If you are new to free-form crochet, I have a series of beginner tutorials to get you started on this super fun and creative style of crochet. I don’t have any actual written patterns for any of the tutorials because it is just a series of stitches and techniques that are used in a creative way. Each blog post has a video tutorial and additional written information and resources.

While you can use any type of yarn you like and any crochet hook size you like, I think free-form crochet scrumbles work up best using wool and wool blends because these yarns offer a variety of fun textures. No matter what you choose, however, the one tool I do recommend is a hand-steamer. Steaming your scrumble as you go helps the motif to lay nice and flat. Working with so many different stitches and textures can create some ‘wonkiness’, and the hand-steamer helps to remedy that.

My tutorials on the basics of free-form crochet also give some really great tips on how to crochet perfect scrumbles and avoid this wonky potential.

The supplies you will need are:

• Yarn of your choice in multiple colors and textures
• Custom bullion stitch hook (see below for instructions)
• Crochet hook(s)
• Darning needle
• Scissors
• Hand-steamer

Some (but perhaps not all) of the links in this blog are affiliate links to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This page contains some affiliate links. Please see my policy page for details. I look for the best possible option for your convenience, however, I encourage you to support your local shops!

In Part Two of Free-form Crochet Advanced Stitches, I will demonstrate how to do the bullion stitch. I have never been able to do this stitch with a regular crochet hook because I could never pull the yarn through all the loops on my hook without them getting snagged.

I modified a rug hooking tool (also called a latch hook) by taping a one-inch piece of small tubular plastic to the shank of the hook. The end of an expired pen cartridge is perfect, but a piece of a wooden skewer would work as well. I fiddled with this a lot to get the tubing the right length because if it is longer, it is hard to get the hook down into the crochet work, so one inch (2.5 cm) seemed to work the best. Also, you need to use a latch hook with a straight shank, some have a curve in them. I found mine at a thrift store.

Someone requested to see a view of the back of the scrumbles. I thought that was a great idea so I have inserted one here. I am showing both the advanced scrumble and the fabric we created in the tutorial on how to join scrumbles together. All the tutorials for this Free-form Crochet Series can be found below. Enjoy!

In Part One of this tutorial, I will review the magic ring and beginning circle. Then I will demonstrate the Puff Stitch, the Berry Stitch, the Fan or Shell Stitch, the Front Post Double, and the Treble Crochet, as well as some joining on and fastening off techniques.

In Part two of Free-form Crochet Advanced Stitches, I will demonstrate how to do the Popcorn Stitch, the Extended Single Crochet Stitch, the Bullion Stitch, the Crab Stitch, and an Overlay Single Crochet. These are just some of the more common textured stitches in free-form crochet and you can certainly experiment with different stitches in your scrumbles. Be playful and the worst thing that can happen is that you have to pull out something that didn’t work…no problem!

In this tutorial, Free-form Crochet ~ An Introduction, you will learn all the basics of scrumbling. You will learn how to create asymmetrical shapes, how to increase the height of stitches, how to increase stitches in the round so the motif lays nice and flat, and how to join yarn at different heights and in different parts of a stitch.

In this tutorial, Free-form Crochet ~ Beginning Shapes, I show how to make a variety of beginning shapes for scrumbles. This is the only tutorial where I do have written directions for the beginning shapes.

Learn how to crochet a two-tone spiral in this tutorial, Free-form Crochet ~ Spiral Shape. This shape can be used on its own as a scrumble with an overlay single crochet or crab stitch, or it can be the beginning shape for a scrumble.

The final tutorial in my Introduction to Free-form Crochet series is on how to join scrumbles together. This is probably the most helpful tutorial of them all because there are several tricks and techniques that help to create the perfect piece of fabric.

So, with this comprehensive series of free-form crochet tutorials, you can create beautiful scrumbles and fabric that can be used in countless crochet projects. I wish you many happy hours of creative, and fun crocheting!

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I will be demonstrating how to create a square shape using a simple template that is 11″ by 12″ (28 cm by 30.5 cm), but you can use this technique to create pattern shapes as well. With this style of crochet, you can create garments, scarfs, shawls, pillows, pouches, bags, and totes. There are so many possibilities!

The process is somewhat involved and is hard to explain with written directions, so I have created a video tutorial to show all the steps, tricks, and tips you need to know to create fabric with your freeform crochet. The title of this blog, Freeform Crochet ~ How to Join Scrumbles Together, is exactly what this process is about. I do recommend using a hand steamer while creating your fabric because this style of crochet can look a bit uneven. If you hand steam as you go, it flattens the fabric out nicely.

For my scrumbles, I used scrap yarn of the same fiber and weight. The yarn is all an acrylic #4 medium-weight yarn, but you can use any yarn you like! Of course, you will need a crochet hook to correspond with your yarn of choice, a darning needle, and some scissors. To create this project, you will need your freeform crochet scrumbles, and I have a tutorial “Freeform Crochet ~ An Introduction”, which shows how to make scrumbles in this style. You can find the blog link here, or see the video tutorial below. I also have a tutorial on Beginning Shapes as well as a Spiral Motif tutorial. The hotlinks will take you directly to the blog posts or you can go straight to the videos on YouTube with the links below.

This style of scrumbling is very basic, and I use just single, half double, double and treble crochet stitches. Freeform crochet can be done with all sorts of fun stitches such as bullion, puff, berry and crab stitches. But learning how to scrumble using basic stitches will give you a feel for how freeform crochet works. Once you become more comfortable with the technique, you can try some more advanced stitches.

In this tutorial, you will learn how to join the crocheted scrumbles together, how to fill in the gaps, and how to finish around the outside edges to create a specific shape. Freeform crochet is just so much fun and invites one to be playful and creative without feeling too constricted by rules. If you are new to crochet, you can check out my Beginner Crochet Series here.

And just one note about the quality of the video tutorial. I had to replace my old computer recently, and the new computer doesn’t seem to like my camera. So there are issues with lighting and focus with the video. Also, I am learning how to use a new video editing software, and it is a huge learning curve! It took several hours to create the short 7-second introduction piece I know I will sort it all out, but in the meantime, the quality isn’t quite up to my standards, so I apologize for that.

Here are all the videos in the Free-form Crochet Series!

I hope you enjoy this tutorial “Freeform Crochet ~ How to Join Scrumbles Together”, and all the other tutorials in this series.

Some of my favorite things!

Some (but perhaps not all) of the links in this blog are affiliate links to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This page contains some affiliate links. Please see my policy page for details. I look for the best possible option for your convenience, however, I encourage you to support your local shops!

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I will show you how you can just crochet two rounds and use that shape, but I also go further and create a third round that can be finished in a circle shape by tapering the stitches from double crochets down to single crochet. There are a few great possibilities.

This is a very simple post with a video tutorial below, because my lovely husband (and proof reader) is dealing with a serious health issue that requires a lot of care and nurturing. Therefore, my offerings will be minimal over the next few weeks. As I write this, I am very exhausted, so please forgive any mistakes or jumbled sentences!

Make sure to check out the other posts in this series and also my Crochet for Beginners Series.

Some of my favorite things!

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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)

1. ch = chain
2. st = stitch
3. sl st = slip stitch
4. sc = single crochet, and fsc = foundation single crochet
5. hdc = half double crochet, and fhdc = foundation half double crochet
6. dc = double crochet, and fdc = foundation double crochet
7. trc = treble crochet
8. 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.

1. 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.
2. *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.

1. 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).
2. 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)
3. 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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You can see in the image above, a few samples of basic free-form crochet scrumbles. Yes, that is what the motifs are called in free-form crochet…scrumbles. I think that is such a fun name! Essentially, what this involves is using crochet to create fun and whimsical pieces of fabric. You can join the scrumbles to create a larger piece of fabric which can then be used to make all sorts of projects.

You can use scrumbles to embellish clothing, create pattern pieces for sweaters, jackets, hats, and bags. You can create afghans, pillows, wall hangings and so much more.

I have created a video tutorial to teach this technique because, while free-form crochet is easy, teaching the process is a bit involved and hard to describe with writing. In this introductory tutorial, I will show how you can use single, half-double, double, and treble crochets to create a basic scrumble.

I will show you how to build stitches to create different shapes, how to gauge your rounds so the fabric lays nice and flat, how to join new colors in a couple of different ways and a few more basic techniques. If you are new to crochet, then you can check out my Beginner Crochet Series to learn all the stitches used here in this tutorial.

Check out the video at the bottom of the blog to learn the basics of this amazing craft!

The supplies you will need are simple…just some yarn (this is great for using up bits and bobs), a crochet hook that is right for your yarn choice, a darning needle, and embroidery scissors. The other tool that is very helpful is a hand steamer. This helps to press the scrumbles with steam so they lay nice and flat.

You can work with any yarn you like, however, wool blends may have more integrity and longevity than synthetic blends. I would recommend staying with the same weight of yarn for the scrumbles, as mixing yarn weights can be a bit tricky.

I first discovered free-form crochet in a book I picked up at a used book sale called Illustrated Patchwork Crochet by Bella Scharf. The book was published in the mid-1970s and has some fun ideas in it (although some are rather dated). It is no longer in print, but it’s possible to find a copy second-hand. The image above shows an afghan made using free-form crochet and when I first saw this I was hooked!

I then found The Crochet Workbook by Sylvia Cosh and James Walters which was published in 1989. Fortunately, this book is still available and is a treasure trove of free-form crochet techniques and inspiration! I got both a soft copy and a hard copy of this book at another used book sale. I was so excited!

You can see above, my first attempts at creating scrumbles, and I think they turned out pretty good. But I quickly learned how to do a much better job and I even went on to play with more complex stitches to create some pretty funky scrumbles. I made a pillow with this fabric and I just love it!

I plan to create more free-form crochet tutorials showing more advanced techniques including various shapes to start with, spiral shapes, and some fun stitches. I will show how to join scrumbles together and how to ‘fill in’ the gaps between the motifs. Make sure to subscribe to both my newsletter and YouTube channel so you don’t miss out!

I hope you enjoy this tutorial and, like me, become hooked on this creative and liberating style of crochet!

Some of my favorite things!

Looen Crochet Hook Set

Highlife Hand Steamer

Aqueenly Embroidery Scissors

Some (but perhaps not all) of the links in this blog are affiliate links to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This page contains some affiliate links. Please see my policy page for details. I look for the best possible option for your convenience, however, I encourage you to support your local shops!

Sharing is caring…click on the social share button at the top of this post and choose one of these images to share on your social media. Thank you so much!

The post Free-form Crochet ~ An Introduction appeared first on Create and Crochet.