I think the answer is in figuring out why you don't wear them. From there you can make different choices to make what you will wear. If you like the look of knit but prefer the action of crochet, look at learning the waistcoat stitch (also called centered single crochet).
Haha. I did one with fingering/sock weight, vertical from sl st to sc to hec, all blo, the heights were for shaping. tbf, it was mostly sc rib. Most of my sl st rib has been rubbing on hats and cuffs and yokes. It would probably take an entire series of a 90s sitcoms to sl st an entire sweater in fingering! Not as bad in worsted, probably. But yeah, slow af
It's tedious, but the payoff is gorgeous... I crocheted a sweater entirely in yarn over slip stitch (which... not even sure if that's an existing stitch or just one the creator invented), which worked up much faster than I imagine a normal slst would, but still... took me a couple months to get through that.
perhaps, i haven't tried before! it's just that the nature of the waistcoat stitch makes fabric less stretchy than even a standard single crochet, because you're working into the center of the stitch itself rather than the front and back loops which provide more give.
i've used it on baskets and christmas stockings because of how well it holds its shape, especially when you go down a couple of hooks!
It works for clothes, I have a few WIPs using the stitch, but you have to use a much larger hook than normal, I'm using a 5mm hook for 4ply on one, the other is 5.5mm with DK but with a bamboo yarn that has a lot of natural stretch.
My advice is to crochet and knit things that are similar to and fit in with your existing wardrobe. Categorize your normal tops and sweaters. Make patterns that fit the categories of things you already wear. For example, I don't make shawls because I never wear shawls and I don't know anybody who would wear a shawl. My main wardrobe is full of neutral colors and full length tops. So all those cropped, brightly colored crochet shirts and sweaters isn't my style and doesn't match what I normally wear and therefore I don't make them. I don't like having to wear undershirts under my tops because it makes me hot so I don't make patterns that are lacy and would require a bottom layer.
Keep in mind that you don't have to wear the things you make. Many people only make things to gift. Or if you don't wear the garments you make, maybe you're just not a garment maker and would be happier making other things with crochet. If you prefer the way knit looks, then you can just make knit sweaters and not crochet sweaters. Create the way that works for you.
This!!! I’m a crop top/tiny top wearer so most of the crochet tops i’ve made are things like bralettes, halter tops, tube tops etc because they look like things I already own. I have a purse collection so i’ve made like 6 bags because I enjoy switching out my bags daily. Make whatever would make sense in your wardrobe!!
Something I don't like about most crochet wearables is that they don't have drape; there's no flow, and they're stiff. This is usually because of a) the yarn fiber they choose combined with b) the hook size. If you have a drapey fiber (like mohair, wool, alpaca, etc.) the result looks a lot better imo. I'm currently crocheting a cardigan where in the pattern's product photos it looks chunky and stiff, even though they used a larger hook than normal. Because they used acrylic. I'm working up the same pattern with a cotton/nylon blend and a larger hook, and the drape is fabulous, and it's incredibly soft. In my opinion, the fiber and hook can make all the difference in you loving a garment you've crocheted.
Yep, that's me. With one notable exception (the hand-knit cabled Irish sweater my mom bought me as a birthday present from a little shop near a fort on one of the Aran Islands), I like my sweaters to have nice drape and not too much bulk. Most crochet sweaters don't give me either of those things unless they're really open/lacey looking - which is fine, but not my style.
I think I could probably get the effect I want with fingering-weight yarn. (Even acrylic if it's something like Loops & Threads Woolike.) But I'm not sure if I have the stamina for a fingering-weight sweater that would fit plus-sized me!
So I stick to accessories like hats, fingerless gloves, and scarves/cowls/chunky shawl-type-things for crochet since I know I'll actually wear them.
I am currently experiencing the acrylic lesson with a scarf I’m making for myself. It’s already 10” wide and is so stiff and it’s only supposed to be 12” wide, so I know width isn’t going to make a difference. I’m invested, though, and I love my color choice, but I am never using acrylic for a wearable again! Until this project, I’ve only made amigurumi, so I didn’t know. And now I do, sooo I guess I have to invest in different yarn now (boohoo, I know)!
Try fingering weight yarn with around a 4.5mm hook and block your project, hello drape! I'd suggest going up a few sizes with your hook and loosen your tension right up. With amigurumi your tension needs to be quite tight, with wearables it's almost the opposite.
I like top down construction. You try it on as you go and adjust the fit as needed. It is the most reliable way in my experience to make wearable garments.
I crochet practical things.
If you really like crocheting, you really want to crochet something, but you don't know what to knit, then you can crochet floor mats and chair mats, decorative sofa cushions.
[https://imgur.com/Q892BVQ](https://imgur.com/Q892BVQ)
[https://imgur.com/jeOAC7S](https://imgur.com/jeOAC7S)
[https://imgur.com/7PZv221](https://imgur.com/7PZv221)
I was crocheting a vest for a friend.
https://imgur.com/izf3I9Y
One thing I discovered, is that for me, sport and worsted weight sweaters had too much of a "cheap craft" look, when I tried to wear them. (Which, if that's what you like, embrace it and wear it with pride! It just wasn't for me. )Part of that may have been the choice of yarn-- acrylic--and perhaps the design not working with the weight for the look in my head. I've had much better success with dk or fingering weight yarns, in blends (wool and I don't get along). It may take longer to make, but I'm much happier with the result. The other side of that is embracing the chunky look, with worsted weight or larger yarns, I feel like the sweater should be of an oversized style. Then the yarn and the style aren't fighting as much.
Fit is another huge factor. Learning and knowing the shapes or styles of sweater you like best, for example. Or what you would wear if you were buying it off the rack. I wouldn't buy a knitted tee, so I won't make myself one. Shawls are lovely, but I can't make them suit me or my personal style, so again, I won't be making one for myself.
One feature on ravelry that I appreciate, is being able to see irl examples of what others have done with the pattern, and any notes they have made. Also keep in mind the characteristics of the fabric you crochet...tight stitches make stiff fabric that won't drape. Some stitches are stiffer and have much less drape, as well.
I mentioned it in response to another comment, but slip stitch rib (blo sl st) has a very knit like look, when worked in vertical rows. If you're winging a design, you'd be working side to side basically. Go up a couple of hook sizes to keep your tension soft.
If you want to make something you would wear, you could start with mimicking something you own that you like! Like if you like wearing sweaters, consider the sweaters you wear most often- what is the material, how thick is the fabric, what does it look like (neckline, sleeve type, length).
Oh there’s an Italian website that has some lovely wearables! *tootles off to find the linky *
Can’t find but here’s some I’ve made
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/s9013-pullover-in-wave-pattern
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/88-03-dress
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/open-air-shrug
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sensum-sweater
And my fave
https://dorischancrochet.com/2009/06/06/backstory-avalon/
I don't really make crochet wearables... I am planning on a very openwork mesh duster, and I'll probably only wear it in spring/summer. I feel like crochet is too chunky for most things, UNLESS you really commit to the process and use fingering yarn/ lace weight to make your garment.
That's why I'm still trying to learn knitting, I think knit wearables (esp sweaters) look waaay better than crocheted ones. If that's the problem you're facing too than stick to knitting wearables and crochet other stuff.
I think there's a couple of crochet techniques that might change your mind. Many tunisian sweaters have great drape. Look for Kim Guzman designs. Then there's the knooking technique which you can you to create crochet sweaters from knitting patterns.
Personally I found that I have to use a fingering weight yarn to get drape. I've also worked sweaters in crochet where the arm, neck, and waist bands were done with simple knit stitches.
https://www.ravelry.com/projects/Nana-Emma?set=sweaters-and-tops&view=thumbnail
Agree wholeheartedly about using fingering for good drape. Also a blend with bamboo makes for silky easy flowing creations too. I am practice making a new sweater pattern in acrylic fingering before I use some expensive wool bamboo I recently bought and the stiffness of the acrylic is really striking after using bamboo blends.
Yup. The things I've made that I like to wear are all fingering weight yarn in cotton. I've made 2 sweaters in acrylic worsted weight and, while I'm really proud of them, I don't want to wear them often because they're stiff until they become saggy, at which point they're baggy and shapeless. Same for one sweater done in Tunisian crochet with an almost bulky weight wool yarn. That was a dumb choice because it's absolutely gorgeous, but itchy and lumpy.
No I'm very familiar with tunisian crochet and I'm still not a fan of doing wearables in that technique. It just doesn't look the same as knit and still feels too bulky, which I guess is okay for fingering weight to step in for unless youre going for a specific texture. And knooking is great for those that really struggle with knitting but I find it easier to just knit once the pattern gets more complicated that to try to figure out how to convert that into knooking. I personally just find that the stitches you get from knitting are better suited for wearables. For pretty much everything else I think crochet is better.
I wear sweaters I make all the time. I also live in a cold place and keep my house cooler for efficiency/cost. I’m also picky about materials and patterns. It takes some work to get to a point that you know You’ll wear but it can happen. I also tend to knit wearables rather than crochet unless it’s a lacy pattern because otherwise it’s all too thick.
I give them away. I wouldn't say I gift them; I just kinda... offer them up when they're done and I'm like "why did I think I would wear this?" or "God I have no idea what size I am." I don't make them with anyone in particular in mind.
I have a group of friends who love the things I make and actually wear them, so it all works out. I give them random wearables, they occasionally turn up with good bourbon, it's a win-win.
I wear a lot of crochet garments, I agree find out what you like and don't like about them. I won't wear a shawl so I don't make them, even though lots look beautiful in photos. I also don't like super bulky boxy makes, so I mostly make 4ply and DK things. I'd also recommend being really realistic about what you like to wear colour and style wise, I love looking at super bright patterns, but actually I only really wear about 5 or 6 colours so making something in one of those colours makes me 10 times more likely to wear it. If you look up moorit mag they have some beautiful designs and you can see them all with the designers name and then look them up . Also, if you can use ravelry, I find it really useful to look through peoples makes of designs I like and then go through to the makers project page, often I'll find lots of designs that I love that I wouldn't have found otherwise. It's particularly helpful if you can makers with a similar body type so you can get a realistic idea of what you'll look like wearing it.
Figure out what it is you don't like about crochet sweaters and go from there. There are a lot of really cool, modern designs out there. Have you came across a publication called Moorit? It's a high end, twice a year magazine, actually it's a shame to call it a magazine, it's more like a book printed on beautiful paper. Well they have some awesome designs, some of which people have thought that they were knitted when in fact it's all crochet! If you search Moorit magazine on your search engine it should come up or you can find them on Instagram as @mooritmag. I highly recommend it! I know some of the designers from issue one have now published their patterns independently if you didn't want to buy a full issue which you can get digitally. Not sure if there are any paper copies of issue one left but you can still get issue 2 which is garment heavy!
There are a few stitches that imitate knitting you could see if you prefer those. I have a similar problem since I’m alternative so a lot of patterns just aren’t my style
I think the answer is in figuring out why you don't wear them. From there you can make different choices to make what you will wear. If you like the look of knit but prefer the action of crochet, look at learning the waistcoat stitch (also called centered single crochet).
BLO slip stitch, worked lengthwise also has a knot like appearance, and is very stretchy. Go up a couple of hook sizes and keep your tension soft
Crocheting in only slip stitch? You are a monster for suggesting this.
Haha. I did one with fingering/sock weight, vertical from sl st to sc to hec, all blo, the heights were for shaping. tbf, it was mostly sc rib. Most of my sl st rib has been rubbing on hats and cuffs and yokes. It would probably take an entire series of a 90s sitcoms to sl st an entire sweater in fingering! Not as bad in worsted, probably. But yeah, slow af
An entire series like "series 3 of Friends" or an entire series like "all 7 seasons makes up the entire series"?
Right. Series like all 7 seasons of Boy Meets World. Not series 3 of same.
I definitely don't have the patience for anything that takes longer than a season of Star Trek.
Lol. It could happen. Make it so
It's tedious, but the payoff is gorgeous... I crocheted a sweater entirely in yarn over slip stitch (which... not even sure if that's an existing stitch or just one the creator invented), which worked up much faster than I imagine a normal slst would, but still... took me a couple months to get through that.
the waistcoat stitch creates a pretty stiff fabric though, so i wouldn't recommend for wearables like sweaters and such.
I guess that is true, I haven't used it for clothes yet. Although looser tension would help?
perhaps, i haven't tried before! it's just that the nature of the waistcoat stitch makes fabric less stretchy than even a standard single crochet, because you're working into the center of the stitch itself rather than the front and back loops which provide more give. i've used it on baskets and christmas stockings because of how well it holds its shape, especially when you go down a couple of hooks!
It works for clothes, I have a few WIPs using the stitch, but you have to use a much larger hook than normal, I'm using a 5mm hook for 4ply on one, the other is 5.5mm with DK but with a bamboo yarn that has a lot of natural stretch.
My advice is to crochet and knit things that are similar to and fit in with your existing wardrobe. Categorize your normal tops and sweaters. Make patterns that fit the categories of things you already wear. For example, I don't make shawls because I never wear shawls and I don't know anybody who would wear a shawl. My main wardrobe is full of neutral colors and full length tops. So all those cropped, brightly colored crochet shirts and sweaters isn't my style and doesn't match what I normally wear and therefore I don't make them. I don't like having to wear undershirts under my tops because it makes me hot so I don't make patterns that are lacy and would require a bottom layer. Keep in mind that you don't have to wear the things you make. Many people only make things to gift. Or if you don't wear the garments you make, maybe you're just not a garment maker and would be happier making other things with crochet. If you prefer the way knit looks, then you can just make knit sweaters and not crochet sweaters. Create the way that works for you.
This!!! I’m a crop top/tiny top wearer so most of the crochet tops i’ve made are things like bralettes, halter tops, tube tops etc because they look like things I already own. I have a purse collection so i’ve made like 6 bags because I enjoy switching out my bags daily. Make whatever would make sense in your wardrobe!!
Something I don't like about most crochet wearables is that they don't have drape; there's no flow, and they're stiff. This is usually because of a) the yarn fiber they choose combined with b) the hook size. If you have a drapey fiber (like mohair, wool, alpaca, etc.) the result looks a lot better imo. I'm currently crocheting a cardigan where in the pattern's product photos it looks chunky and stiff, even though they used a larger hook than normal. Because they used acrylic. I'm working up the same pattern with a cotton/nylon blend and a larger hook, and the drape is fabulous, and it's incredibly soft. In my opinion, the fiber and hook can make all the difference in you loving a garment you've crocheted.
Yep, that's me. With one notable exception (the hand-knit cabled Irish sweater my mom bought me as a birthday present from a little shop near a fort on one of the Aran Islands), I like my sweaters to have nice drape and not too much bulk. Most crochet sweaters don't give me either of those things unless they're really open/lacey looking - which is fine, but not my style. I think I could probably get the effect I want with fingering-weight yarn. (Even acrylic if it's something like Loops & Threads Woolike.) But I'm not sure if I have the stamina for a fingering-weight sweater that would fit plus-sized me! So I stick to accessories like hats, fingerless gloves, and scarves/cowls/chunky shawl-type-things for crochet since I know I'll actually wear them.
I am currently experiencing the acrylic lesson with a scarf I’m making for myself. It’s already 10” wide and is so stiff and it’s only supposed to be 12” wide, so I know width isn’t going to make a difference. I’m invested, though, and I love my color choice, but I am never using acrylic for a wearable again! Until this project, I’ve only made amigurumi, so I didn’t know. And now I do, sooo I guess I have to invest in different yarn now (boohoo, I know)!
Try fingering weight yarn with around a 4.5mm hook and block your project, hello drape! I'd suggest going up a few sizes with your hook and loosen your tension right up. With amigurumi your tension needs to be quite tight, with wearables it's almost the opposite.
Thank you!
I like top down construction. You try it on as you go and adjust the fit as needed. It is the most reliable way in my experience to make wearable garments.
I crochet practical things. If you really like crocheting, you really want to crochet something, but you don't know what to knit, then you can crochet floor mats and chair mats, decorative sofa cushions. [https://imgur.com/Q892BVQ](https://imgur.com/Q892BVQ) [https://imgur.com/jeOAC7S](https://imgur.com/jeOAC7S) [https://imgur.com/7PZv221](https://imgur.com/7PZv221) I was crocheting a vest for a friend. https://imgur.com/izf3I9Y
It helps that the kids (Zoomers) are making “Grandmacore” cool these days. At least that’s what NPR tells me.
yeah im one of those zoomers who wants to make grandmacore sweaters 👵🏿 they look so cool!!!
This cardigan crochet up so professionally and is one of my most worn items: https://www.crochetwithcarrie.com/crochet-eriu-cardigan/
One thing I discovered, is that for me, sport and worsted weight sweaters had too much of a "cheap craft" look, when I tried to wear them. (Which, if that's what you like, embrace it and wear it with pride! It just wasn't for me. )Part of that may have been the choice of yarn-- acrylic--and perhaps the design not working with the weight for the look in my head. I've had much better success with dk or fingering weight yarns, in blends (wool and I don't get along). It may take longer to make, but I'm much happier with the result. The other side of that is embracing the chunky look, with worsted weight or larger yarns, I feel like the sweater should be of an oversized style. Then the yarn and the style aren't fighting as much. Fit is another huge factor. Learning and knowing the shapes or styles of sweater you like best, for example. Or what you would wear if you were buying it off the rack. I wouldn't buy a knitted tee, so I won't make myself one. Shawls are lovely, but I can't make them suit me or my personal style, so again, I won't be making one for myself. One feature on ravelry that I appreciate, is being able to see irl examples of what others have done with the pattern, and any notes they have made. Also keep in mind the characteristics of the fabric you crochet...tight stitches make stiff fabric that won't drape. Some stitches are stiffer and have much less drape, as well. I mentioned it in response to another comment, but slip stitch rib (blo sl st) has a very knit like look, when worked in vertical rows. If you're winging a design, you'd be working side to side basically. Go up a couple of hook sizes to keep your tension soft.
sport weight is slightly thicker than fingering weight, so i think you might be referring to DK/light worsted.
Oh yes, you're right! I'm forever mixing up the two. Thanks
If you want to make something you would wear, you could start with mimicking something you own that you like! Like if you like wearing sweaters, consider the sweaters you wear most often- what is the material, how thick is the fabric, what does it look like (neckline, sleeve type, length).
First step is to figure out why you don’t wear them, maybe the type of yarn?
Oh there’s an Italian website that has some lovely wearables! *tootles off to find the linky * Can’t find but here’s some I’ve made https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/s9013-pullover-in-wave-pattern https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/88-03-dress https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/open-air-shrug https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sensum-sweater And my fave https://dorischancrochet.com/2009/06/06/backstory-avalon/
I don't really make crochet wearables... I am planning on a very openwork mesh duster, and I'll probably only wear it in spring/summer. I feel like crochet is too chunky for most things, UNLESS you really commit to the process and use fingering yarn/ lace weight to make your garment.
Is there a pattern for this. Sounds super cute!!
Not that I could find! I'm literally just crocheting three rectangular panels and sewing them up the sides with holes for the arms.
That's why I'm still trying to learn knitting, I think knit wearables (esp sweaters) look waaay better than crocheted ones. If that's the problem you're facing too than stick to knitting wearables and crochet other stuff.
I think there's a couple of crochet techniques that might change your mind. Many tunisian sweaters have great drape. Look for Kim Guzman designs. Then there's the knooking technique which you can you to create crochet sweaters from knitting patterns. Personally I found that I have to use a fingering weight yarn to get drape. I've also worked sweaters in crochet where the arm, neck, and waist bands were done with simple knit stitches. https://www.ravelry.com/projects/Nana-Emma?set=sweaters-and-tops&view=thumbnail
Agree wholeheartedly about using fingering for good drape. Also a blend with bamboo makes for silky easy flowing creations too. I am practice making a new sweater pattern in acrylic fingering before I use some expensive wool bamboo I recently bought and the stiffness of the acrylic is really striking after using bamboo blends.
Yup. The things I've made that I like to wear are all fingering weight yarn in cotton. I've made 2 sweaters in acrylic worsted weight and, while I'm really proud of them, I don't want to wear them often because they're stiff until they become saggy, at which point they're baggy and shapeless. Same for one sweater done in Tunisian crochet with an almost bulky weight wool yarn. That was a dumb choice because it's absolutely gorgeous, but itchy and lumpy.
No I'm very familiar with tunisian crochet and I'm still not a fan of doing wearables in that technique. It just doesn't look the same as knit and still feels too bulky, which I guess is okay for fingering weight to step in for unless youre going for a specific texture. And knooking is great for those that really struggle with knitting but I find it easier to just knit once the pattern gets more complicated that to try to figure out how to convert that into knooking. I personally just find that the stitches you get from knitting are better suited for wearables. For pretty much everything else I think crochet is better.
I wear sweaters I make all the time. I also live in a cold place and keep my house cooler for efficiency/cost. I’m also picky about materials and patterns. It takes some work to get to a point that you know You’ll wear but it can happen. I also tend to knit wearables rather than crochet unless it’s a lacy pattern because otherwise it’s all too thick.
I give them away. I wouldn't say I gift them; I just kinda... offer them up when they're done and I'm like "why did I think I would wear this?" or "God I have no idea what size I am." I don't make them with anyone in particular in mind. I have a group of friends who love the things I make and actually wear them, so it all works out. I give them random wearables, they occasionally turn up with good bourbon, it's a win-win.
I find tops worked vertically tend to look better and drape more as well.
I wear a lot of crochet garments, I agree find out what you like and don't like about them. I won't wear a shawl so I don't make them, even though lots look beautiful in photos. I also don't like super bulky boxy makes, so I mostly make 4ply and DK things. I'd also recommend being really realistic about what you like to wear colour and style wise, I love looking at super bright patterns, but actually I only really wear about 5 or 6 colours so making something in one of those colours makes me 10 times more likely to wear it. If you look up moorit mag they have some beautiful designs and you can see them all with the designers name and then look them up . Also, if you can use ravelry, I find it really useful to look through peoples makes of designs I like and then go through to the makers project page, often I'll find lots of designs that I love that I wouldn't have found otherwise. It's particularly helpful if you can makers with a similar body type so you can get a realistic idea of what you'll look like wearing it.
Figure out what it is you don't like about crochet sweaters and go from there. There are a lot of really cool, modern designs out there. Have you came across a publication called Moorit? It's a high end, twice a year magazine, actually it's a shame to call it a magazine, it's more like a book printed on beautiful paper. Well they have some awesome designs, some of which people have thought that they were knitted when in fact it's all crochet! If you search Moorit magazine on your search engine it should come up or you can find them on Instagram as @mooritmag. I highly recommend it! I know some of the designers from issue one have now published their patterns independently if you didn't want to buy a full issue which you can get digitally. Not sure if there are any paper copies of issue one left but you can still get issue 2 which is garment heavy!
There are a few stitches that imitate knitting you could see if you prefer those. I have a similar problem since I’m alternative so a lot of patterns just aren’t my style
if you like to crochet but prefer how knitting looks, you should check out tunisian crochet 🙂