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| blue freeform crochet necklace from msbusyhands.com |
My Latest Obsession is freeform crochet. When it comes to freeform crocheting there are no rules, and
yet it can be very intimidating because most of us have been conditioned to follow
rules. During the freeform process we
may second guess ourselves; we wonder if we should use this stitch or add this color thread. We simply may not be comfortable with the idea
of not following a pattern or foregoing the rules we’ve spent so much time learning.
We become frustrated and we put the work aside until another day. I encourage you to try freeform crocheting at
least once, because it allows you to break the rules, have fun, and express
your creativity.
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| crochet choker from msbusyhands |
There are a couple of things to remember. First, there are no mistakes when it comes to this style of crocheting. Allow the crochet hook and thread/yarn to drive the design; in most cases you will be pleasantly surprised with the outcome. Second, this is a wonderful opportunity to experiment with the crochet stitches you already know, and to build your repertoire as you explore new stitches. To keep your designs fresh and interesting there are two very important questions you should ask yourself as you take this journey into the unknown, and they are “what if?” and “why not?”
There are a couple of things to remember. First, there are no mistakes when it comes to this style of crocheting. Allow the crochet hook and thread/yarn to drive the design; in most cases you will be pleasantly surprised with the outcome. Second, this is a wonderful opportunity to experiment with the crochet stitches you already know, and to build your repertoire as you explore new stitches. To keep your designs fresh and interesting there are two very important questions you should ask yourself as you take this journey into the unknown, and they are “what if?” and “why not?”
The following guidelines will help you get started on your
first freeform beading project:
Start with the end in mind, in other words have a goal and work towards it. Determine whether your freeform project will be a bracelet, pendant, earrings, or just a swatch. This takes away the fear of the unknown.
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Start with the end in mind, in other words have a goal and work towards it. Determine whether your freeform project will be a bracelet, pendant, earrings, or just a swatch. This takes away the fear of the unknown.
A
bracelet is a great place to start because the shape is usually simple, a rectangle,
and the piece is long enough for you to get the look and feel of the freeform
process.
Create a template out of cardstock. As you work your piece check it against your template to help you keep your shape on track.
Create a template out of cardstock. As you work your piece check it against your template to help you keep your shape on track.
Next choose a focal point, this can be a stitch that is a different shape, size or color than the other stitches. It can also be a cluster of beads. A freeform design can be busy, so having a focal point gives the eye a place to rest. There are many ways to create a focal point, and it does not always have to be in the center of the piece, but making it the centerpiece gives you an easy starting point, creates an obvious anchor for your secondary stitches, and it lessens any intimidation you may be feeling about where to start.
Next choose a focal point, this can be a stitch that is a different shape, size or color than the other stitches. It can also be a cluster of beads. A freeform design can be busy, so having a focal point gives the eye a place to rest. There are many ways to create a focal point, and it does not always have to be in the center of the piece, but making it the centerpiece gives you an easy starting point, creates an obvious anchor for your secondary stitches, and it lessens any intimidation you may be feeling about where to start.
Build a monochromatic color palette that
compliments your focal point. Choosing
threads in the same color family is easy and it helps take the guess work out of
which colors to include in your palette. Use threads of various thicknesses, and textures, this helps to create contrast and
gives your work the organic look and feel we love in freeform pieces.
Complete the project and then analyze it. Determine what you like or don’t like about
it and use this information to improve the design of your next piece.
Most importantly get started and have fun!
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