BEYOND THE BASICS
IRISH CROCHET
Unlike most forms of crochet, worked in either rounds
or rows, traditional Irish crochet is made up of motifs
that are joined with mesh stitches, forming lace. While
some crocheters seek to preserve this technique,
others take alternative routes, making items purely
from motifs, or hooking the mesh background first
and attaching motifs with appliqué for speedier,
freeform-style makes. The motifs usually take the
form of solid ribbons, leaves, shamrocks and flowers.
The Irish rose is the most recognisable design.
MAKING MOTIFS
Crochet projects don’t have to be time-consuming epics. If
you’re not in the mood to start a sweater but fancy something
to keep your hands busy for an evening, motifs such as flowers,
fruit or stars are quick and easy to make. They can be turned
into anything, from a brooch or keyring to an embellishment for
a larger item or garment in your wardrobe. Usually requiring
basic stitches and some simple increases and decreases,
motifs are a creative way to use up odds and ends of yarn – ideal
for when you need to rustle up a small gift in a hurry!SURFACE CROCHET
Surface crochet does exactly what you’d expect it to – it
decorates existing crocheted pieces with colour and texture. It’s
described by crocheters as being a bit like doodling with yarn and
a hook! The technique works best on a dense fabric, such as
double crochet, and involves slip stitching into the front of
existing designs. You simply attach a slipknot at the back and
make a slip stitch into an existing stitch. Many crafters use
surface crochet to add definition (with strokes, outlines and drop
shadows) as well as to add a colourful motif. Freeform crocheters
often adopt the technique because it can be used very
organically – it’s easy to start and stop wherever you like.