What is a Section-A-Long?
As you may have read in a previous post, I very much enjoy crocheting for charity. It is a passion of mine and something I want to encourage others to do. To that end, I am hosting a Section-A-Long for Warm Up America! Starting in January 2020, every week or so I will be posting a new section pattern. In an ideal world I would get 49 of these done this year. (Forty-nine would be ideal because that is how many are needed for an adult sized blanket.) However, if I am being realistic, 36 section patterns is way more likely (and way more doable for this grad school life I am living). Thirty-six sections will make a child sized blanket. Of course, if you decide to make multiples of each pattern every week, you can get up to the 49 or even more!Some months WUA even does giveaways for those that send in at least one section that month. Prizes in the past have been yarn, crochet hooks, knitting needles, pattern books and more. In the coming year, Joann's gift cards will be in the mix as prizes too.
The patterns
Now, these patterns are mostly just stitches done in the appropriate size rectangle (7 inch by 9 inch). Some of the section patterns will be inspired by other items I have made (or maybe even designed). I am not really trying to do anything ground breaking here, just provide a resource for those looking for ideas for their WUA sections. Personally, I am always looking for new ideas since I get tired of the basic sections quickly, and sections are a great way to practice new stitch patterns and techniques. If you are new to this, hopefully along the way you will learn some new stitches, and some new techniques to help you get the desired size. If you aren't new to this, I hope you will still join in for the journey. At the very least, you will get lots of sections made by the end of the year! Each joiner gets a box of about 500 sections to make blankets, so WUA is always in need of more sections.
I will not be giving a gauge specifically for these patterns, but I will be provided as many details as possible on how to get the size you need. I am going to try to stick with stitches that have a small multiple so the width can easily be adjusted. I will also work you through the process I take to figure out a good starting chain number.
What do you need?
The list is pretty small, and some of the items are actually optional. What you for sure need:
- Acrylic Yarn (preferably worsted weight). The yarn must be machine washable and dryable. I recommend the worsted weight since that is the most common and what I will be using. I also like making sections with DK weight as well. It takes about an ounce of worsted weight yarn for each section. (I will give you my weight totals for every pattern I post)
- Crochet Hook. I use ergonomic hooks from Hobby Lobby for pretty much everything. My size of choice for sections is a 6mm (Size J). This is because I tend to crochet very tightly and I like to size up from the recommended hook size for a given yarn.
- A measuring device. You will for sure need a way to measure your sections as you go. Getting as close to 7"x9" as possible is important for the sanity of the amazing joiners that will be putting these together. You can just use a ruler or other measuring tool, but most makers have found that cutting a 7" by 9" rectangle out of cardboard is the easiest way to measure. I have one, and I write short pattern notes on it as a reference. As you can tell in the picture, I have taken lots of notes (both sides have writing too!)
- Scissors and a tapestry needle. You will also need scissors to cut the yarn and a needle to weave in your ends.
- Optional: A pen/pencil to take notes. If you find a pattern you love, you will want to remember your counts for later!
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