Crochet

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ANOTHER BABYGHAN EXPERIMENT

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If you’ve been reading my blog very long, you know that I prefer instant gratification. I like making baby afghans because the commitment is not nearly so great as for a full sized afghan or a sweater – and I can stash the afghans for gifts later. So, from time to time, I experiment with stitches, yarns, etc to see what I come up with.

I found a sweater pattern in a recent issue of Interweave Crochet and crocheted the panels for the sweater, using some old Columbia wool I had on hand. I enjoyed crocheting the motif so much that I decided to continue on with it, using up a couple skeins of RH Pinata yarn I had purchased on a good sale.

Now, for the purists among you, you’ll have fun noting that each row has a different number of spider ‘legs’! Okay, I’m numerically challenged. Actually, I was so tired each night when I picked this project up that I just didn’t look at the pattern. I thought I had it memorized. It would seem that, while I had it memorized, I remembered it differently each night as I crocheted each row. I don’t have the heart to frog it. I don’t think the baby who receives it will care.

Here’s what resulted:

 

Comments

  1. That design reminds me of a short poncho pattern from a old Crochet Fantasy mag (it was on the cover).
    One of my students made it, using varigated yarn. The pattern only came in 2 sizes, so, like with other pattern, she chooses to make the largest size. Well, let’s just say it didn’t turn out that well (LOL).

  2. That’s one of my favorite stitch patterns too JD! There’s a sweater in one of the mags in it too, might have to dig that out…I’m glad you aren’t sweating the row thing, I wouldn’t either. Hehe, purists, now that’s putting it nicely. Thanks for the share, KrisR

  3. Looks very nice. I like that stitch pattern but haven’t tried it yet. And I too don’t give too much to following a pattern to the letter. If there is an error I usually go to great lengths not to frog it out instead I cover it up and adjust it in any way possible !!! Laziness? , maybe , but I prefer to call it improvising a design !!lol!
    That yarn lokks absolutely delicious. And you are right , the baby won’t care !!

  6. Beautiful yarn, Jeanette! (Who counts spider legs, anyhow-LOL!) I think it’s great you chose such lively colors and not the old pastels for baby stuff. Very nice work.

  7. thanks for all the great comments!! luanne, i’m sure the stitch pattern is printed out somewhere. i got it from a a recent interweave crochet mag sweater pattern. and, kathy, you’re right – who counts spider legs? my spiders come in all leg numbers, apparently. ken, i’ve seen a poncho pattern that incorporates this stitch. looked cool, but i’m not much for ponchos. all that fabric swirling around me…..just gets in the way. nice to look at.

    i did become addicted to the stitch pattern and it’s really easy – much easier than the finished product might appear.
    jd

  9. I really enjoy this site. I think I might get some ideas from here. Keep sharing. I’m doing an afghan now for a grandchild, plus a rug(felting it). I hope the rug turns out ok.
    I’ll let you know.

  10. Hi
    That is a very nice looking pattern and the colors are excellant also Do you have the pattern or is in poor taste to ask

    HI MAUREEN,

    NOT IN POOR TASTE AT ALL.  I DON’T REALLY HAVE A PATTERN FOR IT.  AS INDICATED IN MY ORIGINAL POST, I USED THE MOTIF THAT WAS PRINTED FOR A SWEATER PATTERN.  GOOGLE ‘SPIDER AFGHAN’ AND I BET YOU’LL FIND THE PATTERN FREE ONLINE.

    jd

  11. This pattern excites me!! I love baby afghans, too, for the very same reasons! Can’t wait to find the pattern.

  12. I once had a baby pattern book with the “Spider” motif in it. There was an afghan, bonnet and sweater set. I misplaced the book and was searching online for the pattern. Came across this site. I’m still searching.

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.