Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

UNIVERSAL YARN ‘PATCHWORK’

by

Color 104 Fields of Daisy

As I was about to depart my LYS empty handed (almost a miracle!!), I spied this new yarn atop one of the yarn baskets. I touched it – and the rest is history. It’s incredibly soft and comes in dreamy colors, perfectly suited to warm a baby.  Right then, the yarn shop owner, knowing my propensity for making babyghans, remarked that this yarn would work up nicely in my favored diagonal crazy stitch pattern.  ‘Nuff said.  Two skeins popped off the shelf and into my bag.  One quick swipe of a debit card later, I was on my way home with enough yarn to work up one of my favorite babyghans.

I’ve probably crocheted this particular pattern about 30 times.  It’s my ‘go to’ pattern for babyghans, but also works up quickly into a triangle bandana type scarf.  My pick yarn for this pattern is a variegated.  The pattern just works very nicely with a worsted weight yarn and an H hook without any color puddles.  The variegated yarn shows off to its best advantage with this simple pattern.  It’s so easy because two skeins makes an entire afghan.  Increase with the first skein.  When you’re almost done with the first skein, begin the decreases that complete the square.  No edging is needed, although it’s easy enough to add one.  I’ve worked quite a few of them in white or off white yarn, waiting til I learn the sex of the new baby before finishing with an edging in a color suited to the baby or the mom’s chosen decor for baby’s room.

Here’s my babyghan.  How do you think it turned out?  I just love it!

But, this yarn is yummily spectacular for the diagonal crazy stitch.  The hand of the yarn is luscious, soft and snuggly with long color segments that blend softly into the next color.  It’s 100% acrylic so there are no care ‘issues’.  There is a nice selection of colors to suit the taste of all the new moms.  Next, I’m going to make a baby sweater and cap with this yarn.  That should also take about two skeins.  At about $6/skein, a finished baby gift for $12 is a remarkable value.

Here’s a bit of detail so you can more clearly see the stitch pattern:

I purchased my yarn at Hearthstone Knits, but it’s readily available online too.

NOTE:  THE YARN IS CALLED ‘PATCHWORK’ MADE BY UNIVERSAL YARN COMPANY.  The pattern for the afghan is a diagonal crazy stitch, details of which can be found here .

Comments

  1. Love the babyghan pattern! Where could I find this pattern, as I have many babies to make ‘ghans for?

  2. I also love the colors and the pattern of the afghan is there a link that you can share or a stitch name or book for the stitch that you used I love that it that you can add a border or not if you want

  5. My daughter is having a baby in January and I would love to make this one. Can I please have the pattern and the name of the yarn?

    Thanks, Karen

  6. I’ve updated the information on the blog article about the yarn – Patchwork by Universal Yarn Company. The pattern is available at crochetcabana.com. Search there for Diagonal Box Stitch.

  7. HaHa. Some of my knitted gifts are just fiseihnd & on route to friends. You know you just have to wait for that perfect yarn.And of course the best reason was I became a Grandmother so that really through a loop into the knitting scheme of things.You know you just can’t stay away from baby. Well that’s my excuse that I used for this year. Have to think of a new one for next Christmas.

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.