learn to crochet harlequin stitch anD ideas to use it
I set myself to learn to crochet Harlequin stitch with a 250 gram cotton cake by YarnArt my sister-in-law gave me. The colors are simply adorable and starts with a lime green, varying to yellow and finally a soft dark pink.
The reason I decided on Harlequin stitch was because it looked like an interesting crochet stitch with texture that will compliment my soon-to-be-baby-blanket.
Well, I have not finished the blanket but I can't wait to see the end result with all the colors changes.
Because I'm not sure if I'd be able to buy another ball of yarn in the same LOT and color number (to match the dye), I may have to change the baby blanket idea into a pillow cover. Time will tell.
How often do you need to change a crochet project's yarn or pattern?
I mean the excitement to make something amazing just to be dissapointed because your yarn was not enough or the colors were not exactly what you were hoping for or you just don't like the pattern? Really! (it happens to me!)
Here is the lovely cotton yarn cake on Amazon.
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How to Crochet harlequin Stitch Pattern
NOTES ABOUT THIS STITCH:
- Harlequin crochet stitch pattern is a 4-row repeat and use multiples of 8-stitches (plus 1).
- The pattern is a combination of single and double crochet stitches as well as a cluster stitch created by crocheting 6 stitches together (see explanation below).
- Make sure that you end your rows according to the pattern otherwise you may end up with uneven and untidy edges.
- In the beginning, you'll need to concentrate a bit, but just until you get the hang of the pattern.
Skill level: Intermediate
skills needed to crochet the harlequin stitch
- How to chain;
- Single crochet
- Double crochet
- Crochet 3 stitches together and
- Also how to crochet 6 sts together
supplies NEEDed:
- Yarn of your choice - I'm using the superfine YarnArt in 100% cotton (Rosegarden) for the baby blanket and DK cotton for the swatch in the image above;
- Hook size for your yarn choice - hook used with the YarnArt cotton - 3mm, C/2 (US) (some charts say C2 = 2.75mm. The gauge varies between 2.5mm and 3.5mm. Your tension will determine if the hook is the right size);
- Hook size with DK Cotton is 4mm (metric)(Size G - US)(Size 8 - UK);
- Scissors and
- Crochet Stitch Pattern of your choice.
STITCHES AND ABBREVIATIONS (US)
ch - chain
dc - double crochet
sc - single crochet
sk - skip
st - stitch
sts - stitches
tog - together
GAUGE AND SIZE
This is a crochet swatch to demonstrate the stitch pattern.
Gauge and size is not available as yarn, hook and tension may differ.
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pattern to crochet harlequin stitch - written pattern (Also known as catherine's wheel stitch)
The pattern is in US terms.
The pattern:
Chain in multiples of 8 + 1, for the sample I chained 33.
1st row: in the 5th chain from the hook, *make 3 double crochet stitches, one chain, and another 3 double crochet stitches - all in the same chain. Skip 3 chains, work one single crochet in the next ch. Skip 3 chains and repeat from * to the end of the row. Ch3 and turn;
2nd row: Skip the first st and double crochet the next 3 stitches together, chain 7, skip 1 ch and *double crochet the next 6 sts together (skipping the sc) and ch7. Repeat from *to the last 3 sts, double crochet 3 sts together, finishing with 1 dc in top of turning chain, ch3 and turn;
3rd row: 3 dc's in first space from the row below (it looks like a little hole) and a sc in the chain-1 space enclosing the 7 chains from the row below. *3dc's, 1ch and 3 dc's in the next centre space, sc in ch-1 space and repeat from *to last 3-sts, 3 dc's in the top ending with 1dc in top of the turning ch, ch4 and turn; (most of the times I just ch3 at the end and it did not make any difference - just in case you were wondering); See note below with regard to color changes.
4th row: Skip the first st, 6 dc tog (over next 6 sts), ch7 and repeat, ending with 3-chains and 1sc in top of the turning ch, ch1 and turn;
5th row: Skip the first st (and the 3 chains) and work 3dc's, 1ch and 3 dc's in the next centre space, sc in ch-1 opening, repeat and finish with 1sc in turning chain.
Repeat rows 2-5 until your work is the required length.
Enjoy your project!
where do i make the color changes for Harelquin stitch?
Most patterns do the color changes after row 3 - working rows 4 and 5 in the new color and changing to the first color for the next two rows.
I have however done two swatches with color changes after row 2 and the other after row 3. You decide which one you prefer.
Remember the golden rule for color changes:
Always do the color change in the pull through of your last stitch of your previous row,
How to crochet 3 sts together - DC (US) or Treble (uk)
- Place the working yarn over the hook (yarn over), insert hook into the first stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through two loops (2 loops remaining on the hook).
- You are not completing the double crochet after the first or second stitch, because you are decreasing 3sts to 1.
- Move on to the second st and repeat the process - 3 loops remaining on the hook and
- Finally, repeat the process, leaving 4 loops on the hook.
- Yarn over and pull through 4 loops to complete the st.
HOW TO do 6dc tog - DC (US) OR TREBLE (UK)
Repeat the steps as per the 3dc tog above, 6 times and with 7 loops on the hook, yarn over and pull through all 7 loops.
crochet harlequin stitch pattern in UK terms
Use the US pattern above and substitute all single crochet stitches with double crochets (UK terms) and all double crochets, with treble.
ideas and inspiration Where to use the harlequin stitch?
- Dishcloths/Washcloths by Beccie B Creative is an ideal inexpensive, handmade gift;
- Blanket/Throws - check out the use of the pattern in a a baby blanket by Daisy Farm Crafts;
- For a selection of blankets in this stitch, this post by Crochetpedia will give you enough inspiration. Remember to note the color combinations and the different edgings used.
- Sewrella crocheted a Harlequin stitch placemat in multiple colors;
- Check out the adorable boot cuffs by CAAB Crochet;
- A blog called WeLove-Crochet features a Harlequin stitch purse with a video tutorial;
- Scarves
- Santa Panzienza created a lovely pullover in Harlequin stitch which really compliments the pattern.
IN CONCLUSION
Enjoy more crochet stitch patterns available on the blog:
Happy Crocheting!
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