Textured sc tutorial

Beyond basic front-and-back sc:

Combining front and back sc results in beautiful textured patterns. In order to graph these patterns, special notation is needed so that the graphs resemble the crocheted object:

Front of Work

The WS of the work has the pattern in reverse

Written directions for checkerboard square:

Ch 26.

Row 1- sc in 2nd ch from hook and next 4 chs, *bring yarn from ball forward and work a back-to-front sc [bsc] in each of next 5 chs, bring yarn to the back and work sc in each of next 5 chs, repeat from * across row. Ch 1, turn. 25 sts.

Row 2 (WS)- With yarn from ball in front, work bsc in 1st 5 sts, *yarn to the back & work sc in next 5 sts, yarn to the front and work bsc in next 5 sts; repeat from * across row, ch 1, turn.

Row 3- With yarn from ball in back, work sc in next 5 sts, *bring yarn from ball forward and work bsc in each of next 5 chs, bring yarn to the back and work sc in each of next 5 chs, repeat from * across row. Ch 1, turn.

Rows 4-6-Repeat rows 2, 3, and 2.

Rows 7-12-Repeat rows 2-3 (3x)

Rows 13-18-Repeat rows 3-2 (3x)

Rows 19-30-Repeat rows 7-18.

Special instructions for reversible projects:

When adding a new skein of yarn, use this technique to avoid showing a join on either side:

Step 1-Draw up the first loop of the sc with the old skein; leave a tail of at least 1 ½”. Yo and through 2 lps with the new skein, leaving a tail of at least 1 ½”. The tails will be on the side of the stitch that looks like the “wrong” side.

Step 2-Using a smaller hook or yarn needle, bring the lower tail under the bar of the stitch. Bring the other tail under the part of the stitch next to it, as shown.

Step 3-Work both tails through several more stitches. Smoother yarns will need to pass through more stitches than coarser yarns.

Step 4-Cut the tails close to the work. The join is invisible.