Stitchmerge: Double-Faced Crochet

Description

Here’s a plush, wearable reason to revive a vintage stitch pattern that has also been called thermal stitch, potholder stitch, and Helena stitch. This design uses basic single crochet stitches worked the unique double-layer way.

It’s double-thick: two rows are crocheted together as you go. This pattern teaches a method for crocheting double-faced, two-layered fabric that’s a bit different from what is being called the “Waffle Stitch” technique. This version is fine-grained, denser, thicker, squishier, and I find it addictive. Once I start, I pick up speed and suddenly I’ve used up a whole ball of yarn.

Skill Level

Easy-Intermediate rather than Easy, due to crocheting into the row below. This pattern is for crocheters who can identify the top two loops of the chain and single crochet stitches, and who are comfortable with working the single crochet stitch in rows. (Bling Bam Bangles would be nice practice for this.) Choose a smooth, light-colored yarn for your first double-layered project, such as the rainbow yarn shown here.

Pattern is written with a limited amount of abbreviations. International English equivalents to American measurements, yarn weights, and stitch terms are provided in brackets.

After using this pattern you will know (if you didn’t already):

• How to turn single crochet stitches into a double-layer fabric
• How to use this thick, dense stitch pattern for a thermal neckwarmer (and other useful items besides potholders)
• How to add a simple edging to double-layer crochet (if you opt for the fluffy red version).

Finished Dimensions

23″ (58.5 cm) long and 4.75″ (12 cm) wide before optional edging; pictured rainbow version is not edged.
24″ (61 cm) long and 5.75″ (14.5 cm) wide after edging. Width and length of neckwarmer are easy to customize and the pattern includes customizing  instructions. (Yarn requirements may change.)

Supplies Needed

• Crochet Hook: Size US M-13/9mm or size required for gauge.
• Yarn: Approximately 95 yards/87 meters of a yarn that states a gauge of approx. 14-18 stitches over 4 inches.
  The rainbow-colored yarn pictured is recommended for crocheters who are new to double-faced crocheting: Crystal Palace Mochi Plus (80% merino wool, 20% nylon; 95yd/87m per 1.75oz/50g ball): 1 full ball of color 561 “Baby Face” used.
  Pictured solid red yarn (recommended for crocheters who are familiar with double-faced crocheting; this yarn results in a luxurious scarf!): Blue Sky Alpacas Brushed Suri (67% baby suri alpaca, 22% merino wool, 11% bamboo; 142yd/130m per 1.75oz/50g skein), one skein of color #902 used.
• Brooch or large button of your choice as clasp.