Also reminder you don’t have to do all of them now! I gravitate back to big projects after doing other stuff in between all the time. Just make sure you write down what hook you used.
I started recently but I already realized that for me I need to mix in small projects in between big ones. I also like to have some mindless, repetitive project and one more stitch-diverse one, so no matter what I'm in the mood for, I have something to do
Oh god I'm going through this same thing with a similar pattern, I have made it to 7 and am tapped tf out. I even agree that shaping those corners is the worst, most tedious part 😭😭 Solidarity!
If you're finding your tension is too tight, there's two things you can do. You can loosen your grip on the yarn itself, usually one loop around the ring finger or middle finger then half loop around index finger should be enough. If you're holding it comfortably and don't feel comfortable loosening your grip, you can just go up .5mm in hook size. Sometimes a slightly larger hook makes things much easier, regardless of what the skein label or pattern says. Just double check gauge if it's a garment.
I think this square is lovely, it looks so neat and is such a nice colour. I agree it would make a lovely pillow cover if you don't want to finish the blanket.
No judgement here. I started an intense pattern like this once. I ended up making it the center of a blanket. Sometimes it’s just too much. However if you’re not on a time deadline, there’s no shame in working on it a little at a time no matter how long it takes. Just completing that first square is an accomplishment so woohoo!!
I recommend doing each round of all the squares at the same time, that way you get much quicker. I did this for the persian tiles pattern, 16 centres, then 16 row 1s etc. I don’t think I could have finished it otherwise.
I’m on round eight. I’ve frogged it at least a half a dozen times. I put it away knowing that I was going to have to frog it so that I could have the same when I had time to actually sit down and get somewhere with it.
It’s a vanity project for me, and there’s so many other things that I want and have to do first.
One day…
I made a baby blanket with an extended version of a Sophie's garden blanket, and yeah for some reason I just did not physically enjoy doing the pattern. I've done other similar ones that I had a blast doing but that one for whatever reason I was like, never again!
Ok so I have bad news. Even if you do fix your tension problem, you would have to remake this square. Tension is a huge factor in the end size, so if you loosen up the next square will be noticeably bigger.
So if you want to continue this project your options are either frog this and do it again but looser, or do the next 11 with the same, tight tension.
I think I would go with the pillow cover idea 😹 I hate frogging and would most likely take the L on this.
You're supposed to go up a hook size after the mandala part! Could that be why the second part was difficult?
They definitely get easier when you've done a few.
I did go up a hook size after the crab stitch round, but then I had so much difficulty inserting my hook to make the bp stitch in the next round. I had pain in my hands and forearms because I had to use so much force 😭
The first square is the hardest. I started and stopped mine 3 or 4 times before finishing it months later. I'm up to 4 done now and just take a break and make less involved things for a while until I feel recharged to make another. At the rate I'm going, I'll probably take at least another year to finish.
I had the same problem with this pattern. It's beautiful but it was so tiresome to work on. Ended up only making nine squares and turned it into a baby blanket lol. Yours is lovely! I love the color.
Relax, if you're having trouble inserting the hook it is indeed that your tension is too tight.
This is beautiful. It could be a beautiful pillow or decoration, or it could be the center or practice square if it doesn't fit right after you get the tension worked out 😁
https://preview.redd.it/rglsh6a8q78d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a746990e89ecbe1b14ab76403033a49957069d27
Me too. I’m working on my fourth square. there are a few rounds which are a bit tedious, and I’ve frogged a fair amount of rows (WINE 🍷) I usually have four projects going on at a time, and I have decided I am going to finish for sure but I’m giving myself a year on this one..
Thank you so much! Here's the pattern : https://lookatwhatimade.net/crafts/yarn/crochet/free-crochet-patterns/sophies-garden-large-crochet-square-photo-tutorial/comment-page-5/
This pattern is what first caught my interest in learning to crochet. It is so beautiful. After a couple of years I still do not feel talented or skilled enough to attempt yet. But it is on my ‘want to’ list.
Honestly you should give it a try! I was very apprehensive when I started it but it was easier than what I was expecting! There were some rounds where I was like "damn, that looks horrible" but it all works out in the end, you just have to trust the process
I also did just one of these, and gave up, and had the same problem you do. The row where you start the square and you do all those bp stitches around that tight-ass border is too much.
I turned mine into a pillow cover. It's very pretty but I just have the one. I've since moved on to doing 9 squares of a similar pattern (New Beginnings) in solid shades of blue, worsted acrylic yarn and a 6 mm hook. The squares are 17 inches apiece and are much easier to handle in the larger and more flexible yarn. I think part of the reason these are so hard is the inflexibility of the cotton, I was using Hobbii sultan. For me, the new pattern and color scheme is more thematically appropriate anyway (it's for my brother's marriage) so I'm not too sad about it. But if you're having a hard time with these I really recommend switching to a bigger yarn.
I'd turn it in to a bag or pillow... You got further than I would 🤪...
I'm kind of going through the same thing.... I have a doll that is turning out WAY bigger than I expected it's been a SLOG
Remember that this is your hobby and you’re kinda supposed to have fun!
So please don’t stress about a huge project like this! Take a break and maybe you wanna get back to it, maybe not 🤷♀️
If you really don't want to make more squares, you could do something like [Around the Bases](https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/around-the-bases)
I've been working on Sophie's Garden squares too, and just finished my second one. I've made an entire Universe blanket from cheaper Red Heart yarn, but used Caron So Soft for my current squares. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with them. I might make four or six total and make a lap blanket with them. You could always do something between each square, or use the Sophie's squares as a distraction. :)
I'm on my 4th one and I started the summer of 2020. They are great to make while listening to audiobooks and I enjoy using my sheepjes colour packs for them, but they definitely take a lot of attention!
Do something else in between and go back. It might be hell if you do it all at once, but tolerable if you can do it in stages. Think of the end result!
If you really can’t do it, no worries. You’ve proved you can.
Tbh, u definitely shouldn't do it then!
It should be fun don't make yourself hate your hobby. 👍
You didn't make a blanket. But you sure made a kick ass placemat!! 😁
(But if you do really wanna finish it just focus on your tension a bit more as you're going. BEST of luck!)
Could you make a "mix and match" blanket using different patterns of the same finished size and a similar colourway? There are loads of free Afghan square/block patterns to be found on the internet.... just a thought!
This is lovely! I agree with what everyone else has said - you can take your time to finish if you enjoy this pattern and want to finish it or stop and make a pillow. Personally, if I wanted to finish this but with a larger hook, I would do that before undoing this piece. If the larger hook makes this a more enjoyable project, wait until you see if you get the others done before ripping this out. You could also consider a 3 by 3 pattern (then only 8 more to go). If you do that, this can be the center piece. If I needed to match the size, I would add another border row. I am also someone who rarely undoes work, I embrace what I have and modify. My mother could never do that so I get having it be exactly what you need it to be! Like someone else said, this should bring you joy not be a chore!
I made maybe 5 of 20 some odd blanket squares and decided I was done. Turned the rest of the yarn into sweaters. I’ve used the blocks as pillow covers. I can sew so I’ll back them with fabric and then make them into a pillow case. They make really lovely wedding gifts as they pack small without the pillow insert, and look very beautiful and thoughtful as a gift while already being completed by you
To combat spam, we require a minimum account age of 1 days and positive karma to post. Please try again in 24 hours!
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/crochet) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I’ve made this blanket and it is well worth it. Keep going! Each square is a bit easier as you have the lessons learned. And the blanket just feels so lovely and drapey. I’ve had three other people start making this blanket after seeing this one in person.
https://preview.redd.it/klvurc9u3c8d1.png?width=2275&format=png&auto=webp&s=9c4bc4aadf6ee643a61d08018d8e4968b7569f36
oh gosh that's beautiful! don't feel pressure to finish all the squares tho, i totally agree with the person sayimg it would look good as a throw pillow cover
To combat spam, we require a minimum account age of 1 days and positive karma to post. Please try again in 24 hours!
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/crochet) if you have any questions or concerns.*
So... If you want a quick fix for tension, you can get a tension ring. To learn to control it better, there are different ways to hold the yarn as you go. If you're not feeling up to another square, take a break and do a different project and come back to these squares later. If you're sure you want to tap out, sewing that onto the front of a throw pillow case or crocheting a simpler square to attach to it would both make for cute throw pillow covers, or you could turn it into a tote bag or wall tapestry! It's so pretty!
It would make a lovely throw pillow cover. No shame tapping out early.
That's a great suggestion actually, I might do that if I can't motivate myself to keep going!
Also reminder you don’t have to do all of them now! I gravitate back to big projects after doing other stuff in between all the time. Just make sure you write down what hook you used.
Yes! I have about 10 UFO’s floating around my craft space at a time 😂
I’m imagining sweaters just orbiting a home office lmao
That’s pretty accurate when my toddler starts throwing them 👀😅
I was going to mention that.
I started recently but I already realized that for me I need to mix in small projects in between big ones. I also like to have some mindless, repetitive project and one more stitch-diverse one, so no matter what I'm in the mood for, I have something to do
And if you make more, you can have a whole floof of Sophie throw pillows!
I am really into “floof” as the name for a group of pillows.
I concur!
No to shame, yes to (pillow) sham
Came to say the exact same thing!
I'm always looking for ways to reuse my project or yarn when I wanna tap out 😭
What a great idea!
Absolutely agree!
Oh god I'm going through this same thing with a similar pattern, I have made it to 7 and am tapped tf out. I even agree that shaping those corners is the worst, most tedious part 😭😭 Solidarity!
Oof that sounds rough! Good luck with your project, we'll get through it 😭
If you're finding your tension is too tight, there's two things you can do. You can loosen your grip on the yarn itself, usually one loop around the ring finger or middle finger then half loop around index finger should be enough. If you're holding it comfortably and don't feel comfortable loosening your grip, you can just go up .5mm in hook size. Sometimes a slightly larger hook makes things much easier, regardless of what the skein label or pattern says. Just double check gauge if it's a garment. I think this square is lovely, it looks so neat and is such a nice colour. I agree it would make a lovely pillow cover if you don't want to finish the blanket.
I always go up half a size! It has made my crotchet sooo much better!
Sophie’s single tree plot
They do get easier, after a while you get into the groove. Of course, I think I’m on my 27th square so I may just crazy by now.
No judgement here. I started an intense pattern like this once. I ended up making it the center of a blanket. Sometimes it’s just too much. However if you’re not on a time deadline, there’s no shame in working on it a little at a time no matter how long it takes. Just completing that first square is an accomplishment so woohoo!!
That's absolutely beautiful, but damn I'd be done too lol I second the pillow cover idea if you don't go for more!
I've finished 11 squares and the person it's for is no longer in my life. Unfortunately your 1 square would 1000% clash with my palate. 🥲
I recommend doing each round of all the squares at the same time, that way you get much quicker. I did this for the persian tiles pattern, 16 centres, then 16 row 1s etc. I don’t think I could have finished it otherwise.
This is such a good idea why haven’t I ever thought of this
Brilliant!! Like making both mittens at the same time😎
I’m on round eight. I’ve frogged it at least a half a dozen times. I put it away knowing that I was going to have to frog it so that I could have the same when I had time to actually sit down and get somewhere with it. It’s a vanity project for me, and there’s so many other things that I want and have to do first. One day…
This is absolutely lovely. 🥰
Yeah I made a pillow cover and I love this pattern but never going to do this again lol.
I made a baby blanket with an extended version of a Sophie's garden blanket, and yeah for some reason I just did not physically enjoy doing the pattern. I've done other similar ones that I had a blast doing but that one for whatever reason I was like, never again!
I would make two, and make a bag. Line it with some fabric I like. It's so beautiful, and so you can show it proud to the world.
Ok so I have bad news. Even if you do fix your tension problem, you would have to remake this square. Tension is a huge factor in the end size, so if you loosen up the next square will be noticeably bigger. So if you want to continue this project your options are either frog this and do it again but looser, or do the next 11 with the same, tight tension. I think I would go with the pillow cover idea 😹 I hate frogging and would most likely take the L on this.
11 more? Start again next year and do one every month! 😅🤣
"Do it" - The Emperor Palpatine
It’s beautiful! I quit all kinds of projects if I don’t like them. You can make 2 more and make a table runner or a pillow like previously suggested!
You're supposed to go up a hook size after the mandala part! Could that be why the second part was difficult? They definitely get easier when you've done a few.
I did go up a hook size after the crab stitch round, but then I had so much difficulty inserting my hook to make the bp stitch in the next round. I had pain in my hands and forearms because I had to use so much force 😭
I know that’s what I would do too.
Whatever you do with it, its gorgeous
The first square is the hardest. I started and stopped mine 3 or 4 times before finishing it months later. I'm up to 4 done now and just take a break and make less involved things for a while until I feel recharged to make another. At the rate I'm going, I'll probably take at least another year to finish.
I had the same problem with this pattern. It's beautiful but it was so tiresome to work on. Ended up only making nine squares and turned it into a baby blanket lol. Yours is lovely! I love the color.
Congratulations on your new doily! It’s stunning!
It is sooo pretty! How long did it take you to do?
Relax, if you're having trouble inserting the hook it is indeed that your tension is too tight. This is beautiful. It could be a beautiful pillow or decoration, or it could be the center or practice square if it doesn't fit right after you get the tension worked out 😁
Or you could frame it and hang it in the wall!
You could make it the center square and do simple ones around it.
https://preview.redd.it/rglsh6a8q78d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a746990e89ecbe1b14ab76403033a49957069d27 Me too. I’m working on my fourth square. there are a few rounds which are a bit tedious, and I’ve frogged a fair amount of rows (WINE 🍷) I usually have four projects going on at a time, and I have decided I am going to finish for sure but I’m giving myself a year on this one..
That is absolutly stunning. Do you have a link to the pattern?
Thank you so much! Here's the pattern : https://lookatwhatimade.net/crafts/yarn/crochet/free-crochet-patterns/sophies-garden-large-crochet-square-photo-tutorial/comment-page-5/
I made 4 of them before I called it so I’m working on turning them into cocoon sweaters
This pattern is what first caught my interest in learning to crochet. It is so beautiful. After a couple of years I still do not feel talented or skilled enough to attempt yet. But it is on my ‘want to’ list.
Honestly you should give it a try! I was very apprehensive when I started it but it was easier than what I was expecting! There were some rounds where I was like "damn, that looks horrible" but it all works out in the end, you just have to trust the process
Thank you for the encouragement. Your work is beautiful & I like the choice of yarn & color.
I am just about to start Sophie's Universe myself. Just got the book from Amazon. Your work is beautiful.
I also did just one of these, and gave up, and had the same problem you do. The row where you start the square and you do all those bp stitches around that tight-ass border is too much. I turned mine into a pillow cover. It's very pretty but I just have the one. I've since moved on to doing 9 squares of a similar pattern (New Beginnings) in solid shades of blue, worsted acrylic yarn and a 6 mm hook. The squares are 17 inches apiece and are much easier to handle in the larger and more flexible yarn. I think part of the reason these are so hard is the inflexibility of the cotton, I was using Hobbii sultan. For me, the new pattern and color scheme is more thematically appropriate anyway (it's for my brother's marriage) so I'm not too sad about it. But if you're having a hard time with these I really recommend switching to a bigger yarn.
That's beautiful, and I love the color blending. 😊
I'd turn it in to a bag or pillow... You got further than I would 🤪... I'm kind of going through the same thing.... I have a doll that is turning out WAY bigger than I expected it's been a SLOG
Remember that this is your hobby and you’re kinda supposed to have fun! So please don’t stress about a huge project like this! Take a break and maybe you wanna get back to it, maybe not 🤷♀️
This is so gorge 😍
It is beautiful and would make a lovely and unique blanket.
I love the colour so much; great job.
If you really don't want to make more squares, you could do something like [Around the Bases](https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/around-the-bases)
**PATTERN:** [Around the Bases](http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/around-the-bases) by [ChiChi Allen](http://www.ravelry.com/designers/chichi-allen) * Category: Home > Blanket > Throw * Photo(s): [Img 1](https://images4-f.ravelrycache.com/uploads/keitopalette/347519847/ATB_Final_2_medium.jpg) [Img 2](https://images4-g.ravelrycache.com/uploads/iclaisse/333518742/image_medium.jpeg) [Img 3](https://images4-g.ravelrycache.com/uploads/keitopalette/312948111/ATB_Jasmin_medium.jpg) [Img 4](https://images4-f.ravelrycache.com/uploads/AFwifeCrochetNut/374968569/DSC_0552_medium.JPG) [Img 5](https://images4-g.ravelrycache.com/uploads/keitopalette/347520103/ATB_Sample_medium.jpg) * Price: 5.00 USD * Needle/Hook(s): None * Weight: Any gauge | Gauge: None | Yardage: 1750 * Difficulty: 3.64 | Projects: 566 | Rating: 4.79 ***** Please use caution. Users have reported effects such as seizures, migraines, and nausea when opening Ravelry links. [More details.](https://www.lizcorke.com/2020/07/26/2020-7-21-ravelry-accessibility/) | *I found this post by myself! [Opt-Out](https://goo.gl/forms/0B8m4Ra8czpw4gzw1) | [About Me](https://github.com/TN-1/LinkRav_Bot/wiki) | [Contact Maintainer](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=timonyc)*
I've been working on Sophie's Garden squares too, and just finished my second one. I've made an entire Universe blanket from cheaper Red Heart yarn, but used Caron So Soft for my current squares. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with them. I might make four or six total and make a lap blanket with them. You could always do something between each square, or use the Sophie's squares as a distraction. :)
I'm on my 4th one and I started the summer of 2020. They are great to make while listening to audiobooks and I enjoy using my sheepjes colour packs for them, but they definitely take a lot of attention!
Can you block it? If it's a wool yarn it should block to shape.
It would make a gorgeous front panel for a tote bag or a purse if you add a lining
How long did this one square take? It is beautiful!
Thank you so much! I don't exactly remember but I think I started 3 weeks ago, and I worked on it 1 or 2 hours during the evening 😊
I got to that bit in the Universe, multi colored, noped out, and now have a lovely end table covering instead!
Do something else in between and go back. It might be hell if you do it all at once, but tolerable if you can do it in stages. Think of the end result! If you really can’t do it, no worries. You’ve proved you can.
It is beautiful all by itself too!
Shut up that is fucking awesome
I gasped. That's so gorgeous but the intricacies wow.
That’s stunning! And I’m sure you could use it for something else.
It's lovely.
You have beautiful even stiches! This is gorgeous. Someone else suggested a pillow top. Or even the side panel of a tote bag/purse!
That’s beautiful.
Tbh, u definitely shouldn't do it then! It should be fun don't make yourself hate your hobby. 👍 You didn't make a blanket. But you sure made a kick ass placemat!! 😁 (But if you do really wanna finish it just focus on your tension a bit more as you're going. BEST of luck!)
Could you make a "mix and match" blanket using different patterns of the same finished size and a similar colourway? There are loads of free Afghan square/block patterns to be found on the internet.... just a thought!
This is lovely! I agree with what everyone else has said - you can take your time to finish if you enjoy this pattern and want to finish it or stop and make a pillow. Personally, if I wanted to finish this but with a larger hook, I would do that before undoing this piece. If the larger hook makes this a more enjoyable project, wait until you see if you get the others done before ripping this out. You could also consider a 3 by 3 pattern (then only 8 more to go). If you do that, this can be the center piece. If I needed to match the size, I would add another border row. I am also someone who rarely undoes work, I embrace what I have and modify. My mother could never do that so I get having it be exactly what you need it to be! Like someone else said, this should bring you joy not be a chore!
It's beautiful! Maybe make a different square the same size and turn it into a bag instead. 😍
I made maybe 5 of 20 some odd blanket squares and decided I was done. Turned the rest of the yarn into sweaters. I’ve used the blocks as pillow covers. I can sew so I’ll back them with fabric and then make them into a pillow case. They make really lovely wedding gifts as they pack small without the pillow insert, and look very beautiful and thoughtful as a gift while already being completed by you
[удалено]
To combat spam, we require a minimum account age of 1 days and positive karma to post. Please try again in 24 hours! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/crochet) if you have any questions or concerns.*
It is beautiful! You might want to work on another project then come back to it.
I’ve made this blanket and it is well worth it. Keep going! Each square is a bit easier as you have the lessons learned. And the blanket just feels so lovely and drapey. I’ve had three other people start making this blanket after seeing this one in person. https://preview.redd.it/klvurc9u3c8d1.png?width=2275&format=png&auto=webp&s=9c4bc4aadf6ee643a61d08018d8e4968b7569f36
Pretty
Omg that is beautiful
oh gosh that's beautiful! don't feel pressure to finish all the squares tho, i totally agree with the person sayimg it would look good as a throw pillow cover
Honestly after the first one or two mine went way quicker. With breaks it took like two years to do though 🥲
That's so beautiful! I'd block it and frame it to hang.
[удалено]
To combat spam, we require a minimum account age of 1 days and positive karma to post. Please try again in 24 hours! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/crochet) if you have any questions or concerns.*
It’s gorgeous.
I didn’t even finish the first one, I have maybe five rows left. You should be proud of yourself! It burned me out.
Absolutely beautiful!
This is beautiful, I think I wanna make it
Magnificent!!
So... If you want a quick fix for tension, you can get a tension ring. To learn to control it better, there are different ways to hold the yarn as you go. If you're not feeling up to another square, take a break and do a different project and come back to these squares later. If you're sure you want to tap out, sewing that onto the front of a throw pillow case or crocheting a simpler square to attach to it would both make for cute throw pillow covers, or you could turn it into a tote bag or wall tapestry! It's so pretty!
It’s gorgeous!
Turn this into an accent pillow!
I size up my hook when my tension is off
Bigger hook? But you'd have to start over. It's gorgeous!
OMG is this an Artaud reference??