Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Surprisingly Simple Christmas Crochet

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Occasionally I run across something that is just so simple yet inspiring that I’m stunned.  This project is one of those.  The blog is entirely in Portugese.  For a laugh (not on the author) you can try entering the web address into Google and click on ‘translate this page’.  If you haven’t tried that yet, it’s worth it just to see how the language is slaughtered.  But, in this case, you don’t need the words.  There’s a nice chart that indicates all you need to know to make one of these for yourself.

If you do choose to attempt to read the translation, you’ll find that Sonia Maria is considering making the Santa in other skin tones.  I like that idea.  This would make a nice gift for most anyone.  But, if you intend for it to be other than decorative (which might be a shame), remember to steer clear of the acrylic yarns.  They can melt, burning skin and ruining counter tops.  Stick to cotton for that.  We have a wider range of color choices in acrylic so that would be my choice.  Should you choose cotton, you might consider using cotton carpet warp, a tightly wound mercerized cotton yarn that is widely used by weavers but works great for potholders and other functional crochet.  Here’s a good picture you can see all the colors in which  cotton carpet warp is available.  If you can’t buy it locally (try a weaving store), here’s the site to order it.

When you spend more time on Sonia Maria’s wonderful blog, you’re likely to be amazed at the lengths she goes to in detailing her designs so that they can be recreated by others.  For a quick look at one of her very useful tools, check this out.  I’ve never seen another designer take the time to clarify a pattern for her readers.  I’m very impressed.

For a direct link to the Santa pattern, click here .

Looking for more Christmas themed Crochet Patterns? Check out these books

Crochet Christmas Ornaments

 Christmas Crochet Pattern Books 

And these Christmas patterns on Etsy  

 

Comments

  2. I would love to make this but don’t see a link to the website. I only get the photo when I click on the link under the picture.

  3. This is cute enough to make me want to learn to crochet from a chart! Thanks for sharing. It took me a while to find the right page for Santa, even with the translation.

  5. She even has a video tutorial on how to get started and even not knowing the language but by showing us it is even easier to learn how to do it. How cool is that, just got to love technology!

  6. I had google translate the page for me. What an adorable pot holder!!! I was looking for a unique and simple gift to make for some special people and… I think I found it! Thanks jd!

  8. You did it, so nice of you, tnks, I’ve written to Sonia telling her about this post, she will be happy I asure you. And she deserves all the words, cause she is adorable 🙂

    Hugs

    Maga

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.