July 29, 2013

Block 5 was a quicker crochet today than yesterday's block. In this block, the stitch what is probably the second most popular crochet stitch - the Double Crochet - was used with several variations.

Block 5
Double Crochet and Variations

Jack-o-lantern Teeth uses short chains as a base for the Double Crochet stitches worked on the following row.

This section of teal and bone yarns displays the Jack-o-lantern Teeth Stitch.

Jack-o-lantern Teeth is also a good pattern for multicolor work since it reaches down into the row below.  It s a good pattern to use up leftovers since every two rows form a distinctive pattern. Three repeats of "teeth" worked in contrast color would look well at the bottom edge and cuffs of a cardigan. Choose a neutral color such as black or white then pick out various colored leftovers of equal value. For a fun, small-scale project such as a vest, keep the main color neutral and randomly change the colors of the teeth. Or, if you're feeling ambitious and have lots of leftovers, it would make a fabulous colorful afghan.

Linked Double Crochet is a handy technique for joining stitches together, and it can make long, usually open stitches into a solid fabric.

The wine yarn displays Double Crochet Stitches.

The wine yarn in this section displays Linked Double Crochet Stitches. The stitches in the photo prior to this one shows longer stitches with more open area between each one. The ones in this photo are joined together or linked and this makes a tighter fabric.

Linking stitches is a technique you'll wonder how you got along without. For example, linking the end stitches on rows of tall stitches makes them much easier to seam. Linked Stitches make a smaller stitch gauge, so linking the stitches in the yoke of a garment would automatically narrow a shoulder area. Linked stitches are perfect for edges and bands because they are firm. They are also opaque so you could use them where you want a solid fabric. Linking stitches enables you to use a longer stitch and still maintain a firm fabric. And it's quick to work.

In the Squares Variation, the pattern is formed by working a three-stitch-Double Crochet Cluster alternated with a chain. In the variation in this block, they are lined up in a grid to form a neat little pattern, hence their name: however, they would look equally well offset.

Squares Stitch

The neat gridded version of the easy Squares Stitch makes a wonderful trim. An offset variation would make a nice all-over surface texture for a wearable or for home decor.