WAYS TO USE A MOTIF

Modular Crochet

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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.