Freeform tips & tricks

Tips & Tricks I’ve found useful:

·      Decide on your colour scheme & collect your yarns accordingly – keep in mind: contrasts, harmonies & textures – the wider your range the more interesting effects you’ll achieve. Don’t be afraid to experiment – be adventurous!

·      Keep templates for your project simple

·      Use self-designed/commercial dressmaking patterns as flat templates, place patches around your template frequently as you work for even colour & texture distribution

·      Place patches up to (but not over) the seam allowance, work that is too short can be added to later

·      Keep track of the right side of your work – mark with a tread if necessary

·      Keep your patches small & change yarn colour & texture often

·      Keep checking that your work remains flat

·      Keep your work uniform by incorporating at least some of your yarns in each patch

·      Change hook & needle size appropriate with yarn and/or effect your trying to achieve

·      Crochet & knit over tail ends where ever possible, or periodically weave in ends with darning needle to avoid that huge job at the end

·      Do not join your patches too soon – have at least 3/4 of your patches for your project complete so you are free to move them around, add extra motifs or place those not-so-good bits in less obvious places like on a seam

·      Most importantly, enjoy yourself – allow the colours, textures & shapes to lead the way. Be intuitive & experiment – you’ll be amazed how creative you actually are.