Choosing Yarn for your Crochet throw

The patterns, designs and styles you choose for your crochet throws are probably the first thing to inspire you, but the yarn you choose is as crucial to the success of your crochet project. For throws and blankets I like to use Acrylic blends they are hardwearing, soft and easy care. The blends I choose as well as including Acrylic depend on what I’m making. Wool for picnic blankets, nylon, cotton  and merino blends for baby blankets and throws for the lounge or bedroom.

Some of my favourites are Sirdar Snuggly, Sirdar Dapple and Sirdar No 1 and Scheepjes Cotton Fun . Both Caron and Sirdar have a wide range of acrylic blend yarns. Acrylic yarns and blends wash well and are hard wearing with some specifically spun for baby projects perfect for baby blankets and soft throws.

Cheap or expensive yarn what’s the difference? 
Cheap doesn’t always mean inferior, as a better guide, gauge the yarn content against what it is you are making. Important is the yardage on the ball band and bear in mind that not all yarns of the same gauge and weight per ball or skein produce the same amount of yarn. Some expensive yarns for example have a greater yardage than cheaper equivalents. Add one expensive yarn to your throw and it will lift the whole design.

Should you stick to the yarn recommended in the pattern?
There is no doubt that yarns of the same weight vary greatly in the finish they produce. I’ve experimented with different yarns of the same weight and the same pattern and produced very different results, from smaller stitches to different length and different widthways tension. If you want to use an alternative yarn to the one recommended in your pattern check your tension carefully and adjust your hook size as necessary.

Should you go for mass produced or independent spinner and dyer?
Hand dyed yarn is gorgeous  and usually produces unique colour ways. If your throw is a gift or something for a special occasion then buying from an independent dyer is the one to go for.

Colour choice 
Mass produced yarn ranges offer the greatest choice of colours. The more popular the yarn the bigger the choice of colours. Acrylic baby yarn blends usually come in a wide range as do economy yarn ranges. Are you going for brights, subtle shades or contrasting yarns. Look for a wide selection of colours such as Scheepjes colour crafter. Bonus yarns are a good choice for main colours.

What weight?
My favourite is DK (light worsted) weight. Crochet grows quickly and shows good stitch definition. Chunky and Aran weights grow more quickly but stitch definition is not as good. 4ply and lace weight yarns look beautiful but take a long time to make!

Find throw pattterns here.....

Designing a Crochet Throw

 It’s easier to design a crochet throw or cushion than you think! Even with the most basic crochet knowledge you can create a throw, just by using a basic granny square you can make a stunning crochet throw to your own design. Use groups of motifs randomly, in colour groups or in bands all look effective. It doesn’t matter how simple the motif you choose, pick the right colours and you will have something that looks lovely and is a true one off. 

By combining motifs in rows or strips of crochet interspersed with rows of simple crochet makes keeping the edges of your throw straight and in shape easier to achieve.  

Five ways to create your own design throw or cushion.....

This is one of my favourite designs. Depending on how big you want your throw to be start with 3 or 5 motifs joined together with a back stitch to make a strip. This will make an oblong throw. Now crochet round these motifs around all sides almost as if you are crocheting in the round. Do this for a few rows then make four strips of motifs to add to the four sides of your throw. 

Use any size of motif and join together to form a strip, odd numbers of motifs work best for this. Then with the right side of your motifs facing join your yarn and work into the stitches on the motifs and work a few rows of plain dc’s (sc’s) or tr’s (dc’s). Repeat for as many rows to make the length of your throw.

Use two different design of motifs in your chosen colours, make one of the motifs plain. Then use one style of motif to make the diagonals of your throw and fill in with your other motif.

Make blocks of smaller motifs and stitch together or crochet together to form one large motif, then stitch these larger motifs together to create your throw. This works really well if you use the same simple motif but mix up the colours and introduce some blended yarns. This is an excellent way to make granny square motifs to make something very special.

 Check out pinterest online for more inspiration! Find my throw patterns here.....