Crochet (mess beads) Beads: - The birth date of crochet has been a controversial issue for years with the question, "When did crochet history begin? Crochet leaped into recorded history in the early 1830’s. The word crochet originates from the French word "croche" or "croc" meaning to hook. It is believed crochet as we know it could have existed as early as 1500A.D. and may have been part of nun’s work or nun’s lace which included needle point lace and bobbin lace for Catholic churches.