Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

A Crochet Beauty

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cro wendy blanket 1113

 

When I read about Wendy’s adaptation of an older pattern, I was intrigued.  Then, I asked and she sent me this picture of her work.  While Wendy does not assert that this is her original design, she did adapt and improve an older pattern to create this masterpiece.

For a long time I was not a fan of the popcorn stitch.  It seemed to me that it was quite a waste of perfectly good yarn to create dimension that could be more easily achieved with a simpler cluster stitch of some sort.  But, the more I examine work that contains popcorn stitches, the more I see their benefit.  The degree of depth and the dimension achieved with the popcorn stitch can be amazing.  It’s an easy stitch to learn and, in the hands and eye of someone like Wendy, can provide a lot of visual interest with only a single color of yarn.

Wendy has created a visual pattern (otherwise known as a chart or graph) that she has kindly agreed to share with you.  I am including some of her tips that will add to your ease in duplicating her results.  I especially like that she can lay down the project and resume exactly where she left off by using a simple coloring technique.  So, print off a copy of this for yourself (with Wendy’s permission), grab some pretty yarn, and get making one of these beauties for yourself.

Clicking on this link should give you a better version of Wendy’s chart.

cro wendy chart 1113

Here are Wendy’s tips:

I have different shades for different stitches and sections to make the pattern easier to see. Mine was done with a repeat of the sections.
Border – Triangle – Border – Triangle – Border – Triangle – Border which made 192 Foundation Half Double stitches. I marked my foundation as I worked round one. So at the end of the border section I placed a marker in the foundation, at the end of the triangle section I placed a marker and so on. Once the sections are set then the pattern takes shape. I printed off the pattern for the full length of the afghan and hi-lighted the rows as I completed them. This took a lot of confusion out of the pattern. When I walked away I had no problem picking it back up and knowing where I was. The X indicates single crochet.

In response to a couple of queries, Wendy adds this information for you:

I used a J hook and approx. 7-8 skeins of red heart super saver ( I started with 2 partial skeins so it is hard to tell).

Thanks to Wendy for sharing her lovely pattern with us!

Comments

  2. What are the other abbreviations?
    HDC – half double crochet
    DFP – ???
    TR – ???

    Also about how much yarn and what size hook? I would love to make this, but don’t know where to start.

  3. DFP = Double Crochet Front Post
    TR = Treble

    Hook would be suitable for yarn as this pattern will work with almost any yarn. Refer to the yarn label of the yarn you choose for hook size suggestions. Sizing up your hook will make the popcorns easier to make. As to the amount of yarn, I can’t comment. I’ll ask the designer for you.
    jd

  4. So pretty! These one-color popcorn afghans have a lovely vintage feeling, like those old-fashioned chenille bedspreads.

    Popcorn stitch does tend to take a lot of yarn, if I recall correctly… Maybe check out some other popcorn-heavy patterns to get a rough idea of yardage?

    I may try to use just part of the pattern to make a large throw pillow for the couch…

  5. Thank you JD for such a wonderful article. I am shocked at the attention this piece is getting. I had no idea when I shared it that everyone would enjoy it so much. Your abbreviations are correct. I used a red J hook and approximately 7 or 8 skeins of the RedHeart Super Saver (I started with 2 partial skeins). I do apoligize for the lack of some information. This is my first time for someone asking me for my pattern. I hope you enjoy it.

Have you read?

How to Crochet the Suzette Stitch: An Easy Textured Crochet Stitch for Beginners

Learning a crochet stitch is much more satisfying when you have an actual project waiting at the end of it. The Suzette stitch is especially versatile because its dense, softly textured fabric works for everything from practical cotton washcloths to cosy scarves, hats and blankets.

Here are some Suzette stitch crochet patterns worth adding to your project list.

Suzette Stitch Baby Blanket

The free Suzette Stitch Baby Blanket pattern from Premier Yarns uses the stitch to create a softly textured crochet blanket with a subtle tweed-like appearance.

This would make a lovely handmade baby shower gift, particularly when worked in a washable baby yarn. The stitch creates more visual interest than plain single crochet without introducing large holes that may catch tiny fingers.

Easy Suzette Stitch Blanket

The Suzette Stitch Blanket pattern by Stitching Together is another approachable blanket project for crocheters who enjoy a relaxing stitch repeat.

This is the sort of project you can keep beside the sofa and work on a few rows at a time. Just keep an eye on those skipped stitches—television crochet is wonderful until an extra stitch quietly sneaks in three episodes earlier.

Casey Suzette Stitch Scarf

The free Casey Scarf crochet pattern uses the Suzette stitch through most of the design, producing a cosy scarf with a softly scalloped, zigzag-like texture.

It is a good first wearable project for beginners because scarves do not require complicated shaping. You can also adjust the length fairly easily or use a self-striping yarn and let the colour changes do the decorative work for you.

Quick Suzette Crochet Scarf

For another scarf option, try this free Suzette Stitch Scarf pattern from Hooked by Robin.

The designer includes written instructions and a video tutorial, making it helpful for visual learners who prefer watching the stitch placement before beginning. It is designed as a quick project and would make a practical last-minute handmade gift.

Suzette Colour Block Scarf

The free Suzette Colour Block Scarf pattern is a cheerful option for using several coordinating yarn colours.

Colour blocking also makes this a handy stash-busting crochet project. You can use leftover yarn from other makes, although it is worth choosing yarns of the same weight and similar fibre content so the sections behave themselves after washing.

Chunky Suzette Stitch Beanie

The free Chunky Suzette Stitch Beanie crochet pattern turns the textured stitch into a warm winter hat.

Chunky yarn helps the pattern work up quickly and makes the raised texture especially noticeable. This would be a useful project for craft stalls, charity donations or quick handmade Christmas gifts.

Hazel Textured Crochet Beanie

The free Hazel Beanie crochet pattern combines simple ribbing with the Suzette stitch.

The ribbed brim gives the hat a neat, finished appearance while the Suzette stitch adds texture to the main body. It looks more complicated than a basic crochet beanie but is still built from familiar beginner stitches.

Suzette Stitch Washcloth

For a small practice project, try the free Suzette Stitch Wash Cloth pattern from The Purple Poncho.

A washcloth is one of the best ways to practise a new crochet stitch because it is small, useful and not terribly demanding. Even if the first one is slightly wonky, it will still wash perfectly well.

Use a smooth cotton yarn so the cloth is absorbent and the stitch texture remains clearly visible.

Suzette Ridge Crochet Washcloth

The free Suzette Ridge Crochet Washcloth pattern adds another layer of texture to this familiar stitch combination.

Make several in coordinating colours and pair them with handmade soap for an easy spa-style gift. They are also useful little projects for testing unfamiliar cotton yarn before committing to a larger set.

Corner-to-Corner Suzette Stitch Washcloth

The free C2C Suzette Stitch Washcloth pattern gives the stitch a slightly different construction by working it from corner to corner.

This is a good next project after you have mastered ordinary flat rows. It lets you explore increasing and decreasing while still using the familiar Suzette stitch combination.

Suzette Stitch Afghan Square

The Suzette Stitch Afghan Square pattern turns the textured stitch into a smaller crochet block.

Afghan squares are useful for charity blankets, sampler blankets and portable crochet projects. You can make the squares individually, use up leftover yarn and join everything together once you have enough—although “enough” has been known to become a surprisingly flexible number in my craft room.

More Suzette Stitch Crochet Pattern Ideas

Once you are comfortable with the basic stitch, you can also use it to make:

  • Crochet mug cosies
  • Ear warmers and headbands
  • Fingerless gloves
  • Cushion covers
  • Tote bags
  • Baby rompers
  • Crochet cardigans
  • Lap blankets
  • Double-thick potholders

You can browse additional Suzette stitch crochet patterns on Etsy, including sweaters, baby blankets, beanies, mug cosies and accessories from independent crochet designers.

When choosing a pattern, check whether it uses US or UK crochet terminology. Also check whether it uses the traditional Suzette stitch—one single crochet and one double crochet worked into the same stitch—or a designer’s variation of it. That quick check can prevent a great deal of confused unraveling later.