The 11th century saw the earliest evidence of knitted textiles, while the first indications of crocheted fabric appeared in Europe in the 19th century. Despite early confusion, works previously thought to be crochet were made using nalbinding. Crochet became a popular art form in the mid-1820s, called the dark time.

During limited job prospects, Irish men and women turned to crochet as a source of income, selling their hand-made products. The increased popularity of crochet led to the establishment of crochet schools and trained teachers to disseminate the craft across Ireland.

Crochet was popularised in the US by European settlers in the 19th century and was embraced as a leisure activity by women. It was used to create household items, including doilies, handbags, jackets, socks, tablecloths, and bedspreads.

Crochet was embraced by women in Australia, similarly to the US, due to its introduction by European settlers and its rise in popularity as a leisure activity.

Traditional crochet patterns and motifs are highly valued and used to decorate clothing and household linens in Mediterranean countries like Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Portugal. Crochet is known as "Kambi," "Kasuti," or "Kirosia" in India, where it is traditionally a women's craft passed down from generation to generation.

Indian crochet is recognised for its intricate and delicate designs, often adorned with beads, sequins, and other embellishments. It is now being reinterpreted and incorporated into contemporary fashion and home décor.