How To Create Thicker Texture
By Tameko Barnette – 26 CommentsWhat we wouldn’t give for a placemat or pot holder to not unravel on us while using it! Getting a thicker texture on some patterns isn’t always easy, even if the crochet hook size is perfect. We can achieve tighter stitches with a simple tug or two after each one is created, but how do we get a thicker texture from time to time?
Drum roll please…the answer is in the yarn. Yes, we can go out and buy some very thick yarn and thus, we will have thicker texture. But what about those of us who are on a tight budget and need to work with the yarn we already have, which is the average thickness?
Try this technique:
1. Place two separate strands of yarn together. You can mix and match the colors as you wish.
2. Tie your knot on the hook as usual and proceed to chain and stitch according to your pattern’s instructions.
Voila! You have a thicker and tighter stitch, which creates a nice thick texture that is perfect for pot holders, mug coasters, and placemats.
See the picture of the finished rows of two different color yarns used together in a basic single crochet stitch pattern.
2 Strand Single Crochet
You can use any size crochet hook when applying this technique to your pattern. The key is making sure you are using two separate strands (skeins) of yarn together.
A good way to get the feel for it is to place the two separate strands (skeins) together and chain 20 or 30.
Do you have ideas on creating thicker texture? Have you tried this technique? Please share your ideas and experiences with us. We’d love to hear from you.
Happy Crocheting!
I actually did this last year on the Easy Textured Washcloth because our few shops did not have thicker cotton. So I used two shades of thin fuchsia and really enjoyed the effect and looking at those colors together while crocheting. Now that I have used the washcloth, I see that it stretches more when wet. So, I will make a note to use the same yarns again but with a smaller hook to get a denser fabric.
Yes, I’ve used this technique before, but I don’t always like to use it.
Another good way is to use stitches that make crochet fabric sturdier, like the linked stitches.
yes i have used the “2-strand-together” made my mate a cap and scarf out of dark green and brown. he loves it!!!! it is very thick and warmer than a single yarn. fun to do as the colors make themselves up. i suggest every one try it at least once…..
Yes. Vanna White, with Lion Brand, has many of her patterns using two strands at the same time. Also, I’m making a throw rug using the thin cotton yarns…and the pattern calls for all the stitches to be made with double strands.
I have done this several times and don’t really care for it as it seems to take a lot of tension and therefore is very tiring on my hands (carpel tunnel syndrome!!!) and it creates a very heavy product as you are working (but I don’t always get to choose the patterns, I’ve yet to make something for myself because everyone else is always asking for things!). The effect is beautiful though, although I also have used two strands of the same color just to get the thickness.
I recently found the perfect thick stitch for dishcloths etc courtesy of a free pattern kindly donated by Francine Toukou on Ravelry.
It uses a half double crochet for the first row, followed by a hdc between each hdc of previous row. Thereafter, hdc on every row between the stitches.
This can be very thick if yarn is doubled, but I also find it very satisfactory with a single thread of worsted weight yarn.
If you use two strands do you need to go up a crochet hook size?
Hi Asprin, Yes, Use a hook that comfortably passes the double thickness of thread through between the hdc, otherwise one thread constantly drops off the hook. I generally find an Australian 5.5 or 6 good for this work.
How are Aus hooks sized? In mm like in the UK?
Yes 5 mm or 6mm
Yes. I have done this a lot. If you check Carol Ventura’s book you will find more information and techniques about doubling up.
I love that effect! Will have to try it.
Front and back post will give you thicker texture, too – not denser, but thicker.
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I have used the hdc in my dish cloths and love it ,it does make them thicker
I have used the technique and it is not hard at all. Different yes, but easy to grasp ahold of the idea. I enjoyed doing something different. It does make a sturdier and sometimes harder material…Very durable….
I like the thickness of 2 strands a lot. It’s easy enough to do. But being a perfectionist, I have to force myself not to worry about when it twists, and just keep crocheting. I have found the two yarns get less tangled coming from the ball if you put one on each side of you. it still twists as you crochet, but looks great anyway.
However, it really hurts my left hand (I’m right handed) when I am doing really tight texture. I take an anti-inflamatory medicine, and sometimes use a thumb support, and I guess it comes with arthritis, but it’s very annoying. Any ideas on how to cut down on it causing pain.
I love the effect it makes when you use two different colours! I’ll have to try this sometime!
Would this also work with knitting?
Yep, sure does. I’ve made 2 scarves and a hat over the Christmas holiday using 2 worsted weight yarns – one plain, one with metallic thread shot through it. They came out great – at least, the recipients loved them.
This also seems to work if you buy yarn that is too fine to work with your crochet hooks.
I’ve never tried this with yarn, but lately I’ve been working a jewelry pattern that uses 1/8″ satin ribbon, and I like the double-strand effect much better than single. The color effect is interesting, plus it makes more convincing “beads” than the single-strand version.
When I first began knitting and crocheting, I made a lot of scarves. I always used a combination
of 3 kinds of yarn, like ribbon or trellis, eyelash or fun fur, and regular yarn. The variety of textures was much more interesting than straight yarn. (This did not, however, allow any fancy stitch work to show.)
I just did this recently using the dishcloth pattern from Francine Touku on Ravelry, too. It made a great dishcloth. I have arthritis in my hands, too, and I usually crochet tightly. Using two threads helped me to use a lighter grip and weave, so my hands were less clenched. Since then, I’ve tried using a larger hook size for several projects, but not always successful. Can’t get my stitches even! Any suggestions? Thanks.
I’m about to make a cat blanket for a local rescue group in Pittsburgh. All the group wants is a 17″ x 17″ piece in acrylic. I’m thinking a double-strand of acrylic yarns with a large hook will do the trick. A member of Three Rivers Crochet, the CGOA Chapter in Pgh, has introduced us to this project. A great way to use up extra yarn and/or try out a new stitch. (My cat Christopher agrees!)
Back in the ’70’s I made a friend a baby coat/sweater from a pattern that called for 3 strands — a crochet string, a baby weight, and a worsted weight. It came out beautifully and was fun to make. Her daughter was able to wear it as a coat and then a sweater until she was 4.
My only problem — I misplaced the pattern. I’m keeping an eye out for it — it had a shawl color, wrapped around with a belt to hold it in place, and was shown in shades of green. If this pattern rings a bell with any one, please reply. I made it in 1979 — and she’s now 33 years old!
I am a newbie to crochet. I wrongly bought a lot of baby yarns from ebay. Now that i have seen this article and read some of your comments. I know what i will do now to create thicker texture.
Thank you everyone for sharing 🙂