Stitch Pattern: Cross Stitch

This stitch can be complicated when using a short stitch such as the single crochet or half double crochet. I find its easier to work this stitch using double crochet or taller stitches.

To start, you'll chain a multiple of two. When working your rows, skip one stitch and work in the next. Once that stitch is made, you'll work into the stitch you skipped. The next stitch will require you to skip the one you worked into and one more. (i.e. You'll skip two stitches total. One is worked into already.) 

When working this swatch up, I found it more pleasing to add an uncrosssed double crochet stitch on the end of each row. (The chain counts as the beginning double crochet stitch.) This helps keep the ends straighter. Ending a row with a crossed stitch will result in a wavy edge. This is just a matter of personal preference though, so try it both ways.

One of the things that I liked about this stitch is that the pattern creates almost a zigzag pattern as you work your rows. It also creates an interesting texture to the fabric that would be great for creating dishcloths when used with shorter stitches. It would be textured enough to provide a little scrubbing power. 

Stitch Pattern: Sailboats

Here's a fun stitch combination - sailboats. This creates an interesting stitch patterns that might make for a fun blanket or shawl. This pattern creates an almost lacy texture to the yarn. Adding a border of some sort helps to maintain it's shape. I made a square for Warm Up America with this pattern in it. I added a couple of rows of single crochet stitches before and after the pattern, but I'm considering adding a border on the sides to help maintain it's shape even more.


To make this stitch:
Make a chain of a multiple of 6 plus 2. Single crochet in second chain and in each chain across.
Row 2: ch 1, sc in first stitch, [ch 6, sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, dc in next ch, tr in next ch, dtr in last ch (sailboat made), sk next 5 sc on last row, sc in next sc] across, turn.
Row 3: Ch 5 (counts as first dtr), *sc in next sc at tip of sailboat, ch 4**, dtr in sc between same point and next point, repeat from * across, ending last rep at **, dtr in last sc, turn.
Row 4: Ch 1, sc in first dtr, *sc in each of next 4 chs, sc in next sc** sc in next dtr, rep from * across, ending in last rep at **, sc in last st, turn.
Repeat rows 2-4 for pattern.




I can't help but wonder what this pattern would look like if the rows of sailboats were broken up by a wavy ripple to make it look like a boat on water... hmm...

Stitch Combination: Grit Stitch

Here is a stitch that is very similar to what some people know as the V stitch. Instead of using tall stitches like the V stitch, this stitch is created with two single crochet stitches in a stitch. Each group of two single crochet stitches are separated by a chain stitch.

To make this stitch begin by chaining a multiple of two stitches. Here's a chart to make this stitch.

 While this stitch might look dense, it is actually very flexible and lighter than single crochet stitches. This stitch combination could also be done with taller stitches (hdc, dc, tr or taller), but remember to modify your turning chain to accommodate the additional height.

Stitch Combination: Shallow Stitch

This is one stitch that will challenge those that like to crochet by the "rules." For the most part, crochet stitches are worked under the V (as you look at it from the top) and above the horizontal bar (when seen from the side). For the Shallow Stitch stitches are worked *under* that horizontal bar of each stitch.

Here is a look at what this stitch looks like.

 

This stitch creates very strong horizontal lines as it gathers the three strands from the previous row together. To make this stitch, chain any number of stitches but make your chain loosely to accommodate for the stitches worked in spaces. 

The image above shows the shallow stitch swatch next to a double crochet swatch. Notice that the shallow stitch has much cleaner (in my opinion) horizontal lines. With a bulkier yarn I think this might make for a fun scarf. 

Stitch Combination: Seed Stitch

This stitch combination creates an interesting look with a little texture. This is similar to the open stitch combination, except that it uses single crochet stitches. I.e. It is created by alternating single crochet and chain stitches.
There is one major difference between the two combinations. In the open stitch combination, the double crochet stitches are worked into the previous row's double crochet stitches. In the seed stitch, single crochet stitches are worked in the previous row's chain stitches.

To make it, chain a multiple of two plus one.

One thing that I wasn't a fan of when trying this stitch out was that one side of the pattern creates a zig zagged edge. Perhaps a slip stitch at the end of row 2 (to attach it to row 1) in the pattern diagrm above would help solve this. 

This stitch could also be done by changing the single crochet stitch for a taller stitch, like the double or treble crochet stitches.

What are your thoughts about this stitch? Have you seen it used in any patterns you've worked on?

Stitch Combination: Open Stitch

 The open stitch pattern is similar to a mesh stitch. It results in a series of open boxes and a light density. This might make for a very pretty shawl or light scarf. To start, chain a multiple of two plus one. It's created by alternating between double crochet and chain stitches, and rows end with a double crochet.