We all recognize crocheted clothing when we see it, even if we aren’t quite sure what the yarn-like, dainty material is called. Crocheted items have a unique look and feel, and an always popular appeal. Crocheted apparel provides a look of spring, style and elegance.
Crochet is a process of creating fabric by interlocking loops of yarn, thread, or strands of material using a crochet hook. The name crochet is derived from the French term “crochet”, meaning small hook. The word crochet was used in 17th century French lace making: crochetage designating a stitch used to join separate pieces of lace, and crochet designating both a specific type of fabric and the hooked needle used to produce it.
Fashion speak in crochet chic!
For those of you fashion divas that prefer to crochet your own clothing, basic materials required for crochet are a hook and some type of material that will be crocheted, most commonly yarn or thread. Additional tools are convenient for keeping stitches counted, measuring crocheted fabric, or making related accessories. Cardboard cutouts can be used to make tassels and fringe, and a pom-pom circle makes cute dangling pom-poms.
For the fashion divas that adore crocheted clothing yet don’t enjoy the process of crocheting your own clothes, you will need cash or a credit card and some styling clothing stores.
Yes, either way, wearing crocheted clothes is here to stay!
Crochet Fun Fact: Yarn for crochet is usually sold as balls or skeins (hanks), although the yarn may also be wound on spools or cones. Crocheted fabric is begun by placing a slip-knot on the hook, pulling another loop through the first loop, and repeating the process to create a chain of a suitable length. The chain is either turned and worked in rows, or joined to the beginning of the row with a slip stitch and worked in rounds. At any one time at the end of a stitch, there is only one loop left on the hook.
Whether you prefer a crocheted dress, skirt, vest or purse, no matter the look, you’ll be hooked!
Crochet your way into darling duds!
Crocheted clothing gives an elegant, regal appeal to the clothing as the fabric is dainty, feminine and flows with the body.
The Five Main Types of Basic Crocheted Stitches:
- Chain Stitch – The most basic of all types of stitches used to begin most clothing projects.
- Slip Stitch – Used to join chain stitches to form a ring.
- Single Crochet Stitch – This is the easiest stitch to master.
- Half Double Crochet Stitch – The ‘in-between’ stitch.
- Double Crochet Stitch – An unlimited use stitch.
Advanced Crocheted Stitches Include:
- Shell Stitch
- V Stitch
- Spike Stitch
- Afghan Stitch
- Butterfly Stitch
- Popcorn Stitch
- Crocodile Stitch
Stitch your way into sassy, sensual, stunning crochet!
Crochet Fun Fact: Although crocheted and knitted clothing looks similar, crochet stitches can only be crafted by hand, while knitted garments can be accomplished with a machine. The height of crocheted and knitted stitches is also different: a single crochet stitch is twice the height of a knit stitch.
The first substantive evidence of crocheted fabric relates to its appearance in Europe during the 19th century. Earlier work identified as crochet was commonly made by nalebinding, a separate looped yarn technique.
Crochet Fun Fact: The first known published instructions for crochet appeared in the Dutch magazine, Penelope, in 1823. This includes a color plate showing five different style purses, three crocheted with silk thread.
Due to the open, skin showing aura of crochet, crocheted clothing is perfect for warm weather months. But you say you prefer to wear crochet in rain and snow? Then placing clothing under your crocheted garments is the perfect way to go (i.e., a turtleneck underneath a crocheted sweater or vest).
Crochet Fun Fact: In the 19th century, as Ireland was facing the Great Irish Famine (1845-1849), crochet lace work was introduced as a form of famine relief, as the production of crocheted lace became an alternative way of making money for impoverished Irish workers. Mademoiselle Riego de la Blanchardiere is credited with the invention of the Irish Crochet, publishing the first book patterns in 1846. Irish lace then became popular in Europe and America, and was made in quantity until the first World War.
Crochet your way into fabulous high fashion elegance!
Fashions in crochet changed with the end of the Victorian era in the 1890s. Crocheted laces in the new Edwardian era, peaking between 1910 and 1920, became even more elaborate in texture and complicated stitching.
Crocheted clothing has seen a revival of interest in do it yourself garments in women’s wardrobes. Crochet has experienced a reappearance on the catwalk as well. Websites such as Etsy and Ravelry have made it easier for individual hobbyists to sell and distribute their patterns and projects across the internet.
Whether you prefer crocheted clothing in whites and neutral tones or blacks and navy blues, crocheted apparel holds major appeal with every color of the rainbow! Whatever colors suit you!
I think crocheted clothing in whites and nude tones looks lovely, elegant and says bring on the summer!
Crocheted sophistication! Crocheted style! Crocheted fashion! Always classy, always popular, always a glamour girl’s passion!
“Have you finished the crocheted skirt that you’re making?”
“No. I thought I would go faster than it’s taking.”
“Better get moving. By the time you’re done it will be next spring.”
“I know. I’m just so busy with work, school and everything.”
“You have more patience than I do. I would go buy one.”
“It might be easier but it takes away some of the crocheting fun.”
“I love crocheted clothes. I think I’ll go buy a crocheted dress right now.”
“Sounds marvelous. I’ll come with you. We’ll wear our crochet and wow!”
Why wait to crochet your days away when you can head to your nearest clothing store and walk away with a wardrobe of fantastic crochet today?
Nancy Mangano is an American fashion journalist and author of the Natalie North murder mystery book series, A Passion for Prying and Murder Can Be Messy. Visit Nancy on her author website http://www.nancymangano.com, Twitter @https://twitter.com/nancymangano, her fashion magazine Strutting in Style! at http://www.struttinginstyle.com, and her Facebook fan page Nancy Mangano https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nancy-Mangano/362187023895846
STRUTTING IN STYLE! NANCY MANGANO'S FASHION/STYLE/BEAUTY BONANZA 