Put Some Texture In Your Crochet!

Texture and stitches that create texture are one of the fun parts of crochet.  Texture creates a lot of visual interest in what otherwise be a bland yarn or design and can be integral to a project – think dish scrubbie.  Here are a few ideas for adding texture to your crochet – some with free patterns and some just for the inspiration.

This nicely textured facecloth is gets its interesting appearance using only two stitches, double crochet and single crochet.  While it will be practical for a dishcloth, the same visual interest, thus the same stitch pattern, would be aesthetically pleasing.  Worked in a marl yarn – like a ragg – would add even more appeal without detracting from the stitch definition the way a variegated might.

http://meladorascreations-com.webs.com/raspberrycrochetstitch.htm

Here’s another simple stitch combination that creates a lot of visual interest.  The tutorial has a nice set of youtube videos to help you.  Links are on Meladora’s site.  As with most (all?) bobbles, the bumpy part occurs on the back of the row you’re crocheting.  You can increase the effect by creating a reversible – but denser – fabric by creating the bobble on every row.  But, I prefer placing a row of plain stitches between the rows of bobbles.

Check out these Etsy Crochet patterns that use the Bobble stitch technique

Bobbles can be as simple as a (sc, hdc, dc) in the stitch below to much larger popcorn stitches that may cluster 5 or more loops on the hook.  Rows of bobbles are easy to add to ‘flat’ projects like scarves and afghans as you can throw them in as and when you want.  Experiment and see what works best for you.  Years ago, I was taught a simple bobble pattern that I use often to make babyghans.  Since I’m a fan of half doubles and doubles, I use those.  So, the stitch pattern I was taught is the 3 stitches in the stitch below { (sc, hdc, dc), sk 2} repeated across a row.  You always crochet a sc into a dc, a hdc into a hdc, and a dc into a sc.  Make sense?  The nice thing about this particular stitch pattern is that you can use any 3 progressive stitches you like to create the bobble.  It works equally well with less bump crocheted in a (sl st, sc, hdc) as it does with a very bumpy (dc, trc, dtrc).

So, now do you want to add more texture to your crochet?  Textural stitches are easy to find online.  Here’s a nice tutorial by Red Heart that will help.  There are more on youtube, of course.  But two of the simplest ways to add texture are these:

work in front loop only – which creates a nice bar across the row to add dimension

work FP or BP stitches – working around the post of the previous row with a sc, or dc, or almost any stitch will create a well defined ridge that can be worked on only one side of the fabric or can be made reversible.

If you’re interested in learning even more textural stitches, you need to own a good reference book for the purpose.

I reviewed this book a while back.  You can see the review here.  If you are determined to add texture using a variety of stitch patterns, this book might be a great resource for you.

We love the concept of making long-lasting re-usable dishcloths that are practical and help save the environment. We highly suggest using a 100% Cotton yarn as it stays fresh longer. Looking for more Dishcloth patterns? Check these crochet patterns out on Etsy. Dishcloths come in so many different designs and themes which makes them perfect little handmade gifts. Everyone can always use a dishcloth right?