I recently got some Lion Incredible ribbon-type yarn for a dollar a ball.
The recommended crochet hooks is K, and I’ve tried a variety of samples with that and other size hooks and different stitches. None look very good, and the crocheted squares stretch and twist awkwardly.
Does anyone have any recommendations on how to use this type of yarn most effectively? For which types of projects? It’s very beautiful wound onto the ball, but so far, I can’t get it to look good made up!
Replies
Yarns like these look very good when used in combination with other yarns. For example, you could make a very effective fabric by knitting/crocheting in simple stripes of Incredible and one or two other yarns. Mohair works well. You could combine it with other multi-coloured yarns, or pick out one of the colours to use in a solid colour.
Good luck - you got a really good deal there.
Katina
Thanks, I hadn't thought of combining it with a yarn with more stability. Time for more swatches!
You need to keep the yarn from twisting as you work with it, which often means untwisting what's coming off the ball. It takes a little longer and requires more patience and attention.
To keep the ribbon from twisting, find a cardboard box (like a shoebox) and a long knitting needle and thread the ribbon cone with the two ends of the dowel or knitting needle through the box. This won't stop all the twisting but it will make the job much easier with the ribbon rolling off the cone.
I like your spindle method, though twisting wasn't the problem. When I make a swatch with this ribbon, it sags and buckles afterward; not something I'd want to have happen if I made a whole garment from it!
I have never crocheted with ribbon yarn so sorry, can't be of much help here - maybe the suggestion that you put some other yarn in with it.
Twisting hasn't been a problem, but once it has been stitched, the piece is very unstable.
The fabric will be unstable because these yarns are not actually spun, but are woven or made of a knitted tube. Incredible is made of nylon which has no memory. Some years ago I came across a tubular ribbon yarn of 100% wool, which knitted up into a beautiful pullover. The fabric has an interesting texture, and has 'give' so the jumper has a sleek, tailored fit. Ribbon yarns like yours work well for very simple tops - the yarn gives a great effect - but they tend to be saggy. I think you'll enjoy mixing yarns until you get a fabric that pleases you. Then you should be able to make something different and special.
There are some books on the subject - try Amazon. Keep us posted and good luck!
Katina
Thanks for the encouragement; it's too beautiful to leave on the spool!
You're welcome! Yes, it is very attractive. You'll have fun experimenting and something lovely when you're done.
Katina
Hi Teaf5: I've crocheted several pieces with this yarn and found it just as stable as any other yarn. I used a size M, L and P crochet hook with it.
Here are a couple vest I did just a few months ago with Incredible. It will not lay out flat to work with, You would have to use it as a fringe or a knitted drop stitch to see it in a flatter layout. Just knit or crochet as with any other yarn, that's what I did. I was very satisfied with it. I made two other vests with it, and one was a gift for the cleaning lady here at work. She loves it. It doesn't grow out of shape after the item is made either, so far. I've worn them several times with no problems in fit.
Thanks for the tips! I had tried initially tried a P hook but got distracted before I made enough rows to judge it accurately. In your photos, it looks like the other yarn you used as the yoke/collar of the Sunday vest and to make the divisions between sections helps to stabilize the ribbon yarn a lot.Now I've got some experimenting to do!
The ribbon vest in blue and orange is all ribbon yarn. I just used contrasting colors. I seamed the blue sections with the orange and vis versa. I made another all ribbon one for the cleaning lady. Both are totally stable. That ribbon doesn't stretch much.
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