Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Ruffle One Up For Me!

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The hottest new thing in yarns are the so-called ‘ruffle yarns’. All the companies are making them. I’ve recently purchased one skein to play with myself. It’s really hard for me to resist experimenting with something new.  I’ve yet to play with it much.  But, Ros of RosMadeMe has been doing more than playing.  She’s designed this pretty bag using CanCan yarn and has kindly created a nice tutorial for us to follow.

Ros' Can Can Bag

There are plenty of examples of this type of yarn.  Most give only knitting instructions for its use.  But, you can crochet with it!  Take a good look at Ros’ tutorial for tips on crocheting with this yarn.  The St. Louis Crochet Club had a chance to play with some demo skeins of this stuff after the Yarn Market this past Summer.  The shop owner is mostly a knitter and wasn’t sure that it would work for crochet.  But, we all passed it around and had a try at it.  It became apparent that the more experienced among us could figure out how to crochet with it!  So, take heart.  Even if the yarn sleeve gives no crochet information, you can successfully use it for crochet.

Bernat Twist and Twirl Close Up

If you have not had the opportunity to get your hands on a skein of this type yarn, here’s a close up for you.  It’s hard to tell, but you’ll be able to spread out the knitted tube of yarn to see where you would put your hook into it.  On the skein, you’ll have no idea that the yarn will spread out like it does.  It takes one skein to make a scarf that’s about two feet long!

I’ve only seen scarves made with this yarn so far.  So, I’m happy to see Ros’ purse pattern.

 

These are the ones that I’ve actually had my hands on.  I’m sure there are others out there.

Red Heart Sashay

 

Katia Flounce

 

 

Comments

  2. I have made up 4 of the ruffle scarves with this yarn. Paton’s has it with either sequins or a sparkly thread. I bought one skein at a Yarn store in Newport News,Va. And it’s more of just a mesh. But is turning out great.
    I would love to see more patterns wtih his yarn.

  3. ruffle yarns are lovely but I need instructions on how to crochet it. i don’t know how to knit.
    Thanks everyone

    ANNE – the method I use is slip stitch. Even if you are not a knitter, you can knit this stuff since it takes only one stitch at a time to join it. But, it’s pretty easy to crochet. Gather a bit of it and stick your hook into the top of the yarn about an inch from the edge. Pull through a slip stitch. Then continue on that way. It’s slow going, but it works.
    jd

  6. Can someone please give me instructions on how to crochet with the Twist & Twirl. It will make a nice braided scarf like using the Sashay; but I still would like to know how to crochet a scarf using this.

  7. I bought Twist & Twirl yarn by Bernat and have no idea how to use it. I knit and crochet, but neither one makes sense to me. Please help.

  8. Catherine,
    I just ran across this tutorial which might work better than crochet or knit for you. If you’re not familiar with the Crochet Crowd, they’ve always got something new and interesting going on there.

    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.