Saturday saw the Happy Hookers get together for the latest techniques tutorial from Gill and Sarah in the shape of chevrons with optional stripes. It turned out to be a relatively easy technique to do once the slightly different instructions at the start, end, and at the peak and troughs were mastered. A combination of mainly double crochet along with chains and skipped stitches are needed, along with multiple stitches into one stitch at each peak to turn the work onto the downward line.
We found the first couple of rows were the trickiest owing to getting used to the stitches and the initially wiggly looking work which needed some care until its growing weight straightened it out. Being able to count also helps! A top tip from Sarah was to ensure the beginning chain is relatively loose, even using a bigger hook if needed to avoid tight work which increases the difficulty in getting this stitch going. Once started, it was relatively easy to gain a good working rhythm owing to the repetitive nature of each row. Some attendees also opted to add stripes to their work by using more than one colour.
We started with 39 stitches on the hook so the work would grow quickly and the technique mastered in one afternoon. The number actually needed for e.g. a bag would need some adjustment depending on the size needed for the final piece and the yarn used. Sarah also showed the beautiful bedspread she'd made which also involved an additional technique to 'straighten out the pointy bits' the edge of the work. This involved picking up stitches on finished work and she decided to leave one edge alone as a more decorative finish.
The repetitive nature of the technique enabled latecomers to join in easily whilst the others simply grew their own work further. Something to think about for future get togethers.
Everyone enjoyed a relaxing afternoon with plenty of chat and laughter. The next session will be in May to try the popcorn stitch.
Online tutorials available:
Bella Coco's Chevron stitch tutorial
and her tutorial on how to square it off
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