Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

What’s so great about Ravelry?

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I have been aware of Ravelry since it first came online.  Initially, and for a long time thereafter, I wondered what all the fuss was about.  People had to wait for an invitation to join it.  Kinda like those first Lexus commercials years ago that were quite mysterious, featured no automobile, but just let us know that something ‘exciting’ was coming our way.  I don’t get excited about new cars.  Sorry…

But, yarn and patterns and blogs and chat about them DO get me excited!  That’s why Ravelry is so cool.  If you haven’t joined yet, go to the site and get yourself signed up.  I don’t think you have to stand in line to do that anymore.  I don’t know enough about designing websites to know if the initial invitation period was technically required or if it was just a very good publicity tool.  What I do know is that the site is worth exploration.

Here is where you can see the many versions and variations on this pattern.  I especially enjoy the inspiration from seeing all the different yarn weights and colorways in which talented crocheters have created the shawl.  Having seen this shawl worked up in very colorful yarns inspires me to pull out some of my favorite variegateds to crochet one for myself!

I have spent far less time on Ravelry than I would like.  The computer is a huge time-eater for me.  Now – I didn’t say ‘time-waster’ – but it can be that too!  When I really first understood the attraction to Ravelry was when I was anticipating making a Southbaby Shawlette, a free pattern offered by LionBrand Yarns.

I had several concerns about the pattern.  First, I didn’t want to use a ‘mohair-like’ yarn because I am one who must perpetually frog a new pattern til I figure it out and memorize it.  Mohair is not kind to froggers!  I emailed a friend who had made several of these and asked for her advice.  She referred me to Ravelry for information on the pattern.  Bingo!  I got what I needed in short order.  What could be better than an instant room full of crocheters who are ‘talking’ about what I want them to ‘talk’ about?  Not only that, but they had ALL beat me to the punch.  They have been using this pattern for months, many having made more than one version of it.  I was able to quickly benefit from their successes and failures without having to make a bunch of mistakes myself.  I like that!

Bottom line was that I purchased two different yarns to make this pattern.  First is Lanett Superwash Merino which is not a mohair-like yarn.  I’ve finished that shawl.  Next, now that I’ve learned the pattern (and boy is it simple!), I’ll make it in the white angora I bought at the most recent Yarn Crawl.

Comments

  1. Ravelry is fantastic. I’m a fairly new knitter and I love how many patterns are on there with examples. It is a fabulous resource.

  3. Ravelry is awesome! There is so much fun stuff going on all the time – Swaps, charity projects, knit/crochet-alongs, etc. Plus, I have have met some really nice cool people who have a common interest. And the resources and help the Ravelry community provides is invaluable!

  5. My dear daughter calls it “crack for crocheters and knitters. I too love ravelry, but I haven’t done much with my personal part of it. I need to get more active. As a research tool it is EXCELLENT!

  6. I almost never use the yarn that a pattern calls for. At revelry I can look at pattern and very often see several versions of it..different yarns. colors, and even on different bodies Ala the interweave gallery gals AND with notes about modifications and progress. AND that’s just the patterns..not yarn finder or the forums or the people… it’s virtually endless!

  7. Hi jd, I do the same thing with yarn. In Ravelry, some yarns have gotten lots of comments and advice. I look up a specific yarn, and on its yarn page, there’s a tab at the top for comments. I’ve learned so much from what others say about what happened when they washed the yarn, or used for a certain kind of project.

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.