Step By Step Crocheting

Crochet is a craft where a hooked tool is used to work yarn or fiber into a cloth like material by hand. The term "step by step crocheting" refers to the actual process of making crochet stitches to form a pattern and make an item for decoration, functional pieces or clothing. Crochet is crafted world wide.

History

The origin of crochet is hard to determine. It is believed that crochet was started as early as the 1500s and may have been created by nuns. The crochet pieces were known as nun's lace, which was made for wealthy people as clothing trimming. In the 1700s, crocheters used fiber and their fingers to make a trim for clothing similar to macrame work. Children were taught how to crochet using thread by Ursuline nuns during the Great Famine in the 1800s.The first known patterns to be mass published and sold on the market by Mademoiselle Riegodel a Branchardiere took place during the 1840s. She adapted old needle and bobbin lace patterns for crochet. This brought crochet out into the general population of crafters. Crochet became a cottage industry in Ireland in the mid 1800s. The Irish lace became a famous and highly prized trim particularly for women's gowns, trousseau and bride's new homes. This industry helped keep some families from starvation during this time of struggle in Ireland.

Function

Crochet is multi-functional. Fine threads can be crocheted to make decorative items such as doilies and lace. The fine thread crocheted pieces make excellent gifts. Heavier fibers such as yarn are made into clothing, afghans and bedspreads. Crochet work is warm and comfortable for fall and winter wear. Crocheted hats, scarves and mittens are additions to outerwear that are inexpensive to make.

Types

Simple crochet pieces are started with a chain foundation and worked in single or double crochet in yarns. Intricate patterns can be worked into scarves, trims, bridal laces and tablecloths. There are many stitches in the art of crochet. Crochet hooks come in a wide variety of sizes, from a tiny hook that makes the finest of stitches for lace trims to over-sized hooks that can form stitches to make a rug or afghan. Fine wire can be crocheted and made into jewelry. It has also been used to make decorative pieces.

Time Frame

An experienced crocheter can make an item in a few hours or days according to the complexity of the pattern and size of the item. A novice can make simple items such as pot holders, place mats and a double crochet scarf in a week or so. A doily can be made from crochet cotton thread and can take days to weeks for a moderate to experienced crocheter. A crocheted tablecloth or bedspread made from cotton thread can take months to complete and can become heirloom pieces for the owner.

Considerations

A new crocheter will need a few basic items to start crocheting step by step. Popular sizes of crochet hooks are G, H and E. They can be used for many patterns. A crochet pattern can be found in a magazine, craft or crochet pattern book and online. Crochet patterns can be found at the library, craft stores and stores that sell magazines. Crochet cotton, yarn and hooks are found in craft, yarn, online, cloth and department stores. When you find the pattern that you want to be sure to read it so you can have the exact supplies that you need.