Follow along and discover your next inspiration as we cast on for projects we love, explore new techniques, and dish about the latest and greatest from We Crochet.
Meet the team »
We’re so excited about the newest edition of Crochet Foundry magazine! With seven brand new Spring crochet patterns for sizes XS-5X, this size-inclusive collection has something for everyone! Let’s look inside the Spring 2021 issue from the Crochet Foundry Team.
This issue includes 7 garments to get you through the Spring season. We have curated this collection with modern women in mind. Each design is meant to flatter all body types and make you feel stylish and confident.
From Crochet Foundry:
The Spring 2021 Digital issue features resort wear styles in lush greens, hot pinks, and cool fibers. We have easy to wear pieces that can be worn on their own, or layered for a breezy vibe. To really bring home the staycation feeling, we have each included a tropical recipe. Think fruity drinks, yummy snacks, and DIY face masks!
You can get all these patterns when you buy this issue of Crochet Foundry Magazine, but did you know you can also buy the individual patterns from us at WeCrochet? Check them out:
WeCrochet Magazine Issue 5 is out, which means: NEW winter crochet patterns! Today we’re talking about the patterns of the Wintertide Collection, our winter crochet patterns collection that features 11 warm & cozy garment and home decor projects to carry you through the coldest time of the year.
A contemporary snowflake motif is used in a variety of ways across this sporty, stylish set of earwarmer, cowl, and mitts. The sport-weight colorwork is worked using tapestry crochet and sewn to the cozy faux-fur lining. Buttons fasten the earwarmer snugly around the head. Quick to whip up, this cozy accessory set will become your neck, hands, and ears’ favorite thing this winter, whether you’re hitting a ski slope or out for some holiday shopping!
We also have this pretty crochet cowl pattern:
Wrap up with this snug woolly cowl designed to add a spot of color to the gray days of winter. The Yuletide Cowl is worked flat in rows, changing yarn color on each row, and seamed along the short sides once the desired size is reached. You can wear it two different ways: doubled up twice for a short and cozy cowl (left), or fully extended (right).
But what the Wintertide Collection is really about is crocheted garment patterns! Our whole team was stunned when we saw this one: the Hygge Poncho.
Relax in this contemporary and sophisticated sleeved poncho. The combination of simple stitches, front pockets, and unique overlapping border create an on-trend poncho that will soon become the star of your winter wardrobe.
The Hygge Poncho really looks like the perfect thing to wear all winter long! And it has pockets!
We have several sweaters in this collection too:
Snow Crystal Sweater
Polaris Pullover
Hearthstone Top
Perseid Sweater
There’s a sweater for everyone in this collection! For cable-lovers, we have the Snow Crystal Sweater. If you like more simple and classic designs, you’ll love the Polaris Pullover. The Hearthstone Top is a perfect everyday wardrobe accent. And if you want a Nordic-style sweater this winter, the Perseid Sweater fits the bill.
The Pulmu Pullover has taken off as an early hit from the Wintertide Collection. Use colorwork to create a stunning yoke on this crocheted sweater.
We’re crocheters too! Brand Director Sara has already made at least two versions of the Pulmu Pullover, and we heard a rumor she has another one on the hook!
But wait, there’s more! This collection also has some really pretty home décor crochet patterns for winter.
If you admire the beauty of traditional Fair Isle knitting but prefer to crochet, then the Nordic Colorwork Blanket is for you. Crochet your own heirloom-quality blanket using tapestry crochet!
Another special feature of this project? The ends of each row are left long on the ends to serve as fringe, so virtually no ends weaving necessary for this breathtaking crochet blanket.
Finally, the Pillows of Wintertide! The gray one is the Winter Cabin Pillow: a textured chevron pattern creates a chic geometric look and minimalist feel. The green and white pillow is the Hideaway Pillow. Inspired by Southwestern blanket coats, this unique pillow is packed with texture and interest and can be made in so many color combinations.
Find these patterns and more in WeCrochet Magazine Issue 5
Issue 5 of WeCrochet Magazine channels the feeling of snowflakes on your nose, warm and cozy winter cabins, bright and colorful holiday cheer, and as always, all things crochet!
Don’t miss our other crochet pattern collection: the Warm Wishes collection, our winter holiday crochet patterns collection, featuring 9 brightly-colored projects to carry you through holiday celebrations this year.
Also in this issue: Learn mosaic crochet to bring color to blah winter days with the Prism Mosaic Afghan crochet pattern! Get ready for the new year and join the Temperature Blanket CAL for Toni Lipsey’s temperature blanket. Find holiday gift guides, interviews, book reviews, and more.
Hello crocheters out there! This is Regan taking over for a hot second to discuss the benefits of slow fashion and crocheting your own wardrobe. Crochet is slow fashion! After crocheting several garments, I’m sharing the positives of doing so, and why I support making your own fashion.
I will admit that up until recently I didn’t even know what fast fashion meant.
The definition of Fast Fashion
My recent dive into the fiber world has opened a new understanding of the clothing market. I also think as I’ve gotten older I’ve been able to appreciate fashion more and the work that goes into it, additionally the realization of what fast fashion is and the waste it creates.
Fast fashion exists because of accessibility and affordability, and I don’t want to downplay that reality for some people. Being able to create your own clothes is time consuming and requires learning a skill to do so. But I think if you have that time and ability, investing in your own personal slow fashion is great.
I aspire to one day be able to make all my clothes, but I haven’t dipped into the sewing world quite yet. However, I have been able to make several crocheted garments now and I want to talk about the positives I’ve experienced, and the few reasons why I support making your own fashion:
Customizability
Less waste
Self-gratification
Let’s go over these!
Slow Fashion = CUSTOMIZABILITY:
I would think most people have had the experience of clothing shopping only to find that nothing appeals to you, nothing fits right, or the fabric content isn’t something you like. This is pretty common in fast fashion as the purpose is to sell to the most societal standard customer. That means if you stray from the “norm” you will probably have a harder time finding something up your alley.
Here’s where making your own fashion comes in. Imagine this! You get to choose the color, the fiber, and you can make it exactly your size. On top of that, you have the ability to go outside of what “normal” clothing may look like. Instead of just t-shirts and sweaters, maybe we have some type of asymmetrical garment, or an especially chunky cardigan because why not? Crochet allows for a very wide range of fashion statements and expressions.
LESS WASTE:
As mentioned above, fast fashion is very wasteful. It promotes the idea of making more than necessary and also pushing for constant “newness”. Fast fashion doesn’t last, trends come and go, and since it’s designed to constantly be changing the quality of a lot of clothes suffer. So instead of being able to invest in a shirt to have around for years to come, it most likely will end up in the trash within the year.
Making your own clothes usually means you’re taking your time with it and being much more precise and detail oriented. This will usually result in a garment that is better made and will last much longer. And because you’re only making what you need there’s not a lot of waste compared to mass producing something that will be thrown out in the end.
I do want to mention though, since I don’t want to just smack fast fashion around. A lot does come down to personal care and correctly washing your clothes. That’s a whole other topic, but being able to take care of your clothes will also extend the lifetime.
Slow Fashion = SELF-GRATIFICATION:
If nothing else convinces you, then there’s at least the satisfaction of making something yourself. After I finished a couple of my first crochet sweaters I was almost on a high of satisfaction. It kind of blew my mind, I was holding and wearing something that I made. That is crazy! And it’s mine, my colors, my size, my fit.
I especially love the final moments of bringing the garment to life. When I make all the pieces it can be kind of difficult to imagine what it’s going to look like. But as soon as I start connecting them together, it’s like sprinting that last 100 meters in a race.
And even though this post has been about fashion, it doesn’t just stop there. People are constantly making bags, purses, blankets, plant holders, anything you can think of! The list goes on and on of what’s possible. The concept of slow fashion doesn’t just have to stop at fashion!
I’m by no means an expert (quite the opposite really), this was more just my thoughts on current habits I have and wanting to open the discussion!
What are your thoughts on fast fashion vs. slow fashion? Do you aspire to create any of your own garments (via crochet, or any other way?). Let’s chat about it in the comments!
Welcome back! I’m blogging through my progress on the Light Touch Pullover Crochet Along (CAL). Today I’ll talk about which yarn I chose for the project, as well as my progress on both the front and back of this lovely sweater. Read on!
There is nothing I love more than a project that just flies off the hook! Right now, my Light Touch Pullover is that kind of project.
What Yarn Did I Choose?
After testing the 3 different options for yarn, I decided to go with Stroll for my sweater. It’s deliciously soft and is available in so many colors. I ultimately decided that Jack Rabbit Heather was the one for me. It’s a beautiful gray-brown that has just the slightest hint of a pale purple undertone. It’s a color I don’t currently have in my handmade wardrobe and it will pair beautiful with denim. I tend to wear jeans … a lot. So a color working with a denim is a must for wearability for me.
It took a few tries, but changing my hook size and blocking technique helped me achieve gauge. Getting started also took a few tries.
How Did I Get Gauge?
You might remember in my last post that I was struggling to reach gauge. My swatches kept growing larger than the recommended gauge in the pattern. I was able to solve this issue doing two things.
First, I went down a hook size which got me spot on to row gauge.
Then, I changed my style of blocking. Instead of wet blocking, I tried just lightly misting the piece with squirt bottle water, pinning to size, and allowing to dry. This worked like a dream and my finished project should fit just how I hope.
Starting the Back of the Pullover
This project starts by working the Back piece front the center out before moving on to the Front and Sleeves. It’s then finished by working the Neckline and Hem. This all seems straightforward, but I have a crafty confession to make; I had to restart this project three times. I struggled to count my stitches properly and being off by just one stitch will cause the lace repeat not to work out correctly. So, as you start your sweater, take the time to slow down, count your stitches, and don’t feel bad if you have to start again. You aren’t alone.
Apart from the beginning chain, there was only one other area that caused me to misstep. There are instructions at the end of Row 15 that tell you to attach a new yarn at the top of the turning chain of the same row and chain two stitches. I could not wrap my head around why the pattern called for this or what to do with the chains when I had them. I decided to go to the designer, Natasha Robarge, for help.
Strategically placed extra stitches help shape this lovely scooped neckline.
These two extra stitches help shape the neckline. Once you chain them, you work a double crochet in each to extend the row. Yes, it’s as easy as that! Your following row is two stitches longer and the neckline has a lovely gentle scoop.
Working the Front of the Pullover
The Front piece of the Light Touch Pullover is worked the same as the Back, just with a few less stitches which makes a deeper scoop to the neckline. Instead of two chain stitches at the end of Row 15, you work ten more stitches.
Both the Back and Front pieces flew off my hook so quickly that I decided to jump ahead and block them. I didn’t want to wait to finish the sleeve and then block all four pieces. I also love the satisfaction of seeing a beautiful piece all pinned out and ready to seam. It feels so close to done!
A lovely, sunny day will have your dry your crochet project very quickly! I set my blocking Back piece out on the deck to dry.
And off to Sleeve Island
Sleeve Island is where I’m headed next though. I’ll report back soon with details on how they’re worked, how they are seamed into the body pieces, and any tips I discover along the way.
Until then, have you ordered your yarn to start your Light Touch Pullover? Have you had a chance to start? Tell me in the comments below if you had to start over a couple of times too! It will help me feel better about my false starts.
Have you ever seen a pattern that just won’t leave you alone? It begs you to make it, morning, noon, and night? That recently happened to me when we reviewed pages the pages of WeCrochet Magazine, Issue 3. After seeing Natasha Robarge’s Light Touch Pullover, I couldn’t get it off my mind. So, naturally, when I saw that it’s was the choice project for our latest CAL, I jumped at the chance to work the project along with all of you.
In the mag, our Brand Director Sara Dudek recommends three possible yarns for this sweater. Here I’ll explore those three options and share their properties to help you choose the yarn that will work best for your needs. I’ll also share some interesting things I learned through the process. At the end, I’ll reveal what yarn I decided to use for my project.
Each of the swatches shown were worked following the swatch pattern provided in the pattern itself, which consists of 23 alternating rows of Single Crochet and Double Crochet. I used a U.S. size G/6 (4.25 mm) hook.
Capretta Superwash
Capretta Superwash in Meridian Heather
The first yarn I swatched for this project is the one that was recommended in the pattern. Capretta Superwash is a deliciously luxurious yarn. It’s a blend of fine, superwash Merino wool, Cashmere, and nylon. This yarn is so soft and blooms beautifully when blocked. (Note, “blooming” is when a fiber plumps and sort of fills out when blocked.) It also developed a lovely halo the surface of the fabric that’s pretty dreamy. It reminds me of mohair and I really love it.
This yarn is a great choice if you want to create a sweater
that’s as easy to wear to the office as it is a special occasion. It’s sure to
become a wardrobe staple that will last for years to come.
Stroll
Stroll in Dove Heather
Working up this swatch was the first time I had the pleasure of working with Stroll. It comes in at a mid-level price point and it’s a blend of fine, superwash Merino wool and nylon. As you hold this yarn in your hand, you wouldn’t know it doesn’t contain the cashmere that Capretta has. It’s just as soft. As I worked with it, it felt like I was crocheting with feathers. It’s incredibly light without being too delicate. It didn’t bloom when blocked, instead it retained its sharp stitch definition and the drape is just amazing.
This yarn has quickly become a personal favorite. It’s a
great choice if you’re looking for a sweater that will layer beautifully and
works well as a transitional piece of clothing. With its airy quality it will
wear just as well over a camisole in August as it will over a blouse when the
weather cools in October.
Palette
Palette in Clover
Palette is the best yarn when you’re looking for something affordable, that comes in about a million colors, and is 100% wool. It is more rustic in feel than the other two yarns, but not the least bit itchy. It has a bit of tooth, meaning you can feel it grab and want to connect with the fiber around it. That means you’re going to be careful how you wash it! This would easily felt, so be sure to block your FO in cool water and lay flat to dry.
A sweater in this yarn is a must if you’re looking for a
workhorse garment. It won’t feel precious in the sense that you’ll want to save
it just for special occasions. You’ll want to wear it for all occasions, whether you need a warm layer when hiking or
something to stay off the chill when working in the garden.
Tips for Getting Gauge
The biggest tip I was reminded off when working these swatches is to check your gauge after blocking! It’s the most important step in the process of crocheting a garment if you want it to fit your body. Don’t assume anything when it comes to swatching, yarn choice, hook size, and gauge.
Before blocking, all my swatches got gauge. After blocking, they did not. All three of my swatches grew in size. Which means I crochet more loosely and I need to use a smaller hook. If my swatch was too small, I would need to use a larger hook. Does that mean I need to make another swatch? Yep, it does. If I want my sweater to turn out the size listed in the pattern schematic, I need to get gauge!
The Big Reveal: The yarn I’m using is…
There is so much to love about each of these yarns, but if I said it was hard to choose which one to use, I’d be lying. I knew the moment I stitched the first DC that Stroll would be the yarn for my Light Touch Pullover. I’d love to hear what yarn you decide to use for yours! Be sure to share in the comments below and tag your posts on social media #lighttouchCAL.
Join me next time when I’ll share what color Stroll I decided to use (and why!), what hook finally got gauge, and how the first stages of the pattern are going.
Meet Michelle Moore, the crochet designer behind MJs Off the Hook and SentryBox Designs, who specializes in unique crochet blankets, and stylish garments. Her proudest crochet accomplishment is being featured on the Tyra Banks Fab Life Show talking about how to make thousands of dollars from your hobby, and starting the cocoon blanket trend with her viral shark and mermaid blanket patterns.
Michelle’s cocoon blanket patterns went viral. Check out how many people have favorited and made them on Ravelry!
We’re so excited to talk to you today, Michelle! We can’t wait to get to know you better. You caught our attention with all your stylish garment patterns for crochet, and we are super excited that some of your crochet patterns are now available for sale on our site.
Tell us about the inspiration/design process for the Everyday Striped Cardigan:
My teen daughter inspired The Everyday Striped Cardigan. She loves wearing stripes, I feel like the majority of her wardrobe is stripes! It was definitely time for me to design a modern and trendy striped cardigan she would love. The colour palette is suited to her young and vibrant style. I believe I captured that with my colour selection.
I wanted to keep the design elements simplistic so most crocheters could make this pattern. The stitch I used throughout is the Herringbone double crochet. I love this stitch because it works up quick and I love the alternating slant of the stitch. I chose I nice long length, ribbing and pockets to get that cozy feel. The pockets are set in so they don’t take away from the clean look of the stripes.
Why did you choose the yarn you chose for this design?
When choosing a yarn for a pattern I look at a few key characteristics. For this design colour was a top priority for me. I had specific colours in mind for this design so I needed a yarn with a great range of colour. Next in importance was durability. This is an everyday piece that will be worn and washed often so Wool of the Andes superwash was a perfect fit. This yarn also provided the warmth and drape I wanted but not too heavy for a long cardigan.
What was your first crochet project (and do you have a photo of it)?
Michelle’s first crochet project
I made a bulky flower hat for my youngest daughter. I made it In January of 2013.
When did you fall in love with crochet?
Almost instantly. Definitely after I made my first hat.
What was your first design and how do you feel about it now?
My first published design was the Bulky & Quick Mermaid Blanket. It went viral so I’m pretty happy with it! It’s still one of my favourite patterns.
Do you have a favorite crochet technique?
I love the Magic Circle. I always use it when working in the round.
How did you get started sharing your crochet designs?
I started sharing my designs on Facebook. I decided to start a business page when I kept getting asked to sell my creations.
What’s your favorite of your crochet designs?
It’s really hard to pick a favourite but if I have to pick one it would be my Hooded Owl Blanket. It’s definitely my top seller and most loved design. It went viral in Feb of 2017 with over 39M views on Facebook. It’s still one of my top selling patterns.
What’s been the biggest surprise that came out of starting your crochet site?
I was shocked how many people loved my designs. I was very reluctant to start selling my designs but I was asked so many times for my patterns that I finally took the plunge.
Do you have a favorite crochet stitch?
My favourite stitch is extended single crochet and my next favourite is herringbone double crochet. I just love how simple they are yet interesting.
It’s a tie between blankets and cardigans. I really can’t pick.
Biggest yarn/crochet-related pet peeve?
I hate when I can’t find the centre pull or it comes out in a big tangled mess.
What do you wish you had known when you first started crocheting?
So many things! I wish I knew everything I know now. But for designing I wish I had known about craftyyarncouncil.com I use it every time I design a garment.
What do you hope to design in the future, or where do you want to go with your designs?
I’m really loving designing clothing and teaching through video tutorials. It definitely seems to be stealing more of my attention these days than my blankets. I want to expand on designing more 1-3 piece garments. The majority of my following is new to making clothing and really love and engage when I create simplistic designs that are less intimidating.
I could never completely let go of my blanket designs. There’s just something about designing cute stuff that satisfies this inner child in me. I still get excited every time I design a new blanket. I’d also love to come up with some other fun cool idea no one’s thought of yet!
You are cordially invited to join us in our new Crochet Along Challenge, featuring the Light Touch Pullover.
About the Light Touch Pullover:
This lightweight pullover exudes softness and feminine charm, featuring a subtle lace pattern composed of petal clusters. Open neck, gentle pattern curves, relaxed fit, and cashmere content of the yarn, all create a luxurious garment.
Light Touch Pullover is worked sideways in pieces. Front and Back are worked from centerlines to sides. Sleeves are worked from bottom up. This construction allows easy size adjustments if needed.
You can also choose an assortment of other yarns by using our Light Touch Pullover Kit Builder (located at the bottom of the pattern page):
Just choose your size, yarn, and drag and drop the yarn color you want into the kit builder to instantly place the perfect amount of yarn into your cart.
How to Join the Crochet Along:
To participate in the Light Touch Pullover Crochet Along, join and post here:
This week the WeCrochet Podcast is inspired by the concept of slow living: a lifestyle emphasizing slower approaches to everyday living, and being intentional about how you spend your time, money, and your life. Crafting has a long history within slow living and crochet has a big role in that. From crocheting baskets, bags and garments, things that are made from hand have a lot of benefits.
Yes, you can crochet a sweater! Sara and Heather share top tips for crocheting sweaters. After asking the crochet community, “what are your crochet resolutions for 2020” many people said that they wanted to crochet a sweater. Sara offers her tips of things to keep in mind as you approach making a crochet sweater.
Next, learn about how our new Upcycle Reserve yarn is made, why it’s like the delicious casserole of the yarn world, and get some suggestions on what to crochet with it.
What’s new with WCP? Well the WeCrochet Podcast is also gearing up to celebrate National Crochet Month. Find out how you can celebrate with us. We’re also wrapping up the Brava Beanie CAL and launching a new Crochet A-Long.
Then Heather talks to Jewel, of Our Maker Life, who tells us about the OML community and gives us her advice for how to embrace the slow living lifestyle.
Last, Heather snags Regan to talk about his experience crocheting his first sweater. They have also renamed the podcast to the Ree Ree and Hey Hey show.
Timestamps: 0:24 – Heather and Producer Sarah talk slow living 2:36 – Sara and Heather offer sweater-making tips 17:05 – New Upcycle Yarns with a special guest 20:23 – Sara and Heather take a deeper look at the Upcycle Yarns 23:51 – Heather interviews Jewel from Our Maker Life 34:42 – What’s New with WeCrochet – National Crochet Month + New CAL 36:47 – Regan’s new sweater
We’ve noticed a distinct trend this fall: crochet with faux fur yarn! Maybe we’re just noticing it because we love our fantastic faux fur yarn: Fable Fur, but we think faux fur crochet is here to stay! Faux fur yarn is a natural choice for fall and winter crochet because it’s so touchable and warm.
Many of our crochet friends are working with faux fur yarn, so we’ve collected all those projects for you to check out below. But first…
About Fable Fur:
A luxuriously soft faux-fur effect yarn, Fable Fur is perfect for bringing a touch of elegance and snuggly softness to your latest projects. Add a stylish trim to your next accessory, or work up a gorgeous wrap or afghan exclusively in this premium, 100% polyester yarn. What makes it premium? This grade of polyester holds it’s shape well and doesn’t shrink. Projects will work up fast at this super bulky weight, so you’ll have a menagerie of cozy accessories and home décor projects in no time!
Faux Fur Crochet Projects
We’ve been so excited and pleased by all the wonderful designs we’ve seen in Fable Fur! Check out some of our favorites:
Mika Vest by Toni Lipsey of TL Yarn Crafts
The Mika Vest is a festive hooded faux fur crochet vest pattern, the perfect piece to bring opulence and fun to your winter outfits. Designed by Toni Lipsey, this garment features special touches like generous pockets, cozy hood, and shaping on the armhole opening to give a comfortable fit.
Inspired by her experience working with Fable Fur, Toni also has an article with 6 Pro Tips for Crocheting with Faux Fur Yarn. Check it out to learn how to have a simple and seamless experience crocheting faux fur yarn.
Fur-Ever Infinity Scarf by Ashlea Konecny of Heart Hook Home
Ashlea Konecny is one of our favorite crocheters, and she used Fable Fur to crochet the Fur-Ever Fur Infinity Scarf. You just need three skeins of Fable Fur (Ashlea used the Kuma colorway) to make the scarf. Then you will have enough left over to make ear warmers or several pom-poms.
Faux Fur Ear Warmers by Nicole Riley of Nicki’s Homemade Crafts
You only need half a skein to crochet Nicki Riley’s Faux Fur Ear Warmers — a great quick holiday gift. Make them for everyone on your list!
Crocheting Faux Fur Tips from Nicki:
Nicki has designed a couple of different crochet patterns featuring Fable Fur, and she has a couple of tips:
Feel for the special band that holds the faux fur together, making it easy to find crochet stitches.
Try using a wooden crochet hook if you find a metal or plastic hook is too slippery.
Crochet Faux Fur Pom-Pom Pattern
We crocheters love our fur pom-poms, and Nicki has also written a pattern for a crochet faux fur pom-pom. You can make several pom-poms from a single skein of Fable Fur, and they’re the perfect topper for your favorite crocheted hats.
4 Ways to Make Pom-Poms by Bethany Dearden of Whistle and Ivy
It’s no secret that we are huge fans of Bethany Dearden of Whistle and Ivy.
Here’s another reason to love her: she shared 4 ways to make pom-poms, including instructions for how to crochet pom-poms using our Fable Fur.
“Faux Sho” Fur Boot Cuffs
If you have a partial skein of Fable Fur, you have enough yarn to make Heart Hook Home’s “Faux Sho” Fur Boot Cuffs.
Where did these cuffs get their cute name? Ashlea writes: The “Faux Sho” Fur Boot Cuffs are the latest in my pun-filled adventures. I hope you love them and that the name gives you a giggle each time you put them on. “Am I wearing my Faux Fur boot cuffs today? FO SHO I am!”
Bonus Project: Fable Fur Hood
I worked up a quick and simple faux fur hood using Fable Fur, with the free pattern available over at my blog.
What do you think? Are you ready to crochet Fable Fur? Show us your projects and let us know if you have tried it in the comments!
There are many different weights of yarn, ranging from very fine weight (crochet thread or lace weight), on up to super bulky. In honor of this month’s yarn of the month, Stroll, which is a versatile fingering weight yarn, we are featuring some great patterns you can crochet in fingering weight yarn.
Sometimes crocheted garments get a bad rap, especially when they are made in certain weights of yarn. We’ve heard people say crocheted sweaters look chunky or unattractive, depending on the yarn, the stitch, the design, etc. However, just because crochet has a reputation for resulting in less-than-desirable garments, doesn’t mean that it’s true!
The yarn you choose does make a difference when it comes to crocheted garments — yarn can affect the drape (or stiffness), the weight (as in the literal heaviness of the garment), and the final look of the garment.
To combat a lot of the stereotypical problems with crocheting garments, look for patterns that are designed for lighter weight yarns! Fingering weight yarn is a great place to start to help you create lighter, more drape-y sweaters. Which brings us to:
Stroll is made of 75% fine superwash Merino wool and 25% nylon for strength and durability. Warm, cushy, and versatile, this yarn is wonderful to have in your stash when crochet inspiration strikes. In addition, Stroll is ideal for gifts since the recipient does not need to worry about special care instructions. There are over 100 colors of Stroll, in seven distinct lines:
In our first crochet pattern collections, we made sure to include several excellent crochet sweater patterns. This choice turned out to be the right one, as all our sweater patterns trended on Ravelry for days after we released them. [end horn tooting!]
Look ma, our crocheted sweaters were in the top 5 popular patterns on Ravelry!
And guess what — some of these sweater patterns are good choices for crocheting with fingering weight yarn, like Stroll! And don’t forget, you can crochet just about anything in fingering weight yarn.
Crochet Patterns to Make in Fingering Weight Yarn:
First we have the Effortless Oversized Top, a modern crochet sweater design by Tiam Safari. With a super-relaxed, oversized fit, this slouchy top is perfect for throwing on for any casual occasion – pair it with jeans and sneakers for a weekend chic look, or snuggle in leggings and cozy socks for a night on the sofa.
The simple shaping and construction of this design allow for an easy project for a beginner crochet garment maker.
Next we have the Light Touch Pullover, a design by Natasha Robarge. This lightweight pullover exudes softness and feminine charm, featuring a subtle lace pattern composed of petal clusters. Open neck, gentle pattern curves, relaxed fit, and cashmere content of the yarn, all create a luxurious garment.
Fingering weight yarn is great for all types of crochet projects, though, not just sweaters!
The Snow Mountain Hat by Michele DuNaier is our next fingering weight yarn crochet pattern suggestion. Whether you’re spending a day on the ski slopes or need a cheerful accessory to wear on your daily commute, coordinated colors combined with a variety of stitches and texture make this hat a perfect choice.
The Wildflowers Baby Blanket by Michele DuNaier is made with the beautiful colors and exquisite softness of Stroll Tonal yarn. Colorful flower motifs with a cheerful dance of golden shells along the edging make this a one-of-a-kind blanket for a special someone.
Looking for a pretty shawl to make? The Louisa Crochet Shawl by Sara Hartmann is a pretty option! You’ll enjoy crocheting this rhythmic pattern with its interesting shaping details that blend double crochet with fancy corner shells, ending with a gorgeous border of fancy picots and shells.
Neasa Shawl
Neassa Shawl, a crochet pattern designed by Brenda Bourg
The Neassa Shawl by Brenda Bourg is another great-looking crochet shawl pattern designed for fingering weight yarn. Easily worked from side to side with the trim added after the main body is finished, Neassa is the perfect addition to any wardrobe!
The Edith Wrap by Elly Doyle hugs the shoulders for cozy, stylish comfort. Work in a bright color and pair with a Little Black Dress for a pop of eye-catching elegance.
The Forest of Dean Shawl by Michele DuNaier is inspired by the ancient woodland of the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, England. Rows of DC stitches represent a deep forest of trees, lacy shells and V stitches evoke leafy treetops and shrubberies, and the chain space line suggests a river running through the forest.
