The June 2023 issue of Crochet World magazine has a section devoted to stitch samplers. These projects smoosh several different stitch patterns together to make one amazing project. They may use one yarn throughout or several colors. Because most of these projects have definite delineations in where the stitch patterns change, it makes them perfect for using up some of your random skeins of yarn or scraps as each stitch pattern could be worked in a different color.
This beautiful Sampler Table Runner by designer Andee Graves uses 6 colors of cotton DK weight yarn in a stripe and stitch pattern that works from the center outward. First work one side and then work the opposite half from the starting point of the first half. Listed in the pattern, as well, is the information for the yardage of each color that was used making it easier for you to use your scraps. You can work the colored stripes in repeats on each half or work in 12 different colors or work a gradient of hues if you have loads of a one color in your stash. The sky’s the limit!
Since it’s a sampler there are several different stitches used in the pattern. Maybe you aren’t super familiar with how to work all of them so here are some helpful links to videos and illustrations that may help:
The basics:
Specialty stitches:
V-stitch: This is usually 2 stitches worked in one location with a chain space between them. There are 3 types of V-stitches worked in this sampler. Some have more stitches being worked into one spot and others have larger chain spaces between the stitches. There is definitely a lot of opportunities for varying this one stitch. These are worked with double crochet stitches but could also be worked with any other basic crochet stitch.
Large V-stitch: Sometimes you will find that different designers call stitches by different names. In this pattern, the large V-stitch is basically the same stitch as the shell stitch the link takes you to. The only difference being the width of the chain space between them. This happens because there is no standardization to naming conventions in crochet. One person may call a stitch a cluster while another calls it a dc3tog. For this reason, always pay close attention to how the Special Stitches instructions tell you to work the stitch. Don’t just assume it is worked the same way in every pattern you come across.
3-double crochet cluster: Also sometimes just called just cluster. Clusters can be worked with any number or types of stitches, such as 4-treble cluster, 2-dc cluster, etc. The number and type of stitch is sometimes listed in front of the abbreviation for cluster (cl) to help you know how many to work in one place.
Open fan: In this version of a fan stitch you are actually kind of combining groups of V-stitches separated by a larger chain space. The stitches “fan” out over an area when worked all in the same location. Be sure to pay close attention to the number of repeats for each part of the fan.
Now just take the pattern one step at a time and have fun playing with color combinations!
—Britt Schmiesing, editor