Turning chains are practical. They serve a purpose, but they're not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of design elements for crochet.
What happens if you use your turning chain as a design element? Let’s explore some possibilities.
With single crochet, you’d typically work one chain stitch to turn. What happens if you chain three? Or four? Or even more?
In the photos above you can see some samples I made while playing around with this idea. As you can see, the turning chains form a sort of scalloped edge that is surprisingly pretty.
These pieces could be used as trims, edgings or insertions. They could also be used in other ways too. I'm thinking of using this type of design to make scarves, handbag straps, and straps for crocheted summer tops.
View the Free Crochet Patterns for These Trims:
- Green trim shown in upper left
- Cream-colored trim with red ribbon
- Red trim
- The trim shown in the lower photo is made up of three of the above trims layered on top of each other. When worked in worsted weight yarn as shown here, it is thick and heavy. You can work the same pattern using crochet thread or finer-weight yarns if you want a trim that isn't so thick.
