Text: Having been invented as a method for producing a cheap substitute for traditional lace, crochet struggled to shake off its reputation as an inferior craft. However, that changed when Queen Victoria gave it the royal seal of approval by buying crocheted lace made by Irish women who were struggling to make a living after the potato famine – Queen Vic herself even learned to crochet, making eight crocheted scarves for veterans of the South African War - and by the end of her reign, much of England was hooked.

Text: The twenties and thirties saw crochet make the move from a decorative embellishment to a method for producing entire garments. This classic cloche hat and stunning evening gown both echo popular designs of the era.

Text: Crochet became part of the wartime effort in both Britain and the US – women on the home front could contribute to the war effort by hooking up items for the troops. In the spirit of austerity, crochet was also a great way of jazzing up existing outfits, in keeping with the ‘make do and mend’ attitude of the time.

Text: After the war, things were back on track – crochet evolved with the fashions of the day as you can see from these classic fifties shapes -including the ever-so chic wedding dress on the left.

Text: The sixties was the decade where the crochet boom really began. Alongside the swinging fashions of the age, there was a huge trend for crocheted homeware.

Text: The ‘granny square’ also came into vogue. A simple design, this could be used to make a huge variety of clothes and accessories. There really was something for everyone – even Clint Eastwood got in on the trend.

Text: It’s never really gone away, but today crochet is having a bit of a renaissance.  From Dior to Dolce & Gabbana, it’s a regular feature on the catwalk – recognise that granny square? – and this season it’s all over the high-street. What better time to give it a go for yourself?