How to Combine Crochet Squares and Fabric Elements: 3 Basic Rules
Upcycling old jeans and fabric scraps offers endless creative possibilities. You can create blankets, tablecloths, napkins, and clothing items ranging from cardigans to light beach robes using crochet squares and fabric pieces. The key is to follow 3 rules for combining fabric and crochet motifs. Following these will ensure a flat, even fabric that is easy and pleasant to work with.
Rule 1.
## Choose the right fabric.
If you want to work with denim, decide in advance what the item will be. Rugs and seat cushions can be made from thick, "winter" weight fabric, but it won't work for blankets as it will be too coarse and heavy. In that case, and for clothing, thin summer denim, including stretch denim, is preferable. Large items will require many scraps, and they should all be in similar shades—pay close attention to this!
## Rule 2
## Don't rush the cutting!
It might seem simple: you have a crochet element, and you can just cut fabric squares to match its size. THIS IS A MISTAKE! Before you start cutting, you need to make a sample. Keep in mind that the denim pieces will be edged with crochet, which will increase their size. This will lead to a mismatch in element sizes. Therefore:
- Crochet a square and steam it.
- Edge a slightly smaller fabric piece with crochet and compare. Adjust the sizes if necessary!
## Rule 3
## Simplify the edging process.
Piercing thick denim with a crochet hook is difficult, even if the tool is thin and has a sharp tip. The awl option should also be discarded; unlike leather, the holes in fabric quickly "close up." You can solve this problem with a simple method: sew the first row with a blanket stitch using a large needle and thread. This kills two birds with one stone: the work will be simple and easy, and in the next row, you can crochet a specific number of double or single crochets to ensure the pieces are identical.
Once the preparatory work is done, you can safely start cutting the denim pieces and crocheting squares to create original combined items.
I agree 100%. I have a sad experience of sewing a bag from squares; I miscalculated the size, and when piercing the fabric with a crochet hook, fringe appeared. Those little threads couldn't be removed with anything, and it turned out messy. The bag was intended to have an embroidered pocket, but it's still just sitting there, waiting for its time :(