Hooked on Crochet!

Brightly coloured granny squares, kitsch pot or toilet roll holders and seventies’ style dresses all evoke nostalgic memories and emotions, often of love or hate, around crotchet. Crochet did, in fact do a nose dive in popularity in the 1980’s and 90’s, but here at Craft Insurance we’ve been delighted to witness its rebirth with a new generation and see successful businesses grow out of this highly versatile craft.

In our second post where we delve into the resurgence of some traditional crafts, we will look back at the fascinating, relatively modern history of crochet and see how society has shaped it through the decades. We will also look to the future for those marketing their crocheted creations and showcase some inspirational small businesses.

Unlike some classic crafts, it is hard to trace the most distant origins of crochet and there are several schools of thought as to where its roots began. Some believe the first forms of crochet came from Arabia and spread via the trade routes to the Mediterranean. Others hold to its origins being with the indigenous peoples of South America, and still others to China.

In more recent history there are two threads from which modern day crochet has evolved; tambour embroidery and shepherds knitting. Tambour embroidery was introduced to the French aristocracy, probably from China, in the 1700’s. It is crafted by using thread on fabric, thus producing a flat design. Tambour comes from the French word meaning drum, referring to the drum like rhythmic beat of the hook tapping on the fabric. Shepherds knitting originates from the UK, probably from Scotland where crofters whiled away the hours while watching their sheep by “knitting” with a single hooked needle.

Meanwhile, across the Channel, a style of crochet was developed to fashion the delicate and intricate lace for which some regions are still known. In Italy lace making was predominantly carried out in monasteries, and referred to as “nun’s lace”. In France it was the upper classes who mainly availed themselves to the skill of lace making. During the revolution many of this segment of society were either killed or fled the country, thus rendering this expertise almost to extinction. Fortunately however, a small group of nuns in a tucked away monastery were determined these skills did not die out and quietly worked away making lace in the traditional method, thus ensuring the survival of a distinct and regional craft for subsequent generations.

While knitting was a firmly established technique at this time, crotchet had yet to catch on with the general population. It was another tragic event which seems to have catapulted crochet into this more general realm. During the great Potato Famine in Ireland, the starving Irish population had to look for ways to feed themselves. One of these was by learning to crochet lace which they could sell. This stunning Irish lace became well regarded and the art was spread to America as many Irish citizens emigrated to escape hunger. In England, Queen Victoria was so enamoured with a piece of Irish lace gifted to her that she learnt to crochet, thus establishing it’s approval for all.

Here in the U.K. crocheting grew from strength to strength. Intricate stitches were developed during the Edwardian era and it became part of the war effort on the Home Front in both World Wars. Whole articles of clothing were designed and made using crochet between the wars, and after the Second World War it played a role in the “make do and mend” culture of the nation’s austerity. The 50’s and 60’s were maybe the height of crochet popularity with the introduction of brightly coloured granny squares and a huge range of clothes, including wedding dresses, made by crochet.

Sadly the 1980’s saw the demise in the favour of crochet, but in the last decade or so it’s popularity has again gained traction with the burgeoning of online tutorials and websites, local crochet gatherings and a vast choice of patterns and yarns. We have also had the pleasure of seeing the rise in many small, successful crochet businesses.

If you are interested in the work of some modern day crochet influencers why not follow @repeatcrafterme, @allboutami, @tlyarncrafts, @bellacococrochet and @jimmybeanswool on INstagram?

If you enjoy crochet, why not consider selling some of your gorgeous creations? There is certainly a market for them, the start up costs are low and it is a craft you can easily fit in around other parts of your life; perfect for an initial toe dip into the world of craft business. These cold and often grey winter months are a good time to research what is out there, and begin to build a range of stock which is unique to you. It is also a good time to think about how you will sell your initial creations. Online is certainly an option, and there are a number of platforms through which you can do this. You could also look towards spring craft fairs and markets. This wonderful world is well worth exploring as it provides opportunities to network with other crafters, to meet customers and to gain inspiration from other stalls.

When you book, you will need to check if public liability insurance for events is required. While this is not a legal requirement, many organisers will ask that you have public liability insurance for events in place. Even if the event organiser does not request it, both that and product liability insurance are worth considering. Public liability insurance for events will cover you in the unforeseen event that a member of the public makes a claim against you for damage to themselves or their property; for example, breaking an ankle when tripping over a display unit. This is extremely unlikely and may not even be your fault, which is why we call it a “sleep easy” insurance. However, it is advisable to look into insurance backup and both Naomi and Sam are here to answer your questions to ensure you have the best package to set you on your way.

Finally, take a look at the inspiring crochet business listed below, have confidence in yourself and your creativity and get started!