Crochet

cro-sha', a variety of hand knitting. It is produced by drawing yarn into loops or meshes with a long, slender needle of steel, bone, or ivory, hooked at one end. Crochet work is known to have been in use as early as the fourteenth century. Crocheting may be done with fine cotton, linen, or silk thread, producing even and delicate laces. It may also be done with heavy cord, rope silk, or yarns of eight strands, such as double zephyr. A great variety of articles are produced from these different materials. From thread are made laces, trimmings, doilies, collars and cuffs, infants' caps, etc. From heavy silks and yarns are made mittens, gloves, shawls, vests, jackets, scarfs, undergarments, hoods, caps, leggings, etc. The work is easier on the hands and more rapid than knitting. After learning a variety of stitches, an article of almost any shape can be produced; or an article that is seen may be readily imitated. A machine has been made for crocheting the common shell stitch pattern. It produces an edging used for finishing knitted underwear and a great variety of small articles.