Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Stretching Your Skills

by

Starting out small is always a good idea when you want to stretch your skill in crochet.  Here are a few small projects which might entice you to try a new stitch, a new technique, or experiment with new fibers.  If you enjoy the smaller project, you can take that stitch or technique and use it for a larger project.  I did that recently with a certain stitch.  I made a baby afghan using a variety of stitches that were new for me, then took one of them and made an entire shawl using just that stitch.  You can do the same thing.  Try one or more of these little projects to see what might work for you for a larger one.

 

crochet mug cozy with button

http://akamatras.blogspot.gr/2012/12/easy-crochet-mug-cozy-diy.html

First, I like the idea of a mug cozy.  If you’ve never used a button in your crochet before, this small project will be your first.  The stitch pattern is an interesting one that might intrigue you.  If not, take the idea and try using a different stitch with it.

crochet sampler stitch scarf

http://chelle-chelle.com/index.php/2011/03/07/crochet-sampler-stitch-scarf/

 

For anyone who wants to get some practice in the basic stitches of crochet, this easy scarf is just the ticket.  It adapts well to any size yarn with a suitably sized hook, any fiber (I tend toward the easier care fibers for scarves), and the addition of other stitches for purposes of experimentation.

crochet basketweave square

http://www.crochetnmore.com/basketweaveafghansquare.htm

 

One of the most challenging stitches for many crocheters are the post stitches (FP and BP).  These are great stitches to master since they can be used independently to make a square, a scarf, or an entire afghan or they can be used as edging or to create ribbing for cuffs and hems in sweaters.  The stitches are far easier to master than they look.  Here’s one site to work up a square in basketweave which is just FP and BP double crochets (FPDC and BPDC) and here’s one to get a closer look at how the stitches are formed.

With these small projects, there is not a huge investment of time or materials.  You will learn the new skill quickly or you’ll abandon it and move on.  In these three cases, I think you will achieve success quickly and be able to move on, using what you’ve learned to create a larger project.  That’s what I’ve done in a pretty routine manner.  Before I will commit to crocheting an entire afghan or sweater, I will work up a scarf or square or even a baby afghan using the stitch pattern or yarn.  If I don’t enjoy using them, I’ll try something else.  That way I haven’t invested all that much of my precious crochet hours.

There are plenty of other stitches and techniques for crocheters to master.  Let me know what you’re interested in or stumped by and I’ll post some info for you here.

Comments

  1. It’s a really beautiful and easy pattern the one for the mug cozy, everyone should try it out! Thanks for featuring it here!

  3. That is a wonderful idea. I usually do very large projects, but I have several new stitches I would love to try. I will have to design some smaller projects. It’s also a good idea with it being summer and WAY to hot to take the larger projects with you when you go places. Thanks for the idea.

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.