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.







Designer
ETSY DUST
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!
you’re welcome, Carrie & thank you for your lovely compliments