Sprig Stitch 

Well, we’ve had a week of mice, owls, octopus’s, blankets, conkers, dream jars, swimming, tennis, rainbows, school runs, playgroups, house warming parties and park runs. Phew!!! Oh and a poorly back!! That is one busy week. No wonder our weekend hasn’t been too crazy! It’s been interesting keeping the house in its usual state of kind of tidiness this week! Do you ever get the feeling that you are literally running around doing jobs ten to the dozen, just to get it all done. Where as others seem to always be ship shape and ready to go, without much more than a lift of a finger!! I reckon I run in the house, at least 10 times a day, if not more!! I reckon it’s the only way to get jobs done and keep the little man safe. My daughter will sit and play for hours in one spot, quite happy, where as my boy, is zoom zoom everywhere!! It’s crazy how much he knows as well about how things work in the house! Where he needs to be at certain times of the day and what makes things open! If you say let’s go outside, he automatically grabs his wellies and puts them on, then grabs yours and brings them to you, finished off with standing by the keys saying ‘keys, keys, keys.’ Until you get them and open the door! Love it. He definitely knows the way of the world already!

One activity which we all enjoy in our family is conker hunting. Brings back so many memories of childhood.

We used to bike with my Dad to a particular tree each year. It was on quite a main road, so it was never one kids really went to. So there were loads to choose from. I wonder if it’s still standing?! Think we had better get on our bikes! The tree by my daughter’s school is striped most days by kids. We ended up conker hunting in the rain last weekend and plans for more this week. Couldn’t resist making little Conky here. Just writing up his pattern and will post this week if you fancy making him.

Other little crocheted items have been these little baby rattles. Love making these little creatures, but have got rather a soft spot for the little octopus. Think a little one will love munching on the springy legs, saying that my two are now wanting one of their own.

So this week I have chosen the beautiful, but very simple Sprig Stitch. Now it’s basically double crochet stitches and chain stitches worked together to create an arch which gives quite a firm, dense pattern. It gives a lovely pointed edge, which would work well for a decorative edge. Would be nice on a shawl or scarf. Hoping to design more shawls next year, so that will be one to remember.

Supplies –

This week I have once again used the wonderful Toft wool in the lovely deep forest green colour. Think it sits rather well with the lime green from last week and I like the idea that the colour of the yarn matches the stitch – sprig green. You will need about 30g of DK yarn and don’t forget the 4mm hook, scissors and blunt ended tapestry needle to sew all the ends in.

Stitches –

Chain (ch) – To make a chain, place the yarn over the hook then pull it through the loop on your hook.

Double Crochet (dc) – Insert the hook through the stitch, front to back, then yarn over hook and pull back through stitch. You will have two loops on your hook. Then yarn over your hook and pull through both loops.

Ok so here we go…

1 – Attach your new yarn into the wrong side of the blanket and work 1ch and then 1dc in the same stitch. Now work 1dc in each stitch and the back loop of each chain stitch across the row. (200)

2 – Ok so turn your work and chain 1 and work 1dc in the same stitch. Now miss a stitch and work 2dc in the next stitch. Then chain 2 stitches and work 2dc in the next stitch. This completes your first sprig stitch.

*Now miss 2 stitches and work 2dc in the next stitch, work 2 chain stitches and then work 2dc in the next stitch.* Repeat this ** across the whole row.

In the last 4 stitches, miss 2 stitches and then work 1dc in each of the last 2 stitches. (49 Sprig Stitches)

3 – Right then so turn your blanket and work 1 chain and then 1dc in the next 2 stitches. *Now work (2dc, 2ch, 2dc) in the next 2chsp.* Basically you are working each sprig stitch on top of each other in rows.

Now repeat ** this across the row.

When you get to that last stitch, work 1dc. (49 Sprig Stitches)

4 – This is the last row of sprig stitches now, so once you have turned your blanket, chain 1 and work 1dc in the first stitch. *Now work (2dc, 2ch, 2dc) in the next 2chsp*. Repeat this ** across the row.

When you get to the end work 1dc in the last 2 stitches and then fasten off and sew in your ends. (49 Sprig Stitches)

And there you have the wonderful Sprig Stitch. It’s ever so easy isn’t it and gives a lovely pointy edge. I bet it would be nice for a border on a piece of clothing or a blanket for that matter.

Hope you’ve enjoyed this weeks instalment of Year of the Stitches. How are your blankets going? This is mine so far. It’s terribly snugly when I’m crocheting in the evening. Rather chuffed how it’s coming on.

Anyways, hope you all have good weeks.

Happy hooking everyone.

🌈Xx