Combining Thick Yarn and Thin Thread in Crochet

By Corinne Munger – 7 Comments
It all started with a snowflake. I decided to make some the other day and I found a couple of patterns in one of my favorite books, “Super Stitches Crochet” by Jennifer Campbell and Ann-Marie Bakewell. I then found some white metallic cotton thread in my never-ending stash to use for this project. After completing some snowflakes, I needed an item to use them on. I was thinking of sewing several together and making a string-type scarf, but since the cotton thread I used is metallic, I knew I could never tolerate it on my neck (too itchy). What to do, what to do?

I have been obsessed lately with muted blues – with names like Sea Spray, Beach Front, etc. I thought something similar would be the right backdrop for my snowflakes. When I found the perfect color, “Glacier” (it just “sounds” cold, doesn’t it?) produced by Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick, I knew I had found what I wanted. BUT, I was now faced with combining a super chunky yarn with a cotton thread! This would be interesting – the thickest and thinnest fibers combined. Hmmmm…..

I started with a very simple scarf. I used a size N crochet hook and approximately 100 yards of super bulky weight yarn. Here’s the basic pattern for it:

Row 1: ch 150, sc in second ch from hook, *ch 1, skip 1 ch, sc in next ch, repeat from * across
Row 2: ch 1, turn, sc in first sc, *ch 1, skip 1 ch, sc in next sc, repeat from * across
Row 3: ch 1, turn, sc in first sc, *ch 3, skip 3 sts, sc in next sc, repeat from * across
Row 4-5: ch 1, turn, sc in first sc, *ch 1, skip 1 st, sc in next st, repeat from * across
Finish off.

I could see I had a limited amount of white cotton thread so I experimented and added a 5 dc shell in every other stitch (along the edge of the scarf – only on one side!). I thought this added some interest. Being symmetrical isn’t always necessary. I LOVED how the two fibers came together – one so large and one so delicate!

I had some of the bulky yarn left over so I doubled up a length equal to the scarf and ran it through row 3 like a ribbon. I will attach the snowflakes probably as pictured but not sure yet.

I love the look of the delicate snowflakes against the bulky weight yarn! Combine something unusual – give it a try! It’ll give your items a whole new look!

Have you ever combined thick and thin weights of yarn?? Feel free to share your experience in the comment section below!

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7 Comments

  1. Dawn says:

    Hello Everyone, I love this scarf, Corrine! I wish I had a usable camera to show y’all what I’ve done. I have used thread-crocheted items to attach to yarn items for gifts, such as snowflakes on a small afghan. I’ve also put snowflakes or thread-crocheted flowers on yarn-crocheted purses, lapghans, and throws as my favorite time of year is Winter and my favorite holiday is–what?–Oh yeah, Christmas! LOL I put thread-crocheted angels on scarves and lapghans, too. It’s fun and easy to create with thread-crocheted items as appliques on yarn items. Thank you for sharing yours and happy holidays to all of you at Crochet Spot! ~ Dawn ~

    • Thanks for writing Dawn,
      Too bad you can’t send pictures – I would love to see the angels on the scarves! I enjoyes this project and was pleasantly surprised with the result. I may have to try more 🙂

      Hope you enjoy the Holidays and Happy New Year as well!
      Corinne

  2. Valorie Davis says:

    Very clever. I’ve got so much leftover yarn that is ‘not big enough’. You’ve inspired me!

  3. carol says:

    so very pretty! the snowflakes make it look more delicate…lovely gift idea…

  4. Oh, that’s really neat and an unexpected way to combine thick and thin yarns. Great idea! 🙂

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