Ever wonder why certain crochet stitches are better for some patterns and not others? Does using a particular stitch really make a difference in the finished product? Even if you are not a crocheter, having a little bit of stitch knowledge can help you pick the best quality product.
This year I want to find new stitches I haven't used yet. Come along with me as I explore new and fancy stitches and what projects they are best used for.
What a stunning stitch!
The Harlequin stitch is a gorgeous, classic pattern that will easily catch your eye especially when done in contrasting colors. As seen in the picture above, when you switch out your colors it makes for a fantastic border that allows you to keep crocheting without having to start a new stitch.
How do you crochet this wonderful stitch you ask....well, just to confound your thinking processes for a second, the Harlequin is what they call a 4-row repeat done in multiples of 8 and is a combination of single and double crochet stitches as well as a cluster stitch created by crocheting 6 stitches together.
Now lets unconfound you. You may have to concentrate on what you're doing in the beginning, but once you catch on you'll have no problem.
Written Instructions:
CHAIN 41 pattern repeat is multiples of 8 plus 1 (this means whatever number you chain, it must be divisible by 8 and then you add 1 extra chain at the end).
ROW 1: In the 5th chain from the hook, work [3 DC, 1 CH, 3 DC], skip 3 ch’s, 1 SC in the next ch, *skip 3 ch’s [3 DC, 1 CH, 3 DC] in next ch, skip 3 ch, 1 SC in next ch, repeat from * to the end of the row.
ROW 2: CH 3 and turn. Skip first SC, DC3TOG over next 3 DC, *CH 7, skip 1 ch, DC6TOG over next 6 DC (leaving the SC between unworked), repeat from * ending with DC3TOG over last 3 DC, 1 DC in the top of the last ch.
ROW 3: CH 3 and turn. 3 DC in the first space (hole that formed between the DC3TOG and DC) from row below, *1 SC around the ch 1 space of the row below, (enclosing the 7 ch’s), [3 DC, 1 CH, 3 DC] in the center space of the DC6TOG’s, repeat from * ending 3 DC in top of last DC3TOG’s, 1 DC in top of the turning chain.
ROW 4: CH 4 and turn. Skip first DC, *DC6TOG over next 6 DC (leaving the SC between unworked), ch 7, skip 1 ch, repeat from * ending with ch 3, 1 SC in top of the turning chain.
ROW 5: CH 1 and turn. Skip first SC and the ch 3’s, *[3 DC, 1 CH, 3 DC] in center of the DC6TOG’s, SC in ch space one row below, (enclosing the 7 ch’s), repeat from * ending with 1 SC in the first of the 4 turning chains pulling new color through.
REPEAT ROWS 2 – 5 until there are 5 completed diamonds. End work on a row 5.
Video Instructions
Here is the video for the Harlequin stitch by one of my favorite crocheters and bloggers, Daisy Farms. In this video she shows you how to crochet the harlequin stitch with a hot pad pattern.
Give a crocheted hug
When you find that stitch that pulls everything together and makes someone's mouth form an over exaggerated letter 'O', you know you just gave one heck of a crocheted hug. It's a special gift that makes that person feel warm and loved. Here are some crocheted hugs you can give with the Harlequin stitch: blankets, hot pads, or even wall hangings!
