Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

BROOMSTICKS AND HAIRPINS?

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Recent crochet sightings have awakened an interest in me to learn these two crochet techniques – hairpin lace and broomstick. To that end, I’ve done some surfing and come upon some great sites to learn these techniques. So, as usual, I thought I’d share:

broomstick.jpg
Here’s a close up of  broomstick (in a pretty blue). I found a good tutorial for it at:
http://www.crochetcabana.com/specialty/broomstick_lace_jiffy_lace_.htm

And, remember my recent post about the ‘orphan’ broomstick shawl I found at the thrift store? It’s really a beauty. I NEED to learn this technique!

Even more interesting is the hairpin lace site I found as it comes with spoken directions in addition to great pictures of the technique with the voice over:

Here’s a sample from the site:

hairpin-2.jpg

from this site:

http://www.sykospark.net/hairpin/

As I have investigated these techniques, I’ve discovered a variety of tools used to create them. First, broomstick got its name because originally a broomstick was used! While you can still cut off your dollar store broom to create the tool, an inexpensive plastic ‘broomstick’ is more commonly used.

As for the hairpin loom, there are several different types available. The one pictured above is an older style and can be purchased inexpensively new or at garage sales. A slightly more expensive tool is now available from Clover:

clover-hairpin-1.jpg clover-hair-pin-2.jpg

I can’t speak to the effectiveness or ease of use of either one as I’ve yet to try this technique. Although you’ll hardly ever find me in a skirt, it’s this pattern that originally interested me in hairpin lace:

hairpin.jpg

I just LOVE the drape of this skirt and would love to see it applied to other garments. When I master this technique, I’ll report back…..

Comments

  2. Broomstick crocheting. Is the very first thing I was taught to do it. It is so easy and so beautiful. I’d like to point out that wooden dowls, lightly sanded and the one end round off to a pointish works wonderul. Escpecially if you are making a larger piece item. The larger the round of the dowl the lacier the look the smaller of the round the tighter the look. When making scarfs you can vertical and leave your ends out and incorporate them into your fringe.

  4. Mary Lou,
    Broomstick lace or broomstick crochet is to named because crocheters initially cut broom handles to use! So, you could do that. But, most people now get a jumbo knitting needle to use for the broomstick. They are sold individually as ‘broomstick crochet hooks’ although they are not hooks. Or, you could buy a pair of jumbo knitting needles and share with a friend. I’ve had good luck finding the jumbo sized needles at thrift stores. They must not be popular for knitting. But, they work fine for us crocheters!
    jd

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.