Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

FRACTAL CROCHET?? What’s Cauliflower Got To Do With It?

by

What does cauliflower have to do with crochet?  Not much.  This is just an example of an everyday fractal.  Fractals are amazing mathematical shapes first described by Gaston Julia and Benoit Mandelbrot.  You can google those guys and read til the end of the internet – and if I did that, I still wouldn’t understand the math.  But, I do know what I like when I see it.  This stuff is truly amazing.  So, go do some research.  I’ll wait……

Above is a 3-D fractal ‘cube’.  Does it remind you of anything?

This image of a Herrschner’s Tumbling Blocks afghan could certainly be adapted to more closely resemble the Fractal image above.

The Sierpinski Sieve is the simplest (not to crochet but to visualize) crocheted fractal.  Here’s a schematic:

Not too hard to figure out how we can use this fractal in crochet.  My friend Ronnie crocheted a lovely (if tedious to complete) Sierpinski Sieve Shawl using two strands of a thread about size 10.  It is a dazzling work of art.  Not that you’ll see me making one anytime soon!

I am no mathematician.  Math was always my worst subject in school.  But, I have an instinctive appreciation of the pristine nature of numbers.  The numbers that I can comprehend, and the theories regarding them, are black and white.  The answer to a problem is either right or wrong.  There is something elegant about that.

So, starting with the humble image of a slice of cauliflower, we see how the smallest component of a thing is the same shape as the thing overall.  Look at the veins of a leaf on a tree and you’ll see the shape of the entire tree.  How cool is that??  Same works for coastlines around the world, for snowflakes, for bacteria, for lots of stuff.  That’s fractals.  Show me how we can apply this to crochet.  Please!

Comments

  1. I caught the PBS program on NOVA about fractals. Very interesting…as far as how it applies…give me some time…

  2. I left an astronomy planning meeting for the Intl Year of Astronomy 2009 yesterday. An astrophysicist was sitting outside crocheting and talking about the connection between it and fractals. If you want me to connect you to her, send me an email. She often crochets at sci fi meetings and explains the concept.

  3. Boy, I’d love to meet this crocheter! I’d love to hear her explanation of the concepts. There is more on this sort of thing online. Google
    math + crochet and you’ll find more.
    jd

Have you read?

Lightweight Lacy Crochet Tee Pattern That’s Perfect for Layering

Some crochet garments look beautiful on the hanger but feel awkward to wear. This Lacy Crochet Tee from Lana Grossa is not one of those pieces. It’s light, breathable, and very much designed to be worn — the kind of handmade top that slips easily into your everyday wardrobe without feeling “too precious.”

What immediately stands out is the openness of the stitch pattern. It has that airy, lacy feel that works so well for warmer weather or for layering over a tank or dress. This isn’t a heavy, structured garment; it’s soft and fluid, with just enough texture to make it interesting while still letting the yarn shine.

From a making point of view, this tee is a really enjoyable project if you like crochet that feels calm and rhythmic. The lace pattern keeps your hands engaged without constant counting or frustration, which makes it perfect for evening crochet or quiet weekend sessions. It’s also very satisfying watching the fabric grow — those lacy stitches really show progress quickly.

Skill-wise, this one is best suited to confident beginners moving into intermediate crochet. You don’t need advanced shaping skills, but being comfortable with stitch patterns and keeping even tension will make the process much more enjoyable. If you’ve been wanting to dip your toe into wearable crochet without tackling a full sweater, this is a great place to start.

What I really appreciate about this pattern is how versatile it is. Change the colour and fibre and it can feel casual and beachy or clean and modern. It’s the kind of tee you’ll reach for again and again, especially when you want something handmade that still feels light and effortless.

If you enjoy crochet garments that are wearable, practical, and quietly stylish, this lacy tee is a lovely pattern to have in your collection.