The history of the crochet hook is quite fascinating. Crochet itself is believed to have originated in the early 16th century in Europe. However, the exact origin of the crochet hook is a bit unclear. That makes this art more mysterious because there is also some evidence of crochet possibly having roots in early China or Arabia. So, who were the earliest pioneers of this craft? What tools and techniques were used in those early centuries?
Whoever it was that discovered this popular art form and the tools necessary, we owe a debt of gratitude for providing us that tool for this long-living and sustainable life skill. Let’s dig a bit into some historical trivia surrounding the crochet hook.
Hooks of all kinds
The first crochet hooks were likely made from simple materials like bone, wood, or even ivory. These early hooks were handmade and varied in size and shape. Over time, as crochet became more popular, hooks started to be produced on a larger scale and with different materials such as metal. We have been searching for vintage crochet hooks or trying to produce some of our own. Many of our followers have known how Fuad himself creates his own unique hook handles on Wood Be Fancy. He has also dabbled in making his own fully hand carved wood hooks. We have yet to discover any bone or ivory hooks while antiquing, but one can imagine how rare these must be.
In the 19th century, steel crochet hooks became particularly popular due to their durability. They didn’t break or wear down as easily with use. They were often used for delicate and intricate lacework. The size and shape of the hooks also began to mass produce during this time, making it easier for patterns to be shared and replicated.
In the modern era, crochet hooks are available in a wide range of materials including plastic, aluminum, and bamboo. They also come in various sizes and designs, catering to different preferences and crochet techniques. Company branding and designs were perfected and the industry has grown significantly.
Crochet hooks have evolved alongside the art of crochet itself, allowing people to create beautiful and intricate designs with ease. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crocheter, having a good crochet hook is essential for bringing your creative ideas to life!
What is your go-to hook? Share with us in the comments!
Happy Hooking!
~Fuad, Shannon, and Nadia
This post contains affiliate links, which I may be compensated for when you make a purchase. That means if you click on any link and buy from the linked websites, I will receive a small percentage of the value of your order. The amount you pay is not changed. Thank you for all your support in clicking the links in my blog!! You all are so amazing!! ~Nadia
I spend a lot of time in the yarn aisle whenever I find myself out shopping. I also find myself drawn to beautiful fibers each time I see an attractive item in housewares. Clothing with crochet detail always catches my attention. It has become innate to be enticed to anything related to my passion. So is it any wonder that my wish list grows each time I head out to do some retail therapy??
I have a lot of self-control. I have developed it over the years as a need-based defense mechanism. Without it, I would go completely broke! But, that doesn’t mean I can’t dream, and hope that one day I might splurge (first I have a wedding to pay for so for now, admiring from a distance is ok)!
I love a good sale! I love shopping the internet for the best deal! Today, I worked some of my research magic to find some great deals on my “Wish List” items!! I am tucking these away here on my blog to revisit. Maybe in some future blog posts, I might actually follow through with a splurge and these items might make an appearance.
Today’s items are things I hope to one day add to my craft room! As you all know, our personal spaces are ever evolving. I can imagine the same will be the case for me as time goes by. One of our YARNutopians made a suggestion following my recent blog post in which I talked about my recent room remodel. That got me thinking of the future and some small touches I can see adding.
I have always wanted a letter board. I love motivational quotes and this board makes the idea of changing the quotes daily or weekly a fun decorating idea for my craft room. Inspiration in my personal space is a fun way to keep me motivated and add that personal touch.
Presently, in my studio, I sit in a swivel backless stool that offers nothing in the line of back support. In my new studio space that we created in my new house, I have an old dining room chair pulled up to my work station. I would love to have a swivel office chair with some lumbar support while I work. I feel the hours I spend filming and crafting deserves to be spent in a little more comfort than I have been settling for. This is on the top of the list!
I stated earlier that I love fun quotes! I stumbled across some fantastic wall decals and thought a decal on my empty wall would be a great idea to add a little bit of whimsy to an empty wall. I love these! I have seen them used tastefully in decorating!
I imagine spending lots of hours in my new craft cave! There is a window for natural light, but as the days get shorter and it becomes dark earlier, I found this nice lamp to brighten up my room while I curl up on the big comfy chair to crochet. Sometimes in dim lighting, especially working with dark yarn, it is hard to see my stitches. Having a lamp like this would be a great tool to cut down on my eye strain and increase my productivity!
Currently, when I am filming, I have my supplies piled up on my table off screen. I reach over to grab what I need during filming from the pile I created prior to filming. It is easiest to have my supplies all at hand and within reach, BUT it clutters up my off screen space making me feel overwhelmed by the disorganization. I have always wanted a craft cart but never had the room! In my new studio and craft room, the idea of having a cart to my side (off camera) to organize my supplies needed during filming will make production so much easier and seamless. I can reach over to grab anything I need without the crowding on my work table.
Do you have a ‘wish list’ item you would love to add to your personal crafting/crochet space? If so, what would you add to your list?
This post contains affiliate links, which I may be compensated for when you make a purchase. That means if you click on any link and buy from the linked websites, I will receive a small percentage of the value of your order. The amount you pay is not changed. Thank you for all your support in clicking the links in my blog!! You all are so amazing!! ~Nadia
My dad will continue to be the videographer, editor, and photographer for our videos when I get married and move away.
Support YARNutopia today so we can continue to bring you clear, quality crochet tutorials even after I move into my new home!
There will be an added expense of more travel and hopefully this won’t deter our ability to provide consistent videos on a weekly basis.
It starts with a chill in the air and dew on the grass, the time of the year when we begin to add an extra layer for warmth. Why not do that in style for someone you love? With a touch of old-fashioned elegance and sophisticated elements of Jay Gatsby, The Classic Man Scarf is the perfect accessory for the man in your life. I have a personal bias with this particular model, being that he happens to be the man in MY life! This scarf is very versatile and can be worn in a multitude of ways as shown in these photos. The length provides possibility for many different looks.
I combined a variety of stitches and textures to create this lovely piece that is sure to please even the most fashion conscious individual. Using the waffle stitch, half double crochet ribbed stitches, and waves, this multi-textured scarf is a perfect design for anyone. My design was made with three colors of soft yarn giving it all the comfort and warmth needed when we can’t get away from the cold weather.
Whether it’s a cool autumn day and Jack Frost is nipping at your nose or there is a Polar Vortex chilling you to the bone, The Classic Man Scarf is the perfect accessory for all those times you need to keep yourself nice and toasty, but still look fantastic doing it!
No photo shoot is complete without a few fun bloopers! We work hard, but play hard too! Enjoy!
My dad will continue to be the videographer, editor, and photographer for our videos when I move away.
Support YARNutopia today so we can continue to bring you clear, quality crochet tutorials even after I move into my new home!
There will be an added expense of more travel and hopefully this won’t deter our ability to provide consistent videos on a weekly basis.
Follow along with this video tutorial to learn how to make this scarf:
Enjoy this video and subscribe to my channel on YouTube for more tutorials on how to crochet!
Leave a comment, and share with your friends!
Pattern:
Designed by Nadia Fuad
Questions? Leave a comment! You may sell items made from my pattern, but please reference my name and Etsy Shop (YARNutopia). Please do not copy and post this pattern and claim it as your own.
NOTES:
-You can use any type of yarn you want for this project as long as you have about 510 yards of yarn.
-You can use as many colors as you want and you don’t have to make this a masculine scarf if you want to make it in feminine colors, this would be pretty for anybody!
-This scarf measures 66 inches (167 cm) long, but you can continue the repeat and make it bigger if you want.
-The main part (wavy stitch) of this scarf is in multiples of 14+2 so you can make this as big as you want.
Special Stitches:
Ch: chain
St(s): Stitch(es)
Sl st: slip stitch
SC: Single Crochet
DC: Double Crochet
TR: Treble Crochet
BLO: Work in the Back Loop Only
FPDC: Front Post Double Crochet
BPDC: Back Post Double Crochet
Scarf Main portion (Wavy)
With Charcoal
Ch 184 (Or any multiple of 14 + 2) Row 1: SC in 2nd ch from hook, [SC in next, HDC in next 2, DC in next 2, TR in next 3, DC in next 2, HDC in next 2, SC in next 2], repeat across. SC in last st. Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in 1st st, *SC in next, HDC in next 2, DC in next 2, TR in next 3, DC in next 2, HDC in next 2, SC in next 2, repeat from * across. SC in last st. turn. Row 3: With Black, Work in the 3rd Loop of each st, ch up 3, DC in each st across. (See video tutorial to see where 3rd loop is) Row 4: With Charcoal: Sl St in each St across. Row 5: Ch 4 (counts as TR), *TR in next, DC in next 2, HDC in next 2, SC in next 3, HDC in next 2, DC in next 2, TR in next 3, repeat from * across. End with TR in last st. Row 6: Repeat Row 5 Row 7: Repeat Row 3 with Black yarn Row 8: Repeat Row 4 Row 9-16: Repeat Rows 1-8 Once more Row 17: Repeat Row 1 with Charcoal Row 18: Repeat Row 2 Round 19: Ch up 3, DC in same st, work down the short side of the scarf, DC 32 sts evenly down the side (see video tutorial for specifics on where to place sts), when you get to the foundation row,
Sides: Row 1: With Blue: Start in the middle DC in corner. Ch 1, HDC in each st to next corner middle DC (32 sts)
Row 2: CH 1, HDC in each st across.
Rows 3-7: Repeat Row 2
Change Color
Row 8: Ch 3 (counts as DC), DC across, turn. (32)
Row 9: Ch 3, [DC in next st, FPDC in next, DC in next 2] 10 times, ch 3 turn.
Row 10: DC in next 2 sts, [FPDC in next 2 sts, DC in next st] 9 times, DC in last 2 sts.
Rows 11-20: Repeat Rows 9 and 10
Row 21: DC across. Fasten off. Weave in all ends.
Enjoy!!
“Being a true gentleman never goes out of fashion.” ~Unknown
This post contains affiliate links, which I may be compensated for when you make a purchase. That means if you click on any link and buy from the linked websites, I will receive a small percentage of the value of your order. The amount you pay is not changed. Thank you for all your support in clicking the links in my blog!! You all are so amazing!! ~Nadia
The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of Red Heart Yarns
