Crocheting
Crocheting
By Olivia Zitnik
Crocheting is a relaxing and simple craft of creating objects using cord of various types and a single, hooked tool. Using the hook, the cord is drawn up in a series of loops which interlock, creating fabric. Intricate patterns and textures can be created by combining the various loops. It is often compared to knitting, but apart from creating interlocking loops it is not much like knitting, which is done on two (usually) straight pointed pins. Anyone familiar with the techniques can look at an object and tell at a glance which method was used to create it.
The origins of crochet are unknown, but it appears to have become popular in the early 1800's, with the first printed pattern using the technique being printed in 1824 in a Dutch magazine. No existing crocheted fabrics from earlier than the 1800's are known. It is theorized that prior to machine spun threads and yarns crochet, if known, was not practical because of the amount of yarn it consumes in creation of a fabric. However, with the advent of machine-spun cotton thread it became a much simpler method for the creation of lace, one that any young lady could master.
The basic stitches are called single, double, and triple crochet. Half-double, and half-triple are also used. In addition various timings of placing the yarn over the hook, or pulling up loops from previous rows can be used to create designs. The type of cord selected will also determine the finished look of the piece.
Examples of items created by crocheting include garments, blankets (usually called afghans when crocheted or knitted), rugs, wall decor, lace, jewelry, dolls, and novelties.