The Basics of Freeform Crochet
This article explains what freeform crochet is and where to start if you are learning about this yarn art for the first time. I will demystify, describe and explain the two main approaches to what people call freeform crochet and provide clear examples of both.
There is a lot of disparate and confusing information that comes up when trying to research this topic online. Therefore, I want to provide you with a first-stop place to learn what you need to know to make sense of what you will find when exploring this type of crochet.
I will also share several excellent resources for beginners to learn more about this yarn art. These resources helped me learn how to proficiently practice this extremely fun, creative and mind opening type of crochet. Whether you are a crochet expert or a beginner, prepare to be amazed!
Defining What Freeform Crochet Is
Wikipedia explains freeform crochet as “a seemingly random combination of crochet, knitting and in some cases other fiber arts to make a piece that is not constrained by patterns, colors, stitches or other limitations”. There is a bit more to it than that, and a bit less as well.
What it isn’t
Firstly, it is confusing to call freeform crochet a mixture of things including knitting, for example. In truth, freeform crochet is commonly just that, crochet. If you were to combine crocheting, knitting and other fiber arts, such as weaving, that would be a yarn art collage. There is also such a thing as freeform knitting. Don’t let definitions like this confuse you. Let’s just focus on freeform crochet for now.
It’s more than only one thing
Secondly, there is more than one approach to what is collectively called “freeform crochet”. Because this practice is all about exercising freedom, it has evolved into more than one way to do it. That is one reason why different explanations appear when you Google the term online.
There really is no wrong way to do freeform crochet. How could there be? It’s freeform! However, there are two basic approaches to be aware of as you are learning and deciding on a freeform project of your own.
Approach #1: Freeform Crochet As A Way To “Paint” Images With Yarn
Some freeform practitioners like to make specific designs by using different stitches, yarn textures, colors and hook sizes. This is not completely ‘freeform’ in that you aren’t crocheting stitches randomly. You are using your crochet knowledge to mix and match stitches as you go to create the picture you are trying to make.
For example, making a face using different stitches and crocheting in multiple directions to “draw” facial features. In this approach there is no pattern which is why it can be called freeform. Instead, you have an idea of what it is you want to end up with. And you change up your crocheting as you go to bring your idea to life.
I have heard this type of freeform crochet described as using your yarn and hook as if they were a paint palette and paintbrush. You might think of your hooks as your paintbrushes and your yarn stash as your paint palette. This is such a wonderfully freeing and creative way to crochet. Yet you still have a purpose and end goal in mind.
Approach #2: Freeform Crochet As “Random” Crochet Segments
Bear with me here. There are also different ways people do freeform crochet within this second approach. In other words, this second approach is segmented into two ways as well. Both are equally correct and viable.
Way #1…
…is to create separate pieces of random OR patterned crochet and then stitch them together to make a larger piece of fabric. I say random OR patterned because while many freeform crocheters make completely random pieces, others may follow popular patterns. I’ll share some of the most popular ones below.
Way #2…
…is to create one big piece of fabric starting with a single piece of random OR patterned crochet and building on that same piece with a new, completely different section.
These pieces, be they small or large, have a name. They are called “scrumbles“. More on that in a minute.
You can choose whether you want to make separate scrumbles and stitch them together later. (Way #1) Perhaps to make a specific size and shape of cloth. For example, to end up with a rectangular piece of fabric of a certain size for a handbag.
You can also choose to have those final dimensions in mind and just add on to the same piece as you go. (Way #2)
What Is A Scrumble?
Isn’t that a fun word to say?! A good analogy for a scrumble would be something like clay. You can shape a scrumble however you like, just like clay. Scrumbles can be make in 2-D (flat) or 3-D (dimensional). I have seen some freeform crochet that is so extraordinarily dimensional it boggles my mind.
And not only are scrumbles made multi-dimentional with different stitches. You can use different types and weights of yarn in a single piece. The choices seem endless:
- lace weight eyelash yarn
- bulky textured yarns
- fuzzy angora or mohair yarn
- ribbon yarn
- you can even make your own yam such as T-shirt yarn
See the insert picture for some great novelty yarns that would make for a very unique looking scrumble.
The Two Ways To Scrumble
Scrumbles also have two basic types. There are those that are made in a completely random way, no pattern whatsoever, just your hook and yarn and away you go! And there are those that follow some popular pattern stitches such as the “spiral”, the “nautilus shell” or the “fan”.
It may seem counter intuitive, and even confusing, to have patterns in what is supposed to be a freeform practice. However, some crocheters have perfected specific, more popular shapes and share them as patterns. And some may have invented a totally randomly stitched shape they love. Then they want to be able to repeat it again or share it with others. So, they record what they invented as a pattern.
I would encourage a beginner to follow and practice some of these popular pattern types. There are many free freeform crochet scrumble patterns you can search for online. Following them can help you get started on your freeform crochet journey. Once you master a few of them it can set you up for success and get those creative juices flowing. It can make you more comfortable letting go to try wild things with your crochet hooks.
Below is a selection of three super basic scrumble patterns to start with. The links all lead to free patterns you can try out for yourself – no risk, high reward!
The Versatility Of Freeform Crochet Is Immense
You can shape scrumbles in an unlimited amount of ways and into a vast array of items. Below is a gallery of some of the most unique items I have seen. The MakeIt.Place Pinterest page has a useful board called “Freeform Crochet Inspiration” you can follow for an ever expanding collection of projects with links.
You can make a free form crochet shawl, scarf, hat, necklace, lace, wall hanging, bag, even a teddy bear. BUT there is some structural planning involved. Unless you want your bag to look like a mutant amoeba you need to put together scrumbles, or make one big scrumble, in the shapes that will make up the bag you ultimately want to assemble.
Bottom line: When you are trying free form crochet for the first time, think of it as if you are creating the fabric to make something with versus a finished product itself.
A Bit About Freeform Crochet Flowers
You may have noticed that flower shapes often appear as part of freeform crochet projects. These are one of my favorite things to crochet, no doubt! Flowers are a part of the freeform crochet practice although that may seem odd at first.
If you are already an avid flower crocheter you may have a store of your favorite flower crochet patterns. I know I do! I will share those with you below as well. However, the crochet flowers you may be most familiar with have patterns. So, how can they be considered freeform? Once again the answer is two-fold.
Flowers are organic shapes
For one, many freeform crochet scrumbles end up looking very organic. They often look like a natural tapestry of shapes you might see in nature itself. And where there is nature, flowers fit right in. If you have a freeform piece that is inspired by a garden for example, it makes sense to include some beautiful flowers in your composition.
Crocheting flowers is like painting’ in 3D
For another, the way you can crochet a flower shape is literally endless! Sure, there are loads and loads of existing crochet flower patterns. But you can also create your own crochet flower pattern as you like, i.e., using your own freeform way. That is how all those beautiful flower patterns out there were originally born. Somebody experimented with all types of stitches to create a flower that resembled what they wanted, perhaps a rose or a peony.
So creating a crochet flower pattern is like trying to “paint” the flower you see in nature with your hooks and yarn. Hence, a crochet flower fits nicely into the 1st described way of approaching freeform crochet.
Here are some of my favorite crochet flower video tutorials. I have made all of these and they are beautiful.
The Practical Side Of Freeform Crochet
I would not be doing justice to this article without writing about the exceptionally practical side of this art. You’ve see how you can paint an image or thing (like a flower) with your hooks and yarns. And you’ve seen how you can style random yarn types with different stitches using various hooks to make scrumbles. But perhaps one of the coolest things you can do with freeform crochet is for practical purposes.
Crocheting a more realistic pumpkin stalk
This past Fall I was inspired to make a crochet pumpkin with some super bulky yarn. I love those white/gray pumpkins you can find now. And I had found a perfect yarn to try and crochet one.
After watching a few crochet pumpkin tutorials I borrowed from them to make the style of pumpkin I wanted. Then I found a problem.
I didn’t like any of the pumpkin stalks I was seeing others make. They were too perfect looking to me. So, I decided to go off inside my own crochet brain and “make up” a way to make the stalk look less perfect. I wanted it to look all crooked and as if it had broken off from the vine. A single crochet there, a half-double over there, a few slip stitches next to that… it was both freeing and it turned out great!
Final Thoughts
The possibilities with freeform crochet are truly endless! All you need is a hook, some yarn, and your imagination. If you’ve been procrastinating about trying your hand at this super cool yarn art, don’t. Pick up some leftover yarn and give it a try! Keep in mind that when it comes to freeform crochet it looks amazing when you mix and match sizes, colors and textures of yarn. You’ve got this!
Cynthia~
