Crochet is a process of creating fabric from yarn, thread, or other material strands using a crochet hook. The word is derived from the French word "crochet", meaning hook. Hooks can be made of materials such as metals, woods or plastic and are commercially manufactured as well as produced by artisans. Crocheting consists of pulling loops through other loops, and incorporates wrapping the working material around the hook one or more times. In crochet, only one stitch is active at one time, as a single crochet hook is used. (Wikipedia)

Knitting is a method by which thread or yarn may be turned into cloth or other fine crafts. Knitted fabric consists of consecutive rows of loops, called stitches. As each row progresses, a new loop is pulled through an existing loop. The active stitches are held on a needle until another loop can be passed through them. This process eventually results in a final product, often a garment. There exist numerous styles and methods of hand knitting. Different yarns and knitting needles may be used to achieve different end products by giving the final piece a different color, texture, weight, and/or integrity. Using needles of varying shape and thickness as well as different varieties of yarn can also change the effect. (Wikipedia)

Crochet and hand-knitting are done in the cold, winter months in Chitral, when other work is at a minimum. Chitrali women crochet and knit complex patterns which have been passed down for centuries, repeating and creating the rhythm of their lives. Both arts of crochet and hand-knitting have an inherent association with peace and tranquility in Chitral. Entire households relate to times spent around a warm fire or stove, or to groups of women under cosy blankets, crocheting or knitting; telling stories, singing songs, reciting poems, or just partaking in idle chitchat.

Women in Chitral crochet and/or hand-knit hats, gloves, socks, slippers, shawls, stoles, scarves, sweaters in all shapes and sizes, as well as tablecloths, napkins, bedspreads and much more. They can replicate any design they are given. Their skills are extensive and the desire to improve is inherent in all the artisans.

For the Crochet and Hand-Knitting sector, Mogh Limited is currently working with 300 women on a regular basis, but the potential for more is great.