What Is Crochet, What Does Crochet Mean & What to Crochet
Crochet is a way of creating fabric by using a special hook to join a single strand of yarn into a textile. This is achieved by looping the yarn in different ways with the crochet hook. Crochet is used for making blankets, scarves and clothing. Here is an in-depth discussion about just exactly what is crochet, what does crochet mean, and what to crochet to start it as a new hobby. Learn to crochet with the free resources on the Treasurie blog.
If you have ever wondered what is crochet and how to start when you have heard people talking, then this blog post is for you. I will explain everything about crochet, starting with a definition of what is crochet and then I’ll go through the basic types of stitches. The article will conclude with some easy crochet project suggestions.
What is Crochet?
Crochet is a form of needlework where you create fabric using a hook and yarn.
The basics of crochet go back as far as 6500 BC when was more like simple slip stitching. The evidence of actual pieces of fabric that look like crochet that have survived is found from around 900 – 1100 AD. The crochet, which is closer to what we know today, was developed in the 1500s and was generally used for church textiles. Nowadays, crochet has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity thanks to the internet with online communities and easily available patterns.
What Can You Crochet?
You can crochet absolutely anything that can be made from fabric. You can create garments of any type, for any age or size, accessories, stuffed toys, home décor, applique decorations such as flowers, washcloths, baby blankets, tote bags, a top, and so on. It is a limitless skill!
Some of the most popular items for beginners to crochet are
- Coasters
- Slippers
- Bags and purses
Is Crochet Easy?
Crochet is an easy craft to learn because you only have one hook and one strand of yarn to cope with! Of course, like learning any new skill, it does take some practice to master the movements required and build up muscle memory to be able to do it quickly and efficiently.
Confused by Crochet?
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Once you have got the basic crochet stitches, you can make all sorts of items before you even move on to the more advanced techniques.
Getting Started with Crochet
Like all new hobbies, knowing where to start can sometimes be difficult. If you would like a good overall article, read crocheting for beginners. Treaurie also has a lot of tutorials on its YouTube channel
Materials Needed for Crochet
The basic crochet tools you will need are a hook and some yarn.
- HOOKS – Hooks come in a variety of materials, such as steel, aluminum, bamboo, plastic, and wood. They also come in a variety of crochet hook sizes, as you will need to match your hook to the thickness of your yarn.
- YARN – Chunky, thick yarns need a thicker hook, and very fine threads of cotton need a very small hook.
- OTHER SUPPLIES – The other basic supplies you will need are scissors, a yarn needle, a tape measure, and stitch markers. It is also nice to have a cute project bag to keep your bits and pieces in!
Those will see you through any basic pattern. There are many more to learn once you start working with front posts or puff stitches, but you can absorb those once you get to them!
Basic Types of Crochet Stitches
The basic stitches comprise 6 basic types. These form the basis of many other stitches, and you will need these for a project. Different stitches give different textures and densities of fabric. When learning to crochet, you should learn the stitches in the following order.
Want to learn the actual stitches? Read my complete How to Crochet for Beginners guide.
Other Techniques You Will Need
Turning Stitches
You will have a turning chain at the start of each row. The amount of chains needed depends on which stitch you are working on, as each stitch is a different height, and you need your turning stitches to equal that height.
Intermediate Crochet Stitches
Here are many intermediate stitches that you can complete easily after learning the basics. Some of the most popular ones include:
Crochet Gauge
Crochet gauge is a measure of the size of your stitches. Your gauge needs to match the pattern designer’s gauge so that your garment works out to the correct size when complete.
How to Read A Pattern
To be able to read a crochet pattern, you need to be familiar with abbreviations and also need to know how to form the stitches required in the pattern. Usually, the pattern will give guidelines as to the difficulty level of the project. The skill level may be given as:
- BASIC – Beginner level
- EASY – Basic stitches with simple variations.
- INTERMEDIATE – A variety of stitches as well as shaping of the garment.
- COMPLEX OR EXPERIENCED – Many complex variations and techniques in repeating patterns, color changes, shaping, and finishing skills.
If you simply take the pattern slowly, step by step, and work out exactly what the instructions are saying before you dive in, you should be able to read and follow the pattern easily.
Where to Find Crochet Patterns
It is easy to find printed pattern leaflets at your local yarn store. There are many books and magazines which include patterns. Then, of course, there is the marvelous resource of the Internet. It is possible to find free patterns on many sites (such as this one!) as well as buy patterns from independent designers on sites such as Ravelry and Etsy.
Crochet And Knitting Compared
Here is a little about knitting vs crochet. Both of these crafts use yarn but have different stitches and techniques. Generally speaking, crocheting is easier than knitting because it uses one hook instead of two knitting needles and does not unravel or drop stitches as easily.
Crochet projects work up more quickly than knitting because the stitches are larger. It is easier to fix any mistakes you may make, as you don’t have to unravel multiple stitches at once and then pick them all up again- you simply pull out one stitch at a time until you reach your mistake.
Because of all the reasons given above, it is better to learn to crochet first. But some people just prefer knitting, so it is really up to your individual choice. Give both crafts a try, watch some videos on how to do both, physically try doing both, then decide which one you would like to concentrate on first.
What Is Crochet FAQs
The conventional name for such a person is a crocheter. This looks fine in writing but is actually very difficult to know how to pronounce! This name comes from the French word ‘crochetier’. Another name for crocheters is a hooker because of the hook you are using, but many people don’t like this name because of its negative connotations. Some people who crochet like to be called Fiber Artists or simply a Crafter. Another term that comes up regularly is ‘Yarnie’ because crocheters are definitely addicted to yarn!
It is both! As a beginner, it is more of a craft because you are using a set pattern and set combinations of stitches. However, as you become more confident in your abilities, you can work on original designs and stitch combinations. You can also start experimenting with free-form designs, which are most definitely in the fine art category. Here you will be using your hook and yarn as your creative medium instead of paint and paintbrushes.
Any yarn can be used for both crocheting and knitting. Some confusion may come in when it comes to very fine cotton yarn, which is used with a very small hook to make delicate lace items. This type of yarn can also be used for knitting and is not exclusive to crochet. The same goes for the opposite extreme- if you plan to make a warm winter item, you can use chunky yarn and a large hook- the thicker yarns can equally be used for both.
In Conclusion
I hope this article has answered any questions you may have had about what is crochet and what does crochet mean, and I hope it encourages you to take up this fantastic hobby! It is wonderful to create your own individual items of clothing as well as make accessories for your home in the perfect colors to suit the rest of your décor. Make gifts that are one of a kind and which will be much appreciated for all the effort you have put into them!
Author - Luisa Clare
Luisa Clare is the founder of Treasurie, a sewing and crochet education platform offering step-by-step tutorials and printable patterns. With over 15 years of experience in dressmaking, pattern design, crochet, and craft education, she specialises in teaching beginners through clear, easy-to-follow lessons. Her tutorials and patterns are used by home sewists and crocheters worldwide to build practical skills and confidence. Learn more about Luisa and Treasurie.
