Description

The crochet technique needs a steady hand andsome practice and patience to develop the skill required to comeout with high-quality designs. This practice has been existentsince ancient times. The bullion stitch is considered to be one ofthe most difficult stitches in crochet and has a unique effect onthe pattern.

History of Crochet
A written account of crochet patterns dates back to the 1800s whenthey were displayed in a Dutch magazine Penelope in the year 1824.A Winter's Gift, a publication in 1847 included a detailed accountof the stitches used in crochet. It is believed that a bentforefinger was used instead of a hook in these times to come upwith exemplary designs. During the times of the Great Irish Famine,the Ursuline (Catholic religious order) nuns passed on this art tolocal children and women. Crocheted laces, which were easy to make,were popular in those days. Irish laces with intricate crochetpatterns were some of the best known examples of early designs. Inthe 1920s, with the emergence of thicker yarns and threads, thesepatterns became more vivid and widely-popular in households.

Tunisian Crochet
Also known as Afghan crochet, it uses an elongated hook with astopper at the end. This involves a series of slip stitches and isconsidered to be a mix of knitting and crocheting. IntricateTunisian crochet patterns are observed in Afghan blankets.

Broomstick Lace
This technique was widely used in the 1800s. A broomstick was used,which was eventually replaced by a hook. Also known as Peacock eyecrochet and jiffy lace, the use of a crochet hook along with alarge knitting needle provided a lacier effect. A smaller needlewas used to provide closely-woven stitches. This technique was usedmostly in blankets and clothing.

Filet Crochet
This type of technique uses the double crochet stitch and the chainstitch to form patterns in different parts of a mesh. A fine threadis used for making tablecloths, coasters, small mats, and doilies.This pattern is usually worked upon by referring to graphs anddiagrams from a book.

Hairpin Lace
This technique involves the use of a hook along with a hairpin laceloom made up of metal rods which are parallel to each other. Theyare held by detachable bars at the top and bottom. The type of yarnor thread can differ in accordance with the desired texture anddesign. This type of pattern can be used in the making of shawls,hats, afghans, and scarves.

Although crochet patterns have been in existence since the early1800s, the quality of yarn and thread in the latter years resultedin a wide variety of different patterns. Nowadays, books withvarious patterns are readily available in stores, which simplifiesthe process of crochet stitching. These patterns have a detailedmathematical structure in terms of shape, and have atwo-dimensional effect on the viewer. Today, hooks made of aluminumand plastic are used for creating various designs. Crochet patternshave been used on sweaters, blankets, hats, slippers, and manyother accessories.

Although a machine can perform several knitting methods, mostcrochet stitches are performed by hand, which makes this anindividualistic art.