Crocheting With Mismatched Yarns
What happens if you crochet with two or more absurdly different yarns? This is one of my favorite design challenges. I never get bored with trying new variations of this challenge; the question can be answered in so many different ways.
These experiments often lead to interesting discoveries, although I admit that some of them result in a complete mess. Experience has taught me that my chances of success improve if I include at least one unifying element to make up for the mismatch.
Today's experiment involves crocheting with yarns that are completely different sizes. The unifying factors: both these yarns are cotton, and the colors complement each other well.
To make it even more interesting, I decided to pair a vintage thread with a contemporary yarn. I used Star Pearl Twist mercerized cotton in size 8, plus Lily's Original Sugar 'n Cream, a worsted weight 4-ply cotton yarn.
I made a swatch in stripes of single crochet, alternating two rows of the Sugar 'n Cream yarn with two rows of the Pearl Twist.
The size G crochet hook I used is an acceptable match for the Sugar 'n Cream yarn, although perhaps it is a bit on the small side. Under most circumstances, I wouldn't choose a size G hook to use with the Pearl Twist, but that's what I did here.
The result? The rows of Pearl Twist look almost lacy. I'd describe this as "Faux lace with single crochet".
I'm liking this, but I want to know what you think? In your opinion, is this experiment a keeper or a flop?
If you guys love it, I'll incorporate the idea into a pattern for you to crochet. If you all hate it, I'll move on to the next experiment. I look forward to reading any insights you want to share, so please don't be shy about commenting.
Photos © Amy Solovay
Comments
It is nice to see this in a photo, with ‘real’ yarn/thread, rather than 1800’s woodcuts. Therese de Dillmont (1846-1890) in her Encyclopedia of Needlework (availiable at Project Gutenberg) has “knitting patterns with two kinds of thread”–and I found a ‘cloud’ pattern from 1881 (modern ’stole’) I wrote about in my blog on the “Canadian Cloud” post, made with two sizes of wool.
Hi Wendy, Thanks for dropping by. I appreciate the comment!
I did not realize that Therese de Dillmont’s book was available through Project Gutenberg. I appreciate the tip. That book is an amazing resource, and I’ll be excited to take a closer look at it. Thanks for the information.
The old books have sooooo much stuff in them, it is easy to spend many hours browsing. I am so intrigued by your work because I’ve never seen the two-thread sizes in crochet, only knitting! I’d love to see a pattern with it incorporated.
I think that is a very interesting look. I would be interested in seeing projects using that concept.
Love the different thread…makes it very interesting. I have long ago added different thread and even putting in beads to dress it up some. Keep coming up with great ideas I love it..
THANK YOU for the mixed thread crochet article. I also believe others would find it helpful to see pictures of what doesn’t work and then get feedback from people on why they feel it doesn’t work. Sometimes I put two or three items together and ’something’ is amiss. It would be great to get several ideas on how to ‘improve’ the project/stitch pattern.
I love this. Can’t wait to see more info on the technique.
I like the mismatched yarns. Looks very good
I have also done something like this with a plastic fat crochet hook and used every row a different yarn, thread, ribbon ect, to make scarves and only using chain and slip stitches. They come out fascinating.
Using different weight yarns and often different size crochet hooks is a fascinating way to create a new look. I would like to see more patterns using this technique.
Yeah!!!! Mix it up!! I love it and hope it inspires others to think outside the box….
Yes, please do incorporate it into a pattern.