it) would have been around a lot longer than the 1700’s. We already stated that it likely originated from ancient Chinese needlework, however we see many times in the bible that those who are “workers of linen” are mentioned and many other crafts. So, we conclude it is likely that some form of crochet would have been around, especially in the East, for possibly thousands of years; but again, we can’t state this as a fact, but it is a reasonable conclusion to draw.
Thank you for joining us this week as we discussed the origins of crochet. Join us next week as we dive into Lydia’s personal origins in crochet. We hope you have enjoyed this episode, as always, if you have any questions please feel free to write to us at info@fggdesigns.com.
