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Free Eco Friendly Crochet Patterns

October 7, 2022 // by mezza// Leave a Comment

This post is a collation of all my Free Crochet Patterns which encourage sustainability.

Yarns

All of these patterns work best with cotton yarns which are:

Biodegradable
Sustainable
Plastic free
Natural
Heatproof (doesn’t melt when exposed to heat)

With organic cotton, there’s less damage to the environment, the growers, harvesters and workers in the textile factories.

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I use affiliate links for yarns, hooks and some other products. If you purchase anything via one of my links I may earn a small amount of commission.

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If you have enjoyed my free content or have found my tips and techniques useful, please consider making a small donation by buying me a coffee via Ko-fi. This helps towards the running costs of my website.

3-3-3 Easy Chevron Stitch Crochet Pattern

October 7, 2022 // by mezza// 1 Comment

Easy Chevron Stitch Crochet Pattern. This is an easy to remember ripple stitch that can be applied to projects such as blankets, or in this example, a washcloth. I created this version of the very popular chevron stitch back in 2014 for a class of new crochet students that had just finished my learn to crochet course. It’s a great way to start understanding how increases and decreases can shape crochet fabric.

If you’re thinking of making a blanket, you can use the instructions for the washcloth to make a swatch with your desired yarn.

Download a pdf version of the pattern, including chart: click here.

Detailed video tutorial here:

Tools & Materials

Yarn & hook: Worsted/Aran weight cotton yarn – 4mm/H Hook

Yardage per washcloth: 50g/106m/116yds

Finished dimensions: Approx – 25cm/9.8” x 25cm/9.8”

Finished size & yardage will vary depending on hook size, yarn thickness & your personal gauge.

Alternative Yarn Thickness
You can also try DK weight yarn with a 3.5mm hook which will result in a slightly smaller cloth.

Key
beg	beginning
ch	chain
dc	double crochet
prev	previous
st(s)	stitch(es)

Yarn Ideas

The Cotton – We Are Knitters

Shiny Happy Cotton – Wool & the Gang

Rico Organic Cotton Aran

Paintbox Cotton Yarn Aran

3-3-3 Easy Chevron Stitch Crochet Pattern for Washcloth – Instructions

Note: these instructions are in US crochet terminology.

Row 1: Ch44; sk3 chs (counts as 1dc), working into the back ridges of the 4^th chain, 1dc; (1dc into each of the next 3chs; dc3tog; 1dc into each of the next 3chs; 3dc in next ch) x 3; 1dc into each of the next 3chs; dc3tog; 1dc into each of the next 3chs; 2dc in last ch. (counting the last 3chs of starting ch as 1stitch – 41sts)

Going forward, 2chs are made at the start of each row, these do not count as a stitch, nor are they ever worked into.

Switch to working through both loops of the stitch throughout.

Row 2: ch2, turn the work, do not sk any sts, 2dc in 1^st st; (1dc into each of the next 3sts; dc3tog; 1dc into each of the next 3sts; 3dc in next st) x 3; 1dc into each of the next 3sts; dc3tog; 1dc into each of the next 3sts; 2dc in next last st which is the 3^rd ch of the ch3 skipped at the start of Row 1. (41sts)

Row 3: ch2, turn the work, do not sk any sts, 2dc in 1^st st; (1dc into each of the next 3sts; dc3tog; 1dc into each of the next 3sts; 3dc in next st) x 3; 1dc into each of the next 3sts; dc3tog; 1dc into each of the next 3sts; 2dc in last st. (41sts)

Repeat Row 3 as desired and fasten off. For my washcloth, I needed 17 rows to make it square.

Note : if you want to use this stitch to make a larger cloth or even a blanket, you will need to add multiples of 10 to the starting chain for each additional pattern repeat.

Connect with me!

You can often find me on Instagram. Please do follow and tag me @mezzamay if you make one of my patterns, use one of my tips or stitch patterns. I really love to see what you’re making. Don’t forget to use #mezzamay 🙂

Why not sign up to my newsletter to receive news about my latest patterns, tutorials and giveaways!

Affiliate Links

I use affiliate links in my posts. If you click on a link and buy something I may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you.

Support me!

If you have enjoyed my free content or have found my tips and techniques useful, please consider making a small donation by buying me a coffee via Ko-fi.

Protected: Riverhouse Hookers Beginners – Resource Page

September 30, 2022 // by mezza// Leave a Comment

Learn to Crochet Saturday Course – Starting 14/01/23 – Walton-on-Thames – SOLD OUT

September 17, 2022 // by mezza// Leave a Comment

This course is now fully booked. If you wanted to sign-up but have missed out, please send me a message via my contact form and I’ll let you know when I am running my next course.

I will be running next beginners course on Saturdays from 3:30-5:30 at the Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre, in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey!

My beginners crochet course, consists of 4 classes where you will get to grips with all the basics needed to get you competent and confident in the art of crochet.

I have developed a special project that covers starting off, chaining, the basic stitches and joining motifs together for a finished item.

This course is for you if you are :

a complete beginner and you’ve never even picked up a hook.
someone that has dabbled in crochet but never really got to grips with it.
someone that may have crocheted many years ago but need refreshing on the basic techniques.
self-taught from the internet but want to make sure you’re not picking up any bad habits.

As well as my expert guidance and hands on practical work, the course includes detailed class notes with photo tutorials AND everything you need, including hook, yarn, needles, stitch markers and a handy project bag.

You’ll be making a small item which will teach you how to make a traditional and solid granny square.
You will learn all the essential techniques that can be applied to most basic projects such as:

choosing the right size hook and yarn
how to hold your hook and yarn
chaining
slip stitch, single & double crochet
crochet chart symbols
how to make a square
how to change colours
how to join motifs using sewing and crochet
how to make a cord
how to finish off

Learn to Crochet Course Dates 2023

Week 1 – Saturday 14th January 2023 3:30-5:30pm
Week 2 – Saturday 21st January 2023 3:30-5:30pm
Week 3 – Saturday 28th January 2023 3:30-5:30pm
Week 4 – Saturday 4th February 2023 3:30-5:30pm

Cost

The course consists of 4 x 2 hour session and costs £75 – this covers all materials needed & exclusive access to the online student resources.

What you might want to bring

Notepad & pen.
Scissors.
Drink.

This is a great way to learn a new hobby in a friendly setting where you can meet other students with similar interests as well as supporting your local arts centre.

Important – Cancellation Policy

I have hesitated to implement this policy in the past, although it has always been in place as part of Riverhouse’s & my terms & conditions. However, due to a high dropout rate for some of my recent courses, sometimes days before the course starts, I have been left in a situation where I am often not covering my costs and/or earning even a minimum wage. Therefore, I regret that I will now have to implement the policy otherwise I am no longer able to continue teaching. Should you need to cancel, refunds for the course can only be given up to 14 days before the start of the course and are subject to an administration fee of £15. After this time, i.e. 01/01/23, I am unable to issue refunds as I have already committed to the hire of the venue and the purchase of all course materials and it doesn’t leave me enough time to find a replacement student to make the course financially viable for me. Of course, full refunds will be given in the event that the course is cancelled due to the Riverhouse or me cancelling the course. Thank you for your understanding.

SOLD OUT

FAQ

Q: Why is the course 4 weeks long?
A : I have seen many day classes and classes that are a couple of hours long, promising to teach you to crochet. Of course there are some that can pick things up very quickly, but a key element of learning to crochet is muscle memory… this is very difficult to achieve in a short, one off class. In fact, a large percentage of my students had previously attended these kinds of classes and not quite managed to commit the techniques to memory. My immersive courses allow you to go home and practice what you’ve learnt in class and come back to me the following week for help with anything you’re unsure of. This 4 week structure really allows the skills to sink in and stick!

Q: I would like to attend your course but I am not able to make all the classes.
A : You can still get a lot out of the course, even if you have to skip some of the weeks, however, Week 1 & Week 2 are mandatory. It’s very difficult for me to re-teach a whole missed class for one student and then fit in the content for the scheduled class. I have tried to do this in the past and ends up being unsatisfactory for the the student trying to catch up and also for the other students who didn’t miss a class. You will be sent class notes and videos (where applicable) for any classes missed and I’m happy to help via email/WhatsApp. The full cost of the course also applies, even if you can only make some of the classes.

Q: I do not need the starter kit as I have my own yarn and hooks.
A: After many years of teaching crochet to beginners, I have found that the hooks and yarn used make a massive difference to how easily the student picks up the technique and how much they enjoy the experience. Students that bring unsuitable equipment invariably end up frustrated so I have made the decision to provide and include all the materials in the cost of the course.

Q: I am a knitter. I’d like to crochet but I’m worried I won’t be able to.
A: Yes, I have come across this concern many times. There still seems to be a misconception that you either knit or crochet… of course you can do both! Often those with previous experience of knitting or other types of handicrafts can find picking up a new skill relatively easy.

Q: I use a wheelchair, is there wheelchair access to the studio?
A: Yes, there is a ramp into the studio. Please get in touch when you book and I will double check with the staff at the Riverhouse that everything is set up correctly for you.

Q: The dates of this course don’t suit me, will you be running another course and if so, when?
A: I usually run my beginners classes twice a year on Saturdays. If you are not free on Saturdays, I offer one-to-one classes from my home studio or from your home. I can also teach small, private groups of up to 4 people if you have friends/family that would like to join you. Please contact me for more information.

Q: What is your cancellation policy.
A: Please read about our cancellation policy in our terms and conditions: Terms & Conditions

Design & Make Your Own Jute or Raffia Shopping Bag – 3 Week Evening Crochet Course – Starting 02/11/22

August 26, 2022 // by mezza// Leave a Comment

“Design & Make Your Own Jute or Raffia Shopping Bag Course” is a 3 week masterclass which allows you to create a unique bag.

The course covers shape, sizing, stitch combinations and types of handle. Design your own bag using the techniques we learn in class or follow one of my patterns.

Course Location

We will be in the Studio, which is at the far end of the courtyard garden.

Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre Manor Road, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, United Kingdom, KT12 2PF

Course Dates

This is a 3 week crochet course, running on Wednesday evening.

Week 1 – Wednesday 2nd November 2022 7:30-9:30pm
Week 2 – Wednesday 9th November 2022 7:30-9:30pm
Week 3 – Wednesday 16th November 2022 7:30-9:30pm

Cost

£55 for 3 weeks.

Please note : the cost of materials are not included in the course fees.

Materials Required

I’ll have materials available to purchase in class.

Course Size

Currently the course size is limited to a maximum of 8 students.

Student Resources

I will have a dedicated student resource page with a login (which you’ll receive once you’ve signed up) where you’ll find all the class notes and useful videos to watch at your leisure.

Booking

Bookings are secured with the receipt of a full payment.

Name *

First

Last

Email *

Address *

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

State / Province / Region

Postal Code

Country

Available Items *

Design & Make Your Own Jute Shopping Bag

3 Week Course Starting on Wednesday 2nd November 2022 at the Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre. Materials not included.

Total Amount

£0.00

Comment or Message

Website

Learn to Crochet Daytime Course – Starting 30/09/22 – Walton-on-Thames

August 26, 2022 // by mezza// Leave a Comment

I will be running my next course on Fridays from 12:30-2:30 at the Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre, in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey!

My beginners crochet course, consists of 4 classes where you will get to grips with all the basics needed to get you competent and confident in the art of crochet.

I have developed a special project that covers starting off, chaining, the basic stitches and joining motifs together for a finished item.

This course is for you if you are :

a complete beginner and you’ve never even picked up a hook.
someone that has dabbled in crochet but never really got to grips with it.
someone that may have crocheted many years ago but need refreshing on the basic techniques.
self-taught from the internet but want to make sure you’re not picking up any bad habits.

You’ll be making a small item which will teach you how to make a traditional and solid granny square.
You will learn all the essential techniques that can be applied to most basic projects such as:

choosing the right size hook and yarn
how to hold your hook and yarn
chaining
slip stitch, single & double crochet
crochet chart symbols
how to make a square
how to change colours
how to join motifs using sewing and crochet
how to make a cord
how to finish off

Learn to Crochet Course Dates 2022

Week 1 – Friday 30th September 2022 12:30-2:30pm
Week 2 – Friday 7th October 2022 12:30-2:30pm
Week 3 – Friday 14th October 2022 12:30-2:30pm
Week 4 – Friday 21st October 2022 12:30-2:30pm

Cost

The 4 week course is £75 and covers all materials needed.

What you might want to bring

Notepad & pen.
Scissors.
Drink.

This is a great way to learn a new hobby in a friendly setting where you can meet other students with similar interests as well as supporting your local arts centre.

Booking

Bookings are secured with the receipt of a full payment.

Name *

First

Last

Email *

Address *

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

State / Province / Region

Postal Code

Country

Available Items *

Beginners Crochet Course

4 Week Course Starting on Friday 30th September 2022. Materials included.

Total Amount

£0.00

Comment or Message

FAQ

Q: What is your cancellation policy.
A: Please read about our cancellation policy in our terms and conditions: Terms & Conditions

Design & Make Your Own Granny Square Sweater – 4 Week Saturday Course – Starting 15/10/22

August 26, 2022 // by mezza// 1 Comment

“Design & Make Your Own Granny Square Sweater Course” is a 4 week masterclass which allows you to create a unique garment.

The course covers layout, shape, sizing and colour placement. Design your own sweater using any granny square pattern or use one of the motifs I have designed especially for this course. We’ll cover different types of joining techniques from sewing to the continuous Japanese method. Using either DK or 4ply/fingering weight yarn, I’ll help you to get the right fit – whether you’re making the sweater for yourself or someone else.

Course Location

We will be in the Studio, which is at the far end of the courtyard garden.

Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre Manor Road, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, United Kingdom, KT12 2PF

Course Dates

This is a 4 week course, running on Saturday afternoons.

Week 1 – Saturday15th October 2022 3:30-5:30pm
Week 2 – Saturday 22nd October 2022 3:30-5:30pm
HALF TERM
Week 3 – Saturday 5th November 2022 3:30-5:30pm
Week 4 – Saturday 12th November 2022 3:30-5:30pm

Cost

£70 for 4 weeks.

Please note : the cost of materials are not included in the course fees.

Materials Required

You’ll need the correct qty of yarn in at least 5 colours, in either DK or fingering weight yarn. Working out the yarn quantities is covered in the first class so don’t worry about having all your yarn ready for then.

I would strongly recommend natural yarns such as wool or cotton. Acrylic yarns do not work very well in these types of garments because the yarn has no stitch memory. Additionally, I try to discourage the use of acrylic since it’s a product of the petro-chemical industry, is toxic to manufacture and leaches microplastics in to the environment.

You’ll need the correct hook size. This will range from 2.5mm to 4mm depending on your yarn choice, and again, this is discussed in the first class.

To give you a rough idea of how much yarn you’ll need, I can tell you how much yarn I used for each of the sweaters shown in this post. I am a size 12.

DK version (below) = approx 6x100g skeins, roughly 1,440 metres.
4ply/Fingering version (top image) = approx 4x100g skeins, roughly 1,700 metres.

Course Size

Currently the course size is limited to a maximum of 8 students.

Student Resources

I have a dedicated student resource page with a login (which you’ll receive once you’ve signed up) where you’ll find all the class notes and useful videos to watch at your leisure.

Booking

Bookings are secured with the receipt of a full payment.

Please email me if you have any problems booking.

Ewa’s Motif – Granny Square Crochet Pattern with Video

August 11, 2022 // by mezza// Leave a Comment

This Granny Square Crochet Pattern with Video was inspired by some gorgeous yarn I purchased from Bella Yarn Studio after seeing it on her Instagram feed. The yarn is Sole by Pascuali and is a luxurious blend of pima cotton with 10% cashmere. Perfect for a summer top or cardi.

I did lot of swatching of stitch patterns with this yarn before deciding to make a motif with one of the stitch patterns I had been playing around with. The middle image below shows the origin of Ewa’s motif.

You might be wondering why the pattern is called Ewa? Well, that’s because Ewa is the lovely lady behind Bella Yarn Studio. And you can pronounce it Eva if you’re not Polish and struggle to pronounce it!

Ewa’s Motif – Granny Square Crochet Pattern

Tools & Materials:

You could try a range of yarns but I feel this pattern is best suited to Fingering/4ply/Sport/DK Yarns in natural fibres, particularly cotton.

Blue motif : Sole by Pascuali in Horizon.
Taupe motif : Patons 100% Cotton DK in Raffia.

Yardage:

Per motif – 6g or 13m / 14 yds approximately.

Hook size:

3.25mm/D for Fingering/4ply
3.5mm/E or 3.75mm/F for Sport/DK

Dimensions:

After washing & blocking – 10-11cm / 3.93-4.3 inches square – depending on yarn and hook size used.

Ewa’s Motif – Granny Square Crochet Pattern Video

Video instructions for the motif is below – I strongly advise using the video in conjunction with the written instructions.

Ewa’s Motif – Granny Square Crochet Written Pattern

Here you can download the written pattern with join, as a pdf which includes a chart….click on image below (opens in new window).

Did you crochet it?

I hope you like my Granny Square Crochet Pattern with Video – if you give it a try, please let me know!

Connect with me!

You can often find me on Instagram. Please do follow and tag me @mezzamay if you make one of my patterns, use one of my tips or stitch patterns. I really love to see what you’re making.

Why not sign up to my newsletter to receive news about my latest patterns, tutorials and courses!
First name or full name.

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I use affiliate links in my posts usually for Amazon & Lovecrafts. If you click on a link and buy something I may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you.

Support me!

The Story of Two Crochet Designs – Journal of Scottish Yarns

July 7, 2022 // by mezza// Leave a Comment

Buy the Cùl Mòr Cardigan crochet pattern now! Ravelry: Cùl Mòr Cardigan pattern by Merrian Holland

This is a bit of belated post and it seems like an age ago that I started working on the designs featured in the very first issue of The Journal of Scottish Yarns. It was published at the beginning of June and I’m only just getting round to reflecting on the process so that I can tell you all about my contribution. The act of writing this post is partly for my own benefit to document my journey but also with the hope that you might want to support this fabulous project!

How it Started

Back in October 2021, I received a message via my website from Susan, asking if I’d like to design something for a new publication which focused on the textile industry in Scotland. My name had been passed to her from a Ravelry friend Emily, who is also a knitwear designer and tech editor. She explained that this new, quarterly magazine would be a mix of articles and projects, all focused on Scotland. Susan had seen my Twinkling Granny Squares Sweater and wondered if she could commission a crochet garment design using motifs and Scottish yarn. We arranged a Zoom call and right away I felt like I hit it off with Susan and was inspired by her warmth, enthusiasm, pride and love of all things yarny …and Scottish! Excited to start, and with a relatively short deadline, I immediately went online to research some Scottish yarn producers.

a collage of 3 images showing a crochet granny square cardigan with a waterfall front made of lambswool in muted shades of light grey, green blue and mustard

Brief

The brief for the designs in the first issue was quite loose – I was asked to design a crocheted garment with motifs, inspired by the colours of a Hebridean Beach– sea, sky, sand, gorse and heather.

Yarn

I had already partly formulated a cardigan design in my head using a simple variation of a granny square and “random” colour placements. It didn’t take me long to settle on J C Rennie Supersoft 4ply as my choice as it ticked all the boxes for the brief and my own personal requirements for yarn:

Natural fibre – 100% lambswool.
Made in Scotland!
Good yardage.
High quality.
A large range of beautiful colours that fitted the brief.
Great value (considering all of the above).

Once I’d selected the colourways and started swatching, I was delighted by the colours and texture of the J C Rennie Supersoft 4ply – the yarn seemed to embody the spirit of the Scottish Highlands that I fondly recalled from trips over the years. The resulting fabric was also perfect for the lightweight cardigan design I had in mind. Gently rustic but with a surprising amount of drape.

What’s in a Name?

The cardigan design is called Cùl Mòr, a twin summited mountain in the Scottish Highlands that I hiked up with my then boyfriend. Click here to read more and hear how it’s pronounced. The first sample I made for the journal features colours that evoke memories of that magical trip – Light Grey (Putty 221), Mustard Yellow (Cummin 262), Turquoise (Fauna 457), Green (Asparagus 185) & Blue (Teal Dust 1525).

Style & Fit

The Cùl Mòr cardigan has been designed as a loose-fitting, easy to wear piece with a waterfall opening. The lambswool Supersoft 4ply is lightweight, yet warm and has optional button loops so you can wear it with the fronts closed for extra warmth if needed. Available in a range of sizes with finished bust measurement from 96cm/37.75 inches to 176cm/69.25 inches. The length of the body and sleeves are easily customizable by adding extra motifs or half motifs.

granny square cardigans worn by two young women - hand made in natural lambswool in funky colours

Crochet Skill Level

Although there are a lot of motifs involved, the making of which require a certain level of ambition and commitment, I feel this crochet pattern is actually quite easy. The main motif is simple enough – an easy to memorise, slight variation of the traditional granny square. The fronts, back and sleeves are rectangles of motifs, which are all joined in the main colour using the “continuous granny stitch join” technique. This is an easy technique to master and I even have a video tutorial here which while not specific to the Cùl Mòr cardigan, does explain the basic principles.

For the larger sizes, there is some under arm shaping using a series of granny stitch “wedges” – granny stitch short shows if you like – to avoid the huge kimono effect sleeves that often come with poorly graded designs.

close up of continuous granny stitch join using lambswool yarn and clover amour crochet hook and underside of sleeve with shaping

Join us for a CAL (Crochet Along)?

Susan and I have a CAL planned! I’ll be on hand to help with any pattern queries… it will be fun and there will be prizes…are you interested? We’ll be announcing the guidelines soon.

I myself will be making another version of the Cùl Mòr but instead of a random colour sequence, I’m going to use the same order of colours for every motif!

a montage of 3 images showing fingerless mitts crocheted in natural shetland yarn

Spin Off Design – Loch Maree Fingerless Mitts

At some point, well into the design process of the cardigan, Susan asked if I’d also be able to contribute a smaller crochet design to the journal. I had already become a little intrigued by the way the central motif of the Cùl Mòr looked like a little flower so I started experimenting for a motif with that… and soon enough the Loch Maree fingerless mittens were born. I am ever so proud of these – needing only a small amount of J C Rennie Suppersoft 4ply yarn (leftovers from your cardi?!), the motifs are made first and then the main body of the mitten is crocheted sideways. The mitts have a proper, shaped thumb gusset that is added in once the main part of the mitt is completed. Only a small amount of sewing is required for seaming and then the mitts are finished with some slip stitch surface crochet.

I am a big fan of fingerless mitts as they are surprisingly warm and very practical with our constant smart phone use!! Have you ever made or worn fingerless mitts? If not, I would encourage you to give them a go!

A Crochet Pattern Publication with a Difference

I was so delighted when I finally received my hard copy of the Journal of Scottish Yarns. It’s such a beautiful book with interesting articles …lots of space given to the knit and crochet instructions with minimal condensation of my original draft patterns and many beautiful photos showcasing the cardigan, including a version of the design in a different colourway. I love the vibrant version that Susan’s sister crocheted in black, pink, yellow and green, giving a stylish retro vibe.

knitting patterns modelled by four women from Journal of Scottish Yarns

And There’s More

The Journal features another crochet pattern by Samira Hill – Cullen, a lovely vest top that I will also be making and I’ve already swatched for!

There are 4 lovely knitting patterns – a tabard, a tank top, a cowl and a shawl.

As well as one embroidery project.

Fascinating articles, all beautifully illustrated/photographed:

A short history of Scottish textiles.
Susie Finlayson’s personal story as a stitcher of The Great Tapestry of Scotland.
Newburgh Handloom Weavers – making bespoke tweed.
6,000 years of sheepy history (my favourite article in the journal!).
The origins of Iona Wool.
The Border Mill – it started with alpacas!
Embroidery and the Jacobites.
The Dovecot Team – creating a tapestry from a painting.
Advice on learning to spin.

There’s also a lovely interview of Susan on the Heather & Hops Vlog where you get to hear more about it and also see my designs in action! https://youtu.be/qxDpcFcDdfs

Get Your Copy

I really hope you are inspired to buy a copy of Susan’s first publication which promotes many small businesses and designers! Here are some lovely things others have said about the publication:

This is scholarly, intelligent, interesting and visually amazing. There are also beautiful patterns. A download code is included.
Janice C

I love the paper quality, colour plates and the composition of each page. The first article on the amazing and exciting project – The Great Tapestry of Scotland, in Galashiels, provided detailed information about its creation. As to the patterns – for me, those beautiful garments are aspirational. Thank you for a wonderful journal about a particular aspect of Scotland.

Yarn Issue 1 – Spring / Summer 2022 [print & digital] — YarnJournal

Win a Copy

Can’t afford to buy a copy right now? Don’t worry, I have a spare copy to give away to one lucky newsletter subscriber! And I will ship worldwide! If you already have a copy…don’t worry – I will send you Issue 2 instead, when it’s out!

To enter the draw, you just need to do 3 things (If you haven’t already!):

Sign up to my newsletter (scroll to bottom of post).
Follow me on Instagram or Facebook .
Follow Susan’s Instagram page for Journal of Scottish Yarns.

Winners will be drawn at random and will be notified via the email address you’ve used to sign up to this newsletter. Closing date for the draw is 30^th September 2022.

small granny squares & a chevron stitch crochet in shetland lambswool in autumnal colours

What’s Next?

As you may know from my last newsletter, I am all about crochet these days, having given up my previous job to pursue my crochet dreams. And luckily there’s definitely an Issue 2 and it will include a design from me! All I can tell you now is that I’ll be using Jamieson’s of Shetland DK yarn for a cosy sweater.

Thanks for reading, and as always, if you have any questions or feedback, I’d love to hear from you.

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Crochet a Stretchy Rib Cuff

April 2, 2022 // by mezza// Leave a Comment

Crochet Ribbed Cuff

These instructions are for making the ribbing first and then sewing onto the sleeve afterwards. There are methods where you attach the ribbing directly to the garment as you make it, but in this instance, because the sleeve is considerably wider and I wanted the cuff to be a specific fit around my wrist, I chose to make the ribbing independently.
The ribbing is created sideways, i.e. worked perpendicular with the edge of the sleeve, with slip stitch rows, where each stitch is made in the back loop of the slip stitch from the previous row.
You can make the ribbed cuff as wide as you like, in this case my cuff is 8cm with 22 sts.

The sweater I have made the ribbed cuff for is the Claremont Sweater. You can find the pattern for the motif and join here : Claremont Granny Square with Join

Thank you for visiting my website! If you have found any of my content useful, please consider making a small donation via Ko-fi. I hope you can appreciate that it takes many hours of hard work to share my extensive crochet knowledge via my free content. ♥ THANK YOU ♥

Tools & Materials

You can use any yarn weight and corresponding hook size but for these instructions, I am using a Light DK / Sport weight yarn in one colour (Paintbox DK in Champagne White) with a 4mm / G hook – this is the same size hook that I crocheted the rest of the Claremont Sweater with.

Crochet a Stretchy Rib Cuff Instructions

Scroll down for video tutorial and downloadable pdf version of the instructions.

Key (US crochet terminology)

beg – beginning
ch – chain
sc – single crochet
sl st – slip stitch
sk – skip

Starting chain : Leaving a long tail (for seaming the edges of the cuff together later), start with a slip knot loop on your hook and chain the required number of stitches and add 1 chain as a turning chain – I chained 23 for 22 stitches.

Note : you’ll need a nice, neat and even chain that isn’t loose as it will end up making one end of your ribbing wider. If you struggle to make a tighter chain, go down a hook size, just for the starting chain.

Row 1 : sk the 1^st ch, work 1 sl st into the back loop of each chain (see fig.1).

Note : you will need to crochet the sl sts quite loosely or you will not be able to work into them again on the return row. Practise pulling up the loop a little higher through the stitch than you normally would. One way to do this is to tip the back end of the hook down towards the ground as you pull the loop through the st. (see fig.2).

Tip : To keep the edges of your ribbing looking neat, you’ll need to make sure you turn the work in the same direction each time you start a new row. I am turning my work clockwise. (see fig.3)

three images showing a crochet chain in white cotton

Row 2 : ch1 (see fig.4), do not sk any sts, sl st into the back loop of each st, bearing in mind you may need to tilt the back of the fabric towards you to see the back loop as this stitch sits very flat to the fabric and therefore the loops are only visible when you tip the top edge of the work towards you (see fig.5). Take care not to miss the last stitch (see fig.6)! This can often be smaller and is sometimes accidentally missed. If you are unsure whether you need to crochet into what’s left of the row, count the stitches you have already made! Remember to crochet loosely by opening up the loop you create when you pull it put through the stitch.

a collage of three images showing slip stitch ribbing being crocheted in white cotton

Repeat Row 2 as many times as needed.

Finish with an even row. Fasten off leaving a nice long tail – you’ll use this to sew the cuff to the sweater sleeve.

Keep Going!

This stitch may require a new bit of muscle memory for you so don’t be disheartened if the first few rows seem difficult – keep going, keep the stitches relaxed, keep the pulled-up loop nice and open… after a while it will start to come easily and you’ll be able to work the stitch much more quickly and neatly.

You need to make at least 12 rows before you can experience the stretch effect of this slip stitch ribbing.

For my Claremont Sweater, I have crocheted 60 rows of sl st, giving me an 18cm strip of ribbing.

Seam the Cuff

Using the tail you left at the start (see fig.7), seam the edges of the cuff with a whip stitch through the back loops only of the starting ch and last row made – work front to back, matching stitch for stitch (see fig.8). Sew a double stitch for the first and last whip stitches made for security (see fig.9). Fasten off and weave in the end (see fig.10).

two images showing crochet stretch rib in white cotton

a collage of 3 images showing the seaming of stretchy crochet slip stitch cuff

Attaching the Ribbing to the Sweater Sleeve

selection of tools and materials required to sew a crochet rib cuff to a lacey white sweater - scissors, pins, thread

You will need:

Wool needle.
Dressmakers’ pins.
Scrap yarn for tacking (either 4ply or sewing thread in a different colour to sweater).
Scissors

Note: the edge of the sleeve has been prepared with a single crochet border to attach the cuff to. Please see separate instructions for this.

Turn the sleeve inside out. Insert the cuff, with right side facing, inside the sleeve. Line up the seam of the cuff with the inside seam of the sleeve. Pin in place (see fig. 11). Locate the middle of the sleeve edge – in this case, as the sleeve is 3 motifs wide, the middle is the starting ring of the 2^nd motif. With the cuff folded at the side seam, match up the fold of the cuff with the middle of the sleeve edge and pin in place (see fig. 12).

two images showing a crochet cuff being pinned to a sweater ready to be sewn on

Gather the Sleeve to Match the Cuff with a Running Stitch

Starting close to one of the pins, attach the tacking thread in the sc border row on the sleeve. Make a double stitch to secure the tacking thread (see fig.13). Make a simple running stitch through the sc border of the sleeve (you’re not attaching the cuff yet, this stitch is ONLY going through the fabric of the sleeve). Stop when you reach the second pin. Carefully pull the tacking thread so that the sleeve fabric gathers (see fig.14). Once you’ve pulled it in enough to match the width of the cuff, make a double stitch to secure the gathers. Massage the gathers to distribute evenly and pin to the cuff (see fig.15).

Now do the same for the other half/side of the sleeve. Cut the tacking thread.

a series if 3 images showing the gathering of a white cotton sleeve with blue tacking stitch in preparation for sewing on a stretch rib crochet cuff

Sew the Cuff to the Sleeve

Thread the extra long tail from the cuff onto the wool needle. If you’ve ended up the long tail at the wrong end/side of the cuff, simply start with a fresh piece of yarn, ensuring it’s about 5 times as long as the circumference of the cuff and secure near the inside seam of cuff.

Whip stitch the cuff to the sweater – insert the needle through both loops of the sc border on the sweater (same way as you’d insert a hook) and then sew to the part of the ribbing that’s directly adjacent, making sure to catch 2 “strands” of yarn from the ribbed edge (see fig. 16). If you only catch one strand it will not be very secure and can also create holes where the loop you’ve caught on the ribbing pulls open.

Remove pins as you go. Finish with a double stitch. Before securing and tying off, carefully remove all tacking, turn the work inside out and check you are happy with your work before you commit to tying off and sewing in ends (see fig.17).

two images showing a stretch crochet cuff with a woman's hands, being added to a white cotton sweater

Crochet a Stretchy Rib Cuff – Download pdf Instructions

Click on the image below – opens in a new window.

Crochet ribbed cuff in white cotton - part of a lacey sweater. Woman's hand with crocheted ribbed cuff holds pot with cactus

Crochet a Stretchy Rib Cuff – Video Tutorial

Best used in conjunction with written instructions!

Did you crochet it?

I hope you like my Claremont Granny Square Pattern – if you give it a try, please let me know!

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