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The History of Crochet and Knitting

CROCHET:

"Crochet" is from the French word crocheter, which means: to hook. It is possible that crochet actually originated as early as the Stone Age when rough, crude hooks were formed to join clothing. However, the earliest written records believe that the art of crochet originated in the 18th century France. It came from a type of chain-stitch embroidery called tambour work. First, tambour was used only for creating decorative edging and lace imitations. Patterns were passed down through families since there were very few written instructions. New patterns were copied by using a magnifying glass to examine the design.

This art and craft was introduced into Ireland around 1820. Many people feel that the Irish made some of the most beautiful pieces of ancient crochet. It was in the 19th century that crocheting actually developed into a major cottage industry in Ireland. Thousands of peasants in continental Europe began to crochet in order to earn money.  In Europe crocheting became a common occupation in convents during the Renaissance and came to be nicknamed nun's work. Though designs can now be done by machine, workers in Belgium, Italy, France, China, as well as Ireland, still continue to produce it by hand. In the 19th century, immigrants from Europe introduced the craft to America where it was popularized by women's magazines.

KNITTING

The ancient craft of knitting was probably first used in a crude form, using reeds and animal hair in order to make fish nets and snares. The earliest, existing piece of evidence of knitted wear is a pair of socks, dating from around 2,000 years ago.

Ancient Egyptians knitted fabric more than 5,000 years ago. Later, Arab traders introduced knitted items to Europe and parts of Asia. During the Middle Ages, skilled European craftsworkers formed groups called guilds. These guilds promoted knitting as both an art and an industry. Guilds are still prevalent in America, as well as Europe.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CROCHETING AND KNITTING

It is the tools used that make the difference between crocheting and knitting. To crochet, one hook is used to form a chain of stitches from which variations of designs can be created. Knitting uses long needles in order to form fabric by interconnecting loops of yarn.

Crochet has three main crochet stitches: a) chain, b) single crochet, and c) double crochet. The chain stitch is used to cast loops onto the hook and create pattern spaces. Single crochet creates solid-pattern designs and bars in an open-work pattern. Double crochet is used in the same manner as single crochet, but is twice the width. Designs are created from these three stitches and some commonly known stitches are: netting, shell stitch, and the rose stitch.

Many more variations of patterns can be created with crochet than with knitting. However, one advantage to knitted fabric is in the stretchability and it's ability to return to its original shape.

Knitting needles are made of aluminum, plastic, steel, or bone. There are three types of needles: a) straight, b) double-pointed and c) circular. The most commonly used needles are the straight ones, used as a pair. There are two basic stitches: knit and purl. Other stitches are variations of knit and purl.

Though most crochet and knit fabrics are now produced by machines, the art of hand-crocheting and knitting is still a cherished and loved art form, as well as a craft.

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