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.

4 Responses to Freeform tips & tricks

  1. rensfibreart says:

    You’re most welcome, Nadine… & thank you, you’ve made me happy too… enjoy yourself…:)

  2. Nadine says:

    this is amazing!
    i was surfing the net for patterns an ideas to crochet my own dress or skirt and wasn’t completely satisfied, there was always something missing.
    after finding your site and all your great explanations and tips, ican now make my own without a pattern but being creative and just freeforming parts!
    thank you sooo much!

  3. rensfibreart says:

    you’re welcome, Carrie & thank you for your lovely compliments

  4. Carrie says:

    As I don’t have a dressmaker’s form, the tip about using a sewing pattern as a template was great! I’ve been crocheting on & off for 10 years, but am just now starting to think more seriously about gathering my yarn scraps for freeforming/scrumbling. Thanks for the great photos on the site, very inspirational!

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