Very little is known of the early origins of crochet and it is thought that the first crochet was produced using fingers rather than hooks. Eventually primitive bent needles with cork handles were used and then later on hooks were carved from wood or bone and even made from brass, steel and silver. There were no sizes so it was all done by eyeing up and guesswork.

The earliest evidence of crochet as we know it is found in the second half of the eighteenth century, and there are several theories as to its true origins. These range from crochet developing from Chinese needlework, an ancient form of embroidery used in Turkey, India, Persia and North Africa and referred to as Tambouring, to it being invented by a primitive tribe of Indians in South America who made crochet adornments for use in puberty rites. Whatever the truth of it, crochet is now a handicraft practiced worldwide to create some beautiful items of clothing, home decor and even jewellery.

The main theory of crochet is based on the fact that chains when worked in a pattern will hang together without a background fabric, thus making a fabric of their own. It is thought that the word crochet comes from the Middle French words croc or croche, which mean hook. In contrast to knitting, crochet is a method of working interlocking loops of thread into a chain by means of a slender rod with a hook at one end. The work is started by crocheting a single chain of loops with each new loop being formed by catching the yarn and drawing it through the previous loop. The length of the chain depends on the size of garment or item being made. At the end of the chain the work is turned and a second chain is crocheted with each new stitch being looped through a stitch in the previous row. Different types of stitches can be added to make the design more intricate and the item is gradually built up on top of itself.

When crochet was initially evolving it was considered to be a pastime for the upper classes whereby they could create delicate, intricate items with which to decorate their homes or clothing. It was felt by the rich that the lower classes didn’t need decorative items in their lives and they were discouraged and sometimes forbidden from crochet. Instead they were encouraged to knit their own clothes or repair socks and other garments given to them. During the Great Irish Famine, the Ursuline Nuns taught local women and children to thread crochet and the items that were created were shipped to America and Europe for sale. This was the beginning of a style of crochet now commonly known as Irish Lace and it probably saved the lives of many poor Irish families at the time.

Nowadays crochet is improving all the time and new stitches and techniques are being constantly developed and evolved. There are numerous magazines devoted to crochet, thousands of patterns and countless books written. There are also an extraordinary number of new yarns being spun in every colour, weight and style you can think of.

I unfortunately cannot crochet, but am determined to learn in the very near future, as there are so many things that I would like to have a go at making. I shall start small and then one day perhaps I will make one of those fantastic bedspreads that the Cypriot ladies make. Meanwhile I have found a nice easy crochet pattern for a bookmark which I shall have a go at when my copy of Crocheting for Dummies arrives from Amazon. Hopefully some of you can make it, perhaps for your children or grandchildren in their school colours or the Harry Potter colours as illustrated without outside help.

Terri Tampsett

Terrimo, Pervolia

97-629955

Skill Level:     Easy

MATERIALS:          1 ball colour A (DK or 4 ply)

                                1 ball colour B (DK or 4 ply)

                                1 6mm/no.4 crochet hook

                                1 3.5mm/no.9 crochet hook

INSTRUCTIONS:

With larger hook, ch 4

Rows 1-4     Ch 1, turn sc to end

Rows 5-8     Change to B, ch1, turn. sc to end

Rows 9-12   Change to A, ch1, turn. sc to end

Rows 13-16 Change to B, ch1, turn. sc to end

Rows 17-20 Change to A, ch1, turn. sc to end

Rows 21-24 Change to B, ch1, turn. sc to end

Rows 25-28 Change to A, ch1, turn. sc to end

Rows 29-32 Change to B, ch1, turn. sc to end

Rows 33-36 Change to A, ch1, turn. sc to end

Rows 37-40 Change to B, ch1, turn. sc to end

Rows 41-44 Change to A, ch1, turn. sc to end

Rows 45-48 Change to B, ch1, turn. sc to end. End off B 

Rows 49-52 Change to A, ch1, turn. sc to end. Fasten off. Weave in ends

FINISHING:

Cut 8 strands of A, each approximately 4inches (10cm) in length.

Cut 6 strands of B, each approximately 4inches (10cm) in length

Starting and ending with A for a total of 7 fringe pieces, using the smaller crochet hook and alternating colours, pull a strand of yarn through each stitch at the end and loop to make a fringe. Repeat at other end. Trim to even length.