Starting again : 24 November 2023
I have been learning how to crochet for a while and, if you have, you’ll know ‘granny squares’ are still very popular. While browsing YouTube and Pinterest for designs and ideas I spotted a cardigan design that does not need a ‘proper pattern’ and all you need is to know how to make a granny square. The design uses a hexagon, so instead of four corners you make six corners, you fold it and get a sort of L shape. If you turn this upside down, one section becomes a side of the body and back, and the shape across becomes the sleeve. The concept is that you make two shapes like that and then join them together to make a cardigan. In the process you can add length and width to the body of the cardigan and also the sleeves. Some people include pockets and even a collar or hood.
Below I show you the yarn I’ve used:
![image.png](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmeMqmo9q85B2z9TUsyZJWJU6RRtQMH2H9BtvPkEXufmZs/image.png)
It’s a double knitting yarn in ‘deep forest green colour’
There are many tutorials on YouTube : all colours and sizes, eg : here, here, and here. You can also buy an hexagon cardigan pattern here, and here.
Below I will show you two photos of the hexagon cardigan so far.
![image.png](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmYUxKmvRoKFX1Lbt3utBh97FxUzd5k6Bbbur9KU4HHfjn/image.png)
The red arrows show where the six corners of the hexagon are.
It’s really hard to visualise it until you fold it in half :
![image.png](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmV5b9DCBfevxxcJ4cy7Kky827uYtfVC6FjNdK6pE3F5iV/image.png)
I opted for the cheapest option : found some tutorials online and started it 'for free'. I used that acrylic yarn above and a crochet hook number 4.5mm.
It was all going fairly fast and repetitive until I began to notice the fabric created would be rather stiff for my liking. I was very saddened about it. I don't think it is a fault of the design or the concept. The most likely issue was the yarn and possibly the crochet hook size I think. In order to work it the yarn needs to be light and airy and the crochet hook above 5.0mm in size. I have therefore decided to unravel it ( aka frog it ) and I’m currently looking at alternative options.
It is disheartening to have to unravel work, but as long as you learn what happened and can possibly rectify the problem, it becomes a learning experience. All in all I learnt a lot looking at tutorials and ways of altering the design. I feel that what I need to do is find softer yarn and use an even bigger hook to make the resulting fabric much lighter in weight. The hexagon cardigan becomes a future project then !
Sometimes you just have to give it a go.
Thank you for reading.
Upvoted. Thank You for sending some of your rewards to @null. It will make Steem stronger.
Thank you @ctime !