Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Book Review – Bavarian Twist Crochet

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I finally got my hands on a copy of the Annie’s Attic book, Learn To Do Bavarian Crochet that so many people have been talking about.  It’s written by Jenny King and contains patterns for nine projects using the ‘stitch’.  Actually, it’s a ‘stitch pattern’.  It looked very familiar to me.  I scouted online through my favorites til I found it!  It’s Sarah London’s Wooleater Blanket.  Further search revealed that, while the two patterns are similar, they are not the same.  I find Sarah’s Wooleater Blanket to be an addictive phenomenon.  Once I start, I can’t help but continue far into the night so I can see how the next row will look, and the next row, and the next one – and the next thing I know it’s 3 AM!  You can see Sarah’s Blanket, instructions for making it, and links to pictures of all kinds of color combinations it’s been made in so you can grab your bin of orphan skeins and start making your own.

The book has some benefits.  It has those nine projects which include a pretty little vest, a cute scarf and cap, a runner, a basket, and a shawl in addition to a couple of afghans.  Having these patterns presented visually shows me the flexibility of this stitch pattern.  I find that it looks especially charming as a scarf, a look that would not have jumped to mind had I not seen it in this book.

If you like the looks of the Bavarian crochet stitch pattern, I’d suggest you try both Sarah London’s method and the one in the book.  Each has its appeal.  The stitch pattern in the book is a bit fuller than Sarah’s – and I do like having those patterns available.  The book is readily available through online vendors, so you can get a good deal on it now.

Book Specs:

Annie’s Attic Book #871045, 2010 Publication

ISBN 9781596353169

48 pages, 8.5X11 inch soft back

List Price: $12.95 USD

 

Comments

  1. I just finished the afghan and like you said the pattern stitch is very addictive. I just had to see what next color would look like when the row was finished.
    I used Simply Soft baby colors, varigated, yellow, blue, pink, lavendar & peach.

    Everyone who saw it wanted to know if it was for sale. NOT!!!

  3. I have both the book and Sarah’s instructions, but have yet to try either. I thought they were the same so I’m glad now that they are different. Now I can’t wait to try both. Of course that means something else will move down on the list. Ha not as if that’s the first time it’s happened!

  4. Ooo Wilma I bet that’s just beautiful! I would love to see a pic! Do you post on flickr?

Have you read?

Shock Wave Free Crochet Lap Blanket Pattern

This Free Shock Wave Crochet Lap Blanket Pattern from Mary Maxim looks like one of those wonderfully satisfying projects that gives big cozy payoff without fiddly detail. Mary Maxim lists it as a free download, designed as a crochet afghan/lap blanket, with a finished size of 45 x 50 inches.

What immediately stands out is the yarn choice. The pattern is made with Bernat Blanket Extra Thick, using 5 skeins, and calls for a U.S. U/50 (25 mm) crochet hook. That is gloriously chunky territory, which usually means fast progress and lots of squishy texture. If you are in the mood for a project that feels substantial in your hands and grows quickly row by row, this one definitely has that appeal.

Mary Maxim describes the blanket as having a beautifully textured, plush, soft finish and suggests it as a project for home décor or gifting. Based on the materials and oversized hook alone, that sounds about right. This feels like the sort of blanket you make for curling up on the couch, draping over a chair, or giving as a practical handmade gift that will actually get used instead of folded away “for best.”

The pattern is marked Easy, and the listed stitch requirements are straightforward: chain, repeat, double crochet, single crochet, and slip stitch. That makes it sound approachable for confident beginners and very appealing for anyone who wants a relaxing crochet project without too much counting drama.

I also think the lap blanket size is a smart one. Not every crochet blanket needs to become a giant commitment that takes over the lounge room and your will to live. A 45 x 50 inch blanket is a useful, manageable size for gifting, for wheelchairs or reading nooks, or just for keeping on hand for chilly evenings. That practicality gives this pattern extra appeal. The usability point is my own take based on the finished dimensions Mary Maxim provides.

At the moment, the pattern page shows no reviews, so there is not much customer feedback to go on yet. Still, if you enjoy easy crochet blanket patterns, super chunky crochet throws, or quick lap blanket projects, this one looks like a solid freebie to save.

My overall take? This looks like a fast, cozy, beginner-friendly crochet blanket pattern with plenty of texture and instant-gratification energy. Very much the sort of project you start because it looks easy, then keep going because the yarn feels ridiculously soft.