Dianne’s Ladder

I think I may have invented a new crochet pattern. I’m not 100% certain this is so because I haven’t seen every pattern ever created. And designers are coming up with new patterns all the time. I watch the tutorials on YouTube and I look at instructions for patterns online. But so far, I haven’t seen one like this.

Traditionally, what I call a pattern of stitches or just a pattern, a lot of people call stitches. As in the Moss Stitch which is a repetition of one single crochet and one chain over and over. To me, the single crochet and the chain are the stitches and the way you use them is the pattern.

I’ve also seen patterns called “models.” But I think that is mostly from other countries.

In any case, I couldn’t have come up with the pattern I am calling “Dianne’s Ladder” without having learned some new ways of using stitches by watching those tutorials. So thank you all you hard working crochet artists out there.

This sample show two columns on this side using an odd number of multiples of three.

This is the other side of the same sample showing three columns.

Dianne’s Ladder is a pretty simple one row repeat after you get the foundation set up. A few notes about the pattern:

• You work your base chain in multiples of three for the way I have done it. If you employ an even number of multiples of three, the work will look the same on either side. If you employ an odd number of multiples of three, one side of your work will have one more section of “rungs” than the other side. Or one more section of columns, depending on your point of view.
• Also, you really aren’t restricted to just multiples of three. You could do multiples of four. Or you could alternate three and four to make the “rungs” longer on one side. On the other side the columns will be wider.
• For the sample, I used the hook size recommended for that yarn. It worked up kind of tight. But that could just be me and my technique. For the scarf, I used a hook sized one larger than recommended for that yarn. It has yielded a looser and softer feel for the scarf.
• Also note, do not count the turning chain as a stitch.

I like scarves because they are finished relatively quickly, just about everyone likes a scarf, and I can give them away. But I think this would work really well for a cozy blanket as well.

This sample uses an even number of sections with the rungs longer on this side.

This is the flip side of the same ample showing wider columns.

So, how do you do it? I wish I were better at writing instructions for crochet projects. I read a lot of them and I know the format. I just find it hard to do it that way. The following in my best take on the format.

Row 1:  Make your chain as long as you need in multiples of three. For example, chain 18 (as I have done for my scarf) and then chain one more for the turning chain: 3 + 3 + 3+ 3 + 3 +3 +1

Row 2:  Do not count the turning chain as the first stitch. In the second chain from the hook, make a half double crochet. Make a hdc in each chain across for a total of 18 hdcs. Chain one and turn.

Row3:  In the first (last of the previous row) hdc, make a hdc and also in the next two stitches. Then in the next three hdcs, make a front post double crochet around each hdc. In the next three hdcs, make a hdc in each stitch. Repeat alternating hdcs and fpdcs to the end. Chain one and turn.

Row 4:  In the first front post double crochet, make a hdc and also in the next two. In the next three fpdcs, make a hdc in each stitch. Repeat alternating hdcs and fpdcs all the way across. Chain one and turn.

Row 5:  Repeat Row 4 until you reach your desired length.

Also note that the chain one turning chain makes a nice way at the end of the row to get that last front post double crochet solidly in place. So do not form it around the turning chain. Form the fpdc only around the post of the hdc and between that hdc and the turning chain.

Another note, a half double crochet doesn’t have much of a “post” so just form the front post double crochet around the base of the half double crochet.

Basically think of it this way … make a half double crochet in each front post double crochet and make a front post double crochet around each half double crochet.

I sure hope that’s not all too confusing. I’m having fun with this pattern. I hope you do to.

Courtesy of CraftWorld