- Cygnet Yarns
Crochet - history, facts and patterns
The Word 'CROCHET' comes from the French word 'CROCHE' meaning Hook, with one of the first published crochet patterns appearing in the 1800's. Starting from humble beginnings, shepherds would create slip stitch textured fabric for a warm and naturally waterproof garment.
Throughout time crochet and the art of crochet has changed, in the 1840's it helped Irish women who were struggling to make a living after the potato famine and gained a Royal seal of approval from Queen Victoria, through to decorative embellishments in the 20's and the 'make do and mend' attitude during the war in the 1940's, then came the crochet fashion and homewares seeing the crochet boom in the 60's & 70's.
The ‘granny square’ also came into vogue and launched the trend for a huge variety of blankets, clothes and accessories all from this one simple design.
Crochet is rated one of the top popular hobbies seeing the art of crochet take the form of Yarn Bombing, Charity Crochet ( the crochet boob being a favourite of ours Knitted Knockers), Crochet for therapy ( great for the mind, dexterity and reducing stress) and the social aspect with crochet groups 'Happy Hookers' and the like!
My Top 5 Crochet Facts or things you didn't know about Crochet
*Even though it takes less time to complete a crochet project, crochet uses up to a third more yarn than knitting
*Early Crocheters held their hooks in 'pencil mode' as it looked more dainty but the 'knife hold' became popular to reduce strain on the hand and wrist from things like carpal tunnel syndrome
*The Granny Square, originally published in 1897 by the Weldon Company is one of the longest crochet patterns in print
*The longest crocheted scarf measures 29.17 km (95, 725 ft) and was achieved by 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day (South Africa) at Mandela Capture Site, Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, on 29 July 2018.This record was attempted to pay tribute to the late Nelson Mandela.
*It's all about the Hashtag... the best #crochet tags used are #crochet #handmade #crochetersofinstagram #crocheting #amigurumi #yarn #crochetaddict #knitting #h #crochetlove #instacrochet #croche #diy #knit #love #craft #croch #fashion #ganchillo #crochetlover #o #baby #knittersofinstagram #etsy #boxbraids #makersgonnamake #artesanato #crochetinspiration #keln #bhfyp
Why not give us a follow on Instagram @cygnet_yarns to see latest yarns, patterns and all things Cygnet.
Also here is a link to some beautiful Boho Crochet by the lovely Loopy Mable Vintage Style in our Boho Spirit
We have a number of free crochet patterns... click the logo to take you to our website where you can download patterns using all of our beautiful yarns.
From Crochet blankets using Cygnet DK
..to Seriously Chunky Prints Wild Baskets
...to Boho Spirit Scarves and Shawls
and a variety of cute Crochet toys
