Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

CROCHET TO GO

by

CROCHET TO GO DECK BY ALICIA BERGIN

My sweetie of a husband came home from the bookstore with this the other day:

CROCHET TO GO DECK BY ALICIA BERGIN
He always checks the clearance tables and racks looking for books for himself or others.  Usually there’s not much crochet there.  He was unsure if I already owned this, but took a chance as there were only two copies available.  Good job!

Now, I own several crochet pattern ‘books’ designed like this one – with sheets or cards that can be carried separately from the whole batch.  This is especially nice when, well, wanting to ‘Crochet To Go.’  The advantage to this item is that the pattens are printed on heavy card stock with a satin finish rather than on some flimsier paper or card stock.  Each of the 25 patterns has its own card, some of which fold out to the size of four cards.  A couple of patterns are offered with variations, each outlined on the original card.  Further, the patterns are rated as to degree of difficulty.  While this is a controversial subject, the ‘scale’ used here is quite helpful, leaning heavily to  the beginner and intermediate levels.  Fewer patterns are offered for the more difficult advanced and challenging levels.

The first card in the box is a stitch guide, listing each stitch and it’s abbreviation – but no illustrations which would have been helpful, especially for the beginner.  But, one box can’t hold everything.

The pattern I actually think I’ll use the most is one of the Level 1 (beginner) patterns for a ‘Customizable Scarf’ worked in mohair.  The pattern offers that if one chooses to use a yarn other than mohair, more yardage would be required – two balls rather than the mere 80 grams of mohair.  What useful information for a beginner!  The pattern is a simple single stitch scarf worked side to side but includes four different options for a decorative finish at either end.  These are cleverly pictured in a clear cut style.

Other patterns on my ‘to do list’ include the arm warmers with button on (and off) finger covers, the simple striped hat with the stripes going vertically rather than horizontally, and the adorable cupcake pin cushion.  Other winners are the ladybug baby sleep sack and the lap blanket worked in something that looks like LB Homepsun yarn but with a lacier look than usually found for bulky yarns.

As a more advanced crocheter, I’m not sure I would spend the full freight of $16.95.  But for a beginner, it’s a nice collection of patterns.  On the sale table, it was a steal and I’ll definitely use it.

SPECS:

ISBN 139780811857871

Copyright 2007 by Chronicle Books

Comments

  1. That “book” must be a husband magnet – my husband bougt it (along with The Knitting and Croche Bible) for me too as a souvenier from a trip to the US. The best gift, I ever got because it shows, that he really understands me ;O)

    Both books are very recomendable

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.