A Short Crochet History Lesson

Did you know that crochet has roots going back centuries, possibly even to the Medici period? While the exact origins of crochet remain a bit of a mystery, there are fascinating glimpses of similar needlework techniques during this time. I thought it’d be fun to take a trip through crochet history and see how it’s evolved into the craft we love today!

Let’s start in Italy during the Medici era, around the 16th century. While crochet as we know it wasn’t fully developed yet, there were related techniques popping up, like tambour embroidery and lacework. The Medici family, known for their love of the arts, influenced fashion trends that included intricate lace pieces. These early forms of lace-making used hooks and were crafted by skilled artisans to create detailed designs for clothing and home decor. While it wasn’t exactly the crochet of today, it’s believed these methods played a part in the evolution of crochet as it started to take shape in later centuries.

Fast forward to the 1800s, when crochet really came into its own across Europe. It was no longer just a fancy art reserved for the wealthy, but a way for people of all classes to create affordable lace, clothing, and accessories. During the Victorian era, crochet became a go-to for creating intricate lace doilies, collars, and home decor. But crochet wasn’t just about fashion; it also played a crucial role in survival. During the Irish Potato Famine, women used their crochet skills to make and sell lace to support their families, giving rise to the famous Irish crochet lace.

Crochet’s journey didn’t stop there. It traveled around the world, blending with different cultures and becoming a part of many traditional crafts. From Japanese Amigurumi to African textile motifs, crochet’s versatility and adaptability are truly remarkable. And today? Crochet has had a modern resurgence, evolving far beyond the classic granny squares. People of all ages are using crochet to make everything from trendy clothing to massive art pieces—and they’re loving it!

Isn’t it amazing to think that something as simple as yarn and a hook has such a rich history, stretching from the Medici era to today? The next time you pick up your crochet project, you’re continuing a tradition that’s been stitched together by generations before you.