The "V" Crochet Stitch

In today's crochet world there is so much to choose from between yarn, patterns, and stitches. We get so caught up in the world of choices that we forget about a simple stitch used in a simple design. One stitch that I am talking about is the "V" stitch. It is such a simple stitch but it works into a beautiful throw, scarf, or hat. It is what I call a 'throw in the bag take anywhere project'.

If you have read my blog for a while, by now you know that I am not a 'one at a time' project person. I love variety and I get so excited at the vast choices of items to make. And then there is the personal creativity that comes out that makes the space of choices even bigger. But when I am going somewhere and I know I will not be able to concentrate on my project that is a more involved pattern, then a no brainer is the key.

One of my students wanted to learn how to do the ripple crochet stitch. After trying it, she realized that she didn't like all the counting and concentrating that the stitch required when you are first learning how to do it. The solution - how about the "V" crochet stitch instead. She loved it and others in the class wanted to try it and so they did. The result are blankets and scarves in different colors and sizes working their way to completion using this simple stitch.

Now you might say that you made lots of things with the "V" stitch and it has been used a lot. But guess what? You might have been exposed to the stitch but there are so many more that have not. With the stress that a lot of us are under we look for something that we don't have to think, that we can do while watching TV, waiting at a doctors office or at a crochet group. It's a stitch that you can talk and work on your project at the same time. So for those that might be new with crochet or know how to crochet and forgot about this simple stitch here is a throw pattern using the "V" stitch.

Another student asked with this pattern could she use two yarns together so that she could have a two color affect. Yes you can. Use a larger hook and it looks great. Of course doubling the amount of yarn.

This is a fast stitch because you don't go into each stitch but you go into the hole inbetween each "V" stitch or say the space that the chain 1 is made. And of course, the yarn makes a difference in the outcome of the blanket as you can see with the variegated yarn I used.

The "V" Stitch Throw

US size H (5 mm) Crochet Hook




Start out with 4 skeins because it depends upon the yarn you use. Skeins have different yardage which makes a difference in how much you will need. I used Bernat Berella "4" Worsted Weight and each skein has 165 yards/3oz. I used approx. 4 skeins so that equals 660 yards. So when you are purchasing the yarn get at least a total of 660 yards.

Approximate size of blanket: 32" x 45" including edge single crochet stitch

(note: If you need to purchase more yarn remember to look at the dye lot number from the skeins you have and the ones you are going to purchase to make sure they match. Also, keep your receipt just in case you need to return yarn.)


Abbreviations:
dc – double crochet
ch – chain

Chain 115

Row 1: double crochet in 4th chain from hook, chain 1, double crochet into same chain as first dc, *skip 2 chains, (dc, ch1, dc) into next chain*. Repeat from * to * ending with dc into last chain, turn.

Row 2: chain 3, (dc, ch1, dc) into first chain 1 space, *(dc, ch1, dc) into next chain 1 space*. Repeat from * to * ending with dc into top of turning chain, turn.

Repeat row 2 for pattern for the length you want. (note: I tend not to give a specific length because it is best to snuggle up in it or compare the length with a blanket that you already have that you like the length. This gives you more control over your project. If you need the throw to be wider and you are comfortable with calculating for the size, then add stitches by 3's on your foundation chain. This gives you the chain for the double crochet chain 1 double crochet in one chain and the two chains you skip equaling 3 chains for each repeat. But I would make a sample of the stitch before purchasing the yarn so that you can figure out how much yarn you need.)

Fasten off and weave in ends.

To make it pop I added a couple rows of single crochet all around remembering to work 2 to 3 stitches more in each corner to make the corners round.


Mistakes to avoid:

• working only one double crochet in space instead of two
  
• no chain between double crochets to form V
  
• chaining in between two V’s instead of between the two double crochets
  
• not working the last double crochet in top of turning chain of previous row when you get to the end of the row
  
• not chaining three at the end of row or beginning of row to start new row
  
• making the V between two V’s and not on top of last V of previous row
  
• every once in a while hold your work up to the light to see if all your stitches are correct
  

It's ok to have two projects. You don't have to work on them at the same time. One could be a harder project and if you get stuck or you just can't concentrate on that project then - Walla the "V" stitch to the rescue.

Have fun.