Your Go-To Crochet Pattern Brings Optimal Experience
By Caissa "Cami" McClinton – 17 CommentsTell me what you think of the following assertion: The soothing motions of crochet are made even more comforting when your brain doesn’t have to work too hard to figure out what comes next in a pattern. When you can easily select your hook and yarn and just stitch, crochet takes on a different, meditative dimension.
Am I right, people? …
What brought on this sudden episode of “deep thoughts?” Well, it’s just that I think that most of us probably have a pattern or two that we go back to over and over again because it’s just comfortable. Maybe we’ve made it so many times that it’s fun to see what else this pattern can become for us. And working on this pattern so often allows us to move our attention from the physical movements and mental concentration required for other patterns and experience crochet in an entirely different way.
I’ll use myself as an example. I have two favorite “go-to” patterns. One is Rachel’s Free Cardholder Pattern, which I love and have blogged about multiple times. The other is a coaster pattern that I’ve taken to making because I always need a coaster or two on my desk at work. In the past I’ve made gazillions of crocheted flowers and hearts. They’re just so addictive & satisfying and that’s why I keep working on them! It’s an optimal crochet experience!
What do all of these patterns have in common? Well, for one I can make them with pretty much any size hook and yarn I am likely to have on hand. These patterns are also easy to modify, so different versions of the same pattern are a fun and welcome surprise each time. They’re also useful. I love giving away or selling the little things I make and using the coasters each and every day!
All of these things make me return to these patterns over and over again. So what about you? Do you have a “go-to” pattern? If so, what is it and how did you choose it? Please leave your questions, comments, ideas, and deep thoughts in the comments below!
B O R I N G! I rarely make the same thing over and over again.
I love what I call mindless crocheting, it is so great when I am having a bad day. I can grab my hook and yarn and just go for it. I usually end up with coasters and washcloths and the best part is I know my family will be thrilled to receive them.
I make hats for charity. I love the repetitive nature of the basic beanie patterns. I can decide later if I want to embellish the beanie or leave it as is. I can get free patterns or buy beanie patterns. They are quick to work up at least in half double crochet or double crochet. Single crochet hats take forever for me to finish however I love the fabric created by single crochet.
Yep. I have made over a dozen Doctor Who scarves – very long scarves worked in single crochet with changes of color. The longest one I made was about 19′ (yes, that is feet) long. Very mindless except for following a strict color pattern. The other thing I’ve made dozens of is prayer cloths. I use my own pattern making a cross in puff stitches. There are other patterns I’ve used multiple times but those are the most recent. Granny squares are always good for mindless crocheting too. I’m really not a fan of complicated patterns because I like to crochet while watching TV. When I do a complex pattern I can’t do anything else. I do then occasionally, but prefer mindless.
I have 2 or 3 scarf patterns like that. I love making a variety of patterns but these are my staples. I make scarves for charity and if I need something in a hurry I make one or two of these. Not only does working with yarn tend to relieve any tension that I may be feeling but knowing that the item I am making will help someone is an added bonus.
I love simplest patterns too. Years ago I use to do the more complicated stuff but no longer desire it. I now crochet to sooth my nerves. My favorites are washcloths, coasters, hats, scarves and granny squares.
I like enough pattern especially in an afghan that keeps me interested but one I can just zip along with when I turn to do the next row. I am making two wedding presents (afghans) right now and cannot afford them to be very complicated so that I can finish them in time. In between for variety I work on scarves or dishcloths or trivets or coasters so that I have the feeling of finishing something.
I like doing granny square ripple. Googled and found a simple and fast pattern. Passed on to friends and they also like.
About a year ago, I discovered what is commonly called the C2C pattern (or corner to corner). For me it is always satisfying, whether I’m making a scarf, an afghan, or a purse. By using different yarns and sizes of hooks, they always take on a unique look. They appear more complicated than they are to hook. This is a pattern I like to use while watching TV – it’s almost automatic.
I make hats for kids (NICU and/or Ronald’s house) for truly mindless crochet work (just the base, the embellishments can be quite time consuming), and 2 shawls I make for Friends of the Fallen at Dover Air Force Base. While each time they’re a little different (yarn, hook size, color) I usually only have to work one or two rows and I’m back in my comfort zone. I like to work on my shawls on the bus/subway to and from work.
I haven’t really acquired any go-to patterns yet. I’ve been crocheting for about two years now (I learned to knit first) and what I find I’m enjoying most right now is challenging myself and learning new skills. Perhaps when I’ve progressed a little more I’ll have some staple patterns.
My favorite pattern is the granny square. I love to make one big square afghan using multiple colo9rs or a variegated yarn. It goes quickly and is easy to do while watching TV or watching the grandkids play.
granny squares for several reasons!–easy, quick, easily packed for travel and can be combined in many variations for great variety of objects. I also use a V stitch combo to make scarves and baby blankets. The X stitch is another favorite because once you figure out how many X’s you need to make and then get that starting chain done, it can almost be done in the dark–especially since I use the lighted hooks!
I’m with you on mindless crocheting: I use granny squares for an afghan that’s likely to be the size of New York before I decide it’s finished, and Rachel’s slouchy beanie. My granddaughter at age 4 fell in love with thee, so she now has five and counting. Next up: Mrs. Muir’s Afghan. Just my speed!
Yes, i go back when i been doing too much work(i have a crochet store) . So when i want just to relax, i choose a thread and start that stitch, easy, repetitive, ahh conforting.(it is always a Shawl) “And i fly like a bird.” It feels so great.
I do like patterns that don’t require a great deal of concentration, but are beautiful or useful, and also soothing. Since my husband is disabled, he’s at home all the time and wants to talk. Trying to keep a complicated count going in my head while he’s chatting away isn’t very easy! But crochet is calming and helps keep my mind keen, yet relaxed. My favorites to do when wanting an “easy” project are coasters, open mesh kerchiefs (head coverings) and dish cloths. Also basic slippers. We live in FL so heavy scarves and hats aren’t really practical here. I do enjoy amigurumi and find it relatively easy, even with hubby’s yakking away at me! haha! I need to learn granny squares next…I hear they can be very good therapy!
Mmmmmm, anything in moss stitch! It’s like a cup of hot cocoa on the coldest day. Sc + ch 1 until symptoms pass. LOL