View source for Crochet

{{Short description|Technique of creating lace or fabric from thread using a hook}}
{{other uses}}
{{More citations needed|date=March 2023}}
[[File:Table-cloth 2008-1.jpg|thumb|Detail of a Portuguese crocheted tablecloth, about 1970]]
'''Crochet''' ({{IPAc-en|lang|pron|k|r|oʊ|ˈ|ʃ|eɪ}};<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/crochet |title=crochet |publisher=Dictionary.reference.com |access-date=2012-04-28}}</ref> {{IPA|fr|kʁɔʃɛ|lang}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wordreference.com/fren/crochet |title=crochet |publisher=Wordreference.com |access-date=2012-04-28}}</ref>) is a process of creating [[textile]]s by using a [[crochet hook]] to interlock loops of [[yarn]], [[thread (yarn)|thread]], or strands of other materials.<ref name="Crochet">{{cite web| url= http://www.thefreedictionary.com/crochet|title=Crochet|publisher=The Free Dictionary By Farlex|access-date=2012-05-23}}</ref> The name is derived from the French term ''crochet'', which means ''''hook'.'''<ref>{{Cite book |last=Earnshaw |first=Pat |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Kf_atmcxERcC&dq=The+crochet+name+is+derived+from+the+French+term+croc,+which+means+'hook'&pg=PP1 |title=A Dictionary of Lace |date=1999-01-01 |publisher=Courier Corporation |isbn=978-0-486-40482-0 |language=en}}</ref> Hooks can be made from different materials (aluminum, steel, metal, wood, bamboo, bone, etc.), sizes, and types (in-line, tapered, ergonomic, etc.). The key difference between crochet and [[knitting]], beyond the implements used for their production, is that each stitch in crochet is completed before the next one, while [[knitting]] keeps many stitches open at a time. Some variant forms of crochet however, such as [[Tunisian crochet]] and [[Broomstick lace]], do keep multiple crochet stitches open at a time.

==Etymology==
The word crochet is derived from the [[French language|French]] word {{Lang|fr|crochet}}, a diminutive of ''croche'', in turn from the [[Germanic languages|Germanic]] ''croc'', both meaning "hook".<ref name="Crochet"/> It was used in 17th-century French [[lace]]-making, where the term c''rochetage'' designated a stitch used to join separate pieces of lace. The word ''crochet'' subsequently came to describe both the specific type of textile and the hooked needle used to produce it.<ref>[[Santina M. Levey]], ''Lace: a History'', Victoria & Albert Museum, London, 1983, {{ISBN|090128615X}}, p. 92</ref> 

In 1567, the tailor of [[Mary, Queen of Scots]], [[Jean de Compiègne|Jehan de Compiegne]], supplied her with silk thread for sewing and crochet, "''soye à coudre et crochetz''".<ref>Teulet, 'Maison de Marie-Stuart', ''Relations Politiques'', vol. 2 (Paris, 1862), p. 273.</ref>

==Origins==
[[File:Orvieto crochet.jpg|thumb|19th century crochet from [[Orvieto]], Italy]]

Knitted textiles survive from [[History of knitting|as early as the 11th century CE]], but the first substantive evidence of crocheted fabric emerges in Europe during the 19th century.<ref>Lis Paludan, ''Crochet: History & Technique'', Interweave Press, Loveland CO, {{ISBN|1883010098}}, p. 76</ref> Prior to the 19th century, classifications often failed to distinguish between crochet and knitting.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Karp |first=Cary |date=2018-07-03 |title=Defining Crochet |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00404969.2018.1491689 |journal=Textile History |language=en |volume=49 |issue=2 |pages=208–223 |doi=10.1080/00404969.2018.1491689 |issn=0040-4969|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Earlier work identified as crochet was commonly made by [[nålebinding]], a different looped yarn technique. There are three main theories for the origin of crochet.<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal |last=Myers |first=Cathy |date=July–August 2011 |title=Hooked on crochet |url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A259465924/PPGL?u=uarizona_main&sid=bookmark-PPGL&xid=61cd3d48 |journal=Countryside & Small Stock Journal |volume=95 |issue=4 |pages=77+ |via=Gale Onefile}}</ref> Some believe that its beginnings can be traced to the Arab trade route, originating in Arabia and spreading to Tibet and then Spain as well as other Mediterranean countries.<ref name=":2" /> The second theory places crochet in South America where it was used as adornment in a tribe's puberty ritual.<ref name=":2" /> The third notes the use of crochet in China where early examples of dolls were worked entirely in crochet.<ref name=":2" />

[[File:Illustration of a crocheted purse in the Dutch monthly publication, "Penélopé", from 1824.png|left|thumb|A crocheted purse described in 1823 in ''Penélopé'']]

The first known published instructions for crochet explicitly using that term to describe the craft in its present sense appeared in the Dutch magazine ''Penélopé'' in 1823. This includes a color plate showing five styles of purse, of which three were intended to be crocheted with silk thread.<ref>[https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Penélopé_of_maandwerk_aan_het_vrouwelijk_geslacht?id=PtFeAAAAcAAJ] A. B. Van Meerten, ''Penélopé, of, Maandwerk aan het vrouwelijk geslacht toegewijd'', Amsterdam, 1824, pp. 90–94</ref> The first is "simple open crochet" (''crochet simple ajour''), a mesh of chain-stitch arches. The second (illustrated here) starts in a semi-open form (''demi jour''), where chain-stitch arches alternate with equally long segments of slip-stitch crochet, and closes with a star made with "double-crochet stitches" (''dubbelde hekelsteek'': double-crochet in British terminology; single-crochet in US).<ref>Sarah Hazell, ''200 Crochet Stitches'', Search Press, Kent, 2013, {{ISBN|978-1-84448-963-3}}</ref> The third purse is made entirely in double-crochet. The instructions prescribe the use of a [[Tambour lace|tambour]] [[Crochet needle|needle]] (as illustrated below) and introduce a number of decorative techniques.

The earliest dated reference in English to garments made of cloth produced by looping [[yarn]] with a hook—shepherd's knitting—is in ''The Memoirs of a Highland Lady'' by [[Elizabeth Grant (diarist)|Elizabeth Grant]] (1797–1830). The journal entry, itself, is dated 1812 but was not recorded in its subsequently published form until some time between 1845 and 1867, and the actual date of publication was first in 1898.<ref>Elizabeth Grant, [https://archive.org/stream/memoirsofhighlan00graniala#page/182/ ''The Memoirs of a Highland Lady''], John Murray, London, 1898 p. 182.</ref> Nonetheless, the 1833 volume of ''Penélopé'' describes and illustrates a shepherd's hook, and recommends its use for crochet with coarser yarn.<ref>A. B. Van Meerten, [http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=umn.31951002797142b;view=1up;seq=176 ''Penélopé, of, Maandwerk aan het vrouwelijk geslacht toegewijd''], Amsterdam, 1833, pp. 152</ref>

In 1844, one of the numerous books discussing crochet that began to appear in the 1840s states:

{{blockquote|Crochet needles, sometimes called ''Shepherds' hooks'', are made of [[steel]], [[ivory]], or box-wood. They have a hook at one end similar in shape to a fish-hook, by which the wool or silk is caught and drawn through the work. These instruments are to be procured of various sizes...<ref>[https://archive.org/stream/handbookofneedle00lamb#page/92/] Miss Lambert, ''Hand-book of Needlework'', New York City, 1842, p.92</ref>}}

Two years later, the same author writes:

{{blockquote|Crochet, — a species of knitting originally practised by the peasants in Scotland, with a small hooked needle called a shepherd's hook, — has, within the last seven years, aided by taste and fashion, obtained the preference over all other ornamental works of a similar nature. It derives its present name from the French; the instrument with which it is worked being by them, from its crooked shape, termed 'crochet.' This art has attained its highest degree of perfection in England, whence it has been transplanted to France and Germany, and both countries, although unjustifiably, have claimed the invention.<ref>Miss Lambert, [https://archive.org/stream/mycrochetsample00lambgoog#page/13/ ''My Crochet Sampler''], London, 1844, pp. 9–10</ref>}}

An instruction book from 1846 describes ''Shepherd or single crochet'' as what in current international terminology is either called single crochet or slip-stitch crochet, with U.S. terminology always using the latter (reserving single crochet for use as noted above).<ref>Nancy Nehring, ''Learn Slip Stitch Crochet'', Annie's Attic, Berne, IN, 2008, {{ISBN|1596352159}}, p. 2</ref> It similarly equates "Double" and "French crochet".<ref>Mlle. Riego de la Branchardiere, [https://archive.org/stream/knittingcrochet00brangoog#page82 ''Knitting, Crochet, and Netting''], London, 1846, p. 57</ref>

[[File:Encyclopedie volume 2-140.png|right|thumb|Tambour embroidery in the Diderot Encyclopedia]]

Notwithstanding the categorical assertion of a purely British origin, there is solid evidence of a connection between [[France|French]] tambour [[embroidery]], french [[passementerie]] and crochet. A form of hook known as crochet was used to create 'chains in the air' as part of passementerie back in the 17th century. This is confirmed by a patent issued to the passementiers by [[Louis XIV]] in 1653, and there are earlier decorative examples of this technique. The patent lists various items, including "thread for embroidery, enhanced and embellished as done with a needle, on thimbles, on the fingers, on a crochet, and on a bobbin." Similarly, chain stitch appears in [[Elizabeth I|Queen Elizabeth I]]'s wardrobe accounts, starting in 1558, with further references to garments bordered with 'cheyne lace' in other inventories. One example from 1588 describes "a long cloak of murry velvet, with a border of small cheyne lace of Venice silver." While the exact design of the 1653 crochet is unclear, a 1723 French dictionary by [[Jacques Savary des Brûlons]] describes a crochet as a small iron instrument, three or four inches long, with a pointed, curved end and a wooden handle, used by passementiers for tasks like creating hat seams and attaching flowers to mesh. It is most likely that the hook used in crochet came from the ones used by the French pessamenterie industry.<ref>{{cite journal | url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/00404969.2018.1491689 | doi=10.1080/00404969.2018.1491689 | title=Defining Crochet | date=2018 | last1=Karp | first1=Cary | journal=Textile History | volume=49 | issue=2 | pages=208–223 | url-access=subscription }}</ref>
French tambour embroidery and the crochet needle used for it was illustrated in detail in 1763 in [[Encyclopédie|Diderot's Encyclopedia]]. The tip of the needle shown there is indistinguishable from that of a present-day inline crochet hook and the chain stitch separated from a cloth support is a fundamental element of the latter technique. The 1823 ''Penélopé'' instructions unequivocally state that the tambour tool was used for crochet and the first of the 1840s instruction books uses the terms ''tambour'' and ''crochet'' as synonyms.<ref>[https://archive.org/stream/TheLadysAssistantForExecutingUsefulAndFancyDesignsInKnitting/gaugain_lady_01#page/n8/] Mrs. Gaugain, ''The Lady's Assistant for Executing Useful and Fancy Designs in Knitting, Netting and Crotchet Work'', Edinburgh, 1840</ref> This equivalence is retained in the 4th edition of that work, 1847.<ref>[https://archive.org/stream/ladysassistantfo01gaug] [[Jane Gaugain]], ''The Lady's Assistant for Executing Useful and Fancy Designs in Knitting, Netting and Crochet Work'', 4th ed., 1847</ref>

[[File:Tapered-hooks.png|thumb|left|100px|Shepherd's hook, 19th-century tapered hook, modern inline hook]]
The strong taper of the shepherd's hook eases the production of slip-stitch crochet but is less amenable to stitches that require multiple loops on the hook at the same time. Early yarn hooks were also continuously tapered but gradually enough to accommodate multiple loops. The design with a cylindrical shaft that is commonplace today was largely reserved for tambour-style steel needles. Both types gradually merged into the modern form that appeared toward the end of the 19th century, including both tapered and cylindrical segments, and the continuously tapered bone hook remained in industrial production until World War II.{{Citation needed|date=March 2023}}

The early instruction books make frequent reference to the alternative use of 'ivory, bone, or wooden hooks' and 'steel needles in a handle', as appropriate to the stitch being made. {{Citation needed|date=March 2023}} Taken with the synonymous labeling of shepherd's- and single crochet, and the similar equivalence of French- and double crochet, there is a strong suggestion that crochet is rooted both in tambour embroidery and shepherd's knitting, leading to thread and yarn crochet respectively; a distinction that is still made. The locus of the fusion of all these elements—the "invention" noted above—has yet to be determined, as does the origin of shepherd's knitting.

Shepherd's hooks are still being made for local slip-stitch crochet traditions.{{citation needed|date=October 2022}} The form in the accompanying photograph is typical for contemporary production. A longer continuously tapering design intermediate between it and the 19th-century tapered hook was also in earlier production, commonly being made from the handles of forks and spoons.{{Citation needed|date=March 2023}}

==Irish crochet==
{{main|Irish crochet lace}}

[[File:Irish crochet.jpg|thumb|[[Irish crochet]] lace, late 19th century. The design of this example is closely based on Flemish [[needle lace]] of the 17th century.]]
In the 19th century, as Ireland was facing the [[Great Irish Famine|Great Irish Famine (1845–1849)]], crochet lace work was introduced as a form of famine relief<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/art/crochet-craft|title=Crochet &#124; craft|website=Encyclopedia Britannica}}</ref> (the production of crocheted lace being an alternative way of making money for impoverished Irish workers).<ref name="Crochet Lace Exhibit Catalog">[http://lacismuseum.org/exhibit/Irish%20Crochet%20Lace.pdf Irish Crochet Lace Exhibit Catalog] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100601222756/http://lacismuseum.org/exhibit/Irish%20Crochet%20Lace.pdf |date=2010-06-01 }} Lacis Museum of Lace and Textiles. 2005.</ref> Men, women, children joined a co-operative in order to crochet and produce products to help with famine relief during the Great Irish Famine. Schools to teach crocheting were started. Teachers were trained and sent across Ireland to teach this craft. When the Irish immigrated to the Americas, they were able to take with them crocheting.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.crochet.org/?page=CrochetHistory|title=Crochet History - Crochet Guild of America (CGOA) |website=www.crochet.org|access-date=2017-01-22|archive-date=2017-02-02|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202012440/http://www.crochet.org/?page=CrochetHistory}}</ref> Mademoiselle Riego de la Branchardiere is generally credited with the invention of [[Irish Crochet]], publishing the first book of patterns in 1846. Irish lace became popular in Europe and America, and was made in quantity until the first World War.<ref>[http://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2005-04-19/article/21207?headline=The-Art-That-Saved-the-Irish-From-Starvation-By-ZELDA-BRONSTEIN-&status=301|The Art That Saved the Irish From Starvation] by Zelda Bronstein.  Berkeley Daily Planet, April 19, 2005.</ref>

==Modern practice and culture==
Fashions in crochet changed with the end of the [[Victorian era]] in the 1890s. Crocheted laces in the new [[Edwardian era]], peaking between 1910 and 1920, became even more elaborate in texture and complicated stitching.{{citation needed|date=October 2022}}

[[File:AnselAdamscrochet.jpg|thumb|left|upright|[[Filet crochet]] by an internee at [[Manzanar]] War Relocation Center, 1943. Photograph by [[Ansel Adams]]]]
The strong Victorian colors disappeared, though, and new publications called for white or pale threads, except for fancy purses, which were often crocheted of brightly colored silk and elaborately beaded. After World War I, far fewer crochet patterns were published, and most of them were simplified versions of the early 20th-century patterns.{{citation needed|date=October 2022}} After [[World War II]], from the late 1940s until the early 1960s, there was a resurgence in interest in home crafts, particularly in the United States, with many new and imaginative crochet designs published for colorful doilies, potholders, and other home items, along with updates of earlier publications. These commercial pattern books, such as the ''Kentucky Rug Yarns'' series, published by the January and Wood company, provided simplified instructions for practical household items.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Company (Maysville |first=Ky ) January & Wood |url=https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/65645 |title=Kentucky Rug Yarns Vol. 5: RugsEasy to follow instructions and diagrams for colorful rugs, hats, pillows and other items |date=2021-06-20 |language=English}}</ref> These patterns called for thicker threads and yarns than in earlier patterns and included variegated colors. The craft remained primarily a homemaker's art until the late 1960s and early 1970s, when the new generation picked up on crochet and popularized granny squares, a motif worked in the round and incorporating bright colors.
[[File:Crochet cat example.jpg|thumb|Examples of crocheted articles of clothing made specifically for a cat]]
[[File:Gold Short Jacket by Sybil Connolly - Button Detail.jpg|thumb|Detail on gold thread crochet in a mid-20th century short jacket designed by [[Sybil Connolly]]]]  
Although crochet underwent a subsequent decline in popularity, the early 21st century has seen a revival of interest in handcrafts and [[Do it yourself|DIY]], as well as improvement of the quality and varieties of yarn. As well as books and classes, there are YouTube tutorials and TikTok videos to help people who may need a clearer explanation to learn how to crochet.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McFadden |first=Debbie |title=Bettendorf crochet expert is a You Tube star |url=https://www.kwqc.com/2022/01/31/bettendorf-knitting-expert-is-you-tube-star/ |access-date=2022-03-10 |website=www.kwqc.com |date=31 January 2022 |language=en}}</ref> Crochet has been used as a medium to explore identity and self-expression in educational programs, bridging the gap between art and technology. The repetitive nature of the craft is also used as a therapeutic tool for stress relief, depression, and anxiety.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Govil |first=Priya |last2=Chanana |first2=Bhawana |last3=Mundkur |first3=Suman |date=2024-11-27 |title=The Evolution of Crochet: Tools, Techniques, and Artistic Trends |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/387268341_The_Evolution_of_Crochet_Tools_Techniques_and_Artistic_Trends |journal=High Technology Letters |via=ResearchGate}}</ref>

The [[COVID-19 pandemic]] has contributed to the rise of crocheting, since people were staying inside more and wanted to pick up new hobbies/activities. Crochet garments have also been popular recently, as it was worn by numerous pop culture icons like Harry Styles, Dua Lipa, and featured on the Netflix show Wednesday. &nbsp;Crochet has experienced a revival on the [[catwalk]] as well. [[Christopher Kane]]'s Fall 2011 Ready-to-Wear collection.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sac en toile de jute et cabas courses à personnaliser en sérigraphie |url=https://artipack.fr/26-sacs-en-toile-de-jute-sur-stock |website=artipack.fr}}</ref> Additionally, it was featured in luxury brands such as Moschino, who has crocheted skirts in their Ready-to-Wear Spring 2024 collection, and Miumiu, who have designed and sold several crocheted items from their brand such as a crocheted scrunchie. Online searches for crochet items have rose drastically with the trend skyrocketing, with a 32% rise in searches for the keyword 'crochet' on online clothing site Depop.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Donnell |first=Chloe Mac |date=2024-06-29 |title=Hooked: How crochet became fashion's hottest trend |url=https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/article/2024/jun/29/crochet-fashion-taylor-swift |access-date=2025-10-30 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> With the trend of crochet being on the rise in social media, fast fashion brands like [[Shein]] have been trying to create products that resemble crochet items.

Today, many popular crochet projects amongst youth include creating [[amigurumi|stuffed animals]], hats, and even flowers. Websites such as [[Etsy]] and [[Ravelry]] have made it easier for individual hobbyists to sell and distribute their patterns or projects across the internet. Microentrepreneurs have used social media to share their designs and grow their business. They use social media accounts as a tool to measure their products popularity, stay relevant, and develop relationships with customers. A passive behavior such as liking or sharing will show up on a person’s social media page which will encourage watchers to follow, view videos, and use hashtags related to that content for easier access in the future.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Libraries Database Access |url=https://du.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/how-crochet-microentrepreneurs-use-social-media/docview/2916260780/se-2 |access-date=2025-10-20 |website=du.idm.oclc.org}}</ref>

Micro crochet, [[Filet crochet]], [[Tunisian crochet]], [[tapestry crochet]], [[broomstick lace]], [[hairpin lace]], [[cro-hook]]ing, and [[Irish crochet lace|Irish crochet]] are all variants of the basic crochet method.

==Sustainability and crochet in fashion==
Sustainability can be a key pillar of crochet, as it may use upcycled and environmentally friendly materials in yarn to create sustainable fabrics such as bamboo, hemp, cotton, linen, and wool. Since crochet is typically made by hand, although there are crochet machines<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Storck |first=Jan Lukas |last2=Feldmann |first2=Bjarte Alexander |last3=Kyosev |first3=Yordan |date=2023-09-03 |title=Design tool for automated crocheting of fabrics |url=https://cdatp.journals.qucosa.de/cdatp/article/view/130 |journal=Communications in Development and Assembling of Textile Products |language=en |volume=4 |issue=2 |pages=254–272 |doi=10.25367/cdatp.2023.4.p254-272 |issn=2701-939X|doi-access=free }}</ref> in the process of being developed, crochet contributes to ethical production by adhering to the slow production of garments and accessories rather than the fast-paced and mechanized garments that are produced on a mass scale by the fast fashion industry.

[[Slow fashion]] is part of the "slow movement". The slow movement’s objective in clothing and garment manufacturing is to promote respect for people, animals and the environment. Slow fashion supports local artists, the use of eco-friendly materials, and preserves craftsmanship.<ref name=":03">{{Cite journal |last=Peng |first=Jie |date=2024-04-09 |title=The Slow Fashion Renaissance: an in-depth exploration of crochet and knitting as sustainable technologies for contemporary fashion |url=https://www.politesi.polimi.it/handle/10589/217904 |journal=Politecnico Milano 1863}}</ref> Since slow fashion promotes the skill of being able to crochet, it’s able to provide jobs with a fair income for unemployed youths in Nigeria. Money created from selling the crochet products is a method to improve their standard of living and meet sustainable development goal 8 (SDG).<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Okeke |first=Ngozi Kesiah |date=2024-12-20 |title=Sustainable Fabric Manufacturing: The Crochet Experience |url=https://dergipark.org.tr/en/pub/journalofdesignstudio/issue/86780/1534064 |journal=Journal of Design Studio |language=en |volume=6 |issue=2 |pages=397–408 |doi=10.46474/jds.1534064 |issn=2687-2838}}</ref>

Slow fashion emphasizes the importance of providing high quality products over quantity, resulting in consumers being more aware of the ethics and process of material production and labor.<ref name=":03"/> A project called ‘Mini Fashion Statement’ was created in order to outline the condition of the factories/provide their opinions on the ‘true cost’ of fashion. Then these scrolls were placed in garments of fast fashion brands. The goal of this project was to raise awareness of ethical implications in the supply chain, which encourages consumers, who often purchase fast fashion, to rethink what they buy. (Corbett, 2019). &nbsp;Additionally, some people choose to crochet their own luxury items that are inspired by luxury fashion. The counterfeit crochet project was founded in 2006. Its goal was to bring to light that luxury can only be accessed by certain people. This project’s goal was to encourage people to use their crochet skills to replicate luxury fashion like Chanel and Louis Vuitton rather than buying from those companies.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Research Handbook on Ethical Consumption |url=https://www.elgaronline.com/edcollchap/book/9781802202021/book-part-9781802202021-28.xml |access-date=2025-10-17 |website=www.elgaronline.com}}</ref> Additionally, according to Kate Fletcher, slow fashion encourages using eco-friendly materials to minimize harm on the planet and to focus more on creating higher quality goods which in turn allows people to recognize the quality of different sustainable yarn such as natural fibers as well as recycled yarns. Additionally places like Milan offer markets where vendors from other regions come to sell yarn. Since the material comes locally the need to transport raw materials a long distance is reduced therefore reducing carbon emissions. Regional manufacturers also produce items closer to the point of consumption as it increases personal connection between consumer and producer, reduces carbon emission, and provides jobs.<ref name=":03" />

In addition, crochet fabric can be loosened and undone easily to be reused in a new way. Crochet can be added to worn or torn garments and to add a stylistic enhancement, such as a collar or sleeves, which may contribute to upcycling of clothing. Crochet highlights the sustainability factor of quality versus quantity because of the customization aspect which can make crochet items more personalized. Another aspect of the sustainability of crochet is that crochet is versatile and can be used to create many different products eliminating the need to constantly buy new products. &nbsp;<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Okeke |first=Ngozi |date=December 2024 |title=Sustainable Fabric Manufacturing: The Crochet Experience |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/387266102 |journal=Journal of Design Studio |volume=6 |issue=2 |doi=10.46474/jds.1534064 |via=Research Gate}}</ref>

Synthetic fibers and mixed fibers such as acrylic, polyester and nylon are quite commonly used. Synthetic fibers are not biodegradable and aren't recyclable. Today, numerous garments, especially fast fashion, are made from synthetic fibers or mixed fibers. The amount of synthetic fibers used has increased significantly over the years. In 1990 natural fibers made up 60% of fiber consumption and in 2000 the number declined to 45%, with the number declining to 40% 8 years later. In 2009, 35.8 million tons of synthetic fibers were used and 23.3 million tons of cotton were used.<ref>{{Citation |title=World summary |date=2008-10-29 |work=Demographic Yearbook (Ser. R) |pages=48–96 |url=https://doi.org/10.18356/453e2452-en-fr |access-date=2025-10-17 |publisher=UN |isbn=978-92-1-156193-7}}</ref> In 2023, the amount of total fibers produced and used was 125 million fibers, and it increased to 132 million tons in 2024. The most commonly produced global synthetic fiber is polyester, making up 59%, with 88% of it being fossil based. If this trend continues, then the expected amount produced in 2030 is 169 million tons.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Materials Market Report 2025 |url=https://textileexchange.org/knowledge-center/reports/materials-market-report-2025/ |access-date=2025-10-17 |website=Textile Exchange |language=en-US}}</ref> This has more than doubled in the amount produced in 2009.

Many crochet and knit yarn brands have taken a stance on sustainability by aiming to increase the production of natural fibers such as organic cotton, hemp, wool and recycled yarns.

Creating crocheted items has become a way to make [[sustainable fashion]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.strikemagazines.com/blog-2-1/crocheting-the-sustainable-fashion-trend-you-wont-want-to-miss | title=Crocheting: The Sustainable Fashion Trend You Won't Want to Miss }}</ref> Fast fashion brands like [[Shein]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.herworld.com/style/fashion/why-you-really-shouldnt-buyfast-fashion-crochet | title=Why you really, really, shouldn't buy crochet in fast fashion | date=27 December 2022 }}</ref> have created products that resemble crocheted items. Additionally, The Crochet-Style Button-Through Sweater Polo, by Abercrombie and Fitch resemble designs popular in the 1960s and '70s. Although the pattern resembles crochet in reality it’s made from a knit machine. These shirts are made from a combination of cotton, acrylic or viscose, which are a typical fabrication for fast-fashion pieces. Although Abercrombie may not consider itself fast fashion, there is little to suggest that its materials and design practices differ from Shein or Zara, other than the quantity of products made.

[[File:TapestryCrochetGuatemala.jpg|thumb|left|Bags and [[hacky sack]] [[tapestry crochet]]ed in Guatemala]]
[[File:Crochet table decor-1.jpg|thumb|Crochet table decor, Kolkata, West Bengal, India]]

==Materials==
The basic materials required for crocheting are a hook, scissors (to cut yarn), and some type of material that will be crocheted, the most commonly used are yarn or thread. Alternatively, some people choose to crochet with their hands, especially for large yarns. Yarn, one of the most commonly used materials for crocheting, has varying weights which need to be taken into consideration when following patterns. The weight of the yarn can affect not only the look of the product but also the feeling. Acrylic can also be used when crocheting, as it is synthetic and an alternative to wool. Additional tools are convenient for making related accessories. Examples of such tools include cardboard cutouts, which can be used to make [[tassels]], [[fringe (trim)|fringe]], and many other items; a pom-pom circle, used to make pom-poms; a [[tape measure]] and a gauge measure, both used for measuring crocheted work and counting stitches; a [[row counter (hand knitting)|row counter]]; and occasionally plastic rings, which are used for special projects. In recent years, yarn selections have moved beyond synthetic and plant and animal-based fibers to include bamboo, qiviut, hemp, and banana stalks, to name a few. Many advanced crocheters have also incorporated recycled materials into their work in an effort to "go green" and experiment with new textures by using items such as plastic bags, old T-shirts or sheets, VCR or cassette tape, and ribbon.<ref name=":1" />

===Crochet hook types===
[[Image:Crohook.jpg|thumb|upright|Aluminium crochet hooks]]
{{Main|Crochet hook|List of United States standard crochet hook and knitting needle sizes}}

The crochet hook comes in many sizes and materials. Because sizing is categorized by the diameter of the hook's shaft, a crafter aims to create stitches of a certain size in order to reach a particular gauge specified in a given pattern. If gauge is not reached with one hook, another is used until the stitches made are the needed size. Crafters may have a preference for one type of hook material over another due to aesthetic appeal, yarn glide, or hand disorders such as arthritis, where bamboo or wood hooks are favored over metal for the perceived warmth and flexibility during use. Hook grips and ergonomic hook handles are also available to assist crafters.

Aluminum, bamboo, and plastic crochet hooks are available from 2.25 to 30 millimeters in size, or from B-1 to T/X in American sizing.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Hooks & Needles {{!}} Welcome to the Craft Yarn Council |url=https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/standards/hooks-and-needles |access-date=2024-09-30 |website=www.craftyarncouncil.com}}</ref> Artisan-made hooks are often made of hand-turned woods, sometimes decorated with semi-precious stones or beads.

Steel crochet hooks are sized in a reverse manner – the higher the number, the smaller the hook. They range in size from 0.9 to 2.7 millimeters, or from 14 to 00 in American sizing.<ref name=":0" /> These hooks are used for fine crochet work such as doilies and lace.

Crochet hooks used for Tunisian crochet are elongated and have a stopper at the end of the handle, while double-ended crochet hooks have a hook on both ends of the handle. Tunisian crochet hooks are shaped without a fat thumb grip and thus can hold many loops on the hook at a time without stretching some to different heights than others (Solovan). There is also a double hooked tool called a [[Cro-hook]]. While this is not in itself a hook, it is a device used in conjunction with a crochet hook to produce stitches.

===Yarn types===

{{main|Yarn}}

[[File:Yarn hank uncoiled.png|thumb|A hank of wool yarn (center) is uncoiled into its basic loop. A tie is visible at the left; after untying, the hank may be wound into a ball or balls suitable for crocheting. Crocheting from a normal hank directly is likely to tangle the yarn, producing snarls.]]

Yarn for crochet is usually sold as balls, or skeins (hanks), although it may also be wound on spools or cones. Skeins and balls are generally sold with a ''yarn band'', a label that describes the yarn's [[YarnWeight|weight]], length, dye lot, fiber content, washing instructions, suggested needle size, likely gauge, etc. It is a common practice to save the yarn band for future reference, especially if additional skeins must be purchased. Crocheters generally ensure that the yarn for a project comes from a single dye lot. The dye lot specifies a group of skeins that were dyed together and thus have precisely the same color; skeins from different dye lots, even if very similar in color, are usually slightly different and may produce a visible stripe when added onto existing work. If insufficient yarn of a single dye lot is bought to complete a project, additional skeins of the same dye lot can sometimes be obtained from other yarn stores or online.

The thickness or weight of the yarn is a significant factor in determining how many stitches and rows are required to cover a given area for a given stitch pattern. This is also termed the gauge. Thicker yarns generally require large-diameter crochet hooks, whereas thinner yarns may be crocheted with thick or thin hooks. Hence, thicker yarns generally require fewer stitches, and therefore less time, to work up a given project. The recommended gauge for a given ball of yarn can be found on the label that surrounds the skein when buying in stores. Patterns and motifs are coarser with thicker yarns and produce bold visual effects, whereas thinner yarns are best for refined or delicate pattern-work. Yarns are standardly grouped by thickness into six categories: superfine, fine, light, medium, bulky and superbulky. Quantitatively, thickness is measured by the number of wraps per inch (WPI). The related ''weight per unit length'' is usually measured in [[Units of textile measurement|tex or denier]].

[[File:Yarn hank and ball.png|thumb|left|Transformation of a hank of lavender silk yarn (top) into a ball in which the yarn emerges from the center (bottom). Using the latter is better for needlework, since the yarn is much less likely to tangle.]]

Before use, hanks are wound into balls in which the yarn emerges from the center, making crocheting easier by preventing the yarn from becoming easily tangled. The winding process may be performed by hand or done with a ball winder and [[Swift (textiles)|swift]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=White |first=Sarah |title=Here's What to Know About How to Unwind a Hank of Yarn |url=https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/winding-a-ball-from-hank-of-yarn-2116505 |access-date=2023-10-12 |website=The Spruce Crafts |language=en}}</ref>

A yarn's usefulness is judged by several factors, such as its ''loft'' (its ability to trap air), its ''resilience'' (elasticity under tension), its [[laundry|washability]] and colorfastness, its ''hand'' (its feel, particularly softness vs. scratchiness), its durability against abrasion, its resistance to [[pill (textile)|pilling]], its ''hairiness'' (fuzziness), its tendency to twist or untwist, its overall weight and drape, its blocking and [[Felt#Wet felting|felting]] qualities, its comfort (breathability, moisture absorption, wicking properties) and its appearance, which includes its color, sheen, smoothness and ornamental features. Other factors include allergenicity, speed of drying, resistance to chemicals, moths, and mildew, melting point and flammability, retention of static electricity, and the propensity to accept dyes. Desirable properties may vary for different projects, so there is no one "best" yarn.
[[File:Yarn twist S-Left Z-Right.svg|thumb|upright|right|The two possible twists of yarn]]

Although crochet may be done with ribbons, metal wire, or more exotic filaments, most yarns are made by [[spinning (textiles)|spinning]] fibers. In spinning, the fibers are twisted so that the yarn resists breaking under tension; the twisting may be done in either direction, resulting in a Z-twist or S-twist yarn. If the fibers are first aligned by combing them and the spinner uses a worsted type drafting method such as the short forward draw, the yarn is smoother and called a ''worsted''; by contrast, if the fibers are carded but not combed and the spinner uses a woolen drafting method such as the long backward draw, the yarn is fuzzier and called ''woolen-spun''. The fibers making up a yarn may be continuous ''filament'' fibers such as [[silk]] and many synthetics, or they may be ''[[staple (wool)|staples]]'' (fibers of an average length, typically a few inches); naturally filament fibers are sometimes cut up into staples before spinning. The strength of the spun yarn against breaking is determined by the amount of twist, the length of the fibers, and the thickness of the yarn. In general, yarns become stronger with more twists (also called ''worst''), longer fibers, and thicker yarns (more fibers); for example, thinner yarns require more twists than thicker yarns to resist breaking under tension. The thickness of the yarn may vary along its length; a ''[[slub (textiles)|slub]]'' is a much thicker section in which a mass of fibers is incorporated into the yarn.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What does “slub” or “slubbiness” mean for fabrics or textiles? |url=https://fibreguard.com/blog/what-does-slub-or-slubbiness-mean-for-fabrics-or-textiles |access-date=2025-10-06 |website=FibreGuard |language=en}}</ref>

The spun fibers are generally divided into [[animal fiber]]s, plant, and [[synthetic fiber]]s. These fiber types are chemically different, corresponding to [[protein]]s, [[carbohydrate]]s, and synthetic [[polymer]]s, respectively. Animal fibers include silk, but generally are long hairs of animals such as [[sheep]] ([[wool]]), [[goat]] ([[angora goat|angora]], or [[cashmere goat]]), [[rabbit]] ([[angora rabbit|angora]]), [[llama]], [[alpaca]], [[dog]], [[cat]], [[camel]], [[yak]], and [[muskox]] ([[qiviut]]). Plants used for fibers include [[cotton]], [[flax]] (for [[linen]]), [[bamboo]], [[ramie]], [[hemp]], [[jute]], [[Urtica dioica|nettle]], [[raffia]], [[yucca]], [[coconut]] husk, [[banana tree]]s, [[soy]] and [[Maize|corn]]. [[Rayon]] and [[cellulose acetate|acetate]] fibers are also produced from [[cellulose]] mainly derived from [[tree]]s. Common synthetic fibers include [[acrylic fiber|acrylic]]s,<ref>{{cite book | last = Masson | first = James | title = Acrylic Fiber Technology and Applications | publisher = Marcel Dekker, Inc. | year = 1995 | location = New York 	| page = 172 | isbn = 0-8247-8977-6 }}</ref> [[polyester]]s such as [[polyethylene terephthalate|dacron]] and [[ingeo]], [[nylon]] and other polyamides, and [[olefin]]s such as [[polypropylene]]. Of these types, wool is generally favored for crochet, chiefly owing to its superior [[Elasticity (physics)|elasticity]], warmth and (sometimes) [[felt]]ing; however, wool is generally less convenient to [[laundry|clean]] and some people are allergic to it. It is also common to blend different fibers in the yarn, e.g., 85% alpaca and 15% silk. Even within a type of fiber, there can be great variety in the length and thickness of the fibers; for example, [[Merino]] wool and [[Gossypium barbadense|Egyptian cotton]] are favored because they produce exceptionally long, thin (fine) fibers for their type.{{Citation needed|date=March 2023}}

A single spun yarn may be crochet as is, or [[braid]]ed or [[plying|plied]] with another. In plying, two or more yarns are spun together, almost always in the opposite sense from which they were spun individually; for example, two Z-twist yarns are usually plied with an S-twist. The opposing twist relieves some of the yarn's tendency to curl up and produces a thicker, ''balanced'' yarn. Plied yarns may themselves be plied together, producing ''cabled yarns'' or ''multi-stranded yarns''. Sometimes, the yarns being plied are fed at different rates, so that one yarn loops around the other, as in [[bouclé]]. The single yarns may be dyed separately before plying, or afterward to give the yarn a uniform look.{{Citation needed|date=March 2023}}

The dyeing of yarns is a complex art. Yarns need not be dyed, or they may be dyed one color or a great variety of colors. Dyeing may be done industrially, by hand, or even hand-painted onto the yarn. A great variety of synthetic dyes have been developed since the synthesis of [[indigo dye]] in the mid-19th century; however, [[natural dye]]s are also possible, although they are generally less brilliant. The color scheme of a yarn is sometimes called its [[colorway]]. Variegated yarns can produce interesting visual effects, such as diagonal stripes. {{Citation needed|date=March 2023}}

==Process==
[[File:Mohair lace crocheted scarf detailed photo.jpeg|thumb|A close view of a crocheted scarf made with lace-weight mohair yarn]]
[[File:Crochet tablecloth.jpg|thumb|Crochet tablecloth, Kolkata, West Bengal, India]]
Crocheted fabric is begun by placing a [[Slip knot|slip-knot]] loop on the hook (though other methods, such as a magic ring or simple folding over of the yarn, may be used), pulling another loop through the first loop, and repeating this process to create a chain of a suitable length. The chain is either turned and worked in rows, or joined to the beginning of the row with a slip stitch and worked in rounds. Rounds can also be created by working many stitches into a single loop. Stitches are made by pulling one or more loops through each loop of the chain. At any one time at the end of a stitch, there is only one loop left on the hook. Tunisian crochet, however, draws all of the loops for an entire row onto a long hook before working them off one at a time. Like knitting, crochet can be worked either flat (back and forth in rows) or in the round (in spirals, such as when making tubular pieces). {{Citation needed|date=March 2023}}

==Types of stitches==
[[File:Crochet white tablecloth.jpg|thumb|Indian crochet white tablecloth about 1970]]
There are six main types of basic stitches (the following description uses international crochet terminology with US variants noted in brackets).
#''Chain stitch (ch)'' – the most basic of all stitches and used to begin most projects. Yarn round hook (yrh) and draw through.
#''Slip stitch (sl st or ss)'' – used to join chain stitch to form a ring. Insert hook in work, yrh, draw through.
#''Double crochet (dc)'' (US = single crochet) – Insert hook, draw loop through, (2 loops on hook, hence double), yrh, draw through. 
#''Half treble (htr)'' (US = half double) – yrh, insert hook, draw loop through, (3 loops on hook, hence treble), yrh, draw through all loops.
#''Treble (tr)'' (US = double) – yrh, insert hook, draw loop through (3 loops on hook, hence treble), yrh, draw through 2 loops, yrh, draw through 2 loops.
#''Double treble'' (US = treble or triple) – as treble but 2 yrh at start (hence ''double'' treble). Also triple treble (ttr), as treble but with 3 yrh at start, and so on.
While the horizontal distance covered by these basic stitches is the same, they differ in height and can be replaced with a length of ch when required, e.g. 1 tr = 3 ch.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Your complete library of crochet stitches |url=https://www.gathered.how/knitting-and-crochet/crochet/crochet-stitches |access-date=2024-03-04 |website=www.gathered.how |date=20 February 2024 |language=en}}</ref>

The more advanced stitches are often combinations of these basic stitches, or are made by inserting the hook into the work in unusual locations. More advanced stitches include the ''shell stitch'', ''V stitch'', ''spike stitch'', ''Afghan stitch'', ''butterfly stitch'', ''popcorn stitch'', ''cluster stitch'', and ''crocodile stitch''.

==International crochet terms and notations==
{{Main|List of crochet stitches}}

[[File:Crochet symbols.gif|left|thumb|Some crochet symbols, abbreviations, and US/international terms|127x127px]]
There are two main notations of [[List of crochet stitches|basic stitches]], one used across Europe, Australia, India and other crocheting nations, the other in the US and Canada. (In America, international terminology is often erroneously called British or UK terminology.)
Crochet is traditionally worked from a written pattern using standard abbreviations or from a diagram, thus enabling non-English speakers to use English-based patterns.<ref>{{cite web |title=Crochet Abbreviations Master List |url=https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/standards/crochet-abbreviations |website=Craft Yarn Council |access-date=16 October 2018}}</ref> To help counter confusion when reading patterns, a diagramming system using a standard international notation has come into use (illustration, left). In the United States, crochet terminology and sizing guidelines, as well as standards for yarn and hook labeling, are primarily regulated by the Craft Yarn Council.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Standards and Guidelines for Crochet and Knitting|url=https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/standards|url-status=live|access-date=22 October 2021|website=Craft Yarn Council|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180407150812/https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/standards |archive-date=2018-04-07 }}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible"
|+Common Crochet Stitches<ref>{{Cite web |last=Crochet |first=It's all in a Nutshell |date=2016-02-12 |title=Crochet abbreviations & difference between US and UK crochet terms |url=https://itsallinanutshell.com/2016/02/12/how-to-crochet-difference-between-us-and-uk-crochet-terms-abbreviations/ |access-date=2023-12-24 |website=It's all in a Nutshell Crochet |language=en-us}}</ref>
!International term
!US term
|-
|Double crochet (dc)
|Single crochet (sc)
|-
|Half treble (htr)
|Half double crochet (hdc)
|-
|Treble (tr)
|Double crochet (dc)
|-
|Double treble (dtr)
|Triple crochet (tr)
|-
|Double crochet 2 together (dc2tog)
|Single 2 together (sc2tog)
|-
|Treble 2 together (tr2tog)
|Double 2 together (dc2tog)
|}
Another terminological difference is known as ''tension'' (international) and ''gauge'' (US). Individual crocheters work yarn with a loose or a tight hold and, if unmeasured, these differences can lead to significant size changes in finished garments that have the same number of stitches. In order to control for this inconsistency, printed crochet instructions include a standard for the number of stitches across a standard swatch of fabric. An individual crocheter begins work by producing a test swatch and compensating for any discrepancy by changing to a smaller or larger hook.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Buckley |first=Amanda |date=2023-02-02 |title=Spot The Difference: US vs UK Crochet Terms |url=https://www.schoolofsweetgeorgia.com/spot-the-difference-us-vs-uk-crochet-terms/ |access-date=2023-12-24 |website=School of SweetGeorgia |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rowe |first=Lynne |date=2016-05-04 |title=Crochet tension (gauge) explained |url=https://www.knitcrochetcreate.com/post/crochet-tension-explained |access-date=2023-12-24 |website=knitcrochetcreate |language=en}}</ref>

==Differences and similarities to knitting==

One of the more obvious differences is that crochet uses one hook while most [[knitting]] uses two needles. In most crochet, the artisan usually has only one live stitch on the hook (except Tunisian crochet), while a knitter keeps an entire row of stitches active simultaneously. Dropped stitches, which can unravel a knitted fabric, rarely interfere with crochet work, due to a second structural difference between knitting and crochet. In knitting, each stitch is supported by the corresponding stitch in the row above and it supports the corresponding stitch in the row below. In contrast, crochet stitches are only supported by and support the stitches on either side of it. If a stitch in a finished crocheted item breaks, the stitches above and below remain intact, and because of the complex looping of each stitch, the stitches on either side are unlikely to come loose unless heavily stressed<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Peng |first1=Jie |title=The Slow Fashion Renaissance: An In-Depth Exploration of Crochet and Knitting as Sustainable Technologies for Contemporary Fashion |journal=Politecnico |date=2023–2024 |pages=24 |hdl=10589/217904 |url=https://hdl.handle.net/10589/217904 |access-date=21 February 2025}}</ref>
Round or cylindrical patterns are simple to produce with a regular crochet hook, but cylindrical knitting requires either a set of circular needles or three to five special double-ended needles. 

[[Freeform crochet and knitting|Freeform crochet]] is a technique that can create interesting shapes in three dimensions because new stitches can be made independently of previous stitches almost anywhere in the crocheted piece. It is generally accomplished by building shapes or structural elements onto existing crocheted fabric at any place the crafter desires.

Knitting can be accomplished by machine, while many crochet stitches can only be crafted by hand. The height of knitted and crocheted stitches is also different: a single crochet stitch is twice the height of a knit stitch in the same yarn size and comparable diameter tools, and a double crochet stitch is about four times the height of a knit stitch.<ref>{{cite book|last=Hubert|first=Margaret|title=Knit Or Crochet - Have It Your Way|url=https://archive.org/details/knitorcrochethav00hube|url-access=limited|year=2009|publisher=Creative Publishing International, Inc|location=Minneapolis, MN|isbn=978-1-58923-431-4|page=[https://archive.org/details/knitorcrochethav00hube/page/n5 6]}}</ref>

While most crochet is made with a hook, there is also a method of crocheting with a knitting loom. This is called ''loomchet''.<ref>{{cite web|author=Brenda GA, Dome-Dweller |url=http://loomlady.blogspot.com/2010_03_01_archive.html |title=Loom Lore: March 2010 |publisher=Loomlady.blogspot.com |access-date=2012-04-28}}</ref> Slip stitch crochet is very similar to knitting. Each stitch in slip stitch crochet is formed the same way as a knit or purl stitch which is then bound off. A person working in slip stitch crochet can follow a knitted pattern with knits, purls, and cables, and get a similar result.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ayarnifiedlife.wordpress.com/slip-stitch-crochet/ |title=Slip Stitch Crochet « A Yarnified Life |date=29 March 2011 |publisher=Ayarnifiedlife.wordpress.com |access-date=2012-04-28}}</ref>

It is a common perception that crochet produces a thicker fabric than knitting, tends to have less "give" than knitted fabric, and uses approximately a third more yarn for a comparable project than knitted items. Although this is true when comparing a single crochet swatch with a stockinette swatch, both made with the same size yarn and needle/hook, it is not necessarily true for crochet in general. Most crochet uses far less than 1/3 more yarn than knitting for comparable pieces, and a crocheter can get similar feel and drape to knitting by using a larger hook or thinner yarn. According to sources<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.crochetliberationfront.com/clf-myth-busting-13-more-yarn/ |title=Crochet does not use 1/3 more yarn than knitting |publisher=Crochetliberationfront.com |date=2012-02-20 |access-date=2012-04-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224074527/http://www.crochetliberationfront.com/clf-myth-busting-13-more-yarn/ |archive-date=2012-02-24 |url-status=dead }}</ref> claiming to have tested the 1/3 more yarn assertion, a single crochet stitch (sc) uses approximately the same amount of yarn as knit garter stitch, but more yarn than stockinette stitch. Any stitch using yarnovers uses less yarn than single crochet to produce the same amount of fabric. Stitches which are in fact multiple stitches worked together, such as cluster stitches, bobble stitches, and puff stitches, will use the most length.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Crochet Stitches That Save the Most Yarn: Top Picks! |url=https://secretyarnery.com/blogs/blog/crochet-stitches-that-save-the-most-yarn-top-picks |access-date=2025-10-06 |website=Secret Yarnery |language=en}}</ref>

Standard crochet stitches like sc and dc also produce a thicker fabric, more like knit garter stitch. This is part of why they use more yarn. Slip stitch can produce a fabric much like stockinette that is thinner and therefore uses less yarn.

Any yarn can be either knitted or crocheted, provided needles or hooks of the correct size are used, but the cord's properties should be taken into account. For example, lofty, thick woolen yarns tend to function better when knitted, which does not crush their airy structure, while thin and tightly spun yarn helps to achieve the firm texture required for [[Amigurumi]] crochet.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/southern-belle-lulu|title=Southern Belle Lulu pattern by S. Pendleton|website=Ravelry}}</ref>

<div class="center">
<gallery widths="200px" heights="170px" perrow="4" caption="Differences between crochet and knitting">
File:Crochet-round.jpg|Most crochet uses one hook and works upon one stitch at a time.  Crochet may be worked in circular rounds without any specialized tools, as shown here.
File:Pink knitting in front of pink sweatshirt.JPG|Knitting uses two or more straight needles that carry multiple stitches.
File:Doublepoints2.JPG|Unlike crochet, knitting requires specialized needles to create circular rounds.
File:Amigurumi-bear.jpg|For [[amigurumi]], crocheting creates a knobbier and more structured texture compared with knitting.
</gallery>
</div>

=={{anchor|}}Craftivism==
It has been very common for people and groups to crochet clothing and other garments and then donate them to soldiers during war. People have also crocheted clothing and then donated it to hospitals, for sick patients and also for newborn babies. Sometimes groups will crochet for a specific charity purpose, such as crocheting for [[homeless shelters]], [[nursing homes]], etc.

It is becoming increasingly popular to crochet hats (commonly referred to as "chemo caps") and donate them to [[cancer]] treatment centers, for those undergoing [[chemotherapy]] and therefore losing hair. During October pink hats and scarves are made and proceeds are donated to breast cancer funds. Organizations dedicated to using crochet as a way to help others include [[Knots of Love]], Crochet for Cancer,<ref>{{cite web|title=Crochet for Cancer|url=http://www.crochetforcancer.org|website= Crochet for Cancer |access-date=9 February 2018}}</ref> and Soldiers' Angels.<ref>{{cite web|title=Soldiers' Angels-Sewing and Crafting Team|url=http://soldiersangels.org/Sewing-and-Crafting-Team.html|website=Soldiers' Angels|access-date=9 February 2018}}</ref> These organizations offer warm useful items for people in need.

In 2020, people around the world banded together to help save the wildlife affected by the Australian bushfires by crocheting kangaroo pouches, koala mittens, and wildlife nests.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Calling all crafters! Here's how you can help wildlife affected by the Australian wildfires|url=https://www.wbir.com/article/features/crafters-can-help-wildlife-affected-by-the-australia-bushfires/51-67340b4a-9d3d-40fd-a20e-707efed40bbf|access-date=2020-10-07|website=wbir.com|date=8 January 2020|language=en-US}}</ref> This was an international effort to help during the particularly bad [[2019–20 Australian bushfire season|bushfire season]] which devastated local ecological systems.

A group started in 2005 to create crochet versions of coral reefs grew by 2022 to over 20,000 contributors in what became the Crochet Coral Reef Project.<ref name=DeutscheWelt_20220130/> To promote awareness of the effects of [[Climate change|global warming]], their creations have been displayed in galleries and museums by an estimated 2 million people.<ref name=DeutscheWelt_20220130/> Many creations apply [[Hyperbolic geometry|hyperbolic (curved) geometric shapes]]—distinguished from [[Euclidean geometry|Euclidean (flat) geometry]]—to emulate natural structures.<ref name=DeutscheWelt_20220130>{{cite magazine |last1=Burack |first1=Cristina |title=Crocheted ocean art to fight global warming |url=https://www.dw.com/en/crocheted-ocean-art-to-fight-global-warming/a-60428249 |magazine=Deutsche Welt |date=30 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131121736/https://www.dw.com/en/crocheted-ocean-art-to-fight-global-warming/a-60428249 |archive-date=31 January 2022}}</ref> Extending hyperbolic crochet for activism and education with color, a group of South African crafters created ''The Abundance Crochet Coral Reef'', an [[eco-art]] installation in [[Cape Town, South Africa|Cape Town's]] [[Two Oceans Aquarium]], to juxtapose hyperbolic shapes crocheted in variations of white on one side of a display with fiber coral shapes crocheted in various colors to illustrate [[coral bleaching]] due to oceanic warming and climate change.<ref>{{Cite web |last=du Toit |first=Laura |date=June 24, 2023 |title=Coral in crochet: Our new installation |url=https://www.aquarium.co.za/news/crochet-coral |access-date=December 20, 2024 |website=Two Oceans Aquarium}}</ref>

Feminist scholar-activists have argued for crochet as an embodied method of inquiry aimed at uncovering entangled, relational, and situated ways being and knowing inclusive of the [[More-than-human world|more-than-human]] co-creation of worlds.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Hoel |first=Nina |date=2023 |title=Crochet Methodology: Thinking Creatively about and with the Study of Religion in the Anthropocene |url=https://doi.org/10.36615/ajgr.v29i2.2800 |journal=African Journal of Gender and Religion |volume=29 |issue=2 |pages=76–103|doi=10.36615/ajgr.v29i2.2800 |hdl=10852/107917 |hdl-access=free }}</ref> In ''[[Staying with the Trouble]]'', [[Donna Haraway]] argues for the methodological use of crochet to model ecological and mathematical phenomena as "a kind of lure to an affective cognitive ecology stitched in fiber arts" that works "not by mimicry, but by open-ended, exploratory process."<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=Haraway |first=Donna |title=Staying with the trouble: Making kin in the Chthulucene |publisher=Duke University Press |year=2016 |pages=78–79}}</ref>

==Yarn bombing==
{{Main|Yarn bombing}}

In recent years, a practice called [[yarn bombing]], or the use of knitted or crocheted cloth to modify and beautify one's (usually outdoor) surroundings, emerged in the US and spread worldwide.<ref name="yarnbombing">{{cite news |last=Anonymous |date=2009-01-21 |title=Knitters turn to graffiti artists with 'yarnbombing' |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/4305406/Knitters-turn-to-graffiti-artists-with-yarnbombing.html |access-date=2009-05-25 |newspaper=The Telegraph}}</ref> Yarn bombers sometimes target existing pieces of graffiti for beautification. In 2010, an entity dubbed "the Midnight Knitter" hit West Cape May. Residents awoke to find knit cozies hugging tree branches and sign poles.<ref>{{cite web |date=10 March 2010 |title='Midnight Knitter' covers West Cape May trees, lamp poles with yarn |url=http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/03/midnight_knitter_covers_west_c.html |access-date=5 February 2014 |publisher=NJ.com}}</ref> In September 2015, Grace Brett was named "The World's Oldest Yarn Bomber". She is part of a group of yarn graffiti-artists called the Souter Stormers, who beautify their local town in Scotland.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shah |first=Yagana |date=September 25, 2015 |title=104-Year-Old 'Yarn Bomber' Spreads Her 'Graffiti' All Over Town |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/great-grandmother-spreads-her-yarn-graffiti-all-over-town_n_56055ce5e4b0af3706dbe715 |website=HuffPost}}</ref> In 2006, protesters in Denmark, the United Kingdom, and the United States yarnbombed a World War II combat tank with four thousand pink knitted squares.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Hendricks |first=Corrie |title=Yarnbombing, Radical Fiber Art, and Birdie Sanders: The Socialist History and Visual Language of Craft Activism |publisher=University of California, Davis |year=2017 |isbn=978-0-355-46080-3}}</ref>

==Mathematics and hyperbolic crochet==
Crochet has been used to illustrate shapes in hyperbolic space that are difficult to reproduce using other media or are difficult to understand when viewed two-dimensionally.<ref name="hyperbolic">{{cite web | date = December 21, 2006  | url = http://www.theiff.org/oexhibits/oe1e.html | title = Hyperbolic Space | work = The Institute for Figuring | access-date = January 15, 2007 }}</ref> Mathematician [[Daina Taimiņa]] first used crochet in 1997 to create strong, durable models of [[hyperbolic space]] after finding paper models were delicate and hard to create. These models enable one to turn, fold, and otherwise manipulate space to more fully grasp ideas such as how a line can appear curved in hyperbolic space yet actually be straight. Her work received an exhibition by the [[Institute For Figuring]].<ref name="hyperbolic" />[[File:Crochet hyperbolic kelp.jpg|thumb|A collection of crocheted hyperbolic planes, in imitation of a coral reef]]
Examples in nature of organisms that show hyperbolic structures include lettuces, sea slugs, flatworms and coral. [[Margaret Wertheim]] and Christine Wertheim of the [[Institute For Figuring]] created a traveling art installation of a coral reef using Taimina's method. Local artists are encouraged to create their own "satellite reefs" to be included alongside the original display.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.crochetcoralreef.org/about/index.php|title=About the Project {{!}} Crochet Coral Reef|website=www.crochetcoralreef.org|access-date=2017-10-30}}</ref> As hyperbolic and mathematics-based crochet has become more popular, there have been several events highlighting work from various fiber artists. Two shows were ''Sant Ocean Hall'' at the [[Smithsonian Institution|Smithsonian]] in Washington, D.C., and ''Sticks, Hooks, and the Mobius: Knit and Crochet Go Cerebral'' at [[Lafayette College]] in Pennsylvania.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://galleries.lafayette.edu/2011/09/01/sticks-hooks-and-the-mobius-knit-and-crochet-goes-cerebral |title=Sticks, Hooks, and the Mobius: Knit and Crochet Go Cerebral. Math- and science-inspired knit and crochet. · Galleries · Lafayette College |website=galleries.lafayette.edu |access-date=26 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130911233042/http://galleries.lafayette.edu/2011/09/01/sticks-hooks-and-the-mobius-knit-and-crochet-goes-cerebral |archive-date=11 September 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Architecture==
In ''Style in the technical arts'', Gottfried Semper looks at the textile with great promise and historical precedent.{{clarify|date=October 2022}} In Section 53, he writes of the "loop stitch, or Noeud Coulant: a knot that, if untied, causes the whole system to unravel." In the same section, Semper confesses his ignorance of the subject of crochet but believes strongly that it is a technique of great value as a textile technique and possibly something more

There are a small number of architects currently interested in the subject of crochet as it relates to architecture. The following publications, explorations and thesis projects can be used as a resource to see how crochet is being used within the capacity of architecture.
* ''Emergent Explorations: Analog and Digital Scripting'' – Alexander Worden
* ''Research and Design: The Architecture of Variation'' – Lars Spuybroek
* ''YurtAlert'' – Kate Pokorny

== Styles in crochet ==
* [[Mosaic crochet]]
* [[Granny square]]
* [[Freeform crochet and knitting|Freeform crochet]]
* [[Motif (textile arts)|Motifs]]
* [[Crocheted lace]]
* [[Tunisian crochet]]
* [[Tapestry crochet]]
* [[Amigurumi]]
* [[Filet crochet]]
* Corner to Corner (C2C) Crochet
* [[Irish crochet lace]]
* [[Bead crochet]]
* [[Doily]]

==See also==
* [[List of crochet stitches]]
* [[Crochet Guild of America]]
* [[The Tempestry Project]]
* [[Fiber art]]
* [[Macramé]]
* [[Tatting]]
* [[Knitting]]
* [[Sewing]]
* [[Embroidery]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
57. York, Portia et al. “Crochet: Engaging Secondary School Girls in Art for STEAM’s Sake.” Science Education International 33.4 (2022): 392–399. Science Education International. Web.

==Further reading==
{{refbegin}}
* Hadley, Sara. "Irish Crochet Lace", ''The Lace Maker'', Vol. 4 3, New York: D.S. Bennet, 1911.
* Kooler, Donna ''Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Crochet'', Leisure Arts, Inc., Little Rock, Arkansas
* Lambert, Miss [Frances]. ''My Crochet Sampler'', London: John Murray, Albemarle Street, 1844.
* {{cite book |author1=Karen Manthey |author2=Susan Brittain |author3=Julie Armstrong Holetz |title=Crocheting for Dummies|year=2010|publisher=Wiley|location=Hoboken, NJ|isbn=978-0-470-53645-2 |edition=2nd|type=paperback}}
* Potter, Annie Louise. ''A Living Mystery: The International Art & History of Crochet''.
* Riego de la Branchardiere, Eléanor. ''Crochet Book 4th Series'', London: Simpkin, Marshall, and Co., 1848.
* Riego de la Branchardiere, Eléanor. ''Crochet Book 6th Series, containing D'Oyleys and Anti-Macassars'', London: Simpkin, Marshall, and Co., 1877. This is the 20th printing of this book; the original publishing date is probably about 1850.
* Riego de la Branchardiere, Eléanor. ''Crochet Book, 9th Series or Third Winter Book'', London: Simpkin, Marshall and Co., 1850.
* Stephens, Ann S. ''[https://gutenberg.org/ebooks/73303 The ladies' complete guide to crochet, fancy knitting, and needlework by Stephens]''
* Warren, ''The Court Crochet Doyley Book'', London: Ackermann & Co., 1847.
* Wildman, Emily. ''Step-By-Step Crochet'', 1972
{{refend}}

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