Introduction to Stitch Challenge

I'm not really one for doing gauge swatches for my projects. Since I haven't made much in the way of clothing yet, it hasn't been too much of a problem. However, I recently started designing some dolls (patterns to come later on the site after they've been fully tested) and of course some clothes for the dolls (the dolls are made with a different yarn weight and hook to their clothes) so I figured that this might be a good time to start doing gauge swatches to go with my patterns. I also wanted to challenge myself to learn some new stitches or stitch patterns. However, I wasn't keen on making lots of dishcloths with the gauge swatches or samples of new stitch patterns. I also know that when you work up a sample of a stitch you generally work in rows and there are no instructions on how to increase or decrease the stitch pattern. Therefore, I decided it might be fun to challenge myself to do something different when learning new stitches.

For each new stitch/stitch pattern, I'm going to make up a small square worked in rows finished off with a round of single crochet stitches as an edging (so they can be joined together later). I'll also attempt to work up the stitch/stitch pattern in the round (as in making a solid-ish square) and working corner to corner (again with an sc edging). I can't promise that I'll succeed with the latter two challenges every time but I'm certainly going to do my best. It may turn out that I have to add in some other stitches at the edges/corners to achieve the increases and decreases but I'm definitely going to try to do as much of each with the stitch of interest.

With all the little squares I make I'm going to turn them into something special for my oldest child. More details later as it all comes together. I should also note that each square will not be a proper gauge swatch size (gauge swatches are usually 10 cm x 10 cm or 4" x 4") but will be much smaller (approximately 6 cm x 6 cm before blocking). One reason for using smaller squares is so that I can use up scraps of yarn. The idea for what to do with the squares also means that smaller squares work better.

For my first challenge, I'm going to start off with something relatively simple - the loop sc stitch. I've already added a tutorial for the loop sc stitch and you can find that here. Because the loop sc is worked on just one side of your work, when working in rows you can only work the loop sc every second row (though it is possible to manipulate your work so that you can add loop stitches every single row). 

I'll try to add the links to each challenge in a list here or you can find them once a month (if I manage to maintain my pace) listed in with my blog posts.