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CROCHET

  • Writer: disha goyal
    disha goyal
  • May 28, 2021
  • 4 min read

Crochet is a craft that is created by weaving loops to form a fabric and the process of creating this textured fabric is known as crochet. This technique has a long history starting from the 1800s and just like Macramé it is believed that it was first done in Arabian countries. The number of stitches that exist are incalculable on fingers, some of the common ones being single crochet stitch, double stitch, slip stitch, half double stitch etc. Innovative materials such as metal, wire, fabric , twine etc. are also being used. It all depends on one's ability to think beyond regular.


Materials required

  • Yarn

  • Crochet hooks

  • Scissors

  • Darning needle

  • Measuring tape (if required)


The process

  1. Make a Slip Knot- Begin the slip knot by laying the yarn down and looping it. Making sure your short piece, the tail, is on top of the long yarn. Next, flip the whole thing down, onto the longer yarn. Grab the middle yarn between your thumb and forefinger and pull the middle yarn out gently. Hang on to tail and pull the loop tight.

  2. Tighten the Loop- Pick up the loop in your left hand and slide the hook into the loop and tighten the loop around the hook. Not too tight, there should be some give.

  3. How to Hold the Thread- Turn the long side of the thread around your pinkie and twist it around your index finger. Grab the short side, the tail, with your middle and ring fingers. Hold the hook in your right hand. This way of holding the thread and hook will create enough space to move the hook and it keeps tension on the thread. There are multiple ways to keep your thread and hook, find out what works the best for you.

  4. Begin the Chain- Begin with the starting chain stitch by twisting the thread around the hook and pull it through the loop.

  5. Finish the Chain- Don't make the loop too tight and continue to the second loop by pulling the thread trough the second loop. Keep continuing until you have a chain.

  6. Begin the First Row- To start the first row of single crochet insert the hook in the second chain from the hook. You now have two loops around your hook.

  7. Crocheting the Chained Row- Catch the yarn in your left hand with the hook and pull it through the first loop. This will leave you again with two loops on your hook. Catch the yarn again with your hook and pull it through both loops. Repeat these steps until you get to the end of the chained row.

  8. Finish- To finish, cut the long side of the yarn and pull it through the loop. To crochet more rows, chain one stitch at the end of each of the end of your row and turn your crocheting over to start the next row. Remember, it doesn't matter what you're crocheting, it only matters that you're doing it!! :)


Crochet made it's foray into fashion and has received universal acceptance. This proves that the never ending work and hours that actually go into crochet are so alluring that over the years it has finally reached the Runways.

Here are some very interesting examples when crochet was on the runway and left us dazzled

  • HYPERBOLIC CROCHET - Mathematical approaches to crochet have resulted in organically shaped creations that mimic the shapes of hyperbolic structures, such as those found in coral reefs.

  • CAROLINA HERRERA SPRING/SUMMER 2019- Crochet looked vibrant on the Carolina Herrera runway as an orange bodysuit and cardigan set.

  • BALMAIN- The Balmain 2017 resort collection featured beautiful crochet in bold colors, in this case with an emphasis on color blocking and combining crochet stitches with other mediums and techniques.

  • MICHAEL KORS SPRING/SUMMER 2019- Michael Kors showed a bohemian-minded crocheted option on the Spring 2019 runway, including this multicolored dress and a matching hat.

  • MISSONI SPRING/SUMMER 2019- As a fashion house built on its high-end knits, it makes perfect sense that Missoni would promote the crochet look for Spring 2019. Here, a tiered dress shows how layered the trend can be.

  • ANNA SUI SPRING/SUMMER 2015- Known for her bohemian aesthetic, crochet looks right at home on Anna Sui's runway.


MULTI PURPOSE HOLDER

This is my first experiment with crochet, where I made a multi purpose holder. Initially I made it for my perfume but later I realized it could hold other objects too. Honestly this certainly did not turn out right for me at my first attempt as I kept doing the wrong way which left me in a state of daze. I thought of leaving it midway but then it's whimsical nature didn't allow me to. I was amused at the final results and I'm glad I didn't give up!


This cap is a fusion of embroidery and crochet. The floral pattern is done using wool but the technique used is bullion knot and chain stitch. It took me almost two weeks to finish this piece. While making this cap I realized crochet requires calmness and composure. I just can't get my eyes off this stunning cap!


One very important thing to note is that Knitting and Crochet are not the same. It is a common misconception. In the process of knitting two long needles are used while in crochet a single hook is used. Knitting can be done by hand, machine or loom while crochet can only be handcrafted. Also in crochet the stitches are more in number and remain tight, it is also faster compared to knitting.


Crocheting has become my favorite pass time! So sit back and crochet your story. Do share your vibes and comment!


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