Crochet has been a part of fashion for a long time now, however, people weren’t as crazy about it until Sara Ali Khan and Shraddha Kapoor sported crochet tops and jacket-shrug in their beach holidays recently.
It has traditionally been worn in winters but with these beach looks, crochet has found its way in the summer wardrobe as well. But do you know how crochet entered the world of fashion?
To give the background of this famous fashion staple, we have created a simple and crisp timeline of its origin.
In 1812, the memoirs of a Highland Lady by Elizabeth Grant highlighted a point which says that crochet started as a 'slip stitch' knitting.
After a few years in 1824, 'Penelope', a Dutch magazine, published an article with all the instructions on slip stitch crochet.
In 1835, the crochet bag pattern became a trend as chain stitching was added to the bags. In 1846, the crochet pattern entered England. That was the first time people witnessed the work of crochet and they accepted it with open arms.
During the Great Famine, Irish crochet lace became a way to make money. In the time frame of 1850 and 1860, crochet hooks became affordable to people due to industrialisation.
In 1867, the 'Harper's Bazaar', an American women fashion magazine was launched, keeping in mind the increasing literacy rate of women. More women started to read about the craft through this magazine, resulting in its rising popularity.
The influence of crochet can also be seen in the feminine fashion of the Edwardian fashion style in late 1910 to 1920. After the Second World War in 1945, home craft and crochet returned to the lives of people.
In the 1960s and 70s, crochet fashion was on the rise. In 1994, Gwen Blakley Kinsler, author of the book 'The Fine Art of Crochet', founded 'The Crochet Guild of America' to encourage the art of crocheting.
After being in the home decor family, crochet finally made its entry in the winter fashion. From scarves to sweaters and cardigans, crochet work was loved by all.
With passing years, the demand and popularity of crochet grew. These days, it can be seen in summer wardrobes as well. Crochet tops, skirts, dresses, middies, shrugs, dungarees, kurtis, shorts, and double crochet work is considered a part of the 'stylish gang'.