In essence, planned pooling takes the pooling effect that naturally happens with multicolored yarns and uses smart planning to turn those spots into a design detail. Here we will take a closer look at what color pooling is all about, including links to resources for learning how to crochet yarn pools. You will also find lots of great color pooling crochet patterns to get started with the technique . Believe it or not, “pooling” has often been considered a negative thing in knitting and crochet. Variegated yarn naturally creates pools of color that some people have found unappealing. However, designers have turned that history on its head with “planned color pooling”, in which you really have to plot out your design in advance to get the look that you’re seeking. Although it requires planning, color pooling is typically done with very simple stitches so that you don’t have to have extensive crochet knowledge to be able to execute this technique. People have been adjusting the natural pooling of yarn in myriad ways for a long time. The trend in this guide is specifically about how to create an argyle print using crochet color pooling. (Argyle may also be known by the names tartan and harlequin.) However, color pooling can be used to create a variety of different types of patterns, including stripes, and it can be done in both knitting and crochet. Elk Studio has some examples of crochet color pooling in the round that differ from the argyle print. To make the project in the picture, go to Crochet Scarf Color Pooling by Over the Apple Tree Color Pooling Guide by Glamour 4 You Choose yarns that have medium lengths of color, not lengths that are extra long or extra short. Aim for a change around 6 inches (although this isn’t exact by any means). Lists of best yarns are available from:
Color pooling guide by Glamour 4 You Planned pooling yarns for crochet from Interweave.
Single crochet stitches Half double crochet stitches Granite stitch (also known as moss stitch or linen stitch) Seed stitch Granny stitch
It is recommended that you start with a basic stitch such as half double crochet and get used to how planned pooling works, after which you can play around with different effects created with the use of different stitches. Of course, you have to follow her guide closely, working with the same yarn and hook size. She has used a chunky yarn and a size H crochet hook. She also provides information about what to do when adding a new yarn skein, which is important for most color pooling crochet projects. The result is a beautiful argyle crochet scarf. Crochet Planned Color Pooling Scarf free pattern by Repeat Crafter Me Planned Color Pooling Crochet Argyle Super Scarf by The Purple Poncho Color Pooling Scarf and Blanket by Naztazia She notes the importance of having uninterrupted crochet time when working on color pooling so as to avoid changing tension a lot and otherwise impacting your design. This is one of the best tips for people who are just getting started with planned pooling. Crochet Tartan Scarf with Planned Color Pooling free pattern by Little Panda Mommy Planned Pooling Argyle Dishcloths free crochet pattern by String with Style Sideways Slouch Hat crochet pattern by Kathalena Avendano Pooled Mistletoe Stocking Crochet Pattern by Brenda Leigh Bennett Zigzag Planned Pooling Cowl by Five Monkeys Menagerie
Americana Pride-Planned Pooling crochet throw blanket created in red, white and blue. This is for sale by Amanda Corvello Designs on Ravelry. Planned Pooling Crochet Pillow free pattern by Stardust Gold Crochet, with detailed technique instructions. Planned Pooling Throw Pillow is a free crochet pattern on Pattern Paradise. Planned Pooling Crochet Hook Case by Marielle van der Gun on Ravelry. This pattern presumes that you already know how to do planned pooling. Planned Pooling Hat and Cowl Set by My Hobby is Crochet. This is a free crochet pattern set. Happy Argyle Scarfis a pretty free crochet pattern from Crochetcetera. Planned Pooling Poncho is a free crochet pattern from Marielle van der Gun. Ribbed Cowl With Planned Pooling is a free crochet pattern by My Hobby is Crochet that utilizes a yarn with longer color changes.
If you really want to get into this technique, check out the “Yarn Pooling Made Easy” book by Marly Bird, who also created a capelet based on the “Outlander” television show. The book includes 10 planned pooling crochet patterns.
