RHSS Antique
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Have you seen the Argyle craze with variegated yarn that's been happening all over social media? Have you tried it? Did you succeed or fail?
Well, I have broken down the "math" (don't be scared, cause you really do not need to use math) of it all into how to achieve the Argyle look! 
RHSS Fall
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First, let talk about what is Planned Pooling.
Planned pooling is a technique where you intentionally work the colors of a multi-colored skein of yarn to make a specific design or color effect when you crochet.
Notice the word "intentionally" - means that if you do a little pre-planning, you can make the colors pool the way they should without having to frog your work a million times. And it will work the 1st time, every time!
Planned pooling is a technique where you intentionally work the colors of a multi-colored skein of yarn to make a specific design or color effect when you crochet.
Notice the word "intentionally" - means that if you do a little pre-planning, you can make the colors pool the way they should without having to frog your work a million times. And it will work the 1st time, every time!
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FIRST
For this tutorial, I will be using Red Heart Super Saver, colorway Bright Mix & 5mm hook. Start pulling a good length of the yarn out of the skein (it doesn't matter if the yarn is pulled from the center or from the outside - the pattern will still work, the colors will be in a different order) to determine what the color sequence is of yarn. I have found it easier for beginners to find a yarn with 4 or 5 colors in a sequence with each color having even lengths (they don't have to be perfectly even).
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Bright Mix has 5 colors in it's sequence & they are close to being even in length:
Blue, Purple, Pink, Blue, Green. |
SECOND
So now it is time to crochet! Start at the beginning of your yarn (does not have to be a specific place, you will see why later). You can use any hook size that you like - hook size will only change the the total size of your piece slightly, but is not a determination to achieve planned pooling. Start chaining evenly until you get to the end of one entire color sequence..
So now it is time to crochet! Start at the beginning of your yarn (does not have to be a specific place, you will see why later). You can use any hook size that you like - hook size will only change the the total size of your piece slightly, but is not a determination to achieve planned pooling. Start chaining evenly until you get to the end of one entire color sequence..
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Chain through 1 entire color sequence, with the loop on your hook ending with the 1st color of the next color sequence.
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THIRD
Start crocheting your 1st row of pattern stitches. I am using the Granite/Moss St pattern by Moogly. Work the 1st row through your entire color sequence. You will have leftover chains from your beginning chain because Sc take more yarn to work. There are 33 sc/ch starting from the very 1st sc.
Start crocheting your 1st row of pattern stitches. I am using the Granite/Moss St pattern by Moogly. Work the 1st row through your entire color sequence. You will have leftover chains from your beginning chain because Sc take more yarn to work. There are 33 sc/ch starting from the very 1st sc.
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If you were to continue working the pattern as it is - the colors would start pooling in an even sequence - every other row would stack up on each other in the same color order.
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But, THIS is where the magic happens.....
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FOURTH
All you have to do is Add or Subtract 1 set of stitches (in this case, I subracted 1 sc & 1 ch). so your pattern stitches will Shift over 1 set of stitches. |
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Pull out 1 sc & 1 ch from the end of your 1st row (or you can add 1 more ch & sc - the Argyle pattern will still come out, so it is up to you which one you choose).
Then, continue to crochet the normal Granite/Moss Stitch pattern for at least 10-14 rows to see if Argyle pattern comes out the way you want.
- TENSION - I cannot stress enough how important tension is to this technique. You NEED to keep that 1 set of stitches in the "shift" or the affect will go askew. Pay attention to your work as you go - the more you are able to keep a consistent tension, the less you will have to frog any rows.
- Tips for Tension - if you notice your sts are not progressing in diagonal formation, then you are crocheting too tight - loosen your tension. If you notice your sts are progressing in a diagonal too fast, then you are crocheting too loose - tighten your tension.
- Keep your color sequence in your head as you are working. If the color sequence changes (due to manufacturer issues like: a knot when they changed yarns), then you will have to reattach your yarn matching the color sequence.
- If you plan to make a large item (like an afghan), make sure your skeins have the same dye lot - this will ensure the color sequences are in the same order & are the same length so it will not change the pooling effect.
- The more colors there are in a color sequence, the more rows you have to crochet to see the effect.
Once you are finished, you will undo the unworked chains from the beginning chain & secure the tail with a knot. Then weave in all ends!
Yarns that Work! (PICTURES)
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Red Heart Super Saver (RHSS)
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Red Heart With Love (RHWL)
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Sugar & Cream (S&C)
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Show me YOUR Planned Pooling works of art!! What did you end up making?
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Here are some pics from my testers that have worked this technique & the yarn they used!!
Tested by Rachel Methke - RHSS Zebra
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Tested by Hatched with Love - RHWL Lemon Drop
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Tested by Red Curly Sue Designs - CS Road House Blues
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Tested by Misty Makes - LTI Neapolitan
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Tested by Mini Loopy Love - RHSS Day Glow
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Tested by String With Style in multiple colorways
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Please direct all questions to my email: glamour4you@yahoo.com
You can always post any pics on my FB page: Glamour4You If you have any other tips, tricks, advice, please feel free to let me know! |
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