Tutorials
I’ve been thinking for a while about writing a tutorial on my blog specifically about crochet. I write a tutorial each month for Beads and Beyond but that is always jewellery specific, but what to do?
Should I write about left handed crochet as there isn’t that much out there with understandable instructions, but the more I crochet the more I realise that it isn’t that different, once you understand the basics that is, its more pointers than explanations, like reading diagrams backwards.
But what I thought would be a good starting point is scale. I love altering scale, for instance taking a traditional doily pattern, and making it into a floor rug using a shredded duvet cover instead of a crochet cotton, as I did for the Folksy upcycle competition:
So, I thought I’d share my pattern for a flower, then show how by changing your material and hook size you can alter the look completely.
I wrote this pattern as I wanted a flower that was lacy and flat so I could add embellishments to the centre, specifically the curtain ring buttons. The instructions are in English terminology, I used a double knit with a number 4 hook.
Lacy Flower
Chain 6, join with a slip stitch to first chain.
Chain 4 (counts a 1 tr and 1 ch) * 1 treble into ring, 1 chain, repeat from * 12 more times, join with a slip stitch into 3rd of 4 chain (=14 posts) When working into the circle remember to work over the tail too, as this makes for a neater finish and you can gather the flower up if wished at the end by tightening the tail).
Ch 1, *db into next ch1 space, 5 tr into next ch 1 space, repeat from *, join with a slip stitch into first db. Fasten off.
Here are some other examples all using the same pattern:
This example was worked in a very fine wool, the smallest flower with a number 1 hook and 1 strand, the middle flower with 2 strands and a number 2 hook and the largest flower in 3 strands and a number 3 hook. 4cm sq
This next example was worked in 0.2mm wire and a number 1 hook. I brought up 2 beads on the final stages of each treble stitch. 2 1/2 cm sq
This next example is worked in number 15 hook, with 7 strands of cream wool. 18 cm sq.
To get a better idea in the variety of scale:
So from one pattern you can go from a pot holder to a delicate earring! If you have a go of this pattern send me a picture and I’ll show your interpretation!
