How to Leopard Print Crochet

Leopard print can be as wild as the creature that it is copied from. You can adapt a leopard print into the crochet pattern you are working on for a blanket, afghan or clothing if you are an experienced crocheter. It is very important that you prepare for a leopard print before you pick up the crochet hook and yarn. The easiest method is to create a series of spots that are in many different shapes and sizes in uneven patterns. If you follow a graph guide and do the preparatory work, you will create a beautiful leopard print crocheted project.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Crochet pattern
• Yarn in several colors
• Graph paper in large squares
• Colored pencils to match the yarn colors

1. Find a leopard print pattern that you want to copy into your crochet project. You will need a copy that you can refer to repeatedly.

2. Start by crocheting the initial chain and first row of the item that you plan to make.

3. Measure the length of the chain and first row to see how long they are. Next measure 1 inch of the crochet work. Determine how many stitches you made in the 1-inch area. Write the measurements down and set this crochet work aside.

4. Use the leopard print picture as a guide. Take the colored pencils and color in the spot patterns on the graph paper. One square will equal one stitch of crochet. Pay attention to your own crochet measurements to keep the spot pattern sizes in perspective.

5. Use the graph paper spot patterns to crochet row 2. You will follow the bottom row of squares on the graph paper to coincide with the second row on the crocheted piece. This row of crochet will be the dark outer ring of the spot pattern and the leopard coat background color. This row will also help you determine if the size of the spots are correct for the size of your project.

6. Change colors as needed when crocheting the rows following the graph guide. Tie the yarn end to the next color and cut 1/4 inch from the knot. Complete the spots you have on the graph guide.

7. Color a new set of spots on the graph paper if you want to have random spots for the entire project. Alternate the placement and size of spots compared to your first set on the paper.

8. Continue crocheting using the item instructions and your graph guide for the leopard spots. After completing a few rows of spots you can go back to your first row and start the pattern again if desired.

Tips & Warnings

• This will be a time consuming pattern and project. Stick with the graph guide to prevent mistakes in the pattern.

[staysik]

on 12/14/2008 This would be cool for trim on a purse, or the whole purse! Great idea!