Crochet Patterns

The crochet technique needs a steady hand and a high amount of skill to come out with high quality designs. Practice of crochet has been existent since ancient times. The bullion stitch is considered to be one of the most difficult stitches in crochet and has a unique effect on the crochet pattern.

History of Crochet

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

Tunisian Crochet
Also known as Afghan crochet, it uses an elongated hook with a stopper at the end. This involves a series of slip stitches and is considered a mix of knitting and crocheting. Intricate Tunisian 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 eye crochet and jiffy lace, the use of a crochet hook along with a large knitting needle provided a lacier effect, A smaller needle was used to provide closely woven stitches. This technique was used mostly in blankets and clothing.

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

Filet Crochet
This type of technique uses the double crochet stitch and the chain stitch to form patterns in different parts of a mesh. Fine thread is used in making tablecloths, coasters, small mats and doilies. Filet crochet is usually worked upon by referring to graphs and diagrams from a book.

Although crochet patterns have been in existence since the early 1800s, the quality of yarn and thread in the latter years resulted in a wide variety of crochet patterns. Nowadays, books with various crochet patterns are readily available in stores which simplifies the process of crochet stitching. Crochet patterns have a detailed mathematical structure in terms of shape, and have a two-dimensional effect on the viewer. Today, hooks made of aluminum and plastic are used for various crochet patterns. Crochet patterns have been used on sweaters, blankets, hats, slippers and many other accessories.

Although a machine can preform several knitting methods, most crochet stitches are performed by hand which make crochet an individualistic art.