Crochet

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For a part of the anatomy of certain insect larvae,
see Crochet (insect anatomy).
Not to be confused with crotchet.
Crochet (English: /kroʊˈʃeɪ/;[1] French: [kʁɔʃɛ][2]) is a process of
creating textiles by using a crochet hook to interlock loops
of yarn, thread, or strands of other materials.[3] The name is
derived from the French term crochet, meaning 'small hook'.
Hooks can be made from a variety of materials, such as
metal, wood, bamboo, or plastic. The key difference
between crochet and knitting, beyond the implements used
for their production, is that each stitch in crochet is
completed before the next one is begun, while knitting
keeps many stitches open at a time. Some variant forms of
crochet, such as Tunisian crochet and broomstick lace, do
keep multiple crochet stitches open at a time.

Demonstration of crochet technique

Contents
 1Etymology
 2Origins
 3Irish crochet
 4Modern practice and culture
 5Materials
o 5.1Crochet hook
o 5.2Yarn
 6Process
 7Types of stitches
 8International crochet terms and notations
 9Differences from and similarities to knitting
 10Charity
 11Health benefits
 12Literacy
 13Mathematics and hyperbolic crochet
 14Architecture
 o 14.1Yarn bombing
 15See also
 16References
 17Further reading
 18External links

Etymology[edit]
The word crochet is derived from the Old French crochet, a
diminutive of croche, in turn from the Germanic croc, both
meaning "hook".[3] It was used in 17th-century French lace-
making, where the term crochetage designated a stitch
used to join separate pieces of lace. The
word crochet subsequently came to describe both the
specific type of textile, and the hooked needle used to
produce it.[4]

Origins[edit]

19th century crochet from Orvieto, Italy

Knitted textiles survive from as early as the 11th century

CE, but the first substantive evidence of crocheted fabric
emerges in Europe during the 19th century. [5] Earlier work
identified as crochet was commonly made by nålebinding, a
different looped yarn technique.
A crocheted purse described in 1823 in Penélopé

The first known published instructions for crochet explicitly

using that term to describe the craft in its present sense
appeared in the Dutch magazine Penélopé in 1823. This
includes a colour plate showing five styles of purse, of
which three were intended to be crocheted with silk thread.
[6]
 The first is "simple open crochet" (crochet simple ajour), a
mesh of chain-stitch arches. The second (illustrated here)
starts in a semi-open form (demi jour), where chain-stitch
arches alternate with equally long segments of slip-stitch
crochet, and closes with a star made with "double-crochet
stitches" (dubbelde hekelsteek: double-crochet in British
terminology; single-crochet in US).[7] The third purse is made
entirely in double-crochet. The instructions prescribe the
use of a tambour needle (as illustrated below) and introduce
a number of decorative techniques.
The earliest dated reference in English to garments made of
cloth produced by looping yarn with a hook—shepherd's
knitting—is in The Memoirs of a Highland Lady by Elizabeth
Grant (1797–1830). The journal entry, itself, is dated 1812
but was not recorded in its subsequently published form
until some time between 1845 and 1867, and the actual
date of publication was first in 1898.[8] Nonetheless, the
1833 volume of Penélopé describes and illustrates a
shepherd's hook, and recommends its use for crochet with
coarser yarn.[9]
In 1844, one of the numerous books discussing crochet that
began to appear in the 1840s states:
Crochet needles, sometimes called Shepherds' hooks, are
made of steel, ivory, or box-wood. They have a hook at one
end similar in shape to a fish-hook, by which the wool or silk
is caught and drawn through the work. These instruments
are to be procured of various sizes... [10]
Two years later, the same author writes:
Crochet, — a species of knitting originally practised by the
peasants in Scotland, with a small hooked needle called a
shepherd’s hook, — has, within the last seven years, aided
by taste and fashion, obtained the preference over all other
ornamental works of a similar nature. It derives its present
name from the French; the instrument with which it is
worked being by them, from its crooked shape, termed
'crochet.' This art has attained its highest degree of
perfection in England, whence it has been transplanted to
France and Germany, and both countries, although
unjustifiably, have claimed the invention.[11]
An instruction book from 1846 describes Shepherd or
single crochet as what in current British usage is either
called single crochet or slip-stitch crochet, with U.S.
American terminology always using the latter (reserving
single crochet for use as noted above).[12] It similarly equates
"Double" and "French crochet".[13]
 Tambour embroidery in the Diderot Encyclopedia

Notwithstanding the categorical assertion of a purely British

origin, there is solid evidence of a connection between
French tambour embroidery and crochet. French tambour
embroidery was illustrated in detail in 1763 in Diderot's
Encyclopedia. The tip of the needle shown there is
indistinguishable from that of a present-day inline crochet
hook and the chain stitch separated from a cloth support is
a fundamental element of the latter technique. The
1823 Penélopé instructions unequivocally state that the
tambour tool was used for crochet and the first of the 1840s
instruction books uses the terms tambour and crochet as
synonyms.[14] This equivalence is retained in the 4th edition
of that work, 1847.[15]

Shepherd's hook, 19th-century tapered hook, modern inline hook

The strong taper of the shepherd's hook eases the

production of slip-stitch crochet but is less amenable to
stitches that require multiple loops on the hook at the same
time. Early yarn hooks were also continuously tapered but
gradually enough to accommodate multiple loops. The
design with a cylindrical shaft that is commonplace today
was largely reserved for tambour-style steel needles. Both
types gradually merged into the modern form that appeared
toward the end of the 19th century, including both tapered
and cylindrical segments, and the continuously tapered
bone hook remained in industrial production until World War
II.
The early instruction books make frequent reference to the
alternative use of 'ivory, bone, or wooden hooks' and 'steel
needles in a handle', as appropriate to the stitch being
made. Taken with the synonymous labeling of shepherd's-
and single crochet, and the similar equivalence of French-
and double crochet, there is a strong suggestion that
crochet is rooted both in tambour embroidery and
shepherd's knitting, leading to thread and yarn crochet
respectively; a distinction that is still made. The locus of the
fusion of all these elements—the "invention" noted above—
has yet to be determined, as does the origin of shepherd's
knitting.
Shepherd's hooks are still being made for local slip-stitch
crochet traditions. The form in the accompanying
photograph is typical for contemporary production. A longer
continuously tapering design intermediate between it and
the 19th-century tapered hook was also in earlier
production, commonly being made from the handles of forks
and spoons.

Irish crochet[edit]

Detail of a Portuguese crocheted tablecloth, about 1970

Irish crochet lace, late 19th century. The design of this example is

closely based on Flemish needle lace of the 17th century.

In the 19th century, as Ireland was facing the Great Irish

Famine (1845–1849), crochet lace work was introduced as
a form of famine relief[16] (the production of crocheted lace
being an alternative way of making money for impoverished
Irish workers).[17] Men, women, children joined a cooperative
in order to crochet and produce products to help with
famine relief during the Great Irish Famine. Schools to
teach crocheting were started. Teachers were trained and
sent across Ireland to teach this craft. When the Irish
immigrated to the Americas, they were able to take with
them crocheting.[18] Mademoiselle Riego de la Blanchardiere
is generally credited with the invention of Irish Crochet,
publishing the first book of patterns in 1846. Irish lace
became popular in Europe and America, and was made in
quantity until the first World War.[19]

Modern practice and culture[edit]

Fashions in crochet changed with the end of the Victorian
era in the 1890s. Crocheted laces in the new Edwardian
era, peaking between 1910 and 1920, became even more
elaborate in texture and complicated stitching.

Filet crochet by an internee at Manzanar War Relocation Center, 1943.

Photograph by Ansel Adams

The strong Victorian colours disappeared, though, and new

publications called for white or pale threads, except for
fancy purses, which were often crocheted of brightly colored
silk and elaborately beaded. After World War I, far fewer
crochet patterns were published, and most of them were
simplified versions of the early 20th-century patterns.
After World War II, from the late 1940s until the early 1960s,
there was a resurgence in interest in home crafts,
particularly in the United States, with many new and
imaginative crochet designs published for colorful doilies,
potholders, and other home items, along with updates of
earlier publications. These patterns called for thicker
threads and yarns than in earlier patterns and included
wonderful variegated colors. The craft remained primarily a
homemaker's art until the late 1960s and early 1970s, when
the new generation picked up on crochet and popularized
granny squares, a motif worked in the round and
incorporating bright colors.
 Detail on gold thread crochet in a mid-20th century short jacket
designed by Sybil Connolly

Although crochet underwent a subsequent decline in

popularity, the early 21st century has seen a revival of
interest in handcrafts and DIY, as well as great strides in
improvement of the quality and varieties of yarn. There are
many more new pattern books with modern patterns being
printed, and most yarn stores now offer crochet lessons in
addition to the traditional knitting lessons. There are many
books you can purchase from local book stores to teach
yourself how to crochet whether it be as a beginner or
intermediate. There are also many books for children and
teenagers who are hoping to take up the hobby. Filet
crochet, Tunisian crochet, tapestry crochet, broomstick
lace, hairpin lace, cro-hooking, and Irish crochet are all
variants of the basic crochet method.

Bags and hacky sack tapestry crocheted in Guatemala.

Crochet has experienced a revival on the catwalk as

well. Christopher Kane's Fall 2011 Ready-to-Wear
collection[20] makes intensive use of the granny square, one
of the most basic of crochet motifs. In addition, crochet has
been utilized many times by designers on the popular reality
show Project Runway. Websites such
as Etsy and Ravelry have made it easier for individual
hobbyists to sell and distribute their patterns or projects
across the internet.
Laneya Wiles released a music video titled "Straight
Hookin'" which makes a play on the word "hookers," which
has a double meaning for both "one who crochets" and "a
prostitute."

Materials[edit]
Basic materials required for crochet are a hook and some
type of material that will be crocheted, most commonly yarn
or thread. Yarn, one of the most commonly used materials
for crocheting, has varying weights which need to be taken
into consideration when following patterns. Additional tools
are convenient for keeping stitches counted, measuring
crocheted fabric, or making related accessories. Examples
include cardboard cutouts, which can be used to
make tassels, fringe, and many other items; a pom-pom
circle, used to make pom-poms; a tape measure and a
gauge measure, both used for measuring crocheted work
and counting stitches; a row counter; and occasionally
plastic rings, which are used for special projects. In recent
years, yarn selections have moved beyond synthetic and
plant and animal-based fibers to include bamboo, qiviut,
hemp, and banana stalks, to name a few. Many advanced
crocheters have also incorporated recycled materials into
their work in an effort to "go green" and experiment with
new textures by using items such as plastic bags, old t-
shirts or sheets, VCR or Cassette tape, and ribbon.
Crochet hook[edit]

Aluminium crochet hooks

Main article: Crochet hook

The crochet hook comes in many sizes and materials, such
as bone, bamboo, aluminium, plastic, and steel. Because
sizing is categorized by the diameter of the hook's shaft, a
crafter aims to create stitches of a certain size in order to
reach a particular gauge specified in a given pattern. If
gauge is not reached with one hook, another is used until
the stitches made are the needed size. Crafters may have a
preference for one type of hook material over another due
to aesthetic appeal, yarn glide, or hand disorders such as
arthritis, where bamboo or wood hooks are favored over
metal for the perceived warmth and flexibility during use.
Hook grips and ergonomic hook handles are also available
to assist crafters.
Steel crochet hooks range in size from 0.4 to 3.5
millimeters, or from 00 to 16 in American sizing. These
hooks are used for fine crochet work such as doilies and
lace.
Aluminium, bamboo, and plastic crochet hooks are
available from 2.5 to 19 millimeters in size, or from B to S in
American sizing.
Artisan-made hooks are often made of hand-turned woods,
sometimes decorated with semi-precious stones or beads.
Crochet hooks used for Tunisian crochet are elongated and
have a stopper at the end of the handle, while double-
ended crochet hooks have a hook on both ends of the
handle. There is also a double hooked apparatus called
a Cro-hook that has become popular.
A hairpin loom is often used to create lacy and long
stitches, known as hairpin lace. While this is not in itself a
hook, it is a device used in conjunction with a crochet hook
to produce stitches.
See : List of United States standard crochet hook and
knitting needle sizes
Yarn[edit]
Main article: Yarn

A hank of wool yarn (center) is uncoiled into its basic loop. A tie is
visible at the left; after untying, the hank may be wound into a ball or
 balls suitable for crocheting. Crocheting from a normal hank directly is
likely to tangle the yarn, producing snarls.

Yarn for crochet is usually sold as balls or skeins (hanks),

although it may also be wound on spools or cones. Skeins
and balls are generally sold with a yarn band, a label that
describes the yarn's weight, length, dye lot, fiber content,
washing instructions, suggested needle size, likely gauge,
etc. It is a common practice to save the yarn band for future
reference, especially if additional skeins must be
purchased. Crocheters generally ensure that the yarn for a
project comes from a single dye lot. The dye lot specifies a
group of skeins that were dyed together and thus have
precisely the same color; skeins from different dye lots,
even if very similar in color, are usually slightly different and
may produce a visible stripe when added onto existing
work. If insufficient yarn of a single dye lot is bought to
complete a project, additional skeins of the same dye lot
can sometimes be obtained from other yarn stores or
online.
The thickness or weight of the yarn is a significant factor in
determining how many stitches and rows are required to
cover a given area for a given stitch pattern. This is also
termed the gauge. Thicker yarns generally require large-
diameter crochet hooks, whereas thinner yarns may be
crocheted with thick or thin hooks. Hence, thicker yarns
generally require fewer stitches, and therefore less time, to
work up a given project. The recommended gauge for a
given ball of yarn can be found on the label that surrounds
the skein when buying in stores. Patterns and motifs are
coarser with thicker yarns and produce bold visual effects,
whereas thinner yarns are best for refined or delicate
pattern-work. Yarns are standardly grouped by thickness
into six categories: superfine, fine, light, medium, bulky and
superbulky. Quantitatively, thickness is measured by the
number of wraps per inch (WPI). The related weight per
unit length is usually measured in tex or denier.

Transformation of a hank of lavender silk yarn (top) into a ball in which

the yarn emerges from the center (bottom). Using the latter is better for
needlework, since the yarn is much less likely to tangle.
Before use, hanks are wound into balls in which the yarn
emerges from the center, making crocheting easier by
preventing the yarn from becoming easily tangled. The
winding process may be performed by hand or done with a
ballwinder and swift.
A yarn's usefulness is judged by several factors, such as
its loft (its ability to trap air), its resilience (elasticity under
tension), its washability and colorfastness, its hand (its feel,
particularly softness vs. scratchiness), its durability against
abrasion, its resistance to pilling, its hairiness (fuzziness),
its tendency to twist or untwist, its overall weight and drape,
its blocking and felting qualities, its comfort (breathability,
moisture absorption, wicking properties) and its
appearance, which includes its color, sheen, smoothness
and ornamental features. Other factors include allergenicity,
speed of drying, resistance to chemicals, moths, and
mildew, melting point and flammability, retention of static
electricity, and the propensity to accept dyes. Desirable
properties may vary for different projects, so there is no one
"best" yarn.

The two possible twists of yarn

Although crochet may be done with ribbons, metal wire or

more exotic filaments, most yarns are made
by spinning fibers. In spinning, the fibers are twisted so that
the yarn resists breaking under tension; the twisting may be
done in either direction, resulting in a Z-twist or S-twist yarn.
If the fibers are first aligned by combing them and the
spinner uses a worsted type drafting method such as the
short forward draw, the yarn is smoother and called
a worsted; by contrast, if the fibers are carded but not
combed and the spinner uses a woolen drafting method
such as the long backward draw, the yarn is fuzzier and
called woolen-spun. The fibers making up a yarn may be
continuous filament fibers such as silk and many synthetics,
or they may be staples (fibers of an average length,
typically a few inches); naturally filament fibers are
sometimes cut up into staples before spinning. The strength
of the spun yarn against breaking is determined by the
amount of twist, the length of the fibers and the thickness of
the yarn. In general, yarns become stronger with more twist
(also called worst), longer fibers and thicker yarns (more
fibers); for example, thinner yarns require more twist than
do thicker yarns to resist breaking under tension. The
thickness of the yarn may vary along its length; a slub is a
much thicker section in which a mass of fibers is
incorporated into the yarn.
The spun fibers are generally divided into animal fibers,
plant and synthetic fibers. These fiber types are chemically
different, corresponding to proteins, carbohydrates and
synthetic polymers, respectively. Animal fibers include silk,
but generally are long hairs of animals such
as sheep (wool), goat (angora, or cashmere
goat), rabbit (angora), llama, alpaca, dog, cat, camel, yak,
and muskox (qiviut). Plants used for fibers
include cotton, flax (for linen), bamboo, ramie, hemp, jute, n
ettle, raffia, yucca, coconut husk, banana
trees, soy and corn. Rayon and acetate fibers are also
produced from cellulose mainly derived from trees.
Common synthetic fibers include acrylics,[21] polyesters such
as dacron and ingeo, nylon and other polyamides,
and olefins such as polypropylene. Of these types, wool is
generally favored for crochet, chiefly owing to its
superior elasticity, warmth and (sometimes) felting;
however, wool is generally less convenient to clean and
some people are allergic to it. It is also common to blend
different fibers in the yarn, e.g., 85% alpaca and 15% silk.
Even within a type of fiber, there can be great variety in the
length and thickness of the fibers; for example, Merino wool
and Egyptian cotton are favored because they produce
exceptionally long, thin (fine) fibers for their type.
A single spun yarn may be crochet as is,
or braided or plied with another. In plying, two or more
yarns are spun together, almost always in the opposite
sense from which they were spun individually; for example,
two Z-twist yarns are usually plied with an S-twist. The
opposing twist relieves some of the yarns' tendency to curl
up and produces a thicker, balanced yarn. Plied yarns may
themselves be plied together, producing cabled
yarns or multi-stranded yarns. Sometimes, the yarns being
plied are fed at different rates, so that one yarn loops
around the other, as in bouclé. The single yarns may be
dyed separately before plying, or afterwards to give the yarn
a uniform look.
The dyeing of yarns is a complex art. Yarns need not be
dyed; or they may be dyed one color, or a great variety of
colors. Dyeing may be done industrially, by hand or even
hand-painted onto the yarn. A great variety of synthetic
dyes have been developed since the synthesis of indigo
dye in the mid-19th century; however, natural dyes are also
possible, although they are generally less brilliant. The
color-scheme of a yarn is sometimes called its colorway.
Variegated yarns can produce interesting visual effects,
such as diagonal stripes.

Process[edit]

A close view of a crocheted scarf made with lace-weight mohair yarn.

Crocheted fabric is begun by placing a slip-knot loop on the

hook (though other methods, such as a magic ring or simple
folding over of the yarn may be used), pulling another loop
through the first loop, and repeating this process to create a
chain of a suitable length. The chain is either turned and
worked in rows, or joined to the beginning of the row with a
slip stitch and worked in rounds. Rounds can also be
created by working many stitches into a single loop.
Stitches are made by pulling one or more loops through
each loop of the chain. At any one time at the end of a
stitch, there is only one loop left on the hook. Tunisian
crochet, however, draws all of the loops for an entire row
onto a long hook before working them off one at a time. Like
knitting, crochet can be worked either flat (back and forth in
rows) or in the round (in spirals, such as when making
tubular pieces).

Types of stitches[edit]
There are six main types of basic stitches (the following
description uses US crochet terminology which differs from
the terminology used in the UK and Europe).
 1. Chain stitch – the most basic of all stitches and used
to begin most projects.
2. Slip stitch – used to join chain stitch to form a ring.
3. Single crochet stitch (called double crochet stitch in
the UK) – easiest stitch to master (see single crochet
stitch tutorial)
4. Half-double crochet stitch (called half treble stitch in
the UK) – the 'in-between' stitch (see half-double
crochet tutorial)
5. Double crochet stitch (called treble stitch in the UK)
(yarn over once) – many uses for this unlimited use
stitch (see double crochet stitch tutorial)
6. Treble (or triple) crochet stitch (called double treble
stitch in the UK) (yarn over twice)
While the horizontal distance covered by these basic
stitches is the same, they differ in height and thickness.
The more advanced stitches are often combinations of
these basic stitches, or are made by inserting the hook into
the work in unusual locations. More advanced stitches
include the shell stitch, V stitch, spike stitch, Afghan
stitch, butterfly stitch, popcorn stitch, cluster stitch,
and crocodile stitch.

International crochet terms and

notations[edit]
Main article: List of crochet stitches

Some crochet symbols, abbreviations, and US/UK terms

In the English-speaking crochet world, basic stitches have

different names that vary by country. The differences are
usually referred to as UK/US or British/American. Crochet is
traditionally worked off a written pattern in which stitches
and placement are communicated using textual
abbreviations.[22] To help counter confusion when reading
patterns, a diagramming system using a standard
international notation has come into use (illustration, left).
Another terminological difference is known as tension (UK)
and gauge (US). Individual crocheters work yarn with a
loose or a tight hold and, if unmeasured, these differences
can lead to significant size changes in finished garments
that have the same number of stitches. In order to control
for this inconsistency, printed crochet instructions include a
standard for the number of stitches across a standard
swatch of fabric. An individual crocheter begins work by
producing a test swatch and compensating for any
discrepancy by changing to a smaller or larger hook. North
Americans call this gauge, referring to the end result of
these adjustments; British crocheters speak of tension,
which refers to the crafter's grip on the yarn while producing
stitches.

Differences from and similarities to

knitting[edit]
One of the more obvious differences is that crochet uses
one hook while much knitting uses two needles. In most
crochet, the artisan usually has only one live stitch on the
hook (with the exception being Tunisian crochet), while a
knitter keeps an entire row of stitches active simultaneously.
Dropped stitches, which can unravel a knitted fabric, rarely
interfere with crochet work, due to a second structural
difference between knitting and crochet. In knitting, each
stitch is supported by the corresponding stitch in the row
above and it supports the corresponding stitch in the row
below, whereas crochet stitches are only supported by and
support the stitches on either side of it. If a stitch in a
finished crocheted item breaks, the stitches above and
below remain intact, and because of the complex looping of
each stitch, the stitches on either side are unlikely to come
loose unless heavily stressed.
Round or cylindrical patterns are simple to produce with a
regular crochet hook, but cylindrical knitting requires either
a set of circular needles or three to five special double-
ended needles. Many crocheted items are composed of
individual motifs which are then joined together, either by
sewing or crocheting, whereas knitting is usually composed
of one fabric, such as entrelac.
Freeform crochet is a technique that can create interesting
shapes in three dimensions because new stitches can be
made independently of previous stitches almost anywhere
in the crocheted piece. It is generally accomplished by
building shapes or structural elements onto existing
crocheted fabric at any place the crafter desires.
Knitting can be accomplished by machine, while many
crochet stitches can only be crafted by hand. The height of
knitted and crocheted stitches is also different: a single
crochet stitch is twice the height of a knit stitch in the same
yarn size and comparable diameter tools, and a double
crochet stitch is about four times the height of a knit stitch. [23]
While most crochet is made with a hook, there is also a
method of crocheting with a knitting loom. This is
called loomchet.[24] Slip stitch crochet is very similar to
knitting. Each stitch in slip stitch crochet is formed the same
way as a knit or purl stitch which is then bound off. A person
working in slip stitch crochet can follow a knitted pattern
with knits, purls, and cables, and get a similar result. [25]
It is a common perception that crochet produces a thicker
fabric than knitting, tends to have less "give" than knitted
fabric, and uses approximately a third more yarn for a
comparable project than knitted items. Although this is true
when comparing a single crochet swatch with a stockinette
swatch, both made with the same size yarn and
needle/hook, it is not necessarily true for crochet in general.
Most crochet uses far less than 1/3 more yarn than knitting
for comparable pieces, and a crocheter can get similar feel
and drape to knitting by using a larger hook or thinner yarn.
Tunisian crochet and slip stitch crochet can in some cases
use less yarn than knitting for comparable pieces.
According to sources[26] claiming to have tested the 1/3 more
yarn assertion, a single crochet stitch (sc) uses
approximately the same amount of yarn as knit garter stitch,
but more yarn than stockinette stitch. Any stitch using
yarnovers uses less yarn than single crochet to produce the
same amount of fabric. Cluster stitches, which are in fact
multiple stitches worked together, will use the most length.
Standard crochet stitches like sc and dc also produce a
thicker fabric, more like knit garter stitch. This is part of why
they use more yarn. Slip stitch can produce a fabric much
like stockinette that is thinner and therefore uses less yarn.
Any yarn can be either knitted or crocheted, provided
needles or hooks of the correct size are used, but the cord's
properties should be taken into account. For example, lofty,
thick woolen yarns tend to function better when knitted,
which does not crush their airy structure, while thin and
tightly spun yarn helps to achieve the firm texture required
for Amigurumi crochet.[27]
 Differences between crochet and knitting
 

Most crochet uses one hook and works upon one stitch at a time.
Crochet may be worked in circular rounds without any specialized
tools, as shown here.
 


Knitting uses two or more straight needles that carry multiple

stitches.
 


Unlike crochet, knitting requires specialized needles to create

circular rounds.

Charity[edit]
It has been very common for people and groups to crochet
clothing and other garments and then donate them to
soldiers during war. People have also crocheted clothing
and then donated it to hospitals, for sick patients and also
for newborn babies. Sometimes groups will crochet for a
specific charity purpose, such as crocheting for homeless
shelters, nursing homes, etc.
It is becoming increasingly popular to crochet hats
(commonly referred to as "chemo caps") and donate them
to cancer treatment centers, for those
undergoing chemotherapy and therefore losing hair. During
October pink hats and scarves are made and proceeds are
donated to breast cancer funds. Organizations dedicated to
using crochet as a way to help others include Knots of
Love, Crochet for Cancer,[28] and Soldiers' Angels.[29] These
organizations offer warm useful items for people in need.
In 2020, people around the world banded together to help
save the wildlife affected by the Australian bushfires by
crocheting kangaroo pouches, koala mittens and wildlife
nests.[30] This was an international effort to help during the
particularly bad bushfire season which devastated local
ecological systems.

Health benefits[edit]
Crocheting and other forms of needlecraft or handicraft are
proven to have several health benefits including reducing
stress and anxiety.[31] Studies show that the constant
repetition of hand movement helps keep the mind calm and
distracts the brain from the stresses of life. [32] When
crocheting, the brain releases serotonin that helps calm the
mind and improve mood.[32] Crocheting and similar activities
are shown to improve Alzheimer's disease, insomnia,
and depression.[31] The colors and textures of the yarn are
usually pleasing to the senses, and the finished product can
give a person a sense of accomplishment. [32]

Literacy[edit]
Some elementary school teachers have used crocheting to
enhance their students' literacy skills.[33] Crocheting can help
young children with fine motor skills (such as handwriting).
Learning to crochet in a literary setting encourages young
children to stay focused, multitask better, and be more
excited about school. This fun yet challenging skill can in
the process teach students to have better social skills in
their community, with their peers, and with their families. [34]

Mathematics and hyperbolic crochet[edit]

Crochet has been used to illustrate shapes in hyperbolic
space that are difficult to reproduce using other media or
are difficult to understand when viewed two-dimensionally. [35]
Mathematician Daina Taimiņa first used crochet in 1997 to
create strong, durable models of hyperbolic space after
finding paper models were delicate and hard to create.
These models enable one to turn, fold, and otherwise
manipulate space to more fully grasp ideas such as how a
line can appear curved in hyperbolic space yet actually be
straight. Her work received an exhibition by the Institute For
Figuring.[35]

A collection of crocheted hyperbolic planes, in imitation of a coral reef.

Examples in nature of organisms that show hyperbolic

structures include lettuces, sea slugs, flatworms and
coral. Margaret Wertheim and Christine Wertheim of
the Institute For Figuring created a travelling art installation
of a coral reef using Taimina's method. Local artists are
encouraged to create their own "satellite reefs" to be
included alongside the original display.[36]
As hyperbolic and mathematics-based crochet has
continued to become more popular, there have been
several events highlighting work from various fiber artists.
Two such shows include Sant Ocean Hall at
the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. and Sticks, Hooks, and
the Mobius: Knit and Crochet Go Cerebral at Lafayette
College in Pennsylvania.

Architecture[edit]
In Style in the technical arts, Gottfried Semper looks at the
textile with great promise and historical precedent. In
Section 53, he writes of the "loop stitch, or Noeud Coulant:
a knot that, if untied, causes the whole system to unravel."
In the same section, Semper confesses his ignorance of the
subject of crochet but believes strongly that it is a technique
of great value as a textile technique and possibly something
more.
There are a small number of architects currently interested
in the subject of crochet as it relates to architecture. The
following publications, explorations and thesis projects can
be used as a resource to see how crochet is being used
within the capacity of architecture.
 Emergent Explorations: Analog and Digital Scripting  -
Alexander Worden
 Research and Design: The Architecture of variation -
Lars Spuybroek
 YurtAlert - Kate Pokorny
Yarn bombing[edit]
Main article: Yarn bombing
In the past few years, a practice called yarn bombing, or the
use of knitted or crocheted cloth to modify and beautify
one's (usually outdoor) surroundings, emerged in the US
and spread worldwide.[37] Yarn bombers sometimes target
existing pieces of graffiti for beautification. In 2010, an entity
dubbed "the Midnight Knitter" hit West Cape May.
Residents awoke to find knit cozies hugging tree branches
and sign poles.[38] In September 2015, Grace Brett was
named "The World's Oldest Yarn Bomber". She is part of a
group of yarn graffiti-artists called the Souter Stormers, who
beautify their local town in Scotland. [39]

See also[edit]
 Crochet Guild of America
 The Tempestry Project
 Fiber art
 Macramé
 Knitting

References[edit]
1. ^ "crochet". Dictionary.reference.com. Retrieved 2012-04-28.
2. ^ "crochet". Wordreference.com. Retrieved 2012-04-28.
3. ^ Jump up to:    "Crochet". The Free Dictionary By Farlex.
a b

Retrieved 2012-05-23.
4. ^ Santina M. Levey, Lace: a History, Victoria & Albert Museum,
London, 1983, ISBN 090128615X, p. 92
5. ^ Lis Paludan, Crochet: History & Technique, Interweave Press,
Loveland CO, ISBN 1883010098, p. 76
6. ^ [1] A. B. Van Meerten, Penélopé, of, Maandwerk aan het
vrouwelijk geslacht toegewijd, Amsterdam, 1824, pp. 90-94
7. ^ Sarah Hazell, 200 Crochet Stitches, Search Press, Kent,
2013, ISBN 978-1-84448-963-3
8. ^ [2] Elizabeth Grant, The Memoirs of a Highland Lady, John
Murray, London, 1898 p. 182.
9. ^ [3] A. B. Van Meerten, Penélopé, of, Maandwerk aan het
vrouwelijk geslacht toegewijd, Amsterdam, 1833, pp. 152
10. ^ [4] Miss Lambert, Hand-book of Needlework, New York City,
1842, p.92
11. ^ [5] Miss Lambert, My Crochet Sampler, London, 1844, pp. 9-10
12. ^ Nancy Nehring, Learn Slip Stitch Crochet, Annie's Attic, Berne
IN, 2008, ISBN 1596352159, p. 2
13. ^ [6] Mlle. Riego de la Branchardiere, Knitting, Crochet, and
Netting, London, 1846, p.57
14. ^ [7] Mrs. Gaugain, The Lady's Assistant for Executing Useful and
Fancy Designs in Knitting, Netting and Crotchet Work, Edinburgh,
1840
15. ^ [8] Jane Gaugain, The Lady's Assistant for Executing Useful and
Fancy Designs in Knitting, Netting and Crochet Work, 4th ed.,
1847
16. ^ "Crochet | craft".  Encyclopedia Britannica.
17. ^ Irish Crochet Lace Exhibit Catalog Archived 2010-06-01 at
the Wayback Machine Lacis Museum of Lace and Textiles. 2005.
18. ^ "Crochet History - Crochet Guild of America
(CGOA)". www.crochet.org. Retrieved  2017-01-22.
19. ^ Art That Saved the Irish From Starvation by Zelda Bronstein.
Berkeley Daily Planet, April 19, 2005.
20. ^ "Sac en toile de jute et cabas courses à personnaliser en
sérigraphie". artipack.fr.
21. ^ Masson, James (1995).  Acrylic Fiber Technology and
Applications. New York: Marcel Dekker, Inc. p. 172.  ISBN  0-8247-
8977-6.
22. ^ "Crochet Abbreviations Master List".  Craft Yarn Council.
Retrieved 16 October  2018.
23. ^ Hubert, Margaret (2009).  Knit Or Crochet - Have It Your Way.
Minneapolis, MN: Creative Publishing International, Inc.
p. 6. ISBN 978-1-58923-431-4.
24. ^ Brenda GA, Dome-Dweller.  "Loom Lore: March 2010".
Loomlady.blogspot.com. Retrieved  2012-04-28.
25. ^ "Slip Stitch Crochet «  A Yarnified Life".
Ayarnifiedlife.wordpress.com. Retrieved  2012-04-28.
26. ^ "Crochet does not use 1/3 more yarn than knitting".
Crochetliberationfront.com. 2012-02-20. Archived from  the
originalon 2012-02-24. Retrieved  2012-04-28.
27. ^ "Southern Belle Lulu pattern by S. Pendleton". Ravelry.
28. ^ "Crochet for Cancer". Crochet for Cancer. Retrieved  9
February2018.
29. ^ "Soldiers' Angels-Sewing and Crafting Team". Soldiers' Angels.
Retrieved 9 February 2018.
30. ^ "Calling all crafters! Here's how you can help wildlife affected by
the Australia wildfires".  wbir.com. Retrieved  2020-10-07.
31. ^ Jump up to:a b "7 Surprising Health Benefits of
Crocheting". AllFreeCrochet.com. 2017-01-20. Retrieved 2019-
04-14.
32. ^ Jump up to:a b c Houtman, Betty (2017-10-11). "How Crochet and
Knitting Help the Brain". Anxiety Resource Center.
Retrieved 2019-04-14.
33. ^ "Now, that's a Yarn! Literacy Learning through
Crocheting". literacyworldwide.org. Retrieved 2019-04-15.
34. ^ "EBSCOhost Login".  search.ebscohost.com. Retrieved 2019-
04-15.
35. ^ Jump up to:a b "Hyperbolic Space". The Institute for Figuring.
December 21, 2006. Retrieved  January 15,  2007.
36. ^ "About the Project | Crochet Coral
Reef".  www.crochetcoralreef.org. Retrieved  2017-10-30.
37. ^ Anonymous (2009-01-21).  "Knitters turn to graffiti artists with
'yarnbombing'".  The Telegraph. Retrieved  2009-05-25.
38. ^ "'Midnight Knitter' covers West Cape May trees, lamp poles with
yarn". NJ.com. Retrieved  5 February  2014.
39. ^ Shah, Yagana (September 25, 2015). "104-Year-Old 'Yarn
Bomber' Spreads Her 'Graffiti' All Over Town". HuffPost.
 Further reading[edit]
 Karen Manthey; Susan Brittain; Julie Armstrong Holetz
(2010).  Crocheting for Dummies  (paperback) (2nd ed.). Hoboken, NJ:
Wiley. ISBN 978-0-470-53645-2.
 Hadley, Sara. "Irish Crochet Lace", The Lace Maker, Vol. 4 3, New
York: D.S. Bennet, 1911.
 Kooler, Donna Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Crochet, Leisure Arts,
Inc., Little Rock, Arkansas
 Lambert, Miss [Frances]. My Crochet Sampler, London: John Murray,
Albemarle Street, 1844.
 Potter, Annie Louise. A living mystery: the international art & history of
crochet
 Riego de la Branchardiere, Eléanor. Crochet Book 4th Series, London:
Simpkin, Marshall, and Co., 1848.
 Riego de la Branchardiere, Eléanor. Crochet Book 6th Series,
containing D'Oyleys and Anti-Macassars, London: Simpkin, Marshall,
and Co., 1877. This is the 20th printing of this book; the original
publishing date is probably about 1850.
 Riego de la Branchardiere, Eléanor. Crochet Book, 9th Series or Third
Winter Book, London: Simpkin, Marshall and Co., 1850.
 Warren, The Court Crochet Doyley Book, London: Ackermann & Co,
1847.
 Wildman, Emily. Step-By-Step Crochet, 1972

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