Crochet patterns are becoming increasingly popular and not just because it is fun and easy. One only needs the right size hook, yarn, and scissors to start a project. Many places supply crochet patterns and stitches to make small items like doilies to large rugs or wall hangings.

This simple activity was once only performed by the rich instead of the poor or middle class. This hobby made its way to France, England, and Italy in the fifteen hundreds and spread to the Chinese and Europeans by the next century. American girls began learning this method in school during the same era. This time period also coincided with the publication of patterns for consumers to purchase.

Centuries ago, crochet hooks were made in different sizes from fish bone, ivory, wood, and brass. Now they are manufactured from inexpensive plastic, metal, aluminum, steel, bamboo, and wood. Yarn is spun from animal materials such as wool, silk, alpaca, mohair, and angora. Cotton and linen are vegetable fibers, and plant substances include acrylic, polyester, and nylon. Solid or multi colored skeins are available in virtually every shade imaginable.

Famous female entertainers like musician Aretha Franklin have enjoyed this hobby. Actors Patricia Arquette, Ellen Corby, Anne Bancroft, and Bette Davis worked on projects in their spare time. Rosie Grier, defensive tackle for the New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams in the sixties, displayed his interest in this hobby. Past United States President James Buchanan and George Washington Carver who was an inventor also turned to this creative past time.

This old time handwork eases tension while listening to the radio or television. Projects can be taken on the road to vacation destinations, meetings, conferences, or while visiting. It is less costly to hand make items for others rather than pay high store prices. Presents made with love and thoughtfulness are more appreciated. Some crafters have turned their part-time enjoyment into a full-time business and sell what they make thanks to patterns purchased or created.

Clothing can be made for babies, children, and adults. Everyone needs outdoor wear such as scarves, gloves, mittens, and hats. Apparel like shirts, sweaters, vests, belts, slippers, and socks are always appreciated as well as shawls, blankets, afghans, and pillow cases. Kitchen items including oven mitts, potholders, place mats, tablecloths, and aprons can always be used in addition to purses and tote bags. Clothes, booties, bibs, blankets, and caps are just a few items to make for babies.

Beautiful accessories for the home can be made such as occasional rugs, drapes, coasters, and doilies. Unique wall hangings spruce up any room, and decorative ornaments provide personalized decor anytime of the year. The family pet is kept warm with a sweater or coat, or fun toys or hammocks to sleep in can be produced.

Hundreds of crochet patterns are offered in publications and sites online. Designs are traditional, modern, and everything in between to accommodate any fashion sense or need. This handcraft has become more widely recognized as a cost effective way to meet the needs of friends and family.