New Swatches

el3

Last week I started swatching for a new project. I’ve been dying to get starting on this one. I’ve wanted to design a crocheted sweater for a long time so it was exciting to finally get my yarn out and play with it.

el1

My first swatch featured the stitch pattern that I had been planning on using. It alternates half double and double crochet rows which makes a nice textured stripe. Unfortunately, when I was looking at my large swatch, I realized that it slanted towards one direction. Crochet stitches can slant, but the next row generally balances that out because it will be slanting in the opposite direction. The mix of stitches I had picked didn’t create that balance. It straightened up a little when I blocked my swatch, but I knew it was going to be trouble.

el2

Inspired by the transition I used between the main stitch pattern and the single crochet stitch pattern, I worked up this swatch. It alternates half double and back loop half double crochet rows. I knew that would fix the slanting problem, but I didn’t expect to like it as much as I do! The striping effect is more prominent than in my first swatch and it’s very attractive. I’m kind of happy that my first swatch was a failure because I never would have tried this if the first one had worked. This is my favorite of the two swatches so I’m pleased that it’s the one that I can use.


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7 responses to “New Swatches”

  1. Swatching wins! And I’m loving that yarn, btw. Cotton-y?

    1. It’s knit Picks Wool of the Andes Sport. It’s a heather which is what gives it that cottony look.

  2. Very cool! That color is so summery, and I am happy you found the perfect stitch(es)!

  3. Oooh, I am curious to see where this is going 😀 I love that second swatch, you’re right, it’s much prettier than the first one! It also seems to create much straighter edges, or is that just me?

    1. I think you might be right about that. I hadn’t paid much attention to the edges because I’m going to single crochet along them, but a straighter edge will make that easier to do.

  4. I can’t wait to see what are you going to do with this yarn! Swatches are just yummy!

  5. Oh that second one looks great! I am going to follow this with interest as crochet is the yarny craft I enjoy!

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