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The History Of Crochet
The history of crochet is a little vague as there are no known records for actual crocheted items dating to much earlier than 1800. No one is completely sure when the history of crochet first began, but what is known, is that fingers were used rather than today's methods using hooks. Primitive bent needles with cork handles have been found in archaeological digs and later crochet hooks were carved from wood, ivory or bone and then eventually made from silver, brass or steel. There doesn't seem to have been any particular sizes as are used today.
Early crochet evolved from another form of stitching called Tambour. This involved loops of yarn being pulled through fabric. By removing the fabric, the art of crochet was born. The earliest written reference to crochet was in a book called 'The Memoirs Of The Highlands Lady' by Elizabeth Grant in 1812. 'Shepherds knitting' was the phraseology.
The first published patterns the crochet appeared in 1812 in a Dutch magazine called Penelope. The complex patterns had instructions to crochet resembled bobbin lace and needle lace. What is known is that in crochet in its early days was considered to be a past time the upper-class and wealthy. They had the time to create delicate and detailed items to decorate their homes or their clothing.
The poor were generally discouraged from learning crochet as the upper classes felt they didn't need the luxury of decorative household items. Some were even prohibited from learning crochet and were encouraged to knit instead.
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