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Home | Hobbies | Collecting Roots of Crochet Some say that the craft of crocheting began in some parts of South America, Arabia and China. However, there has been no concrete evidence of this claim. It eventually became popular in the 19th century in Europe. There have been claims that the process used in crocheting was present during the ancient times but the hook itself which is used in crocheting was not yet invented. People back then used their fingers which were bent in a hook shape to make loops and chains. There is evidence that the type of crochet that's enjoyed today initially gained popularity throughout the mid 1700s. At this time, the tambour style of embroidery also reached Europe. Tambour embroidery was created using a smaller crochet-like hook. The earliest evidence of modern crochet can be traced back to about 1800. Samples found in archaeological digs may suggest that crochet existed before the 1800s. Some also maintain that crochet pieces have been found in Egyptian tombs, while others claim that nuns made crocheted pieces to adorn early churches. It's also been argued that the art of crochet is so basic it most likely had its beginnings some time in ancient history. There are, however, no pieces to legitimize these claims about ancient crocheting. In the 1800s, crochet became a substitute for lace. Back then, laces were quite expensive, and people turned to crocheting to produce less expensive fabrics. Crocheting didn't require much equipment and other tools, and people of every kind can do it. People started crocheting by working with natural fibers and used hooks which were made of brass, ivory and hardwood. With time, the art of crochet became more and more popular and the art form found a niche as a cottage industry. Crocheting actually supported some communities after imperialism had deposed their livelihoods. Those in the middle class, and people emerging in society, purchased the finished crocheted products. Some will say that crocheted fabrics were no more than imitations of the symbols of wealthy families. Crocheted pieces were looked down upon by those who were able to afford real lace and other more expensive fabrics. Queen Victoria somewhat lessened the bad attitude of some people against crochet. She purchased crochet laces produced by the Irish and learned how to crochet herself. Evolution of the Craft From the beginning of the 19th century to the 1950s, crocheting was done mostly with thread. Filet crochet and crochet in the round were the most popular methods. These methods involved the building of patterns by working rows of closed or open mesh. Steel hooks were mass produced and became popular at the beginning of the 20th century. In the 1950s, people began to use thick yarns to crochet fabrics and pieces of clothing with less detail. The art of using thread for crochet remained popular throughout the 1960s. Many homemakers continued to enjoy crochet, and the craft gained popularity throughout as more and more people in younger generations got hooked on crochet. The popular patterns emerged, such as the granny squares. These squares were done in round style and usually incorporated bright and fun colors. The interest of the younger generation in the 1960s gave crocheting a much-needed popularity boost. Method For modern crocheters, crocheting is done by creating a slip-knot on the hook, and this loop is pulled with another loop. The second loop is pulled through the first one and this pattern is repeated to create the fabric. The chain is worked in rows or turned to create a pattern. Rounds are created by pulling several stitches through one loop. These methods separate crocheting from other kinds of fabric making methods. Crochet is a relatively young craft if one compares it to other fabric-making procedures. It has gone through several steps of evolution to become the art that we know today. With the advent of different technologies and modern ways of making fabric, crochet is in danger of becoming a thing of the past. However, there are still many people who love crochet and with any luck, these people will pass on the art to the generations to come. Article Source: http://www.articlewheel.com
Author Winifred Holstone is a columnist for a variety of popular web magazines, on hobby supply and hobby crafts topics.
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