Where does crocheting come from, and how did it all start? Interesting questions that no one can answer with certainty! From needle binding to Granny Squares, read all about the history of crocheting here!
Many countries claim to have invented crocheting—from the Arab world to South America to China. But none of these techniques really resemble modern crocheting. Many archaeological finds have been made that were thought to be crocheted textiles. One of these techniques is nålebinding. This technique resembles both crocheting and knitting at the same time. For nålebinding, you use one needle and short pieces of yarn. The entire length of the yarn is pulled through each loop, creating a dense and warm fabric. The oldest examples of this technique were found in Egypt and are as much as 1,600 years old! Incidentally, nålebinding is still practiced in Scandinavia! (Nålebinding is also the Danish word for “needle knotting.”)
Where It All Began
The first real evidence of “modern” crocheting dates back to 1800. The technique was adopted as a cheaper and faster way to make lace. The elite looked down on this low-cost craft, and crocheting became an imitation status symbol for the middle class. However, in 1840, a remarkable woman published eleven books on crochet. This woman, Mademoiselle Riego de la Brachardiere, was the owner of a lace-making business. She saw opportunities to adapt lace patterns into Crochet Patterns, thereby making lacework accessible to both the rich and the poor. Her initiative paved the way for the rise of Irish crochet lace.
Queen Victoria
Queen Victoria crochets "muffers" for the soldiers, with her own emblem embroidered on them.
Queen Victoria made crocheting popular. Before she mastered the technique, crocheting was still an overlooked craft. The queen crocheted eight scarves (which were called “mufflers”) to present to the British Army during the Anglo-Boer War. Thanks to this royal interest, crocheting became wildly popular.
Crochet Through the Years
_18182512588094.jpg)
A pattern book from the early 20th century featuring Crochet Patterns for lingerie, hats, and towels.
Between 1910 and 1920, crochet books and Crochet Patterns were mass-produced. Crochet was considered an elegant skill that every woman should master. By 1930, fashion had become much simpler. Crochet was then used only for children’s and baby clothing.
During World War II, yarn was rationed. Because crochet often requires more yarn than knitting, it was seen as a waste. People stopped crocheting and switched entirely to knitting. Fortunately, in 1960, a new generation took up crochet again.
The “Granny Square” was especially popular during the hippie era. This pattern was first published in 1897 as a way to use up leftover yarn. So this pattern is 116 years old and still wildly popular!
_18182512588156.jpg)
Left: Granny Square dress by fashion designer Paul Smith.
Right: Actress Cate Blanchett in a dress made of Granny Squares.
"Granny" style is evolving from frugality to flower power to fashion!
For the past 30 years, crocheting has been pushed to the sidelines, dismissed as old-fashioned and boring. But we crochet enthusiasts have long seen the shift, and even famous trend watchers like Lidewij Edelkoord are predicting the return of “homeliness.” Crafts, knitting, and crocheting offer a sense of calm in this age of fast-paced communication. Our “offline” time is becoming more important. Patterns and crochet books are being reprinted, and the internet is brimming with inspiring blogs and images. The future of crocheting looks bright.
Here's to the next 210 years of crochet history!
