Crochet: From being a pastime activity to summer staple, here's how this craft evolved overtime

Y2K trends are ruling the fashion world. And, now people are switching to a 'granny' fashion, that is the crochet knit clothes. Crochet has been approved by fashion enthusiasts and they are agreeing that their grandparents were right about a few things including outdated fashion.

In the recent past, several celebrities like Harry Styles, Priyanka Chopra, and Selena Gomez, among others hopped onto this viral crochet fashion trend. But it is worth taking a note that crochet has an interesting history which is more than just being a summer staple.

What is the crochet knitting technique?

Before we get into the history of crochet, let's get to know how this needlework technique works.

Crochet knitting is a needlework technique that is different from normal wool knitting. In crochet knitting only a single hooked tool is used to interconnect the loops of yarn. This technique gives more room for creating intricate patterns and delicate designs. From open cobweb-like weaves to closely knitted patterns, this technique allows them all.

History of Crochet

Crochet has a brief history but there is no verified source about the origin of this knitting technique. According to some researchers, crochet originated in Arabia and then it spread to other Mediterranean regions.

Some research suggests that this technique came from indigenous tribes in South America. But there is also some research that backs the claim of its origin from Chinese needlework and then this embroidery technique spread to other parts of the world like India, North Africa, Turkey and Persia.

As per some research, it was found that this needlework was spread around in the 1800s in Europe. At that time, Irish Potato Famine took place and crochet became a source of livelihood for Irish men and women.

Soon after this, a major Irish crochet movement took place and several crochet schools were formed to train people in this technique. Later, when the Irish started migrating to Northern America, they spread their popular crochet technique to the region and crochet became a major fashion staple in the US.

And now, cut to 2023, this is the only acceptable form of sweater people like to wear and feel comfortable in during summers. It was even a major highlight of the runway shows at the New York Fashion week spring/summer 2023.

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