Crochet or Knitting, both create fabric by interlocking

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Historians are not sure when the first crochet wear was created but it is a known fact that crochet came to Scandinavia in the early nineteenth century and gained popularity with the advent of pattern books in the mid nineteenth century. It is also acknowledged that Tunis has some roots of crochet crafts. It is thought that inspiration for the motifs in the crochet wearing came partly from Sweden and Finland.

Basically, crochet is a process of creating fabric by interlocking loops of yarn or thread using hooks that are still being made for slip-stitch crochet traditions. Crochet name is derived from the French term “crochet”, means “small hook”. These are made of materials such as metal, wood, aluminium or plastic and are manufactured commercially. The difference between crochet and knitting  is that each stitch in crochet is completed before proceeding with the next one, while knitting keeps many stitches open at a time and this process goes on until the end is stitched to lock all knots.

In Crochet, the stitches are more like knots. Both are really methods of looping yarn together in assorted styles. There are hundreds of book available all around the world showing beautiful motifs along with diagram to follow. There are few monthly magazines on the subject keeping this art alive and well promoted.  Knitting uses a pair of long needles to form the loops, moving a set of loops from one needle to another but both create fabric interlocking.

Both the knitting and the crochet work from patterns and require similar skill sets. Hand and eye coordination, an eye for colour and design, an affinity for fibre. Simple math skills are helpful, although not strictly needed, for either craft techniques. One interesting fact that both knitters and crochets need to have the patience necessary to keep working, stitch after stitch after stitch, until a product is completed.  However, it is an effective way to stay busy and productive at the same time.

 

 

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Helen Roberto is a freelance writer and loves to participate in discussion of textile industry globally. In her spare time, she works as an admin to maintain this blog and few others. Her knowledge on the subject has benefited many associated to home textile manufacturing and marketing.