Ten ways to improve the look of your crochet

1. Fastening off to save stitching in yarn ends– crochet in your ends as you go along by layering the ends along your work and crochet over them
2. Joining motifs together – back stitch looks neater and is stronger. You can also crochet motifs together using slip stitch or double crochet (US single crochet) using dc’s creates a pretty ridge

3. Make your own buttons for garment and cushions. Here’s a simple free one. Make 6 chain join together, 3 ch make 22 half trebles (US half double crochet) into the ring, join with a slip stitch to make a ring. Sl stitch into top of first half treble (US half dc), Into each stitch make one slip stitch 4. join to first slip stitch. Fasten off. You can if you wish spray starch your buttons to make them more rigid. You can find more of my patterns here.

4. Add some extras to crochet throws, blankets and cushions personalise and make your finished item really special e.g. tassels and edgings. Use and mix up the colours from your project in tassels and edgings to pull it all together.

5. If you are making a throw, blanket or cushion with rows of trebles and dc’s (US single crochet) switch some of the rows to crocheting in the back loops only to create a very pretty ridge.

6. You can also change rows of trebles in cushions and throws to create a really interesting look, by switching to crossover trebles and you should not have to adapt your tension. Cross trebles are based on four stitches. Miss the first stitch, 1 tr (US dc) into each of next 3 stitches, then make one tr (US dc) into stitch you missed. Carry on in this way. If the number of stitches you have is not divisible by four just add single tr’s (US dc’s) to the beginning end of your row.

7. If you are making motifs use the same colour for the centre or final row of your motifs it will bring your design together.

8. To give an interesting finish to your projects crochet on top of your finished project using a contrasting colour - this can be as simple as a row of sl stitches or dc’s (US single crochet) crochet into the loops on the rows of your crochet.
9. Mix up your motifs adding up to 4 or 6 different ones in the same size to create more interest to throws, cushions and blankets.

10. Add small motifs, flowers or buttons on top of what you are doing. You can crochet them separately and stitch onto crochet onto your design

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.