Crochet Intarsia With Increases and Decreases

Hello my crafting friends! I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your incredible support of my new book Crochet Animal Blankets and Blocks. Your orders, kind messages, and requests for additional languages mean the world to me. I’m thrilled to share that the German edition will be released in spring 2023, and I hope more languages will follow.

I thought it would be helpful to write a post about the special stitches and techniques used in the animal blocks. In the videos below, I’m demonstrating them while working on a floral wall hanging. If you’d like to practice along with me, you can download the Daisies Block pattern for free at Bookmarked Hub.

Butterfly Bobbins

Intarsia colorwork allows you to change colors without carrying yarn across the row. Each color section has its own working yarn, which moves vertically from row to row and creates neat floats on the back of the work.

Because each color needs its own yarn source, you’ll want to prepare butterfly bobbins for the smaller sections, while larger areas can be worked directly from the main skein. The patterns in my book specify exactly which yarn source to use when setting up the first row of colorwork.

If you run out of yarn on a bobbin mid‑block, simply wind a new one using the outer end of the main skein... no need to break your working yarn.

Intarsia With Increases & Decreases

In the video below, I demonstrate how to change colors cleanly while decreasing (dc2tog) or increasing (2 dc in same stitch). This method keeps both the right side and wrong side looking tidy, even when shaping within colorwork.

Right-Handed Intarsia

Left-Handed Intarsia

Weaving In the Ends

Each color section will leave a few yarn ends to weave in. My favorite tool for this step is a latch hook from my grandma’s knitting machine, but a regular tapestry needle works just as well.

3‑D Elements

After completing the intarsia portion, some blocks include applique or dimensional pieces. For example, in the Daisies Block, I whipstitch the petals onto the background.

When sewing, take extra care to insert the needle only through the top layer of the fabric. This prevents contrasting yarn from showing through on the back.

Finishing the Wall Hanging

To turn your finished block into a wall hanging, you’ll need:

• A wooden dowel (at least 3″ wider than your block)
• Yarn scraps for stitching and embellishments

How to assemble:

1. Thread a tapestry needle with a long strand of the main color.
2. Whipstitch the top edge of the block around the dowel.
3. Add tassels along the bottom edge.
4. Make a twisted cord using colorful yarn scraps (tutorial is HERE).
5. Tie the cord to each end of the dowel.
6. Add embellishments, such as leaves from the Sheep Block or modified petals from the Daisies Block.

The result is a cheerful, textured wall hanging full of personality.

Ready to Try These Techniques?

These methods are simple, fun, and incredibly satisfying once you get the hang of them. I hope you enjoy using them while making projects from Crochet Animal Blankets and Blocks.

If you don’t have the book yet, you can order it here:

1. Amazon (Paperback & Kindle eBook)
2. Chapters / Indigo (Paperback pick up in store or mail delivery)
3. Barnes & Noble (Paperback & NOOK Book)
4. Books a Million (Paperback buy online and pick up at store)
5. Angus & Robertson Australia (Paperback ships from Sydney warehouse)
6. Walmart USA (Paperback)
7. Apple Books (eBook)
8. Google Play (eBook)
9. Kobo (eBook)