There is no proven time period recorded when crochet was introduced as a craft. It is believed by some that crochet was developed or taught to nuns in the 1500’s.

In the early years of crochet it was an art and high end extravagance for the wealthy. Crochet hooks were fashioned from silver, brass, steel, ivory and bone which were set into handles.

During the “Great Famine” in Ireland crochet became a business to help put food on the tables of those crafters who made Irish lace. The term cottage industry was born as women literally worked and created items in their cottages.The lace was known world wide and became a coveted material for fancy trims for weddings, expensive clothing and homes.

As time passed and crochet became a craft that anyone had access to it became a major way for young and older people to make things for clothing and home decorations. In the late 1800’s to early 1900’s young women would learn to crochet fine cotton and make lace trims for their hope chests which would help them store things to set up a new home as a bride.

World War Two drastically reduced the activity of crochet. Resources went into uniforms and blankets for soldiers around the world.  Today the cottage industry for crochet is centered in India, Greece, Italy and some Asian countries. Crochet has become an art for modern crafters. 

Crochet will stay as long as there is a willing teacher and an interested crafter aching to learn to hold a hook and manipulate simple fiber into warm or decorative creations.