Freeform Crochet Tips: Designing as You Go

A wealth of ideas and technical crochet tips for creating your own freeform crochet pieces. Follow Tuula's work process as she makes a colourful and unique piece that will be part of a scarf and designs it while working. Idean scrap yarn and stash-busting projects.
🟠 Join Tuula's channel: / @tuulamaaria
🟠 Handy crochet project tracker printable: www.etsy.com/f...
VIDEO TUTORIALS ON TECHNIQUES USED IN THE VIDEO:
🔹 Have you tried freeform crochet?: • Have you tried freefor...
🔹 Mini bead stitch: • Mini bead stitch. Text...
🔹 When to use half-stitches: • When To Use Half Stitc...
🔹 Foundation single crochet: • Start single crochets ...
🔹 Lace square (used without the last round): • Crochet Light & Airy L...
🔹 Extended single crochet (part of a longer video, direct link): • Basic Crochet Cardigan...
🔹 Magic ring the way done in the video: • Top 2 Easy Magic Circl...
🟣 My favourite crochet hook set, Clover Amour. Great shape and they make crocheting fast: amzn.to/45PNt7d
🟣 Get yarn and hooks: amazon.com/sho...
(Affiliate links. If you purchase, I may get a small commission with no added cost to you.)
BEST TUTORIALS:
🟠 Easiest magic ring: • Easiest way to crochet...
🟠 5 Indispensable tips: • 5 Indispensable Croche...
🟠 How to crochet faster: • How to crochet faster ...
🟠 Thicken fine yarn: • How to triple any yarn...
🟠 2 rows of mesh at the same time: • Fastest crochet mesh. ...
🟢 Get Tuula's newsletter: www.knit-croch...
🟢 Instagram: / tuulamaaria

[@TuulaMaaria]

Thank you for watching! See also a different example of freeform crochet in my channel: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIfUl3Z4Zcmfias

[@stephanielaakson8960]

My brain is whirling Tuula! I love watching your process. Our creativity grows exponentially when shared! So so happy😁. Have a fabulous today, Steph

[@TuulaMaaria]

Thank you Steph, you too! True, creativity grows from being shared!

[@janiceguy8752]

I think I do Freeform every time I pick up a hook! Unintentionally!,😂😂

[@stephanielaakson8960]

Lol, You just have that creativity buzzing to be free!!! Good on You😄. Have a fabulous today!​@@janiceguy8752

[@Kelly-zm3nc]

Thank you for doing this video. It's amazing how the creativity flows.

[@TuulaMaaria]

Thank you!

[@dianekassmann8821]

This was a great video, gave me plenty of inspiration for doing freeform. I love those spirals! Thank you.

[@TuulaMaaria]

Wonderful, hope you will make something, in your own style!

[@renabritnell5497]

I have not tried this yet, but am intrigued. I tend to be a perfectionist with my crochet efforts, wanting every stitch to be exact, so this would be liberating. I will try, but will probably have to stay within a color coordinated fabric for my personal clothing use. But my granddaughter would probably like the more random multi colored effect. Figuring out how to fill in the blank areas will probably be my greatest challenge.

[@TuulaMaaria]

Great! There are so many different ways of doing freeform, you can also overlap pieces but I didn't want to complicate the video to take too many different techniques! One colour only works great too, or colours similar to each other.

[@MEMO.random]

What really got me interested in coming back to crochet after 40 years was seeing a book on freeform. I am really still at a beginner level so hope to complete a few projects and am working on learning individual stitches, saving my practice pieces to perhaps use in a freeform project. I love the combination of textures and colors and want to also try felting some small pieces to add that texture as well. I love the combination of utility and art -- can't wait to see your finished piece! You really are a wonderful artist whether using traditional crochet methods or freeform. Thank you for your videos.

[@TuulaMaaria]

Thank you so much! Your plan sounds great. Yes, felting goes really well with crochet pieces and like I mention in the video, I often mix knitting and crochet.

[@aleksandrag-ska]

Being free from following a pattern is so pleasant. Your works are beautiful. Todella kaunis 😍

[@TuulaMaaria]

Kiitos paljon!

[@violetvixen6301]

Free form really gave me so much confidence! It feels GREAT to make something incredible with only your own brain!

[@TuulaMaaria]

I agree 100%!

[@gregoryvozar6236]

Thank you Tuula Maaria for this individual & inspiring crochet video. I love the playful, innocent way your work grows. It makes me happy! It also reminds me of the coloured posters we used to draw back it the late 1960s, early 70s. They featured the names of our favourite rock & roll groups and were filled with free-hand swirls, paisleys, stars, festoons, dots, waves, anything that would increase the “psychedelic” effect of this random riot of colour. Your video makes me think I might do the same thing in yarn!

[@TuulaMaaria]

Thank you, glad this made you think of those posters - hope you will make something in your style!

[@YFus825]

I can’t wait to see your finished scarf!

[@TuulaMaaria]

I will show it and possibly make a video about the other end but that will be in the autumn!

[@Anna-jl1rx]

Finnish design comes to mind! I didn't think I would like this, but you inspired me, so I guess I'll have to make an interesting scarf before winter😊 Those spirals look really good against the background of uniformly coloured more basic shapes.

[@TuulaMaaria]

Thank you! You can create items that look very different to this, something more your own style!

[@lynnock8003]

Have been crocheting for 50+ years and started freeform 5 years ago. I often work in one colour and rely on stitches for complexity. The finished item looks a little like Aboriginal art. I do still crochet traditional items because freeform takes enough brainwork for me to need "mindless" work for balance. Love your work. 😊

[@TuulaMaaria]

Thank you so much! Your work sounds beautiful! One colour only has so many possibilities too with all different shapes and textures.

[@aleksandrag-ska]

I can't wait to see the final product - please, keep us updated :) Kiitos!

[@TuulaMaaria]

Yes, I'll post it but that won't be for a few months yet!

[@2bitranch1]

I never saw this freeform style before, but it looks like fun! I am an artist, and it reminds me of what some artists do on a palette by just creating where their imagination takes them.😊

[@TuulaMaaria]

Yes, there are many forms that are similar, like crazy quilting with fabrics!

[@asaldanapr]

If I had more than one like I would give it to you. That is so pretty! Looking forward to seeing the rest.

[@TuulaMaaria]

Thank you so much!

[@JH-th9th]

You are fabulous...THANK YOU !!!!

[@TuulaMaaria]

Lovely!

[@peggyharwell3674]

Wow Tuula, this scarf is really pretty your choice of yarn colours and stitches have come together quite well. Very pretty indeed.

[@TuulaMaaria]

So glad you like it, thank you!

[@DoHeHa]

I never once followed a pattern. I take inspirations by watching KZbin and then fight my way through. It sometimes looks little wonky but it's handmade so it's allowed to look so.

[@TuulaMaaria]

Lovely! True, handmade doesn't have to be perfectly straight or even!

[@9liveslisa]

I like it very much. It's like a crazy quilt.

[@TuulaMaaria]

Thank you! True, the same idea in crochet as in crazy quilts!

[@ChrisTina-ln4yk]

Thank you so much, Tuula! I've been interested in freeform crochet for awhile, esp as an art form, but it also seemed pretty intimidating. Seeing you work through this piece makes freeform crochet feel more accessible even at my skill level

[@TuulaMaaria]

Lovely! Just start, thatäs how you learn to see ow all the different stitches and textures affect each other!

[@darrinmckeehan5697]

I like the concept of freeform crocheting... it's alot of thinking and planning out though. I love mindless crocheting 🤓.

[@TuulaMaaria]

Very different types of crochet, I love both - freeform challenges you but I also love doing super easy things like shawls with just one type of stitch or knitting plain socks.

[@user-kx9ft7ss2u]

this looks like so much fun, I'm not confident enough to try it yet but I will remember and I absolutely will try it.

[@2bitranch1]

Me too!

[@TuulaMaaria]

Hope you will try it, your confidence will grow when you see that it works!

[@sue9210]

I love this free form crochet you showed us and will definitely try it soon!

[@TuulaMaaria]

Oh lovely, hope you enjoy trying it out! 💗

[@denisedesrosiers961]

You are very talented 😊

[@TuulaMaaria]

Thank you! You learn when you just satrt!

[@ahill2239]

250K subscribers - congratulations!

[@TuulaMaaria]

Thank you! Every day a few dozen new subscribers!

[@sandragriffiths9692]

This great and something I have been doing on and off. Crochet is so easy to undo, so trial and error is the way forward. It is very exciting👌💖

[@TuulaMaaria]

So true, crochet is certainly made for experimentation!

[@judyeuller7602]

I just finished a novel in which free form knitting was described. I was intrigued, but since I don't knit, imagine my delight when I came across your crochet video. Thank you Tuula!

[@TuulaMaaria]

Freeform works equally with knitting or crochet, or both of the mixed!

[@nonyeobiorah8702]

thanks soo much. this video has helped me to understand myself better. I do not follow patterns but i create and plan as i go. It helps me calm down from life stresses.

[@TuulaMaaria]

Lovely! That's the way I feel too

[@LisaT_]

That looks very fun!! It would be nice to do something that isn’t “by the book!” Beautiful Finland. It’s on my list to visit. Thank you @Tuula!

[@TuulaMaaria]

Thank you so much! Hope you will get to visit Finland soon!

[@brandigirl313]

Lovely Tuula!! I am inspired!

[@TuulaMaaria]

Wonderful!

[@brandigirl313]

Ha!! I just showed my 9 year old crochet buddy- my niece Maia, she said: "i love it 100%!!" I think we'll try one soon😊

[@TuulaMaaria]

Aw, that is lovely! Definitely try some soon with Maia, greetings to her!

[@brandigirl313]

@@TuulaMaaria she did her first granny square with your beginner tutorial yesterday! The pacing was perfect for her very first double crochet attempt - she got it immediately! By the third round she picked up the pattern! She was so proud to finish her first square- then she looked at the video thumbnail and looked at her square and we were BOTH stunned to see that unbelievably she had chosen the SAME colors for the first 3 rounds in the exact same order as the thumbnail example for your video!🤯 Lol the way we tripped out over that!! She was thrilled to compare hers to the thumbnail and see the same thing! I think you got a new little fan!❣️

[@TuulaMaaria]

@@brandigirl313 Oh, I'm so glad to hear! It makes such a difference when a child can do something on her own and succeed! That is amazing about the colour choices too! Good luck to her in all her endeavors!

[@hazeluzzell]

That is the best Freeform inspiration video that I have seen.. Thank you!

[@TuulaMaaria]

Thank you, happy to hear!

[@deborawendt5954]

I am intrigued. I want to try this!!!

[@TuulaMaaria]

Yes, try it, hope you will enjoy it!

[@jannhebrank]

I have not seen this but I have been doing this for years,

[@TuulaMaaria]

There are probably many people who actually do this but haven't called it freeform!

[@ddee1263]

Beautiful, I have never tried something like this. I think it's about time I tried something new.

[@TuulaMaaria]

Great, definitely do that!

[@robinrocha2091]

I've not seen this. I love it. Will you film the second half when you crochet it and post it? Oh, and thank you Tuula. 😊

[@TuulaMaaria]

Glad you like it! Yes, I'll film the other side most likely, in a few months, after summer!

[@sylviaharrington6748]

You give lovely inspirational ideas. Thankyou

[@TuulaMaaria]

Lovely, thank you! 💗

[@rachelshaferly5524]

My favorite way to crochet.

[@TuulaMaaria]

That's great, it definitely is a lot of fun!

[@alteriormotiveswithcarrie8546]

Wow, this broke my brain! But in a really good way. It looks very fun, and I want to try it. I love the spirals, especially with that contrasting color, they look really fun! Thanks for sharing!

[@TuulaMaaria]

Thank you! It's good to do something that breaks your brain 😄, hope you will make something along these lines!

[@carmenbyrne6521]

I LOVE FREE FORM CROCHET!! Thank you for giving me the courage to have a try. Your explanation, as you moved from colour to colour, and to shape and to fill ins is clear, and informative. Maybe I was always looking for a pattern, while it should be a collection of shapes that fit together, pleasingly. A scarf is a great way to start. It's winter in Australia, so here goes!! 😮 😊 😊 😊

[@TuulaMaaria]

Lovely! Freeform would actually be harder to do with a pattern and then the main point would be lost - creating as you go! Enjoy making your scarf!

[@jns0913]

What fun ideas

[@TuulaMaaria]

Thank you!

[@kathysausen6493]

Love this!

[@TuulaMaaria]

[@GracielaMartinezdietakaizen]

Thanks. It's very cute. ❤

[@TuulaMaaria]

Lovely!

[@jacquelineoneill4018]

thank you, that was very interesting!!!!! ❤

[@TuulaMaaria]

Glad you liked it!

[@debrarodriguezestrada2748]

Fascinating! It makes me think of Irish crochet. Maybe it was the precursor, or ancient start of free form crochet?! 😱

[@TuulaMaaria]

True, Irish crochet has similar elements!

[@ABJILL033]

I like the idea of this & think it looks beautiful, but I’m not sure my ocd tendencies will let me do this. I will give it a try because I’ve been making up patterns of sweaters & cardigans for myself & my sister. I am on my 5th garment in a row & need a change. I am also working on a shawl & a blanket at the same time, just to have a break from the garments.👏👏❤️❤️🇬🇧

[@TuulaMaaria]

Sounds lovely! It is worth challenging yourself to do something different! Great that you making various types of projects, happy crocheting!

[@christadavis7299]

Thnx! Loved watching this, i'm eager now to try something also, maybe a blanket/scarf or runner for bed or table using different stitches, different colours...

[@TuulaMaaria]

Lovely! All those would be great ideas for using this type of work, happy crocheting!

[@Mangalsews-sp5ux]

This is such an epiphany for me. ❤ Granted my approach/ reason to/ for crochet isnt typical so this is like a "go free pass". Love yr scarf, its a fantastic idea and yr video is wonderful. Tyvm.

[@TuulaMaaria]

Wonderful! Thank you so much. Go for what you feel best in crochet!

[@bora2116]

Brilliant, never done this myself but might give it a try! 😊

[@TuulaMaaria]

Definitely, do!

[@user-rl7cu4sh4s]

I Love it xx

[@TuulaMaaria]

Happy to hear!

[@nadinejones9703]

Love this video,, really helpful for a project I am working on … ❤️

[@TuulaMaaria]

Glad to hear, enjoy your project!

[@mirandaflores5247]

Arte, imaginación más técnica, libertad...

[@TuulaMaaria]

[@rhondaherdman7338]

Very cool😊 I however don't have a lot of patience, I would drive myself crazy doing this😂 Blessings

[@TuulaMaaria]

Thank you! Yes, any type of crochet may not be for everyone, it's finding what we enjoy most!

[@sandragriffiths9692]

It is so easy to undo, go for it you might surprise yourself.

[@ashutoshgarg1458]

Soooo beautiful creation

[@TuulaMaaria]

Glad you like it!

[@patpowell6684]

I have done similar with patchwork and slow stitching embroidery. i think my way to ‘dip my toe in’ would be to do different pieces/shapes then crochet/stitch them together with the webbing and foundation stitches like you demonstrated…I do already have a number of small doilies that I could make a use of. You’ve really got my juices running…a good scrap buster as well…what more could you ask for. Thank you again. Bye 💁🏼‍♀️

[@TuulaMaaria]

That's great! Yes, you can start by making shapes or use any circles or squares and joining them. Hope you'll make something that way!

[@vondastrauser4428]

Interesting scarf and cute

[@TuulaMaaria]

Thank you!

[@dorothy64]

I am think of doing some free from crocherting thankyou for some good ideas 👍👍

[@melanielynen9572]

I love this and will try .

[@TuulaMaaria]

Lovely!

[@deborawendt5954]

Amazing 🎉

[@TuulaMaaria]

[@GingerB.Pendleton]

Now that you explain it. I guess that's what I've been doing. Because I don't like doing the same crochet pattern stitch. I like combining stitches. I might like it or may not like it. I like trying different looks together. Lol.

[@TuulaMaaria]

Sounds like you have, and there are so many ways to do freeform apart from what I was showing. Happy crocheting!

[@Sydroo1969]

I think you should call it the Dali scarf after Salvador Dali. 😉

[@TuulaMaaria]

Oh yes, maybe so!

[@violetvixen6301]

I did a free form sloth, alien, and egg apron no patterns. I also did free form wasp nest decoys!

[@TuulaMaaria]

That's great, it's fun working with no patterns!

[@violetvixen6301]

@TuulaMaaria kinda scary too, but crochet is easy to redo

[@michellehainze3345]

Like others here I am intrigued by your process and definitely will be trying it in the near future :)

[@TuulaMaaria]

Lovely, definitely give it a go!

[@olivemd]

I love that spiral pattern. First time I’ve seem it. Great video. Edit: I don’t think my brain is capable of letting me do this. I also quilt and try as I might, I cannot make a scrap quilt. By the way, I do have a bag of crocheted granny squares that I made with leftover yarn over the years. I don’t think I’ll ever use them. But that spiral! I see it as a two colour table centre piece.

[@TuulaMaaria]

I have often forced myself to work agaisnt what I naturally would, that adds to your creativity! Yes, I have actually seen these as table mats, the idea is not mine!

[@bambinaforever1402]

Please show the finish work. We are waiting impatiently.

[@TuulaMaaria]

Yes, I'll show it but as I mention in the video, after the summer. I will probably make another video where I make a different end for the other end of the scarf!

[@moggtina]

May I ask what apps you use for making your KZbin videos? Love your account ❤️

[@TuulaMaaria]

Thank you! I film using my Samsung Galaxy phone with a separate microphone and edit on PC using Filmora. Photoshop for any work with photos, ScreenPal for capturing anything from the computer like Google searches.

[@dianneperretta7112]

I’m Using a #4 weight yarn. What size hook would make pieces drape better - larger or smaller?

[@marina_m11]

Larger!

[@TuulaMaaria]

Yes, larger drapes better because it makes a looser fabric. But not too loose then either so that you get large loops.

[@angelapa9513]

❤

[@suebigger5097]

I never follow a pattern as I can’t read them!!

[@TuulaMaaria]

Then this type of work is ideal for you!

[@isabelarevalo6594]

No encuentro la traducción!!!!😮

[@TuulaMaaria]

First put the CC on in English, then find other languages in the settings!

[@user-if6xc8zb2y]

How much is your wool

[@TuulaMaaria]

How much? You mean how much wool costs in Finland?

[@Sophia.the.slayest.person]

How much in finland

[@TuulaMaaria]

@@Sophia.the.slayest.person The prices vary a lot but so-called sock wool, with about 80% wool, or 100% wool is about $4-6 per 50 gram ball.