In this tutorial, Free-form Crochet ~ Beginning Shapes, I will show you some basic shapes to begin your free-form crochet scrumbles. There is a shell shape, a square, a triangle, a rectangle, and an irregular shape. Make sure to check out my previous tutorial on Free-form Crochet ~ An Introduction, to learn all the basics of this style of crochet. There are countless ways you can begin a scrumble, but these are easy and a great place to start, especially if you are new to free-form crochet. If you are new to crochet altogether, then you can check out my Beginner Crochet Series to learn all the basics of crochet.
As mentioned in the introductory tutorial, this is a great style of crochet to use up odds and ends. Therefore, your choice of yarn is totally up to you. I do suggest, however, keeping your selection of yarn within the same weight family. Once you are more experienced with free-form crochet, you can play with different weights and textures of yarn. So, all you need is some yarn, a crochet hook, scissors, a darning needle, and some creative imagination! I have created a video tutorial for all these motifs and you can find that at the bottom of the post.
Abbreviations (US terms)
- ch = chain
- st = stitch
- sl st = slip stitch
- sc = single crochet, and fsc = foundation single crochet
- hdc = half double crochet, and fhdc = foundation half double crochet
- dc = double crochet, and fdc = foundation double crochet
- trc = treble crochet
- yo = yarn over
To create a spiral shape, start with a circle. The circle is a great beginning shape as well, and I show that in more detail in the Introduction to Free-form Crochet.
For this spiral motif (and all scrumble shapes), you will be working into the top loop of each stitch only. This creates a nice ridge effect for the motif. You can work into both stitches if you like, but working into the top loop only is quite a nice effect.
Create a ring with a ch 3 and join with a sl st, or make a magic ring (shown in the video tutorial), ch 3 (counts as first dc), 13 dc into the ring (or however many to create a full circle). Join with a sl st in the top loop of the 3rd ch of beg ch3. Ch 1 (counts as first sc), 1 sc in the same loop, 2 sc in next st, twice, 2 hdc in next st, twice, 2 dc in next stitch, twice, 1 dc, 1 trc in next st, 2 trc in next st.
At this point you can stop, or continue to add treble crochets. Also, I increased from a single crochet to treble by doing two of each stitch in two consecutive stitches, with the exception of the double and treble in the one stitch. This is just a suggestion, and you can increase the stitch height at any rate you like. Play around with it and see what different shell shapes you get!
The square shape is made using a stitch count that is divisible by four. Therefore, you can do this shape with twelve or sixteen stitches. I am using a stitch count of sixteen. If you have a stitch count of twelve (likely if you are using a chunkier yarn) then do just two double crochets between the treble crochets.
Create a ring with a ch 3 and join with a sl st, or make a magic ring (shown in the video tutorial). Ch 3 (counts as first dc), and crocheting into the ring, 1 dc, 1 trc. *3 dc, 1 trc, repeat from * 2 more times, 1 dc, join with an invisible finish into the 3rd ch of beg ch3.
The triangle shape is made using a stitch count that is divisible by three. Therefore, you can do this shape with twelve or fifteen stitches. I am using a stitch count of fifteen. If you have a stitch count of twelve (likely if you are using a chunkier yarn) then do just one half double crochet on the flat sides.
Create a ring with a ch 3 and join with a sl st, or make a magic ring (shown in the video tutorial). Ch 2 (counts as first hdc), and crocheting into the ring, 1 dc, 1 trc. *1 dc, 2 hdc, 1 dc, 1 trc, repeat from * 1 more time, 1 dc, 1 hdc, join with an invisible finish into the 2nd ch of beg ch2.
This next shape is simply a foundation double crochet, so if you know how to do this stitch, then you can create a piece any size you like as a beginning motif for your scrumble. Here are the written directions, but you can see the video tutorial if desired.
- Ch 3, yo, insert hook in 3rd chain from hook, yo, and pull up loop (3 loops on hook), yo and draw through 1 loop (1 chain made), yo and draw through 2 loops, yo and draw through 2 loops (dc made) This completes the first fdc.
- *yo, insert hook under the 2 loops of the ch1 at the bottom of the fdc, yo and pull up loop (3 loops on hook), yo and draw through 1 loop (1 chain made), yarn over and draw through 2 loops, twice (dc made). Repeat from * for as many stitches as you like.
For this shape, I start with a foundation single crochet and work up to a foundation double crochet. You can increase the height of the stitches as frequently as you like, and also you can go back down in height to create a different shape to begin with.
- Ch 2, insert hook in 2nd chain from hook, yo, and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yo and draw through 1 loop (1 chain made), yo and draw through 2 loops, (sc made) This completes the first fsc, *insert hook under the 2 loops of the ch1 at the bottom of the fsc, yo and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yo and draw through 1 loop (1 chain made), yarn over and draw through 2 loops, (fsc made). Repeat from * for as many stitches as you like (I did 4 fsc’s).
- To increase to a fhdc, *yo, insert hook under the 2 loops of the ch1 at the bottom of the fsc, yo and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yo and draw through 1 loop (1 chain made), yarn over and draw through 3 loops, (hdc made). Repeat from * for as many stitches as you like ( did 3 fhdc’s)
- Increase to a fdc as directed above when you like and repeat as often as you like.
You can find the video tutorial below and remember to check on the Introduction to Free-form Crochet Tutorial here for more information on creating basic scrumbles. I hope you enjoyed this tutorial on Free-form Crochet ~ Beginning Shapes and that you are inspired to try this fun and liberating style of crochet!
Some of my favorite things!
The Crochet Workbook by Sylvia Cosh and James Walters is also a great resource!
Free-form Crochet ~ Beginning Shapes
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