Crocheting is an art of creating fabric from yarn or thread using a crochet hook. The origin of crochet can be traced back to the early 1800s when the lace made materials were much expensive than the crochet products. It became an emblem of social status in Europe as some communities used crochet items simply to convey that they can afford crochet products and other lace made items. And thus in course of time crocheting evolved more and more as a status symbol rather than a creative art version. Crocheting craft usually involves threads and yarns which are rather less expensive.

The clothing tradition of China, Saudi Arabia, and Brazil has led some to reach the belief that crocheting and knitting evolved in these countries. But there are evidences that crocheting has long before established itself in Europe as a main means of livelihood among people living in villages and communities. Wearing a crochet product was considered prestigious by many royalties.

Nowadays crocheting is an art. Variety of yarns and threads are there to help one make a crochet item. The choice of texture and color will depend upon the pattern and design of the crochet. The basic types of yarns that you may find now in the market include worsted weight, baby/fingering, chunky, sport/baby, and the bulky types of yarns, that are usually used in crocheting and knitting.

Usually it’s the type label that distinguishes the yarn’s quality. This helps in making out which particular yarn would be suitable for a specific crochet product. The amount of skein, gauge, care instructions, and the fiber content of the yarns etc are factors that ought to be considered.

Besides yarn, some other supplies are needed to create a particular crochet product.

1. The knitting needles are very essential as far as crocheting is considered. Usually, aluminum, wooden and plastic made materials constitute the knitting needle. They are available in different sizes from 2 millimeters to 15 millimeters. They are purchased in pairs where they feature a knob and pointed edges. This design has got a special purpose. The needle is likely to slide when it is left on the unfinished crochet product. The design prevents this.

2. The crochet hooks are used for holding the loops of thread used in crocheting. They also draw the stitches made from loosening and sliding from the chain stitches. Aluminum, plastic and wooden materials will do for the crochet hooks too. Handling ease and the affordable cost nature of the wooden crochets made them popular than the others.

3. The pattern diagram is of great importance. Most patterns are usually easy to follow especially if the person is highly skilled in crocheting. Simple and basic patterns become for the beginners. It will help them practice and thereby understand the basics of crocheting.

4. Books and magazines that will provide sufficient information regarding crocheting can turn out to be resourceful. There are instructional diagrams to make a crochet scarf, crochet hat, crochet bag, crochet pillow, and other items that can be possibly made in crochet.

5. Special crochet products demand special supplies. Stainless steel crochet hooks requires lace made and doilies to be worked on. These special hooks differ in size compared to those regular wooden hooks.

Crochet products are mostly made for the pleasure of creating beautiful patterned designs. They may be displayed in exhibitions especially if the tools and supplies that were used are certified crochet materials. How long it took to be made by a person decides the price of the crochet product. Apart from the mere creativity motives, crochet making has evolved as a main income source too.

Tags: crochet, income source, knitting needles, status symbol