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Threads of History:

An enormous amount of physical evidence about early textiles still exists, including textiles themselves. Even in the Stone Age, weaving and other textile techniques were complex and sophisticated. But there is no early physical evidence of Crochet implements or fabrics. It is important to realize that not all hooks are Crochet hooks, and the existence of a hook does not establish the existence of Crochet. The prime example of this is the drop spindle with a hooked top.

Spinning, the oldest fiber craft, is known as early as 20,000 B.C. Drop spindles with hooked tops, to hold fibers during the spinning process, are seen in the Neolithic period(7000-2000 B.C.). Though evidence of fabric is abundant, there is no evidence of Crocheted fabric in this period.

Imprints of fiber structures in pottery have been cited as proof of the early existence of Crochet among the Pima Indians. But the imprints are merely a misinterpretation of both textile construction and pottery-making techniques, and do not indicate the existence of Crochet at an early date.

The earliest known written reference to Crochet using wool dates from 1812. Elizabeth Grant's "The Memoirs of a Highland Lady" mentions "shepherd's knitting" as a method of making warm hats, waistcoats, and drawers from homespun wool, using a hook made from an old comb. This could have been an established old craft in cold climates, but there is no artifact or writing to indicate its existence prior to the 19th century.

 

* Encyclopedia of Crochet by Donna Kooler