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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?”
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.
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.
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!
