To this day, no one knows what the history of crocheting began with. One can only say: needlework is very ancient. Proof of this are the finds of archaeologists in Egyptian tombs. Unfortunately, the knitting patterns themselves almost did not survive to this day, but only left traces of their existence. For example, a pattern was discovered on the wall of a tomb on which a woman puts on knitted socks. This image is about 4 thousand years old!
In another tomb, a children's sock was found, with a very interesting shape - his thumb was tied separately. This means that even then, in the III-IV century. n e., socks were knitted for the convenience of wearing them with sandals. And such shoes, as you know, passed the strap between the fingers, like modern "flip flops".
The history of crocheting allows you to touch it in specialized museums around the world. There you can see multi-color silk dresses, decorative belts, socks and stockings, sweaters, fancy lace and much more. Moreover, the age of some things is very impressive. One of them is several centuries old, and the other is several thousand years old.
In Europe, the history of crocheting began around the 9th century. It is believed that it was born thanks to the Copts - Egyptian Christians. When visiting Europe, these missionaries took knitwear with them, which attracted the attention of local residents. Knitted things then could afford only wealthy people. For example, the cost of a pair of silk stockings was equal to the annual earnings of the royal shoemaker. Only in the XV-XVI centuries the production of knitwear was put on stream. Huge workshops for the manufacture of stockings, socks, sweaters, hats were created. Moreover, it is worth noting that they were hired exclusively by men. A little later, women began to engage in this craft.
However, despite the factory production of knitwear, crochet did not give up its position. History shows that homemade work has always been valued much higher. Although crocheting required more time and considerable effort, things made in this way turned out to be unique. Moreover, a machine capable of simulating it has not yet been invented by anyone.
It still remains a mystery how the history of crocheting in Russia began. One thing is known, that they were engaged in this type of needlework here for a very long time, earlier than the XI century. Knitted mainly by villagers. To do this, they used yarn from sheep’s wool and made warm clothes: socks, stockings, sweaters, mittens, etc.
For a long time, crochet technology was not fixed anywhere. Each nation had its own secrets and methods. And only in 1824 in the Dutch magazine "Penelope" for the first time were presented ways to perform drawings and patterns. Thus, crochet was standardized. After, at the end of the 19th century, two naming systems were created: American and British. They are used today.
Crochet has not lost its relevance today. In this way, not only wardrobe items are created, but also the home interior is decorated. Modern craftsmen crochet napkins, rugs, lampshades, tablecloths. Even mobile phones and other gadgets such craftsmen manage to "dress up" in exclusive cases.
No less popular is knitting for children. It turns out to create a crochet especially cute lace caps and booties, dresses and blouses. You cannot tie this on the knitting needles, and even more so you cannot buy such products in stores. Knitting for children is also good because it does not require a large number of threads and does not take much time.