July 28, 2013

Block 4 is completed. In this block, there are variations applied to the three stitches already covered in the first three blocks plus some yet to come. What these three patterns have in common is that they all alternately work a short stitch next to a taller stitch. This has the effect of scrunching up or compressing the taller stitch so that it protrudes and forms interesting surface texture on the fabric. These techniques can be used with many different stitch combinations.

Block 4
Combination Stitches

This section displays Crunch Stitches.

This section displays Floret Stitches.

This section displays Crumpled Griddle Stitches.

Crumpled, crunched, and compressed stitches offer an infinite variety of easy and interesting surface textures. Short stitches can be placed directly above the short stitches of the row below, or the appearance can be changed by offsetting the same stitch combination - place the short stitches above the tall stitches of the row below, which is what the above three patterns did.

Because these patterns don't have wide repeats and have a shallow row gauge, designing with them is very flexible because you can stop and start the pattern pieces where you want rather than having to be concerned with beginning or ending repeats evenly.

Crumpled Griddle Stitch worked from the back as an edging makes a nice variation to the more commonly used Crab Stitch and is not as awkward to work.

Easy to work; easy to design with; easily applied to a variety of stitches; can be offset or gridded - what more could I want! These stitches merit some design play.

I'm 20% finished with the required blocks for this afghan. On to Block 5...