Who Invented Crochet? The Interesting HISTORY Of Crochet 

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I hear quite often that crochet hasn't existed for very long, but it somehow appeared, puff, out into existence! I'm glad that someone with a bit more authority has addressed this: technology never just appears out of nothing, there is always something that went on before that. (Yes, I count crochet as technology, even if it doesn't use complicated machines. Farming was a technological advancement even when farmers used simple hoes and sticks to create holes to plant tubers or seeds.)

I first tried crochet in my 20s, I was terrible at it, didn’t have the patience, and quickly forgot about it. In my mid 30s I picked it up again while visiting my grandparents with my new daughter. I’d forgotten that I had ever tried it, and was surprised after a few rows stitches that this wasn’t my first brush with crochet. I recalled my earlier attempts and was inspired to do better, but upon returning home after our visit, I promptly forgot about it… again. I’m now 52 and just recently welcomed my first granddaughter into the world. In anticipation of her arrival I was carving a gift (yeah, I carve and paint and all sorts…) when I came upon a RU-vid amigurumi pattern and thought I’d try that as well. To my surprise (again!) I realized this my 3rd attempt at crochet! How was I forgetting this art existed over and over? How could I ignore being drawn into it for the 3rd time in my life? So, as it turns out, 3rd time was the charm. I always bring one or two or three new amigurumi with me on granddaughter visit days, I’ve made everyone in the family a cowl or a hat or a headband. I even adapted a stitch from a YT video into a completely originally designed pair of half-fingered dragon scale gloves for my wife. A day doesn’t go by without me working on something, even if it’s just a catnip ball for my cat, which my dog is now addicted to as well. Just the other day I was annoyed that my hair was getting in my eyes so I whipped up a headband… I’m constantly amazed by the utility, creativity, and fun of crochet. So thank you, and all those great folks in history, for keeping crochet alive and contributing to the art. *Hey, men out there! I’m a burly, long beard, hunting, sailing, whittlin’, calloused, old grump. Crochet sounds about the girliest, daintiest, purtiest, un-manly thing you ever heard of. Forget about all that and make yourself a hat. Make your wife some mittens. Nothing manlier than making beautiful, functional, fun gifts for your family!*

A friend visited with a Beduoin family in the 1960s, in Egypt. The men were crocheting their outer garments using bone hooks and goat hair yarn, which the women spun. They'd been doing this as far back as they could remember, having passed down the techniques in person. The fabric breathed, but kept out sand and sun. Betting they are the oldest users of what we call crochet.

Love the historical approach! Not only would I love to see current crochet trends, but I'd really be interested in a more in-depth look at different types of historical crochet. Awesome job!

The name for chrochet in Swedish is virkning. We have until today used nålbindning to socks and glowes because you can get it watertight, but you use more yarn and need more light to do it. And light is not something we hade mutch off before electric lightning in winter time.

I have been crocheting since the age of 5. My grandmother taught me. I went on to do blankets, scarves, baby clothes. My family has an Irish crocheted Wedding gown from the 1800's in need of repair; so I spent several years learning Irish crochet so I could repair it. Irish crochet looks so much like the lace that is made in Burano Island, near Venice, Italy (Needlepoint lace, made with thread and a needle, except the Irish crochet is much faster to make, sturdier and more three dimensional. Hats off to the Venetian lace makers but Irish crochet is enough of a challenge to me. I went for my yearly eye exam and my doctor was amazed because my vision has so improved by doing Irish crochet, I no longer need glasses all the time. It's a great exercise to strengthen the eye muscles!!

My grandma was a tatter. She traveled west to Montana in a covered wagon. This was incredibly instructive, my dear! My head is swimming with crochet history! This kind of video is why people think I'm really smart. I'm really just curious with a good memory. Thanks for the lesson!

Lovely video, very interesting. One little thing: we do not call it crochet in Dutch. It's called haken which translates to hooking 😅 Also we can't tell you much about how to pronounce Danish words.

Would love to try a 120 year old pattern. My great grandmother, Margaret O'Gara McDonough, brought over her crochet skills from the town of Sligo in Ireland. This was a wonderful history lesson!

I recently started learning nålebinding, using a bone needle, for viking-age reenactment, I'm about to finish another pair of nice wool mittens. Love to see videos on this fascinating craft's history!

Great video! What I'd like to learn is how and why the crochet stitch terms changed over the years ie US double crochet is UK treble crochet, etc... This would be interesting.

Yes to another video! This one was really informative! My mum went to school with nuns here in Italy during the 70s, and she always tells me how skilled was one of them, with the technique you cited! I've unfortunately never had the chance to see those works, so I remain very curious ☺️

My mother and her mother did beautiful crochet work using thread. I can remember gorgeous doilies with roses that stood up from the base. Everything heavily starched. I taught myself the skill but only used yarn and the larger hooks until 8 years ago when our son was getting married. I wanted to give our daughter in law something personal and special so I tried my hand at a bridal shawl using size 3 thread and a 2 mm hook. The entire time I worked on it I felt such a connection with my ancestors it's hard to put into words. Anyway, the item turned out beautifully and she was very touched. I got hooked, as they say, and have been making more and more thread projects. I just love the art. This year everyone got lacy snowflakes to hang on their Christmas trees. Crochet is a healing art! Thank you for your video on its history and I'm (secretly) happy to learn that a Machine has yet to duplicate this skill!🧡🧶

I loved your video and love crochet very much. Was wondering why tatting wasn't included in your video. Its at least 200 years old or older. Italian lace that goes very far back is also a form of crochet. My son in law teased me because he didn't think crochet was popular and was for older women. I nicely schooled him on what crochet is really about now and it opened his eyes. I said hey if the whole world fell apart I can make clothes using crochet what would you wear, lol? He said wow you have a point. Its really is useful. I also told him about all the charity work that is done by crocheters. Guess what I have him and he wanted for Christmas? A crocheted hat and an afghan made by me, LOL 💜. I made them for my whole family. 18 hats in like 2 weeks. Gave myself tendonitis but it was worth it.

I never thought to connect the embroidery technique done with a hook to crochet but I bet several people throughout history said "let's do some raised and stumpwork stitches in this tambour embroidery - you know what I bet you could make a whole piece of fabric like this."

Crochet was one of the hobbies I took up in 2020 quarantine! I was just working on a crochet project and wanted some history in the background. I LOVE your approach, delivery, editing... everything!! Definitely hit that subscribe button HARD. ❤

I was taught by the nuns to crochet edges round embroidered doilies for dressing table. I was ten years old.. i am now 72 and i have taught crochet and still crocheting. have made so many things over the years and helped many people learn this skill. i crochet from fine cottons to thick wool,

I am from the Netherlands and there are two things that slightly bothered me during this video. Right at the beginning you say in Dutch (which is the language used in the Netherlands) we use the term crochet. We actually have a different name for crochet which is “haken”. We only use the word crochet when talking to an English native speaker (because it’s the English word for the craft). And I am pretty sure in those other countries they use different words as well. Secondly you talked about the slip stitch and in Denmark they use the term pjoining, and you ask your Dutch friends to correct your pronunciation. I am not from Denmark so I wouldn’t know how to pronounce it. You are looking for someone who speaks Danish to correct your pronunciation for that word. I really liked the video concept and the information provided, but couldn’t leave the video without at least pointing out these things to you.

Definitely interesting. Would love to see a vudeo about what's going on today in crochet.

This was awesome. My great grandmother taught me when I was little and I have picked it up here and there throughout my life. It’s a really relaxing art form and I love that I have a family connection to it.

I have been an avidly crocheting since about 1977, and I still find the craft totally fascinating! Thank you so much, and KEEP IT COMING. :D

Truly fascinating! Thank you for putting together such a clear and concise video on the history of crochet. 😊

First pattern I ever learned was the chevron and I have always put fancy edging ... Imagine my delight when I saw the ancient sample you used ...😮...🎉... 😊

Would totally love a video about some of the current history of crochet! Also totally agree that the history needs to be preserved! More and more often I ask people about pieces they're wearing and if they made them/were gifted them and hardly anyone I come across knows how to crochet anymore.

Love this. Tons of great information, you weren’t long winded, which I really appreciate, and you covered a wide range of the history with some great photos. I can hardly imagine how much work you did to put together this video and how long it took to gather all the info and photos. Thank you.

Super historical info on crocheting.Yes, I would love to see a video on where crochet is going now. You did an exceptional job. Thx

Wonderful walk through crochet history. Very well researched and presented..thank you so much for all the knowledge and Information you found and provided..it kept me glued as I listened and watched..coming from a background of fashion and a self taught crocheter myself, I truly appreciate these videos you bring to us.🥰💋💖

This video must have taken so much time and research! I have done a little digging into the history myself, but it's all just so murky, that I've given up, defeated, time and time again. You made it all seem so clear and easy to understand! Thank you so much for putting together such fantastic learning resources for all of us!

I really appreciate this video because it covers a lot more and actually tries to get into where crochet could have originated. The threadwork found in the ancient Egyptian tomb really caught my eye. I’ve been trying to look into it but have come up with nothing, I can’t even find anything similar to it from that time. I see in your blog you included the link to talking crochet that talks about it but it brings me to their website and I can’t find the article or magazine it’s from. I would love to do more research on it and was wondering if you could help me out?

Fascinating history lesson, Littlejohn’s Yarns! I’m grateful you’ve created & shared this 🕊

I love your video about the history of crochet. You are very well spoken and very easy to follow. You do a wonderful job and I would love to know what's happening in crochet today and what fashion styles are popular in crochet. Thank you!

Can't believe ive only just come across this video, wow this was very educational. Im in the UK and have often wondered over the years why our terminology is different to yours! I've also just started learning Tambor as well, I know it as French Crochet though! Thank you for making this video! 💜💜💜💜💜

Great video. I don't think you covered rastafarian crochet hats, but I think that would be a great topic to discuss. Im also currently looking for history about that topic

Wow Alysha! This is fascinating! I had no idea about so much of the crochet history! I'm all about wine education. It's almost he weekend. The wine selection looks divine! 50% OFF! Oh yes!

This is the best video I have seen yet that talks about the history of crochet. I had so much fun learning as you walked us through history and I really appreciate that you took the time to find visuals to help tell the story. This made it so engaging and fun for me, a history lover and crocheter. I would LOVE to see more videos of old patterns that have been discovered as well as what's trending currently. I so enjoy your channel!

When my grandmother, who came from Switzerland, first lived in Jerome Az, worked in a general store. She would be friends with the Indian women. She would go to their homes on the reservation and teach them to knit and crochet. They in return made her a lovely woven rug, that she kept it her guest room. I wish I took that rug it ment alot to her.

Thank you for the informative video. I did not know crochet has a very long history. I am definitely interested in learning about the latest trends in crochet.

Awesome video, I often asked myself who invented crochet and now I know . And yes, I'd love to know what's happening in the wonderful crochet world now ☺️

I loved your video it was awesome to know how far back crocheting went that is pretty cool the hooks they use were so awesome looking thanks for sharing Little John 🧶🧶

Pjoining is not a Danish word, we have nothing even near. However “pjoning” is known in Norway at least (there’s a Wikipedia page - I googled it), other names (translates) are: Bosnian crochet, tapestry crochet, hookbinding, mosaic crochet and “påting” - probably a Norwegian deriviation of “pjoning”

Wow! Great video. Very comprehensive and well thought out. I think it's safe to say, based on all your research, that crochet basically evolved into the artform it is today. That Egyptian chevron stitch was definitely crocheted. I believe the only reason they have not dated crochet further back in history is because they have not found some kind of crochet hook.... yet. I've been crocheting regularly for about 15 years now, though I originally learned to crochet from my mother when I was a teenager back in the 1970's. Every time I see new patterns on RU-vid, I think of how my mother would have loved all these great tutorials. The only way to learn this much back then was if you belonged to a large knitting/crochet circle. And those were sometimes hard to find. But she taught me the basics (granny square, as well as all the basic stitches) and I made several items before I went on to try other needlework. In fact, I returned to crochet because I was looking for something I could make for gifts... and I realized I still had a small crocheted blanket I had made on a whim (in the 1970's) when I took the granny square pattern and just expanded on it until it was big enough to cover your lap-- or perfect for a baby's blanket. Through the years I used it as an ottoman cover, as a seat back cover, as a floor blanket for my own babies, then a toy-blanket when they played with their baby dolls, then as a pet's blanket. That little blanket is still with me today. It does look sort of worn but... I thought, if that blanket has survived all this time, what does that tell you about a crocheted gift? It tells ME it's the gift that LASTS. And, in fact, I also STILL have two afghans that were given to my children as gifts when they were born. My children are now 36 and 33. And, again, they are worn, no two ways about that. But they are still in quite good condition and will probably last another 20 years or more and are still very useful. If it seems strange that more hasn't survived from antiquity, remember the blankets I speak of were made with acrylic blend yarns (acrylic is a kind of plastic, you know.) But that is probably the reason so little ancient crochet work has not been found.

So cool! I work in a museum and since learning to crochet, I've gotten super interested in the history of it and other historical textiles. I'd love to try out an antique pattern!

I. LOVE. THIS! I enjoy learning the history of crochet! I want to do these things for my content as well. Crocheting will not die because I see so many young ones learning, and I've taught many how to do it myself. I'm so thankful that my mother taught me this when I was in elementary school. It is such a beautiful craft. The funny thing was when you mentioned the period where granny squares became popular in America, I was literally crocheting one, and I looked up and was like, "Aye!! I'm doing that right now!" XD Very informative video! You have a new subscriber!

I shared a link to this video with the crochet group I belong to on Facebook. I hope your viewership goes through the roof! This was fascinating! And I would definitely like to see another video on some more historical facts about crochet, or current trends (many of the women on our group do amigurumi), or even a discussion on what types of fibers were used in crochet through the centuries: linen from flax plants, cotton and wool, silks, and when did acrylic yarns hit the crochet scene? Thank you for this!

I don't know how I missed this before. I think my brain when away on vacation without me. Now that it's home, i fortunately found your post. THANK YOU SO FING MUCH this is the most in depth history that I've seen. I had tried to research this but wasn't confident in what I found. And I had found some of the info you did BUT YOU kicked the information higher. I love crocheting and I love history. It's like you made this post for little old me. Better yet you shouted it for the world. I am bowing down to your genius. It's amazing. Have you ever toyed with the idea of mixing your amazing creative mind as a modern tambour piece? I also wonder if mosaic crochet could be paired with tambour? Again, thank you so much. You put a ton of research into this and gave it away. That madame is special.🎉

I just finished a pair of slippers. I made them without a pattern, all kinds of scrap yarn and they don't look like each other but they are functional and im super proud. I appreciate the style though bc I'm a fan of "naive art". I really look forward to getting better at it and doing projects with an actual pattern and quality materials. It's really addicting. The feeling of accomplishment is similar to finishing a long book only it's better bc you get to enjoy them longer. Thanks for the video. I feel like this is going to be a new "thing" for me and I was very curious about the history of crochet.

So interesting, Miss Littlejohn 🤔 Thanks for sharing 👍 I'm looking forward to hearing more from you. PS....I love your video patterns

This was so interesting-I’ve often wondered about the origins of crochet. Thanks for doing all that research!

Thank you for sharing so much about the history behind crochet! I love the vast cultural diversity behind what is now modern crocheting 😍😍😍

Lovely video! Im so pleased whenever I come across another charming & knowledgeable presenter to follow. I’m happy to support your continued wine research. 😂

I love this video!! Thank you for all the info♡♡ thank you for all your hard work, research and gifting us with the information♡♡

Loved this video! Yes! I wanna know what's going on with chrochet right now? Such a neat well put together video. Thank you. Great research. ♡

Good job! I have wondered if Needle lace techniques had something to do with Crochet, historically. My family is from Italy and my grandmother crocheted elaborate designs from memory, being entirely illiterate. I suspect that crochet.. using a hook to pull thread through.. existed for centuries, but that making whole fabric using various stitches took time to develop and evolve.I have to use a hook when I tat, sew, even knit. I remember the rebirth of the crafts in the 1960s. It was very hard to find threads and tools but the magazines were great fun. Crocheted lace was considered poor women's lace because pillow lace is so expensive and time consuming... women were always trying to think of new ways to make their homes beautiful. I even have crocheted rugs.

Thank you. I never believed the intricate patterns made during the Victorian era just came out of no where. I know women knit and crocheted onboard the Titanic. It’s amazing to see Egyptian crochet. I’m glad that women over the ages had more to do than just embroider!

Thank you so much! This was SOOOO informative!

Hi I enjoyed this history ☺ I m 50's young lady and have interest in learning crochet language I've always loved the beautiful beautiful clothing but never tried until 3 weeks ago haven't been doing much been busy so now im learning so much thank you for the history 😊

Amazing vid , I absolutely luv luv luv learning about the start of crochet. You even had the attention of my family. Totally FANTASTICO!! Thanx so much, lots o luvs, alex h

I love learning the history of hand crafts .

People from Denmark are Danes, Dutch people are from the Netherlands (a.k.a Holland). So these are very different peoples belonging to two different countries in Europe. Actually, as a Dutch person I can tell you we don’t call it crochet. We call it ‘haken’ which literally translates to ‘hooking onto’ or ‘looping’ . Which makes sense when you think about it. We know the word crochet because many Dutch people speak excellent English but we don’t really use it. We use ‘haken’. Love the history lesson, though! Really cool! 😊

I found your channel last night and you’re my new binge watch! Thanks for putting out such great info

This is so interesting! Thanks for a very enlightening video😃! I’ll be sure to check in for more👏😃. By the way, in Sweden we call it “virka” (not crochet), which is related to the English word “work”.

Oh yes keep us updated dear!

Again thanks cause you really had to do your research I just love everything you do keep doing you and keeping us updated on all this good information

Very interesting discussion. Thank you. ❤ I marvel at the unnamed geniuses of history who developed ways to use a string and a stick to create such useful and beautiful items.

I adore the fact that you did this video! ❤️❤️❤️ I've been waiting for something like this. I love history so much. Thank you.

Loved this. The educator in you comes out in these videos. Again love this. Hope that you will make some more education or Meet the Makers.

Absolutely love this video! Definitely interested in seeing more videos about crochet including trends etc. Excellent video!

Thanks for all of your research work. The history of crochet is fascinating. I'd love to hear you discuss crocheting today.

Awesome job with this! This was a great watch!

Love it Love it 😙🙌❣️ thank you as always for keep us in the loop .

AMAZING VIDEO. ive always wondered about the history of this art form

Thank you for doing so much research on crochet. I never knew there was so much history to it and it went back so far in time. I really enjoyed this video.

I learned a lot from this! Thanks for putting this video together!

I couldn't decide if I wanted to watch crochet videos, or history videos today, so I searched crochet history lol. love this video, lots of interesting facts :)

Thank you for this video! I've often wondered about the history of crochet and where/how it originated. 😊

I'd love a video about today's crochet This one was very informative and fun, thank you very much 💚✨

Love the history presentation about crochet. Wow!! That far back in the B.C. So interesting. Good work in putting your presentation together.. 👏

Love this video! Thank you for sharing and doing the research.

I love crocheting, I don’t make much aside from blankets b/c I don’t like thinking about a pattern, it’s just fun to do

If ppl are interested, look into the history of ancient Peru. They had a style or tool to recorded things like you would with writting. Quipus (kee-poo), sometimes called talking knots, were recording devices used by the Inka Empire. And extremely interesting if you are obsesd with fiber art and history like me. It was a knots system in place of the written word.

Wow - I love the history of crochet. I was trying to look at that zig-zag pattern from ancient Egypt - similar yet unique. How amazing!! Obviously crochet was practiced, but not named that or perhaps not even discussed as such. 💜

Love this new content! This makes me appreciate my craft even more.

I'm very happy for that invention!!!!Makes me very happy and relaxed!!!!

Excellent bit of history. thanks for the video.

this is really cool! thank you for making this video 💖

I was just wondering this a few days ago and trying to research it! Thanks for this VERY interesting video.

Interesting!!! This info is gold dust Thanks for doing the research 👏

I dearly love that you have presented this

Thanks for this informative video! Most enjoyable!

Thank you for the time put into this. Very interesting. Would love to see whats happening now. Maybe even some old Irish lace would be fun too. Have a blessed day 🙏 ❣🙃

as a dutchie: we do not call it crochet. we call it haken! translates to hooking

Fascinating stuff. I seem to remember hearing that 19th century crochet lace was looked down upon because it was regarded as inferior to "proper" lace. It would also be interesting to see where Tunisian stitch fits in to the history of knitting and crochet, given that it seems like an intermediate. My own feeling is that both knitting and crochet are older than we think they are. Where knitting is concerned, there is the fascinating spread of different types of knitting around Europe (English with at least half a dozen variants, Continental with at least 3 distinct ways of forming purl stitches, and Portuguese which manages to make purl the easier stitch and knit the trickier). To me, that variety of styles suggests the craft has earlier roots than we have found. There are also some linguistic hints that knitting may have been around for a while, the words knit and knot hint at a relationship, with net possibly also being in that mix. (Net making involves some manoeuvres that look just a bit like weaving meets crochet.) Shakespeare wrote about sleep "knitting up the raveled sleeve of care" which suggests knitted sleeves were already well known in the 16th century.

Great video. Informative. Loved the historic information. 😁

Thank you so much for this informative and wholesome video.

That piece from ancient Egypt would do a beautiful summer top, I don't know how to crochet or knitting, because if I did, I would definitely do that piece for me ☺️

Love this! Lots of new information for me!

Oh Alisha! Best video ever! I am a history lover. I spend physically challenging days crocheting for a passel of kids, grandkids and greatgrandkids while listening to history vids. This is the best!

Oh I was so engrossed in this video on crochet history! Thank You!

Thanks for giving such a beautiful crochet information..I love crocheting..i feel relaxed when I made something with crochet.but sorry I am from India.and I am Indian housewife I don't like drinking alcohol....but crochet pattern making is my hobby..