Designing a crochet throw

What yarn to use?

• Use the best yarn you can get and afford for a better finish, bigger choice of colours, easier to work with, better dyes so better colours
• What thickness your yarn? I like double knit but the choice is yours - thinner grows more slowly but shows more definition
• Using scraps - throws are an amazing way to use up scraps of wool. If I'm doing this I like to have one or two main colours, this brings your designs together saving it from a messy finish.
• Using the same brands and mixing thicknesses. I always mix brands in throws because I like the choice of colours textures you can get. Sometimes I use sock wools for the lovely blends you get in one ball, sometimes I use them as double thickness.
• Do dye colours matter? I've only once fallen foul of dye colours. Because throws are usually multi coloured different dye lots don't usually matter. 

How to Design a Crochet Throw

Do you dream of creating your own original crochet throw or cushion? Something special for your home or family that becomes your own heritage project? Designing and making an original cushion or throw can be much more than usng a pattern and simply changing the colours suggested.

However experienced or inexperienced in crochet you are designing your own crochet items is much easier than you think. A whole world of opportunities to create something truly original exists and you don't have to a creative genius to do. Even something as simple as changing colours or the layout of motifs and your crochet throw will look completely different from the original pattern.

Planning and designing is exciting! Pulling together yarns, ideas and patterns and motifs you love is very inspiring. then beginning my throws or cushions. will the finished item look exactly how I expected it to look, will I make some changes as I get into the project?  Planning is the first stage and it will save you time and money and means you will finish up with something you really love and is exactly what you want.

Throws can be square, oblong or round. Cushions might be square, round, small large, bolster style or small and delicate for your bedroom. Where will your finished crocheted item it go? Is it for your lounge, sun room or window seat.

Cushions, throws and blankets for children need to be softer while throws for outside need to be more robust. Are you going to use double knitting, Arran or 4 ply weight. Children's blankets look lovely in soft 4 ply.

The finer the yarn the greater the definition of the crochet stitches and you will have more opportunity to bring in colours and stitches. Use a thicker yarn and your project will grow more quickly, so if your impatient or are new to crochet, this might be the way to go.

Are you planning to use up all those balls of wool and yarn in your work basket. Are you going to use one type of yarn or would you like to introduce something special, such as a tweed finish, multi colour or yarn with a different content from your main yarn. It will have to be the same weight but it can be very effective. Do you want to make your throw or cushion to be made using motifs or in one piece or a combination of motifs and in the round.