Irish Crochet: A Brief Introduction

by Kimberly Schimmel

While some ancient crafts were similar to crochet, the modern form of the craft was perfected by French nuns in the sixteenth century. In the middle of the nineteenth century, Irish women took up crochet. They developed a unique style of crochet that imitated Venetian lace. Their Irish crochet became popular enough to sustain a cottage industry that kept many families from starvation during the famine.

Irish crochet is distinguished by its bold motifs--roses, leaves, shamrocks, etc.--connected by a crocheted mesh background. Motifs are usually begun by working over a round padding cord rather than a starting chain. After enough motifs are made, they are basted or pinned onto a traced pattern. The net for the background is then crocheted to connect all the motifs. The basting and backing are then removed, leaving a beautiful lace fabric. Borders may be added at that point.

All this magic is worked using the simplest of tools: balls of crochet cotton and a steel hook of appropriate size for the weight of thread used. Irish crochet makes wonderful lace edgings for pillows or collars. It can also be used to create entire garments, such as a christening gown or baby bonnet. A beginner may try making a single flower motif to attach to a stickpin or sew on a hat. Try a lace doily before tackling a tablecloth. Irish crochet is adaptable to many projects. Cotton crochet is also surprisingly sturdy, despite its delicate appearance.

Enjoy your own exploration of Irish crochet.

References:

de Dillmont, T., The Complete Encyclopedia of Needlework, 1996, Philadelphia, Running Press.

Lee Wards Complete Library of Needlecraft, Vol. 1, 1975, New York, Fuller & Dees.