CRAFT PROFILE: Crochet

It’s official – crochet is cool: regularly appearing on magazine covers and even making an appearance at London Fashion Week . A favourite craft for yarn bombers (check out Magda Sayeg), crochet will be featured at the 2012 London Olympics in the form of three 30ft lions from “crochetdermy” artist Shauna Richardson.

So, what makes crochet so appealing? Like knitting, crochet is about creating fabric from yarn and essentially pulling loops through other loops, but here the similarity ends. In crochet only one loop is “active” at a time, there is only one implement (the hook) with which to potentially stab yourself and - an even bigger bonus for beginners – crochet doesn’t run if you drop or break a stitch. Crochet results in a thicker fabric than knitting and tends to have less "give". It’s more yarn hungry - using around a third more yarn than knitting, but grows more quickly as stitch length is longer. With its own special language of symbols it can even be used in maths (the underlying mathematical structure is useful for illustrating shapes in hyperbolic geometry.. . apparently). Admittedly, these probably aren’t the reasons why crochet is currently in vogue.

History

The early origins of crochet are distinctly hazy with no records or surviving examples in existence before the 1800s. Published instructions for crochet lace work began appearing in the 1840s. Predominantly decorative and chiefly the domain of the wealthy, crochet lace work was introduced as a form of famine relief during the Great Irish Famine and led to the popularity of Irish lace throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. While the crochet hooks of poor Irish workers were typically a bent needle in a cork handle, other hooks of the time were crafted from silver, brass or ivory and designed to show off the delicacy of a lady’s hands (something to bear in mind when showing your skills off on the bus!). The popularity of the craft waned after World War 1 but a resurgence in home crafts from the late 40s to 60s – particularly in the US – led to renewed interest. For a time crochet headed the way of the doll-skirt-loo-roll-holder, but thanks to contemporary crafters recognizing the craft’s potential for versatility, beauty and artistry it has made a comeback.

The Experts

With her eye very much on the vintage appeal of crochet items, Emma Lamb specialises in gorgeous home wares: granny cushions, pot holders, flower garlands, and floor throws. “There are many things to love about crochet” Emma enthuses, “from the elegant simplicity of the basic stitches to snuggling up in a cosy blanket you have made yourself. But the thing that has me truly passionate about crochet is the way it allows me to explore and experiment with beautiful colour.” Inspired by everything from the colours of the changing seasons to the aged shades of fabulous vintage finds, Emma’s pieces are a great showcase for her colour adventures.

Sylvia... tiny wee crochet granny cushion by Emma Lamb

Aggie... decorative crochet floor throw by Emma Lamb

wee flower charms by Emma Lamb

Designer of the now infamous apple cosies featured on issue 1 of Mollie Makes, Sara of OneChurchillsGreen is a recent convert to crochet. “I started crocheting two years ago and haven't looked back. For me it's a form of relaxation and stimulation all rolled in to one - I love working on and creating new patterns/ideas in an almost mathematical way, but once I know which direction I'm going in I can just relax and go with the project. It is very liberating; you can head in all sorts of directions from cosy apple jackets to fine lace work.” While Sara clearly has a natural talent for pattern design that may be intimidating for those about to embark upon their first foundation chain, she is keen to assure us of the craft’s accessibility “It's so easy to pick up and put down, there's only over one stitch on your hook!”

Apple Cosies by OneChurchillsGreen

The floral embellishments and jewellery of Flowers by Irene clearly demonstrates the crafts potential for delicacy and precision. Sharing her passion with others is a driving force behind Irene’s craft: “Crochet for me is a huge part of my life, my inspiration and one of my best friends. I appreciate that people like my crochet and knitting works, it makes me feel more involved in their lives as they tell me the stories behind their orders. And I am really happy when my things make their days.” Check out Irene’s tutorials on You Tube. 

Crochet Bright Flower Brooch Pin by FlowersbyIrene

Crochet Pansies Flower Appliques by FlowersbyIrene

Amigurumi enthusiast Donna of Cute Designs began her path to crochet with a love of the Japanese aesthetic of kawaii or cuteness. “My little critters... all share a temporary safe home with myself until they can be re-homed to loving new parents”

Amigurumi Light Brown Monkey by Cute Designs

Amigurumi Little Orange Bunny Rabbit by Cute Designs

Amigurumi Brown Acorn by Cute Designs

Materials and Method

All you need is a hook, yarn and a pattern! Crochet begins with placing a slip-knot loop on the hook and pulling another loop through this first loop, until a chain of a suitable length has been created. This is called the foundation chain. Stitches (of which there are a variety) are then made into each chain of this foundation row and it is either worked in rows or in the round. There are hundreds of how-tos on the web, stacks of books and an ever increasing number of courses available to help you along.

Featured crafters:

• Emma Lamb
• OneChurchillsGreen
• FlowersbyIrene
• Cute Designs