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Readers Engage: Why We Love Crochet!

March 24, 2015 by AllFreeCrochet 55 Comments

While I was in the office pondering a new project to work up, the thought came to me that I wanted to try a vintage crochet pattern or even a historical pattern.  This led my office mates down a rabbit hole of wondering what the history of crochet really was.  When was the first crocheted piece made?  Who invented crochet?  Of course, this sent me on a wild chase to find the answers. Learning the history of crochet was so much fun!

The short answer to these questions is: Nobody knows for sure when or where crochet got it start.  We did discover that the word itself comes from croche, and old French word for hook.  It’s also possible that it is derived from krokr, the Norse word for hook.  In addition, according to American crochet expert Annie Potter, “The modem art of true crochet as we know it today was developed during the 16th century. It became known as ‘crochet lace’ in France and ‘chain lace’ in England.”

No matter where crochet derived from, we love to celebrate it.  From the learning process, to the cheers of joy when we finish a big project, and a whole month dedicated to the craft.

lovecrochet

In honor of National Crochet Month, I asked our readers why they love crochet so much.  The response was more than overwhelming, and we had some really great responses that I thought would be fun to share with you.

  1. It’s a fabulous excuse to ignore people! ~Josephine C.
  2. It is relaxing and I have several chronic pain issues so it can distract my mind. Also because I have an amazing talent (as we all do) that allows me to make special gifts for others. ~Janna D.
  3. I taught myself to crochet to help me lose weight. Sounds crazy right? But I was a person who snacked all the time when I was bored or watching television. So i learned to crochet and now when I am bored or watching television–I crochet and my hands and mind are happy and I don’t eat. With crochet and PiYo exercise I have lost 75 pounds in 9 months. ~Rene H.
  4. I can’t play an instrument, I can’t paint a piece of art, I can’t sculpt in clay or stone. But when I crochet, I’m making my own masterpiece! I’ve brought people to tears with my work, I’ve moved them to consider the everyday beauty around them! I crochet because it allows me to be creative! ~Sarah A.
  5. Simply it keeps me sane. I started crocheting 49 yrs ago when my Aunt taught me using the steel hooks and tiny thread she saved from flour and feed sacks. I love giving my projects away and have given over 100 bed size afghans away and numerous baby blankets, saques, caps and booties. I love making something new and unique. ~Sharon N.
  6. I needed a reason to collect tons of pretty yarn ~Amanda H.
  7. Makes me feel closer to my Grandmother who taught me the craft years ago. She’s no longer with me but her memory lives on in the beautiful things I create. ~Karen M.

 

Let us know: why do you love crochet so much?

 

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AllFreeCrochet is dedicated to the best free crochet patterns, tutorials, tips and articles on crochet. From easy crochet afghan patterns to complex Tunisian crochet patterns, we find and deliver the best free crochet patterns from all over the web. Plus, we feature free product reviews and giveaways of all the latest and greatest products including yarn, crochet books, totes, and more. AllFreeCrochet is a wonderful online resource for crocheters of all skill levels.
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Comments

  1. Ann Bilger says

    March 26, 2015 at 12:39 pm

    I love to crochet. it helps keep my hands busy, so i don’t eat to much. And I love giving the things I make away..it’s relaxing

    Reply
  2. Jen says

    March 26, 2015 at 12:42 pm

    I love to crochet because it keeps me distracted and out of mischief and it allows me to make some really neat things and feeds into my blanket obsession 🙂

    Reply
  3. Beth Camren says

    March 26, 2015 at 12:43 pm

    I taught myself. My grandma always wanted to teach me but I never wanted to. Now she’s gone and I wish I let her show me. I do it to relax and because my grandma loved to do it.

    Reply
  4. Catherine Stedman says

    March 26, 2015 at 12:44 pm

    I started crocheting in earnest when I was ill and stuck in bed for a year. Instead of thinking about how much I couldn’t do, I concentrated on what I could do! Sharing gifts that I’ve made still brings me that same joy.

    Reply
  5. Julie S. says

    March 26, 2015 at 12:44 pm

    I’m not very good at things like drawing or painting but found my crafting niche with crocheting and I love making things 🙂

    Reply
  6. Anomalotus says

    March 26, 2015 at 12:47 pm

    I love to crochet because it makes me happy to create beautiful things. I have bipolar and crocheting can calm me when I am manic or depressed. It is meditative and takes me to my calm place 🙂

    Reply
  7. Teresa (Teri) Robbins says

    March 26, 2015 at 12:48 pm

    I love to crochet because it reminds me of time spent with Mommy while she was teaching me. I love the feeling of accomplishment when I finish a project that is all mine and has my flair to set it apart. And I love to crochet because I watch the faces of the people that I give it to and see how happy they are that I spent time making them something special and personal and something that will likely be handed down through generations. Crochet is about my family, past, present and future… I love that.

    Reply
  8. judi tiller says

    March 26, 2015 at 12:48 pm

    i love to crochet for many reasons from it relieves stress, makes great gifts, earn a little extra money, but mostly carrying on a tradition that my grandma Webster taught me (she is gone now but is always with me) that i have passed on to my daughter & grandson…crochet on & be blessed!!!

    Reply
  9. dot says

    March 26, 2015 at 12:57 pm

    Therapy Im the primary caregiver to my chronically ill husband and he likes me to be around him so for me crocheting is my therapy…..

    Reply
  10. Amanda Morse says

    March 26, 2015 at 12:57 pm

    I love to crochet because I know I can make others happy. I’ve made at least two hats for women going through chemo and I plan to donate a few more.

    Reply
  11. Anabel Carcana says

    March 26, 2015 at 12:59 pm

    I love crochet because I lose myself in it. Time stops around me, everything stills except my hands with hook and yarn.

    Reply
  12. Kolbi Templin says

    March 26, 2015 at 1:03 pm

    My grandma taught me when I was little and it relieves stress. I love to watch a simple ball of yarn turn into something beautiful.

    Reply
  13. Rebecca Dudley says

    March 26, 2015 at 1:09 pm

    I love to make things for my family. It gives my hands something to do while watching tv. It helps get my mind off of other things. It also helped me quit smoking.

    Reply
  14. Bernice Bacon says

    March 26, 2015 at 1:16 pm

    I like to crochet because there is something magical about taking a hook and piece of string and turning it into a work of art.

    Reply
  15. Kalli Hinkle says

    March 26, 2015 at 1:19 pm

    I love crochet because off all the beautiful and unique things I can make with it! It’s extremely satisfying to create a finished piece. I’m currently learning how to spin yarn too, so I can take it a step further. Eventually, I’d love to make my own roving as well.

    Reply
    • Patricia Harris says

      June 7, 2015 at 3:12 am

      Hello, could you tell me what ‘roving’ is please? ph

      Reply
      • Stitch&Unwind says

        June 9, 2015 at 6:14 pm

        Roving is thick wool that isn’t twisted into traditional yarn yet

        Reply
  16. Maria says

    March 26, 2015 at 1:21 pm

    I love crocheting because it helps me unwind. It’s some me time, when I can concentrate on just one thing

    Reply
  17. Susan Cobianco says

    March 26, 2015 at 1:23 pm

    It puts my mind to ease- no stress . I seem closer to my Aunt whom I learned from and my daughter whom I taught. It makes me smile trying to compete against my daughter in entering in the county fairs.

    Reply
  18. Joy Ainsworth says

    March 26, 2015 at 1:26 pm

    I love to crochet because it helps me relax after a stressful day. But I also love that every time I pick up my needle I think of my Grandma Docia because she was the one that taught me how.

    Reply
  19. Tara says

    March 26, 2015 at 1:27 pm

    I crochet to relax and be able to share something I made for specially just for the person I am gifting an item to.

    Reply
  20. JUDE says

    March 26, 2015 at 1:29 pm

    I crochet to express myself. I am able to create something that brings ‘life’ to others. Crocheting is a positive, happy entertainment I can do for hours ❤️

    Reply
  21. Patricia Seaton says

    March 26, 2015 at 1:30 pm

    Crochet, for me, is art, meditation and therapy rolled into one. Though I make a lot of things for others, crocheting is nevertheless, a way to make time and space for those things for myself.

    Reply
  22. Barbara Worner says

    March 26, 2015 at 1:56 pm

    I love crochet, for me it’s a combination of meditation and prayer. It helps me overcome my pain issues, but I also pray for others while I crochet, especially the person I am crocheting for, and when I am finished I have a gift to share with that person. It’s an amazing feeling watching the yarn become something useful or lovely to give those I care for.

    Reply
  23. Joanne M. says

    March 26, 2015 at 1:59 pm

    I love crochet because it is relaxing when I need it, but it can also be challenging depending on the project I choose to work on.

    Reply
  24. Sylvie Robert says

    March 26, 2015 at 2:34 pm

    It’s almost like a meditation to me and it’s a creative outlet. 🙂

    Reply
  25. Christine says

    March 26, 2015 at 2:45 pm

    I love to crochet. It’s a great way to make things for others, as well as relaxing!

    Reply
  26. Jayne R says

    March 26, 2015 at 3:09 pm

    Crochet lets me tap into my more creative side 🙂

    Reply
  27. Donna says

    March 26, 2015 at 3:33 pm

    Crocheting is relaxing, helps one to unwind while still being productive. I love to make and give crochet gifts and donate to neo-natal & cancer hospital. Always have several WIP!!! And recently made my first cardi for Me!!! Excited!! 🙂

    Reply
  28. Rose Grima says

    March 26, 2015 at 4:27 pm

    I love to crochet because I find it to be relaxing and can’t sit and have nothing to do. And it also keeps me away from my pantry.

    Reply
  29. Lisa Holicky says

    March 26, 2015 at 9:55 pm

    I love to crochet because it is relaxing and I have a great talent to make beautiful afghans and other projects.

    Reply
  30. Jessy says

    March 27, 2015 at 7:46 pm

    I dont

    Reply
  31. joann says

    April 4, 2015 at 9:39 pm

    Crochet is very relaxing to me and FUN!

    Reply
  32. Carol Scott says

    April 6, 2015 at 12:42 pm

    I learned to crochet when I was a high school sophomore, but not as part of any curriculum. One day we had a substitute teacher who gave us a reading assignment for the entire class period. As we read, she was crocheting a brown vest, something very popular during that generation, the late 1960s-early ’70s. But she was having some difficulties with the pattern, and during the last few minutes of class she gave up and began ripping out that particular section. In her frustration she said, “Anyone who wants to learn to crochet, be at my house at 7:00 Thursday night.” She expected to have no takers to this insincere invitation, but instead, eight of us appeared at her door that night. (We weren’t stalking her; we did let her know in advance we planned to take her up on the offer, and obtained her address directly from her.) In any case, she lived up to the promise and spent two hours a week from October through around February or March teaching us the basic stitches, increasing, decreasing, reading patterns and then some of the more difficult stitches. By spring, she felt we would be able to read, interpret and follow any pattern; and to prove it, our first ‘real’ project beyond the sample swatches we made while learning the craft was the same vest which had inspired the tutoring in the first place — a pattern which included the sentence, “This pattern is not for beginners,” in bold italics directly under the name. She informed us that if we were able to successfully complete that vest, there would be virtually no crochet project we couldn’t do. Of the eight of us who originally began the lessons, I think at least six of us did finish it. We began crocheting in any free time we could find — (as well as occasionally during some of our less intense classes). My vest was a variegated pastel item featuring mint green, yellow, pink and white — it greatly resembled baby yarn but in a worsted weight. My friend, Kathy’s, was red. I also made a new friend during those sessions, the younger sister of one of the girls who had been in the class in which we were first challenged to learn to crochet. Throughout the years since that time, I’ve made many different things, but my favorite go-to pieces are afghans and small holiday-themed items to give away to family, friends and coworkers or to donate to organizations sponsoring craft sales a fundraising events. I continue to crochet because it has become a part of who I am, and because it connects me to relatives who have also crocheted over the years. It is more than a hobby to me, and I hope I never have to give it up.

    Reply
    • Cindy says

      April 11, 2015 at 11:16 am

      I absolutely enjoyed your story. Very touching.

      Reply
  33. Barbara Gutowski says

    April 10, 2015 at 1:17 pm

    My Mom taught me the basics when I was a teenager and now I crochet as a stress reducer. Both my parents and my husband have spent a lot of time being hospitalized and crocheting has helped me pass the time while sitting with them or waiting for a procedure to be finished. I always carry a small project with me and use the time waiting to complete these little projects. I have given away more slippers, scarves and hats to other people sitting in waiting rooms just because they looked like they needed a smile or a hug.

    Reply
  34. Jean Young says

    April 10, 2015 at 2:09 pm

    Like others, my grandmother taught me to crochet rag rugs, which I have been doing for years. When I do, I think of her and the nice things she did for us as kids . She was not the lovey-dovey type, but we KNEW she loved us! I have crocheted other items – valances, doilies, HATS, etc., but the rugs are my favourites.

    A grand daughter is visiting and wants to learn. We’ll be having a tutorial later today.
    So glad she wants to learn

    Jean

    Reply
  35. KathrynC says

    April 10, 2015 at 3:44 pm

    I taught myself how to crochet when I was 23. I was recovering from Cancer and unable to do much, but I could still move my arms and hands so I had my husband buy me a book and I read it and learned. Today I make blankets of all sizes and donate them to Project Linus where they are given to children with Cancer ages newborn to 18. I will continue to crochet and donate the blankets to them for the rest of my life. I love knowing that what I make will help a sick child in any manner.

    Reply
  36. Heather Manis says

    April 10, 2015 at 3:48 pm

    Crocheting is a way to decompress after a hard day. Crocheting things for people (no matter their age) is a way to say I care about you! It gives a forever hug…

    Reply
  37. Elisa says

    April 10, 2015 at 4:25 pm

    I learned how to crochet just last year when I moved in the US with my husband. I was so homesick that time and I am always left alone at home. To ease my loneliness/boredom I had to find ways to make myself busy. I started crocheting by watching Youtube Tutorials. I am so fortunate to have a husband who is very supportive of the things I wanna do. So from then on I just can’t stop crocheting. I even created a Facebook Page. It is Strings and Cuddles. I just love crocheting!

    Reply
  38. Sunnie Mitchell says

    April 10, 2015 at 4:31 pm

    I self taught – one whole stitch, lol, (sc) in Jan 2005 and for nearly ten years that one stitch became dishcloths, scarves, soap saver bags. For some reason, though, I could never learn to crochet in the round, and other stitches eluded me as well.

    Last year (autumn 2014) I found a barrel of bin ends – all autumn colours – in a Devon, England needlework shop and decided to use my mad sc skilz to make a crochet block ‘quilt’. In the process of making that (yeah, it took me from late Sept ’14 through early March 2015, and it’s GORGEOUS:) quilt I decided to really learn crochet – I was on a mission and the more I learned, the more I loved crochet for so many reasons! And then I made my first hat that really is a hat and actually gets compliments, and once I made that hat I realised a whole new crafting world had just opened up for me – the sense of empowerment is completely amazing to this 58yo woman.

    Why do I love crochet? I love crochet for the Zen! It’s the colours, it’s the respect in my husband’s eyes every time he uses his ripple lapghan in the study or slides under the autumn quilt, it’s the joy of being able to make my granddaughter Disney character ‘dressing-up’ hats, it’s my friend in Portland, OR and daughter in ID saying ‘Wow! Can you make me one of those?’…Zen, it’s the Zen!

    I finally understand those tee-shirts and bags – ‘So many yarns/so little time!’

    Reply
  39. June says

    April 10, 2015 at 6:47 pm

    I love to crochet because of all the intricate stitches that can be made, crocheting works up quickly (unlike knitting that takes FOREVER to get an inch), and the things that can be made are endless, with anything from thread to bulky yarn.

    Reply
  40. Teresa Talkington says

    April 10, 2015 at 8:25 pm

    I love to crochet! Not only is it a creative outlet, but it is relaxing and helps distract my mind from chronic pain of fibromyalgia. Plus I create beautiful items that I give away to friends and family.

    Reply
  41. Frances Conwell says

    April 10, 2015 at 9:16 pm

    I love to crochet, as it is a skill which nurture my mind, and spirit. In addition, it enables me to create beautiful projects; to teach a sustainable skill; and to fellowship with other crafters.

    Reply
  42. Davilene K. Miller says

    April 10, 2015 at 10:43 pm

    My aunt taught to crochet when I was about 10 years old. I for got all about it until 1976 when I had to have two major surgeries. I couldn’t do much at the time so I pick a crochet hook and some yarn and started working on an afghan. I have been doing it ever since. Now I do it to relax and to make beautiful patterns for all my family and friends. Thank God for crochet. It keeps me sane in this crazy world. Crochet and my pet Chihuahuas.

    Reply
  43. Bernice Lock says

    April 11, 2015 at 1:21 am

    I’ve been crocheting since I was 7 years old.Now I am 73 and believe each crochet item has love woven into it.Many babies and nursing home patients have my work and my love keeps them feeling special.Home made items come from the heart and are the best because no two are alike.

    Reply
  44. Mistie says

    April 11, 2015 at 9:56 am

    I love crocheting because of how it relaxes me. Also it helps me feel closer to my grandma, she passed away before my brother was born, and she would make beautiful lace for the dresses she would sew. Over the years we have lost a lot of the things she made for the family and this is one way I keep her close

    Reply
  45. Kay says

    April 12, 2015 at 12:54 pm

    I love to crochet. I taught myself while in collage when a friend was having a baby. I made a hat, sweater and blanket for her. She loved it & I was hooked. Now that I’m retired, it keeps me busy & I give it away.
    I love learning new stitches and techniques.

    Reply
  46. Eunice Paschke says

    April 12, 2015 at 9:48 pm

    I love to crochet because it takes me to a pain free world where I can let my imagination go and create wonderful gifts for family and friends. We are currently building our new home, so I am making all the floor rugs, kitchen and bathroom needs as well as extra to sell at the driveway stall I have for selling my home grown produce and my partner’s wooden toys. Crochet is also a great ice breaker.

    Reply
  47. Judith says

    April 13, 2015 at 5:34 pm

    When my first child was born nearly 44 years ago I knitted the whole layette as I was bored staying at home. Shortly after her birth I realised that she was also left handed.

    I have always liked crochet work and saw a simple square in a magazine showing how to crochet a simple square.. It took me an hour but I did it. I was able to teach my daughter to knot and crochet left handed. I will soon teach one of my granddaughters to crochet as she is also left handed.

    Reply
  48. Chris Dodson says

    April 13, 2015 at 7:53 pm

    My love for crochet began when I was 10 years old, my grandmother taught me how to do some basic stitches. I crocheted off and on for the next 20 years. Afghans in particular. Now I make sweater, blankies, slippers, hats, fingerless gloves and amigurumi now too. All because that seed was planted within me. I take pride in my work and it keeps my mind and fingers busy.

    Reply
  49. Vickie says

    April 14, 2015 at 8:28 pm

    I love to crochet, and handcraft anything, because I am not very social but when people say, “OMG you made that!” it gives me a conversation opener.

    Reply
  50. Robyn says

    April 19, 2015 at 3:28 am

    I taught myself when my partner was suffering with depression and I wasn’t coping either and was on medication myself, its so calming and relaxing and you get something amazing out of it 🙂

    Reply
  51. Ethel Gillum says

    June 1, 2015 at 1:22 pm

    I learned to crochet from my Aunt. I still learn stiches on my own. I love crochet because I can make things any time.

    Reply
  52. Patricia Harris says

    June 7, 2015 at 3:37 am

    I only learned to crochet 6 months ago, I had a car accident 12yrs ago and am still having operations to put me back on my feet, crocheting gives me something to do while watching tv or waiting for the next operation. Hopefully this time next year I will be able to walk again. ph

    Reply

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