What’s new in crochet designs?

Like everything else there are trends in crochet, influenced by access to worldwide crocheters through social media and by developments and trends in yarn. What’s new this season and what you should be looking out for? Whether you are looking for inspiration for a new crochet project or simply want to keep ahead of trends these are my six favourite crochet finds for late 2017. 

1. Tapestry crochet is one of the big new themes. Originating in South America where crocheters make spectacular and very bright crochet drawstring bags, you can now see the tapestry trend in softer colours used to make cushions and scarves from crocheters around the world. Tapestry crochet can be tricky to work depending on the complexity of the pattern and the number of colours you use, but with a bit of practice these repeating pattern become easier to work.

2. Ponchos are big news in fashion and this has trended across to crochet. Crochet is perfect for ponchos and crochet ponchos can be made in many different styles and methods from traditional granny squares and round motifs to large chunky motifs, popcorns and cables. Stripes work well on crochet ponchos made either in one large piece folded or worked in a triangular way all work well.

3. Crochet rugs are always on the scene but now there are many crochet rug designs based on vintage crochet fine cotton mats and doily patterns, used to make rugs using larger weight cotton yarns. They look spectacular!

4. Sparkly and iridescent yarns are big news at the moment in fashion, at one time sparkly yarns were reserved for evening shawls. Now you can find them in traditional scarves and infinity scarves? Combine them with plainer yarns for gorgeous effects.Zig zags stripes are everywhere. 

5. Crochet zigzags made in the traditional rise and fall method have always been popular, but also now come in tapestry crochet form. Use subtle blends or more punchy colours. Zig zags look fantastic used in poncho designs.

6. Stripes large and small are always in fashion, but this season they are everywhere in crochet. I’ve seen them, narrow and wide, used in scarves, cushions, throws and ponchos. Combined with rows of specialist stitches such as popcorns or shells stripes look wonderful.