Crochet News
Hello there! Browsing through my blog this week, I saw that parked in the drafts section, were photos of this cotton washcloth. You'll have noticed that a small part of it is displayed in my blog heading. It was chosen to represent the 'hooks' element of 'hooks and needles' and not at all because I happen to love green, of course not!
I'd originally shared a finished photo in March last year as part of the Five on Friday posts - which sadly are no longer running. I'd taken it up to the bathroom for a sunny photograph. For 'weekend stitches,' it's a few days early, though to me it feels like a Friday already!
I'm not sure what it is with a Bank Holiday weekend, everybody seems more tired than usual, or maybe it's due to the clocks changing for BST recently.
Weekend Stitches
This crochet stitch is called - Up and Down stitch, or Lemon Peel Stitch. If you picture lemon peel (in your mind) with its pitted surface and uneven skin, it describes this stitch perfectly.
The pattern is achieved by alternating stitch height along each row.
In UK terminology - dc double crochet, tr treble crochet (for US dc - sc, tr - dc)
After making a chain (multiples of 2 plus 1) with as many stitches as you require, follow the repeating pattern below.
Row 1 - start by dc in the second ch on the hook, tr in the next,
continue (dc in next stitch, tr in the next) to the end of the row, ch1, turn.
Row 2 - until desired length - starting with dc in the first stitch, tr in the next, continue (dc in next stitch, tr in next stitch) to the end of the row, ch1, turn.
Repeat row 2 until desired length.
On the final row, (omit ch1, turn), fasten off and weave in ends.
That's all there is to this stitch pattern. You'll notice that the taller stitches will be lining up with the shorter stitches from the previous row and vice versa.
This creates a very dense, uneven and twisted looking stitch.
(Double crochet & Treble crochet how to photos, more weekend stitches in labels cloud).
I used this stitch to crochet a washcloth for M with a border in dc (uk terms) in contrasting colour. I used a 5mm crochet hook. The yarn I used was Rico aran 100% cotton in solid colours. There is a multi colour in this range and both are available from Wool Warehouse.
Overall I like this stitch, it's a pattern that you can crochet happily at Knit & Natter groups or whilst watching the TV. It's a simple pattern that's perfect for washing with it's bumpy surface.
Do let me know if you've tried this stitch before or whether there's anything unclear in the instructions.
Thanks
Cathy x
It's pretty, but I'm a crochet dunce. I have lots of books and if I can ever break away from knitting, I'll get better!
ReplyDeleteThanks Pom Pom, there are detailed 'how to' photos in previous weekend stitches, if that helps - see label in cloud. Cx
DeleteIt gives a lovely texture and the colour you chose for your wash cloth is just fab! X
ReplyDeleteThanks Jules, I need to make some more now Cx
Deletebeautiful washcloth and I love the texture you get with crocheting!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Karen, it's different to knitting but both are enjoyable. Cx
DeleteI like crochet cloths. Funny, I only ever make them to give away! I must change that, there is a lot of cotton yarn in my yarn box that is very suitable.
ReplyDeleteThey are good to make and for trying new stitches Cx
DeleteVery pretty washcloth. That's one of my favorite stitch patterns. Works up quickly. Have also used it for baby blankets.
ReplyDeleteThank you Tammy, good idea with using the stitch for baby blankets. Cx
DeleteI think Lemon Peel Stitch is the perfect name, the fabric it creates certainly does bring a lemon to mind with its textured surface. I'm a big fan of hand knitted or crocheted washcloths or dishcloths, they're always so much prettier than any you can buy.
ReplyDeleteIt's a nice texture with the variation in stitch. I must make some more Cx
DeleteI absolutely love the color of your washcloth! Maybe one day I'll get around to learning how to crochet. Hope you are having a fantastic weekend so far.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jean. Bello Coco youtube videos are excellent. Her tutorials are for (uk) with (us) stitches given too. HappyBerry crochet tutorials are in (us).
DeleteIt's pouring with rain here at the moment. Cx
That looks like an excellent washcloth pattern. I do one very similar. I didn't bring any cotton on vacation or I might try to do one. We'll be at the beach another 4 days then home. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Teresa, that's a shame, I think I'd be wanting to jump in too if I saw somebody making one. Enjoy the rest of your stay, the views have been lovely and Mocha is clearly loving it. Cx
DeleteThank you for visiting my blog I have loved reading yours The Woodland blanket is superb and loved all your baking, made my mouth water... the book Falling by Julie Cohen looks good so have reserved it at my library.. happy hooking!
ReplyDeleteArh bless you, thanks Chris. Let me know if you liked Falling, I'm going to read another of hers Together. Cx
DeleteIt is a wonderful pattern, I love the texture. Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteThanks Meredith, the texture makes it ideal for washing with Cx
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