Brought to India during colonial times, "crochet" comes from the French word meaning a hook with lacework. In the 16th century, the nuns of Santa Monica Church in Old Goa introduced different kinds of lacework to the region, such as crochet, lace-making and tatting.

The crochet tool, a hook, is used to make intricate lace items from a single thread deftly hooked through the previous stitch. The designs mainly include floral and geometrical motifs. The technique is used to make bedsheets, pillow covers, sofa backs, doilies, garments and other household items. Typically, the artists prefer using pastel shades.

However, in Goa, lace was used for spiritual and ceremonial attire. This became popular alongside European embroidery. Portuguese outposts, well into the 1960s, and the union territory of Daman and Diu continue to have a thriving practice of shadow work, cross stitch, satin stitch, cut work and crochet.

In the West Godavari region, crochet was introduced by a Scottish couple in the 20th Century. In Auroville, bead work has been used to embellish crocheted lamp shades. The cap worn by men in the Bohra community is also made with the crochet technique; an aluminium vessel as the base helps to shape it. Typically, a combination of a white cotton thread and kasab (a white yarn wrapped with gold) is used in both geometric and floral patterns.

The commonly used mandala design in Goan lace is a symbol of spiritual symmetry. It's revered in both Hinduism and Christianity, making it more meaningful and inclusive. The Goa Handicrafts Rural and Small-Scale Industries Development Corporation supports local crocheters in the region, enabling the sale of crochet products locally and abroad.

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