Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

WAYS TO USE A MOTIF

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Modular Crochet modular-crochet-pic.jpglogcabin-baby-afghan-0207-crystal-palace.jpg

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What is a motif? Dictionary.com defines motif as:

1.a recurring subject, theme, idea, etc., esp. in a literary, artistic, or musical work.
2.a distinctive and recurring form, shape, figure, etc., in a design, as in a painting or on wallpaper.
3.a dominant idea or feature: the profit motif of free enterprise.

For crocheters, a motif can be a square or simply a stitch pattern that is repeated to create a larger design. We combine granny squares into a variety of other designs every day. A granny square is a good example of a motif. Another example is a ripple pattern, that which is repeated many times to create an afghan, for instance.

So, what can you make with a single motif – a square or rectangle? Notice, I didn’t just say ‘granny square’. There are lots of other squares that can be used alone. Here are some ideas:

hot pads

place mats

tablecloth

afghan – yep a single rectangle or square

bedspread

toilet tank cover

doll blanket

pillow cover

shawl or stole

doily

table runner.

Further, you can combine simple motifs to create a wide array of items with no pattern. The size of these items is easy to adjust by using a larger hook or yarn or simply by increasing the number of motifs used:

all of the above items plus

totes and handbags

drapes

vests

sweaters

jackets

skirts

robes

scarves

scrunchies.

I’m sure you can come up with even more ideas. Look around and see what item you can visually break down into simple geometric pieces. Modular crochet uses these principles to show how to create garments using simple rectangles and squares without decreases, increases and very little other shaping. Of course, this takes a spirit of experimentation on the part of the crocheter. Begin to think of yourself as a designer rather than just a technician. You can create a nice selection of crocheted items, both useful and decorative, for gifts or for yourself. So, pull out your yarn or thread and hooks and begin your design!

Please come back tomorrow for more specific ideas and links for ways to use a motif.

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Have you read?

The Official Stardew Valley Crochet Book: That Rooster Had Me Hooked

Apparently, this is the year chickens took over my crafting attention. First came the emotional support chickens, then the pocket chickens, and now a rooster has managed to talk me into looking at another crochet book.

Honestly, put a crocheted chicken in front of me at this point and I’m going to stop scrolling.

That is exactly what happened with The Official Stardew Valley Crochet Book. The rooster sucked me in before I had even properly investigated what else was inside. After all the emotional support chicken crochet patterns we’ve been sharing, you would think I’d have had enough poultry. Apparently, there is still room in the imaginary yarn coop.

Now, a little honesty before we go any further: I haven’t read this book yet or tried its patterns. This is a look at why it has caught my attention ahead of publication. I have a very good feeling about this one, and I’m expecting it to be a lovely addition to the crochet bookshelf.

What’s Inside The Official Stardew Valley Crochet Book?

The publisher describes a collection of 25 crochet patterns with variations for more than 45 amigurumi projects, created by ConcernedApe, Megan Lapp and Ryan Novak.

The announced projects include Junimos, Slimes, chickens, a Junimo Hut and familiar game items. There are simpler projects such as Eggs alongside more challenging makes, including the Mermaid Pendant.

The chicken variations are particularly tempting, with different beaks, combs and tail feathers, plus White, Blue, Brown, Golden and Void varieties. You can probably see why my attention keeps wandering back to the coop.

It is scheduled for release on 26 January 2027 through Random House Worlds, with 240 pages in the hardcover edition.

Why This Crochet Book Is on My Radar

What appeals to me is the combination of recognisable characters and slightly ridiculous little objects. Those are often the crochet projects that make me smile most. A useful blanket is wonderful, but sometimes you simply want a tiny yarn creature keeping you company beside the sewing machine.

If you’ve enjoyed our emotional support pocket chicken crochet feature, you’ll understand the attraction. Small, characterful projects have a way of becoming much more tempting than the sensible project already waiting in your basket.

For Stardew Valley fans, there is also the pleasure of making something connected to a favourite game. We’ve previously shared a Junimo crochet pattern, so this feels like a lovely next book to explore for readers who enjoy that crossover between gaming and yarn.

Would I Add It to My Crochet Wishlist?

Absolutely. I can’t yet comment on the clarity of the instructions, the finishing details or how the patterns work up. Those are things I would want to assess with the book and a hook in hand.

But based on the announced collection, I know this is going to be a good one for my kind of crochet browsing: plenty of personality, playful projects and chickens I’m already mentally choosing yarn for.

You can take a closer look at The Official Stardew Valley Crochet Book on Amazon.

I came for the rooster. I suspect I’ll stay for the rest of the farm.