For many of us, crochet is not only just a hobby, it’s comfort. It’s creativity. It’s a quiet way to connect with people across time and continents, and that too, without even leaving the couch.

Have you ever wondered where all these patterns and stitches came from? Like, why do so many cultures seem to have their own unique designs? Did crochet start in one place and spread out? Or did it evolve in different corners of the world on its own?

Let’s dig into that.

What Crochet really is?
Crochet is a technique where you use a hook to pull loops of yarn through other loops. Sounds simple. But the variety of designs you can create? Wild.

From basic granny squares to textured cables and lace doilies—there’s no limit to what you can make. And the interesting fact about crochet is: many of these crochet patterns didn’t all come from the same place.

From centuries, people have been crafting things from yarns or threads. Crochet as we know it today? It’s a bit of a mystery, honestly.

Is Crochet Ancient?
Some say crochet is thousands of years old. You’ve may heard things like, “It was used in ancient Egypt,” or “People crocheted in China way before Europe caught on.” But the thing is: there is not a lot of solid evidence for that. Unlike knitting or weaving, which left behind physical proof, early crochet didn’t. It probably used organic materials that didn’t survive.

What we do know is that crochet really started showing up in Europe in the 1800s. But that doesn’t mean other cultures didn’t have similar techniques before then.

1. Crochet in Europe: Lace, Luxury, and Survival
Let’s start with what we know for sure.

In the 19th century, crochet gained popularity in Europe. Especially in Ireland.

During the Great Irish Famine (1845–1852), families used crochet lace to survive. Irish women created intricate lace patterns by hand, then sold or exported them. This became known as “Irish Crochet.” It was delicate, detailed, and honestly, kind of genius.

• Floral motifs
• Raised patterns
• Fine cotton thread

Irish crochet lace ended up in high-end fashion houses across Europe. People loved it. Some didn’t even realize it was handmade.

Crochet became a symbol of resilience. A way to earn a living when jobs were scarce. That idea stuck with me—how something so pretty could come from something so hard.

2. North Africa and the Middle East: Hooked Traditions
In Morocco and Egypt, people have been doing needle-based textile work forever. Some of it looks a lot like crochet. But it’s tricky to say what’s truly crochet and what’s just close.

There’s a technique called “tambour embroidery” that might have influenced crochet. It uses a hook to make chain stitches on fabric. Sounds familiar, right?

Some believe tambour work made its way from the Middle East or Asia into Europe through trade routes and colonization. Once people started working stitches off the fabric (instead of on it), crochet was born.

There’s no hard proof—but the timelines kind of line up.

3. Turkey: Oya Lace and Cultural Identity
Turkish needle lace, or Oya, has deep roots. It goes back hundreds of years.

Now, Oya isn’t exactly crochet. It’s more like a cousin. But there’s overlap. Especially with the motifs.

Women in Turkey use Oya to decorate headscarves and garments. These little lace designs carry meaning—like flowers for celebration or patterns that show social status.

Some Oya is made with a hook instead of a needle, especially in Western Turkey. That’s when it starts to resemble crochet.

Even now, handmade Oya patterns are passed down through families. Grandmothers teach granddaughters. It’s not just decoration—it’s memory.

4. Asia: Quiet Threads and Under-Documented Art
Here’s where things get frustrating. Asia has tons of rich textile traditions—but crochet? Not much documented.

In places like China, Japan, and India, other crafts were more dominant. Think weaving, embroidery, or knotting techniques like macramé.

That said, crochet has taken off in modern Japan and Korea in a big way. Just look at amigurumi—the Japanese art of crocheting tiny stuffed animals. It’s become a whole subculture.

Simple shapes, tight stitches, cute designs, which is easy to learn, but hard to master.

Amigurumi is not “traditional,” but it’s proof that crochet is still evolving. And Asia is putting its own stamp on it.

5. Africa: Color, Texture, and Modern Interpretations
Africa’s traditional textiles are mostly woven or sewn. But modern crochet? It’s thriving.

In countries like South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria, crochet has become popular as a form of wearable art. Bright colors, bold patterns, and lots of texture.

Some women are blending crochet with local fashion—creating dresses, bags, and headwear that reflect African heritage with a twist. It’s creative. It’s local. And it’s catching on fast.

A lot of these makers use crochet not just for self-expression, but also to support their families. They run small businesses. They teach workshops. They build communities around the hook.

6. Latin America: Community and Craft
Crochet in Latin America has a lot of heart.

In Mexico and Central America, crocheted items are often made for family or community events—baptisms, weddings, holidays. Tablecloths, doilies, bedspreads. It’s often a shared effort.

Brazil, in particular, has a strong crochet scene. Brazilian crochet artists use fine thread to create intricate lace patterns. The designs are often symmetrical and clean, but still personal.

What stands out is the sense of joy in the colors and forms. It’s not just craft—it’s celebration.

What’s the Thread That Connects It All?
Honestly? Crochet connects people.

Whether it’s Irish lace or Japanese amigurumi, Turkish Oya or Brazilian doilies, it’s always been about more than just making something pretty. It’s about passing down skill. Telling a story. Leaving a piece of yourself in the stitch.

No matter where you go, the patterns might change. The designs shift. But the feeling? That quiet satisfaction when a project finally clicks? That’s the same.

Why This Matters Now
You might be wondering: why dig into the history at all? Isn’t crochet about now? About what I can make with the yarn I have?

Totally. But when you understand where crochet came from, your stitches mean more. You’re not just following a pattern—you’re continuing a story. One that women (mostly) have been writing for centuries.

Also, it helps you see how global this craft really is. You’re not crocheting alone. You’re part of a community that spans borders, languages, and generations.

How to Explore These Traditions Yourself
Want to try something new? Here are a few ways to connect with crochet’s roots:

• Try Irish crochet lace. It’s tricky but beautiful. There are free resources online if you want to give it a go.
• Make your own Oya-style edging. Start with a scarf and a small hook.
• Crochet a simple amigurumi animal. Lots of beginner patterns are out there.
• Use bold colors and thicker yarn to mimic African-inspired textures.
• Look for Latin American tablecloth patterns. They’re great for practicing symmetry.

You don’t have to master everything. Just dipping your toes into different designs can open up your creativity. It also keeps traditions alive.

Final Thoughts
Crochet didn’t start in one place. It didn’t belong to one culture. And it still doesn’t.

It’s a shared thing. One that grows with every pattern you write, every design you improvise, every old technique you try for the first time.

Whether you’re brand new to the hook or you’ve been crocheting for decades, you’re adding to something bigger than yourself.

Kind of cool, right?

Extra Resources for Curious Minds
Books

“The Art of Irish Crochet” by Jules Kliot

“Crochet Master Class” by Jean Leinhauser & Rita Weiss

“The Fine Art of Crochet” by Gwen Blakley Kinsler

Websites

Antique Pattern Library (for historical patterns)

Ravelry (huge pattern database)

Pinterest boards with Oya and Irish lace examples

If you liked this post, let me know. I might write a follow-up diving deeper into one region at a time. Maybe even try recreating a few of these traditional patterns myself—mistakes and all.

And if you’ve got a story or tradition from your own culture that includes crochet, I’d love to hear it.

Let’s keep the thread going.