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CrochetIn contrast to knitting, crochet (French, "hook") is a method of working interlocking loops of thread into a chain by means of a slender rod hooked at one end. The work is begun by crocheting a single chain of loops, each new loop being formed by catching the yarn and drawing it through the previous loop. The chain is made to the planned width of the finished piece, the yarn is turned at the end of the chain, and a second chain is crocheted, each new stitch being looped through a stitch in the previous row. Various stitches are possible, and a variety of textures and patterns can be created. Descriptive stitch names include chain, single, double, treble, filet mesh, ribbed afghan, pineapple, popcorn, and slipper. Little is known of the early history of crocheting. Some ancient cords are thought to have been made by finger crocheting. During the Renaissance, both peasant women and ladies of the court executed crochet work and also knotted work using several strands of thread (macrame), often producing lacelike fabrics. Much early crochet was made with fine, thin thread, producing imitations of European lace; one example is Irish lace, a variety of "crochet lace" introduced into Ireland about 1820 but also made throughout Europe, particularly in the Balkan states. Much modern crochet is executed with soft yarns and used to make garments and bedcoverings. Although crochet can be made by machine, it has traditionally been, and continues to be, a home handcraft. In addition, contemporary fiber artists employ crochet along with other techniques to create large wall hangings and fiber sculptures. |
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