Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Seamless Crochet

by

Kristin Omdahl fans will be pleased to know that she has just released a new crochet book, Seamless Crochet, described as “techniques and motifs for join-as-you-go-designs.”

I can’t think of anyone who has told me that they’re in love with the idea of joining 100 squares to make a baby blanket or even a dozen to make a shawl.  It’s something we all do from time to time because we like the look of a certain project or someone begs us for such a project.  My friend Dj and I decided years ago that we would never start any crochet project which began with instructions reading something like “make __ of these” especially if the number was double digits.  All those projects composed of piles of tiny granny squares or hexagons will not find there way into my WIP’s.  Not happening.

At least, not until now.  Omdahl has developed some join as you go techniques that require the kind of analytical skills which I definitely lack.  Envisioning the completed project and how the smaller components can be joined at various angles to simplify the process is foreign territory to me.

Some of the beautiful designs in this book are variations of ‘standards’ and others are newer and unique.  The stunning cover design, a shawl composed of 144 ‘Blissful Flower’ squares (and triangles), looks like a lot of shawls we’ve seen composed of numerous motifs.  The trick here is how Omdahl joins those motifs.  That, of course, is the theme of the book.  Other designs are unique.  The Ninja Star shawl is lovely.  The Star Moebius is stunning.  The Jamie and Shark Hunter caps will be coveted by the guys around you.  The Buttercup Baby Blanket will make you the envy of any baby shower – and will assure that you’ll be reproducing it for years to come!

And, if the great pictures and schematics in the book aren’t enough for you to master Omdahl’s techniques, there’s an instructional DVD included with the book!  With this book, modular designs are no longer the boring side of crochet.  Fewer ends to weave in, more secure joins, and finer (and far fewer) seams make this book a great resource for any crocheter – beginner or advanced.

Want to win this book?  Stay tuned!

Book Specs:

Interweave Books, November, 2011

152 pages, softback with DVD

ISBN 9781596682979

$24.95 USD

 

 

Comments

  4. My mother loves to crochet and her birthday is coming up pretty soon, I would love to give that as a gift to her because she does so much for me just by loving and caring <3.

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.