Knit & Crochet Patches (QUOE TIPS)

Over the course of this blog series on patches, I would be remiss if I left out some of my favorite DIY patches I make all the time; Knit and Crochet!

If you’ve been following the QUOE Tips blogs over here on Clover, you’ll know that my first loves of the fiber arts were knit and crochet. I still spend most of my time with yarn as my medium of choice. As far as patches go, I really enjoy the look of knit and crochet on fabrics like denim, and they can be made in no time! Let’s see what kind of patches we can whip up.

Supplies:

Patchwork Scissors (Mini) – Art. No 493/CW
Amour Hook Size B – Art. No 1045/B
Sashiko Needles (Long) – Art. No 2009
Takumi Bamboo Needles 9″ Size 7 (4.5mm) – Art. No 3011-7
Misc. Fingering Weight Yarn (crochet)
Misc. DK Weight Yarn (knit)

Crochet- Granny Patch:

Let’s start with the basics! My absolute favorite crochet patch is the humble granny square. I use a size B hook and fingering weight yarn with most of my granny patches. It gives off the classic granny look, while keeping the spaces between clusters tight enough to be an effective patch. If the patch is just for looks, or you prefer a square with a larger gauge, you can go all the way up to a size G hook. Don’t focus on gauge for any of these patches, work until you are satisfied with the size.

Pattern:

Form magic ring.

Round 1: Ch 3, 2 dc in ring, (ch 3, 3 dc) 3 times in ring, ch 3, join.

Round 2: Sl st in next ch-3 sp, ch 3, (2 dc. ch 3. 3 dc) in same sp as sl st, [(3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp for corner] 3 times, join.

Round 3: Sl st in next ch-3 sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in same sp as sl st, [3 dc in sp between next and previous 3-dc groups, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next corner ch-3 sp] 3 times, 3 dc between next and previous 3-dc groups, join.

Round 4: Sl st in next ch-3 sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in same sp as sl st, [*3 dc in sp between next and previous 3-dc group*, Rep from * to * to next corner ch-3 sp, (3 dc,ch 3, 3 dc) in next corner ch-3 space] 3 times. Rep from * to * to end of round, join.

Rounds 5+: Repeat Round 4. Finishing (All Patches): To finish all patches, weave in all ends with darning needle (I prefer the Long Type Sashiko needle), and wet block to desired dimensions. After blocking, snip the woven in ends, doing this after blocking makes it less likely to have unsightly tail ends popping up out of the stitching later down the line!

Crochet- Triangle Patch:

The thing I love most about crochet when making patches is how easily it lends itself to unusual construction, and freeform shaping! I love using geometric designs within my work, and a common through-line you will notice in a lot of my patterns is triangles. Utilizing unique shapes like this will truly make your pieces one-of-a-kind!

Pattern:

Form magic ring.

Round 1: Ch 1, [sc 3 in magic ring, ch 3] three times, sl st to first st from beg to join.

Round 2: Sl st to first ch 3 sp, ch 1, [sc 1 in ch 3 sp, ch 3, sc 1 in ch 3 sp, sc across to next ch 3 sp] three times, sl st to first st from beg to join.

Rounds 3+: Repeat Round 2.

Knit – Stockinette Patch:

A great way to use up every last bit of your yarn scraps is a quick stockinette patch! Knit up small squares, or get creative with the shaping by increasing or decreasing along the edge stitches. This is also a great way to see how the colors of your variegated or hand-dyed skeins of yarn look knit up without using too much yardage!

Pattern:

Cast on around 15 sts

Row 1: K all sts.

Row 2: P all sts.

Rows 3+: Repeat Rows 1, 2.

Bind off.

Knit- Seed Stitch Patch:

My favorite knit style of patch is definitely seed stitch. The stitching of this style lends itself well to a flat patch that is less likely to curl while applying it to fabric than a traditional stockinette, plus the texture is divine. To increase the texture, make this patch with a more rustic non-superwash wool!

Pattern:

Cast on odd number of sts.

Row 1: [K1, P1] until second to last st, K1.

Rows 2+: Repeat Row 1.

Bind off. Now we have gone over 4 types of knit and crochet patches! I highly encourage experimenting with different shaping and stitches. Another great knit or crochet patch that you may already have sitting around are swatches, so be sure to throw those in the mix as well. I can’t wait to see all of the things they are used to patch up, including well-loved knit and crochet projects! Be sure to tag Clover and me in any posts so we can see what you create. Stay tuned to the blog for next week’s finale post, where I will go over making a large free project bag pattern to collect all your patches on!