Website design By BotEap.comI learned to knit about a year after learning to knit. I was about 10 years old, as I recall, and crochet was shrouded in mystery. How could a woolen cloth be produced with a stick with a hook at the end, when 2 needles are needed to knit?

Website design By BotEap.comOnce I delved into the world of crochet, I was amazed at how quick and easy this craft is. I often switch to crochet when I’m in the middle of a big knitting project, to give myself a break from endless knitting (which I love, but can be slow), or to whip up something quick when I’m suffering from knitting blockage. , the horrible feeling you get when you can’t decide what to start next,

Website design By BotEap.comCrochet is worked by wrapping the yarn around a hook to produce stitches of different heights. Depending on the stitch, the fabric can be very dense or lacy, the choice is yours. Crochet hooks are quite short compared to knitting needles and have a small curved hook at one end. This hook is where the stitches are formed. Hooks come in a variety of sizes, from very thin hooks for working the cord to super thick hooks, for carpets and thick garments.

Website design By BotEap.comSo where did crochet originate from? Researchers think that crochet may have started many centuries ago in Arabia, China, or South America, although it is likely that the stitches were produced more like macrame and were formed by hands rather than tools. The first real references to crochet were in France in the 19th century. In fact, the word crochet comes from the French word for “hook,” so it seems pretty safe to say that craftsmanship first made its impact there.

Website design By BotEap.comLace crochet was very popular at the turn of the century and there are still some people who love to make lace doilies and placemats with fine cotton threads and small size hooks. Modern trends lean more towards Afghan rugs, scarves, shawls and clothing as these items fill in quickly and show the textures of the stitches. Today, crocheted garments and household items are made from a wide variety of yarns, including bamboo, cotton, wool, and even possum.

Website design By BotEap.comCan you imagine Madonna crocheting? Good is true! She, along with Meryl Streep and Bette Midler like to knit. Queen Victoria also crocheted and wore her creations in public. I’m not sure Madonna likes to wear a granny square vest in public!

Website design By BotEap.comLearning to knit is not difficult. Once you learn to hold the hook in one hand and anchor your work with the other, the actual act of stitching is not difficult. I will not attempt to describe the technique in writing, I am sure you are pulling your hair out! Crocheting, like knitting, is a visual art and should be taught by observing and copying the movements of the master. There are hundreds of wonderful tutorials on video sites like YouTube, so take a look and see what comes up. Better yet, find someone who likes to crochet and is willing to teach you. I guarantee you’ll have at least one crochet cloth-sized piece finished in a couple of hours!