One of the best things about crocheting, as with many other yarn crafts, is that it gives you the freedom to create almost anything you can imagine. However, in order to make colours, patterns, and shapes come to life, you need to get the right techniques down. One such technique is yarn pooling. Let's dive deeper into what yarn pooling is and how to do it right.
What Is Yarn Pooling?
Yarn pooling, also known as colour pooling, is a crochet technique for variegated and self-striping yarns used for creating colour-based patterns. In short, pooling happens when the various colours of a multi-colour yarn come together in a certain spot, creating a pooling effect.
When using multi-colour yarn, the odds are that you will naturally create a little bit of a colour pool here and there. In fact, originally, yarn pooling was considered a mistake rather than a technique — and there are many methods for avoiding it when you crochet or knit.
However, with crochet planned pooling (which is exactly what it sounds like — pooling with a plan), you can create beautiful, intentional colour patterns. One of the most popular pooling patterns, and a great choice for first-timers, is argyle — the classic diamond design. With more practice, it is possible to create far more advanced patterns using the same colour pooling principles.
Choosing the Right Yarn for Planned Pooling
The key to a successful planned pooling project is picking the right yarn. With pooling, instead of using multiple solid-colour yarns to create patterns, you will be using a single, multi-colour, ideally self-striping yarn. In other words, beyond choosing the right fibre content and weight, you will also need to pay close attention to the colour repeat of your chosen material.
The colour variation on a strand of yarn should repeat consistently and be of even length. Luckily, some brands — such as Red Heart Super Saver Stripes — produce yarn made specifically for colour pooling, though regular variegated yarns will also do the job. You can check whether the different coloured sections are of equal length by visually comparing them or folding the yarn. For starters, try to find yarns with around 6-inch colour variations.
When it comes to yarn weight, the right choice depends on the type of project you're planning. Worsted-weight yarn is one of the most versatile options, working well for anything from sweaters to home décor. Finer yarns such as lace and fingering weight are better suited to accessories. Not sure which yarn to get? We recommend Bernat Softee Chunky Yarn in any of the ombre colours, Caron Simply Soft, Mary Maxim Starlette, and Patons Canadiana New Generation Yarn.
Best Crochet Stitches for Planned Pooling
Since the length of the colour variation and the length of your stitches will make or break your pooling pattern, it's worth taking some time to understand which stitches work best. Here are the top options:
- Single crochet stitch — The foundation of single crochet planned pooling, and one of the six basic stitches every beginner learns first. Its short height makes it ideal for tight, precise colour alignment.
- Half double crochet stitch — Similar to the single crochet but with an extra yarn-over, giving stitches a little more height while remaining easy to control.
- Granite stitch — Also known as the moss stitch or linen stitch, this is a combination of chain stitches and single crochet stitches that creates a beautiful woven texture — and is one of the most commonly used stitches in planned pooling projects.
- Seed stitch — A combination stitch using single crochet and double crochet for a subtly textured result.
- Granny stripe stitch — Although it looks more advanced, the granny stripe stitch is just as easy to master as the others listed here.
- If you're new to crocheting, start your pooling project with single crochet planned pooling or half-double stitches. As you practice and build confidence, you can graduate to more complex stitch combinations.
Tips for Planned Pooling
Understanding crochet planned pooling in theory and putting it into practice are two completely different things. Once you get started, don't worry if you feel a little lost at first. Keep these tips in mind:
- Maintain even tension throughout. Pulling harder or making stitches tighter or looser will affect their length and throw off your colour pattern.
- Establish your stitch-per-colour gauge. If you're not using pooling-specific yarn, you'll need to experiment to find how many stitches per colour section work for your project. Trial and error is part of the process.
- Have multiple hook sizes ready. Since planned pooling is based on colour alignment rather than stitch-per-inch gauge, having hooks in a few different sizes gives you flexibility to fine-tune your results.
- Sketch your pattern first. Visualizing your design with coloured pencils and paper before you begin can make following your pooling plan much easier as you crochet.
- Push through the first few rows. The opening rows are always the most challenging. The alignment becomes more intuitive with every row you complete.
- Don't be afraid to fail. Colour pooling is one of those techniques you simply have to get wrong before you get it right. Every attempt teaches you something useful.
Free Planned Pooling Patterns
Now that you've covered the basics of crochet planned pooling, it's time to put the technique into practice. Here are two free patterns to get you started — whether you're a complete beginner or already familiar with pooling.
Free Perfect Planned Pooling Scarf Pattern
The free perfect planned pooling scarf pattern is a fantastic first project for anyone trying single crochet planned pooling for the first time. This pattern uses two skeins of Red Heart pooling yarn, though any variegated or self-striping yarn with similar colour repeat lengths will work. You'll also need hooks in more than one size to achieve the right per-colour gauge, and a working knowledge of the moss stitch before you begin.
Free Happy Planned Pooling Blanket Pattern
Ready for something bigger? The free happy planned pooling blanket pattern uses Red Heart pooling yarn — seven skeins in total for a 42" x 45" finished blanket — and the moss stitch throughout. The blanket also features a solid-colour border that gives the finished piece an extra pop and a clean, professional edge.
Browse our full range of crochet patterns and yarn at marymaxim.ca and find everything you need to start your next planned pooling project. Happy crocheting!
