Crochet Lace is Popular Among All

Crochet lace is an application of the art of crochet. Generally it uses finer threads and more decorative styles of stitching, often with flowing lines or scalloped edges to give interest. Variation of the size of the holes also gives a piece a 'lacy' look.

Originally crochet lace was not regarded as true lace. Crocheting was considered easy and less time consuming, but otherwise clearly an inferior surrogate for "true" lace such as bobbin lace, needle lace or netting. The first examples of crocheted lace try to reproduce the products of other lace making techniques as faithfully as possible. Later, the many possibilities and inherent beauty of crocheted lace were appreciated more.

Main styles of crocheted lace include filet crochet, Irish crochet and its modern derivatives, pineapple crochet. Freeform crocheted lace also exists, examples of which are pieces striving to imitate reticella lace.

Crochet was used as a fabric structure during olden days, but became popular as a lace-making technique in the mid-19th century. Some of the earliest pieces imitated either bobbin lace or needlepoint lace, and the designer of this large 19th century Irish collar incorporated several standard Reticella needlepoint motifs. It is edged with crocheted ball fringe, a strictly Victorian touch. Nineteenth century women who produced creative works in crochet have never been given proper credit.

Crochet lace is made either with a single hook or on a loom. Lace made on a loom is called hairpin lace, which works up faster and is made in strips that are then sewn together. Other types of crochet lace are filet crochet, pineapple crochet and Irish crochet. Filet crochet uses only the chain and double-crochet stitches to create a large, solid piece of mesh fabric. Pineapple crochet got its name because it uses the chain stitch and triple-crochet to create a pineapple motif, which is then sewn to larger pieces of lace or other fabric. Perhaps the most intricate is Irish crochet, which features leaf and flower motifs created separately and joined into cloth.

Irish Crochet

Ireland has produced the most crocheted lace. The best known patterns at first imitated Italian floral needlepoint, but evolved into a distinctive style that now readily comes to mind whenever Irish crochet is mentioned.

Filet Crochet

Filet lace is like a grid because it uses only two crochet stitches chain stitch and double crochet stitch. Chain stitches use less of yarn which form pattern by filling in parts of mostly chain stitch with double crochet stitches. Crochet thread made of mercerized cotton in white or ecru is used to construct a monotonous design.

Crochet is very popular among children who love to have all types of bags ranging from sports kits, packed lunches, shoes and boots, books and swimming kits, and other school, accessories. Crochet school cardigans and sweaters also are very popular among children, not to miss coordinated scarves and hats.