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?

Shock Wave Free Crochet Lap Blanket Pattern

This Free Shock Wave Crochet Lap Blanket Pattern from Mary Maxim looks like one of those wonderfully satisfying projects that gives big cozy payoff without fiddly detail. Mary Maxim lists it as a free download, designed as a crochet afghan/lap blanket, with a finished size of 45 x 50 inches.

What immediately stands out is the yarn choice. The pattern is made with Bernat Blanket Extra Thick, using 5 skeins, and calls for a U.S. U/50 (25 mm) crochet hook. That is gloriously chunky territory, which usually means fast progress and lots of squishy texture. If you are in the mood for a project that feels substantial in your hands and grows quickly row by row, this one definitely has that appeal.

Mary Maxim describes the blanket as having a beautifully textured, plush, soft finish and suggests it as a project for home décor or gifting. Based on the materials and oversized hook alone, that sounds about right. This feels like the sort of blanket you make for curling up on the couch, draping over a chair, or giving as a practical handmade gift that will actually get used instead of folded away “for best.”

The pattern is marked Easy, and the listed stitch requirements are straightforward: chain, repeat, double crochet, single crochet, and slip stitch. That makes it sound approachable for confident beginners and very appealing for anyone who wants a relaxing crochet project without too much counting drama.

I also think the lap blanket size is a smart one. Not every crochet blanket needs to become a giant commitment that takes over the lounge room and your will to live. A 45 x 50 inch blanket is a useful, manageable size for gifting, for wheelchairs or reading nooks, or just for keeping on hand for chilly evenings. That practicality gives this pattern extra appeal. The usability point is my own take based on the finished dimensions Mary Maxim provides.

At the moment, the pattern page shows no reviews, so there is not much customer feedback to go on yet. Still, if you enjoy easy crochet blanket patterns, super chunky crochet throws, or quick lap blanket projects, this one looks like a solid freebie to save.

My overall take? This looks like a fast, cozy, beginner-friendly crochet blanket pattern with plenty of texture and instant-gratification energy. Very much the sort of project you start because it looks easy, then keep going because the yarn feels ridiculously soft.