Crochet << kroh SHAY >> is a type of needlework that uses a hooked needle to pull a thread into interlocking looped stitches to form a fabric. People commonly use crochet to create baby clothes, sweaters, hats, mittens, purses, shawls, comforters, and afghans. Artists create flat and three-dimensional artworks in crochet.
People first crocheted with wool yarn, or fine cotton, silk, or linen thread. However, almost any fiber may be crocheted. Today, people crochet items made of light and heavy cotton, acrylic and wool yarns, and plain and metallic threads. Crocheted material may have a smooth, shiny, fleecy, or nubby texture. Different colors and threads may be combined for interesting surfaces. People may also work in beads, sequins, and baubles.
Crochet hook sizes are generally chosen to match the thread thickness. Thicker yarns need thicker hooks. The hooks may be made of metal, wood, plastic, or bone.
There are many different crochet stitches. The basic chain stitch begins with a loop. A thread is drawn through the loop to form another loop. The first row builds up in this way until a length of stitches forms and becomes the fabric edge. The final fabric results by working loops into rows back and forth from the beginning edge row The middle finger and thumb of one hand hold the thread so it can be picked up by the hook held in the other hand. Other stitches include the single, double, slip, loop, bullion, picot, and cross treble. These stitches are all variations of the chain procedure.
Crocheting is a popular hobby because the materials are usually inexpensive and the work proceeds quickly. The projects are easy to carry, which enables people to work on them in spare moments. Many classes, magazines, exhibits, and Internet discussion groups are dedicated to the subject of crochet.
The word crochet means hook in French. An early form of crochet was used in France and other western European countries in the late 1700’s. However, crocheting as we know it today did not become widely popular until the 1840’s. At that time, books and women’s magazines contained printed patterns for crocheted doilies, tablecloths, pillow covers, and edgings. Since the 1960’s, people have explored the crochet technique and applied it to wall-hangings, window treatments, sculpture, and wearable art. It is an important craft along with weaving, macrame, knitting, and other needlework techniques.
