{"id":58987,"date":"2018-10-31T14:55:48","date_gmt":"2018-10-31T03:55:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mypoppet.com.au\/makes\/?p=58987"},"modified":"2018-10-31T14:55:48","modified_gmt":"2018-10-31T03:55:48","slug":"how-to-planned-pooling-crochet-bag","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mypoppet.com.au\/makes\/how-to-planned-pooling-crochet-bag\/","title":{"rendered":"Planned Pooling Crochet Bag + Planned Pooling Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

The crochet world is abuzz with a fun new technique called ‘planned pooling’<\/strong> which when done correctly creates really striking argyle pattern effects in the finished crochet fabric.<\/p>\n

I’ve used a brand new pooling yarn to create a fun and easy crochet bag pattern with cute bamboo handles, and have included lots of tip for getting the best results from your planned pooling projects.<\/p>\n

\"Planned

Brought to you by American Yarns<\/p><\/div>\n

What is Planned Pooling?<\/h2>\n

The planned pooling effect is created by working variegated yarn, with consistent short length colour changes, over a set amount of stitches. By carefully planning where each colour stitch will sit in each row, an argyle pattern can be created.<\/p>\n

\"Red<\/p>\n

Any yarn that fits the above requirement can be used to create a planned pooling effect, but the results aren’t always consistent. Yarn companies have taken note of this recent trend and Red Heart has released a new yarn especially engineered so that color repeats are evenly dyed<\/strong> to make planned pooling almost foolproof.<\/p>\n

Now available in Australia from American Yarns, Red Heart Super Saver Pooling<\/a> is available in 6 colour ways.<\/p>\n

\"Red<\/p>\n

About Red Heart Super Saver Pooling Yarn<\/h2>\n

Super Saver Pooling<\/a> is a 10ply 100% acrylic yarn especially designed for planned pooling projects. The colours change quite abruptly and each colour length is designed to create 3 stitches (sc+ch) in moss stitch with a 5mm crochet hook.<\/p>\n

Super Saver Pooling is nice to work with, springy and doesn’t feel overly synthetic. It’s dye lotted, so keep that in mind when ordering multiple balls for a bigger project.<\/p>\n

In my opinion this yarn not particularly attractive to look at in its ball form as the contrasting short colour changes seem quite garish. To be honest, I don’t think this yarn has much shelf appeal, and I’d probably walk right past it in a store if I didn’t know its full potential.<\/p>\n

But just like the ugly duckling that turned into a swan, this yarn, if you have the patience to learn the somewhat tricky technique of planned pooling, can create a real showstopper crochet project.<\/p>\n

I chose the colourway CARNIVAL for this project.<\/p>\n

\"Red<\/p>\n

Planned Pooling – The good, the bad and the frustrating!<\/h2>\n

I’m not going to lie, it took me a fair bit of practice to get this technique to work properly. I probably ripped out my sample swatch about 6-8 times before I worked out how to read the pattern in the stitches, and adjust accordingly to get good results.<\/p>\n

\"Planned

One of my first unsuccessful planned pooling attempts. Pattern starts to go awry in the 4th row and is a total fail about 8 rows in.<\/p><\/div>\n

Initially, I found my failures incredibly frustrating and actually put the yarn away for a couple of weeks because I was sick and tired of ripping out and starting over repeatedly.<\/p>\n

But because I had this yarn review and a pattern to create, I stuck with it and with a bit of patience I cracked the elusive planned pooling code with fabulous results.<\/p>\n

Just like riding a bike, once you work out how to do it, planned pooling is quite simple.<\/p>\n

It’s a great feeling to see the argyle pattern successfully develop before your eyes, as if by magic. Once I got the knack, I was hooked!<\/p>\n

\"Planned<\/p>\n

This technique is not for beginners,\u00a0<\/strong>but if you are a fairly confident crocheter or want to challenge yourself, I’d recommend giving planned pooling a try.<\/p>\n

I’ll be sharing some tips and tricks below for a successful planned pooling crochet project.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Planned Pooling in summary<\/strong> – The learning curve can be tricky, but the process is fun with very attractive results.<\/p>\n

Limitations of Planned Pooling Crochet<\/h2>\n

To achieve a successful argyle effect there are some restrictions on the project design.<\/p>\n

    \n
  • The piece must be worked flat, back and forth (not in the round)<\/li>\n
  • The width of the piece can’t change throughout the project and needs to be either square or rectangular<\/li>\n
  • The width of the piece is determined by full pattern repeats ie. can only be as wide as 1,2,3+ repeats, not half or 1.5 repeat.<\/li>\n
  • Not every stitch style will work with planned pooling – most commonly used is Moss stitch, which is a repeating pattern of (US) single crochet + chain stitches.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    With the above limitations in mind I wanted to create a practical project that showed off the argyle design and wasn’t a garment (because we are heading into Summer here in Australia). So rather than another scarf or blanket I thought a cute handbag with bamboo handles would be fun.<\/p>\n

    \"plaid<\/p>\n

    Before you get started on the bag you’ll need to learn the basics of planned pooling.<\/p>\n

    Getting Started with Planned Pooling<\/h2>\n

    I’d recommend starting with a sample swatch to get the technique mastered before you move onto the crochet bag project. It’s also important to work out your hook size as the ideal gauge is 3 st per colour. I found a 5mm hook adequate.<\/p>\n

    Firstly you’ll need to know how to crochet the Moss stitch pattern. I’ve given basic instructions below. I’ll be using US terms in this tutorial and pattern to keep it consistent with the language in the video if you need to refer back to it for trouble shooting.<\/p>\n

    WATCH THIS FIRST<\/strong><\/p>\n

    This video by Marly Bird was very helpful and will explain everything you need to know about planned pooling as well as demonstrating the moss stitch. Watch it over and over until you feel confident.<\/p>\n

    The only variation I made from the video was to crochet into the base chain rather than around it.<\/p>\n