Do You Need a Go-To Crochet Pattern?

I have been thinking a lot about writing a crochet pattern. I have several designs in progress and I have started writing some of those patterns out. But I don’t really have anything ready to go yet.

Or do I?

But First…

This was my thought process when I was working on content for this blog. And I realized something. I have a go-to crochet pattern that I use whenever I want to work on something that I don’t have to think about. It’s more of a recipe than it is a pattern.

What yarn does it use?

Whatever you want.

What hook does it use?

Whatever you want.

How big is it?

However big you want it.

You get the idea.

The Crochet Pattern

I have used this recipe/pattern to make scarves cowls, and wraps of varying widths and lengths. It’s a simple two-row repeat. I won’t claim that it’s unique to me. I’m sure it isn’t. I probably learned it somewhere, but it’s been so long ago that there’s no way I can remember where I might have seen it first.

It produces a semi-mesh fabric that is quite versatile.

Most recently, I made a cowl with it. I used 100% baby alpaca yarn from AndeanSun (found on Amazon, affiliate link) and a size I/5/5mm hook. This is how I did it.

Ch 42

Row 1: HDC in 2md ch from hk. HDC across. Ch 1, turn your work.

Row 2: DC in 1st st of previous row, ch 1, sk next st *, DC in next st. Repeat from * across to last st, DC in last st, ch 1, turn 

Row 3: HDC across

Repeat for however long you want it. For a cowl, end with row 2 and sew short ends together or connect with a slip stitch or single crochet. Fasten off and weave in your ends. For all other projects, end with row 3.

Chain 1? Or 3?

Chaining one at the end of each row keeps your edges straighter and does not count as a stitch. If you need to, chain 3 on the double crochet rows. Eliminate the first double crochet, chain 1 more, skip the first 2 stitches and double crochet in the third stitch. With the mesh construction, the chain 3 won’t make too big of a loop or hole like it might with a more solid pattern. This is just my preferred way of doing it. Do whatever works best for you.

For a scarf or wrap, consider adding fringe at the ends. That will add some interest.

As a finishing detail, I usually add a border. I do a twisted single crochet. (I call it an imitation crab stitch.) It’s a simple border that doesn’t distract from the finished object. This would be the perfect project for that yarn you want to be the star of the show. 

For something larger or smaller, just keep your starting chain to an even number. That will make sure you have an odd number of stitches, which is necessary for the double crochet rows.

It’s Your Turn

Let me know if you make anything with this “recipe.” Have you seen it somewhere else before? It wouldn’t surprise me if you have.

I have other patterns on the blog. You can find a beanie here and another scarf here.