Crocheting can be seen as an art form that anyone can enjoy, regardless of skill level. There are various terms used to refer to crocheters such as “yarnist”, “yarnie” and “fiber artist”. No matter the term you use to refer to yourself as one, you will enjoy creating different crochet designs!
Learn the components of crochet stitches, including how to interpret crochet diagrams and find patterns using different stitches like shells, fans, picots, V stitch and special stitches.
Picot Stitch
The picot stitch is an exquisite decorative detail that adds a delightful finishing touch to any crochet project. You can incorporate it into patterns for lacy motifs or intricate edges, and its straightforward technique means you can experiment with various sizes and spacings until you find what suits your project best.
To create a picot stitch, insert your hook into the third chain from the beginning point of your row where you wish to add the stitch. From there, make a single crochet stitch into each of these chains before finishing with a slip stitch into one of those same stitches to complete your picot. It can then be worked either single crochet, half double crochet, or treble crochet and tension must remain even; lightweight yarn may create larger stitches and thicker picots than heavier yarns could.
Once you have mastered basic crochet stitches such as chain, single, and double crochet stitches, it’s time to try more complicated embellishments for your projects. Popular among them is the picot stitch – an elegant decorative stitch ideal for blankets, scarves, or other projects requiring edges.
Picot stitch can add beauty, texture, and interest to your projects beyond its visual beauty. Used in simple projects like blankets or scarves, picot stitches add an intricate, lacy effect; more intricate lace patterns may use picots as motif forms. You can easily combine picot stitches with cluster stitches or color changes for truly original and breathtaking designs!
There are various techniques for creating the picot stitch, and you should experiment with its variations until you find what works for your project. One effective technique is working it into single crochet stitches for maximum precision and minimal gaps between picots; however, you could also work the stitch into chains or even add variations like chain 2, 4 or 5 into it to give an alternative appearance or create different effects altogether.
V-Stitch
The V stitch is an essential crochet stitch that can be used for many projects. Comprised of half double crochet and double crochet stitches separated by chains, this simple stitch can create intricate lacy patterns on blankets or shawls or used in rounds for sweaters and other clothing projects. Furthermore, its shape also makes an effective border stitch that adds extra texture or color.
Start off a V-stitch pattern by chaining three stitches. Next, work one double crochet stitch into each chain starting from your hook until reaching the end of your row. Repeat this sequence across the entire row.
Start the next row by working a treble crochet stitch into the center chain space of the first v-stitch, followed by two more in each of their respective spaces as soon as you come back from working double crochet stitches of previous rows. Continue doing single treble crochet stitches between every pair until you reach the last space, when one treble crochet stitch should complete your row.
This stitch works beautifully with yarn weights ranging from lightweight lace yarn to chunky cotton. Since fiber type and yarn thickness have such an impactful impact on finished pieces, experimenting with various combinations until you find what suits you is key in crafting something beautiful!
Switch up the colors of your yarn for added variety when working the V-stitch! Complementary, analogous and monochromatic colors all work great – have fun trying out various hues until you find one that complements your project best! When following a crochet pattern that requires the V-stitch be sure to read through its instructions thoroughly to ensure you are working in the appropriate stitch; doing so could prevent errors that alter its outcome unintentionally.
Special Stitches
There are many special stitches that can bring excitement and interest to your work. From unique textures, wavy lines, or creating unique forms – there’s sure to be one or more that add something extra special! They may take practice to master, but their rewards make the effort well worthwhile.
Thermal stitch is one of the most versatile and effective special stitches, ideal for creating intricate textures with layers and designs. Plus, its simplicity makes it great for beginners or quick projects like washcloths or blankets!
One particularly useful special stitch is sc2tog or single crochet two together, an excellent stitch for joining fabric edges together seamlessly and making seamless garments. There are various ways this can be accomplished and its size can easily be modified by increasing or decreasing how many stitches you work into one round/row.
Slip or fell stitch basting stitch is another useful special stitch, perfect for holding fabric in place without sewing and shifting fabrics or complex patterns. Additionally, this technique works great when it comes to linings or zipper tape security.
Stitching can also serve as a form of meditation or exploration when applied creatively. Richard McVetis utilizes seed stitch in his embroidery work as it reminds him of drawing and mark-making, helping him understand a space or subject better and using density in stitching to represent time.
Sharon Peoples uses random cross stitch to add depth to her embroidered portraits while Caren Garfen uses back stitches to create expressive figures and illustrative arrow outlines in her works.
As you consider which stitch to select for your crochet project, remember that choosing the appropriate stitch can have a major influence on the end result. When considering how a piece will be worn frequently or decorative designs with abstract designs will require different approaches than if worn frequently or decorative designs require different techniques.
Thermal Stitch
Embroidery can be more than a beautiful craft; for some it is an engaging meditative practice that helps them fully explore life’s experience. Melissa Zexter uses embroidery as an act of spiritual prayer by stitching subjects in brightly coloured threads known as seed stitch. Through seed stitch, Melissa can explore themes related to identity and community.
Other artists employ different techniques and combinations of stitches when creating their work. Sharon Peoples layers random cross stitch over her embroidered portraits for added depth and texture; this method especially serves when she wants to communicate an air of mystery around their subject, such as in Portrait of Oscar.
Sharon employs couching stitch in her pocket-sized portraits to evoke line quality, while Hanny Newton utilizes this stitch in her modern goldwork compositions as a means of exploring line.
The Thermal Stitch is one of the densest crochet stitches available, making it perfect for thick materials like textiles or carpets. It works similarly to single crochet in terms of technique but instead of inserting your hook only into back loops of previous rows (as in single crochet), both front loops must also be worked into simultaneously; creating an interlacing double layer effect which gives it its unique thickness.
This stitch is ideal for creating something with more structure, such as bags or coasters, while still being relatively straightforward to create. However, please keep in mind that two-side thermal stitches require slightly more yarn due to working both sides simultaneously.
Notably, this stitch differs from regular single crochet in that its increases are accomplished differently; rather than inserting your hook into only the front loop from lower levels and inserting it through both front and back loops on upper levels, then pulling through all three of them – this requires you to count rows more carefully when working this stitch than when using regular single crochet!