Boucle yarn is soft, thick and beautiful. Many patterns for shawls, jackets and other knit and crochet projects call for boucle because of its special texture. Boucle yarn is usually made of two or three strands; one of the strands is looser than the other(s). The loose strand forms loops that stick to the other strand and to each other. This creates its full texture and dreamy colors. However, this also means that boucle yarn becomes tangled easily and is not very forgiving when mistakes occur. Further, stitches tend to disappear into each other. Therefore, working with boucle yarn requires practice, care and patience.
Working with Boucle Yarn
One of the challenges of working with boucle is that the stitches are difficult to see after they have been worked. Experienced crafters who can work “by feel” may have fewer problems with this; therefore, beginning knitters or other yarn crafters may want to choose another type of yarn until they become more practiced. Even those who knit or crochet well may want to work a few samples so they will know how boucle stitches look and feel.
There are some techniques that may make working with boucle easier. Some crafters combine the boucle with a smoother, more visible yarn, finding that these double strands produce stitches that are easier to see. Also, since boucle becomes tangled easily, many crafters make sure to take off any rings, bracelets or other jewelry that may become caught in the loops. Finally, make sure to wind un-worked sections carefully and avoid letting any yarn lie loosely.
Crocheting and Knitting with Boucle Yarn
One solution for those who want to crochet with boucle is to use big hooks. Many crafters routinely use one size larger than the pattern recommends when working with boucle. Another solution is to create small pieces at a time and then combine them. For example, when making an afghan, the crafter may want to make several small squares and sew them together rather than making one long side. Since the stitches are often difficult to discern, it may be easier to work with a smaller piece that has fewer stitches to count before moving on to the next row.
Because the loops of this beautiful yarn can easily become caught, knitters need to take care when wrapping it around the needles. Very sharp needles may split the strands, so it may help to work with rounder tips.
Choosing Knit or Crochet Patterns
Boucle blends can often look as soft and inviting as mohair with much less itchiness. Therefore, sweater or jacket patterns can make good choices. Also, because many boucle skeins contain strands of different or variegated colors, the finished project may contain a moving range of shades. This makes it an excellent choice for afghans or shawls. Such large projects will allow the colors to spread in a variety of patterns throughout the piece.
Boucle yarns can vary greatly, so experimenting with several can lead to a comfortable choice. Many yarn manufacturers have designed lovely patterns specifically for boucle yarn. Sensations, Lion Brand and several others offer patterns to go with their beautiful boucle yarns. These may be available at their websites or on the back of the yarn wrappers.
When choosing patterns not specifically designed for boucle, choose simple designs that rely on the stockinette or loose crochet stitches. Elaborate stitch patterns will not be visible once they are worked.
Boucle yarns require care and patience, but they can be the basis for full, cozy sweaters, shawls and afghans. Crafters who are willing to practice, pay attention and be patient in the face of accidental tangling can create wondrous projects with this special yarn.
Beth Ellen McKinney - I am a credentialed teacher with many years of experience in a variety of settings. I currently teach at an alternative high school in an ...
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