Crocheting in its modern, documented form dates to the early 1800s in Europe, making it a relatively young craft compared to knitting or weaving. This question comes up often, so here is a short timeline. Most people expect an ancient answer, so the roughly 200 year timeline usually surprises them.
Direct Answer
The earliest clear written references to crocheting date to the early 1800s, placing its invention in that period rather than in ancient history. France is often credited with the name, and the craft gained significant momentum through Irish crochet lace by the mid 1800s.
Background and Context
The mid 1800s saw crochet lace become a genuine source of household income in Ireland during a period of severe economic hardship, which helped the craft spread quickly to England and later the United States. Before this documented period, various cultures practiced looped textile work, but none of that is directly tied to the specific hooked technique known as crochet today. This distinction comes first, since it clears up most of the confusion around the question.
It helps to separate crochet from its closest relatives. Knitting has a longer documented history stretching back further with clearer evidence, while tatting developed around the same era as crochet but uses a small shuttle instead of a hook.
Written crochet patterns did not become common until magazines began printing them widely in the mid to late 1800s. Before that period, the technique passed almost entirely through direct demonstration between crocheters, which is a big reason the exact moment of invention stays undocumented.
Frequently asked questions
What language does the word crochet come from?
Crochet comes from French and translates to small hook, referring directly to the tool the craft is built around.
Is crocheted or crochet correct as the past tense?
Crocheted is the correct form, as in “they crocheted blankets for the entire shelter last winter.”
Was crochet invented before or after knitting?
After. Knitting has archaeological evidence reaching back several centuries earlier, while crochet’s clear documented history only begins in the early 1800s.
Continue exploring the craft
With the timeline covered, the best next step is trying the craft firsthand. Our beginner series walks through the first stitches in order.
Start learning to crochet
