Otherwise known as Intarsia you can use picture crochet to create a variety of crochet projects. For example one large crochet image for a cushion or a bag or make smaller motifs for cushions and scarves. You can use any weight of yarn for Intarsia crochet, but DK (light worsted) and 4ply (sport weight) work best. You will need to use a yarn with a good stitch definition or your design will be lost. Once you have perfected the yarn change of Intarsia using this style of crochet makes easy crochet projects as usually only one stitch is used, usually dc’s (sc’s).
Intarsia hints and tips
If you are using multiple colours wind small balls to reduce ‘taffle’
Start with two colour designs to build your confidence
Always carry the yarn across the back of your work
Don’t crochet over the yarn you have carried across the back or you will create double thickness fabric
For long stretches of one colour ‘catch up’ the yarn once or twice to avoid long stretches of yarn strands
Take care not to pull up your work as you carry the yarn across the back of your work
For an example of picture crochet see large square cushion
What can you make using Intarsia Crochet?
- Cushions
- Bags look fantastic using Intarsia designs check out Wayuu bags from Columbia and South America on Pinterest
- Scarves with snowflakes
- Tartan cushions and scarves
- Cushions with flowers
- Flowers and leaves work well
- Animals such as cats, dogs, rabbits work well as do birds and look great on children’s clothing
- Contemporary designs such as triangles, zigzags and oblongs
Where to find inspiration and original design ideas?
Anything that can be turned into a grid will work, cross stitch patterns with grids are a good resource or you can place a grid over an image you like. The design you choose shouldn’t be too complicated as it is difficult to create shades with crochet. Check that the grid will fit your crochet work, use 1 stitch on the grid as one or two stitches in your crochet.
Crochet Patchwork Bag.
