Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Painted Crochet Inspiration

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cro painted flower 0314

Have you seen this remarkably easy way to ‘paint’ your crochet?  It’s so easy that you’ll look like a true watercolor artist when you’re done.  I have fallen in love with the look and I can think of numerous ways to use it in my own work.

The first thought that came to mine upon seeing this technique was to try it out on those dollar store doilies to refine my artistry.  I won’t have wasted much if my project doesn’t turn out perfectly the first time.

Another way to take advantage of this method of painting crochet is to hide stains.  That would work nicely on any piece of crochet you own, including a sweater or a bedspread.  Be sure to check for colorfastness if using on a project that is not purely decorative.

You can get all the details on how to create this lovely watercolor effect on your crochet with instructions from Lisa Jelle right here.

cro painted trim 0314

Here’s another way to paint a crochet piece using readily available materials.  This would be perfect when you are trying to match trim to a garment or add a unique edging to any crochet project.  You can also use this technique to create a ‘crochet print’, sort of the negative image of the item being painted.  Also very attractive and a great way to make note cards for crochet lovers.

cro painted bowl 0314

Then I found this bowl on ebay.  There are no specific instructions but it is noted that the crochet painting is accomplished with acrylic paints.  Acrylic paints behave in a totally different manner than the water based paints used on the other pieces shown here.  Blending is more difficult – maybe impossible on crochet thread.  So, the look is far less subtle but attractive nonetheless.  Depends on your taste and how you want to use the piece.

This might be a fun way to make some pretty crochet pieces using Easter egg dyes which will be dirt cheap the day after Easter.  They are water based and easy to apply with an inexpensive brush or a Qtip type swab.  I could see myself having lots of fun with these ideas!  How about you?

Looking for more Easter themed Crochet patterns? Check out some of our favorite places for Crochet patterns. Etsy. has lots of new patterns and the perfect place to find Crochet patterns that are trending or seasonal. We also love  Anniescatalog   for buying individual patterns and a great place to source vintage styled designs and last but not least,  Leisure Arts for more traditional styled patterns and books.

Comments

  3. I am so glad I didn’t throw awy an old doily that has a stain on it. I plan to try one or two of these methods to hide the stain within some color.

    thanks

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.