Have you looked at patterns that use the planned pooling crochet technique? Did you decide not to try them because they look too hard?
Once you learn the basics of creating the patterns and working with multi-coloured yarn, you will be looking for all the patterns you can find.
Below we have included a planned pooling crochet tutorial and 10 patterns.
What is Planned Pooling Crochet?
Planned pooling crochet is a method of purposely working with the colours of a multi-coloured skein of yarn to create precise designs or colour effects.
It is often used to create an argyle pattern. Planned pooling requires pre-planning, so the colours pool the way you want.
Patterns that Use Planned Pooling Crochet?
If you crochet, you have probably come across a pattern that uses planned pooling. Planned pooling pieces must be worked flat, back and forth. And the width of the project cannot change.
These limitations restrict the types of projects you can make with the planned pooling crochet method.
Common crochet patterns that use planned pooling:
- Blankets
- Scarves
- Table Runners
- Dishcloths
- Wraps
- Pillows
- Etc.
How to do Planned Pooling Crochet
Are you ready to learn the basics of planned pooling crochet? First, gather your supplies.
You will need:
You can use any variegated yarn. However, we recommended using Red Heart Super Saver Pooling Yarn. This yarn was engineered so that the length of each colour in a sequence is exactly the same.
- Coordinating Crochet Hook
You will want to do a practice swatch to make sure that you are getting 3 single crochets per colour. You will have to find the hook size that works best for you.
- Scissors
Planned Pooling Crochet Tutorial:
1. Begin by determining how many colours are in a sequence. For this tutorial, we are using Red Heart Super Saver yarn that has 5. We already know that this yarn will have 3 single crochet stitches per colour. If you are using a different type of variegated yarn, you must determine the stitch count.
2. Crochet a foundation chain through all five colours. The number of chains you end up with is not important.
3. Finish the foundation chain off with one chain of the next colour. This should be the same colour you started with.
4. Add a single crochet into the 4th chain from your hook.
5. Chain 1.
6. Now you will begin working around your foundation chain. To do this place your hook under the foundation chain. Yarn over and pull the yarn up and complete the single crochet stitch.
7. Chain 1.
8. Place your hook under the foundation chain. Yarn over and pull the yarn up and complete the single crochet stitch. You should now have 3 single crochet stitches of the first colour.
9. Use the moss stitch to work your way across the project until you have completed all five colours. Make sure that you are always getting 3 single crochet stitches in each colour. No more or no less. The chain 1 does not count. Only the single crochet stitches.
10. Once you have completed stitching the 5 colours, you will have a long tail from your foundation chain. This is normal.
11. Look at the very first stitch at the beginning of your project. This counts as a stitch. If it is the same colour as your last stitch, you need to remove the very last single crochet stitch you made. All together, you should have 15 single crochet stitches.
12. Chain 1 and turn your project.
13. Now you will be working into the chain 1 spaces between the single crochet stitches. Use the moss stitch to work across the project. Continue making sure that you are still getting 3 single crochet stitches per colour. The first 2 stitches should be the same colour as your last 3 stitches. This will count as the 5 for that colour.
14. Turn your work and chain 2.
15. Work across your project using the moss stitch. Make sure that the pattern has shifted one stitch over.
16. Repeat steps 14 and 15 until you get the desired length. See TIP below.
Tip: If the colour pattern does not work out correctly when you turn the work, you will need to “eat up” some of the yarn. To do this, remove a stitch or two at the end of the row and make half double crochet stitches. Then turn your work and chain 2.
Make sure the next single crochet will create the right colour for your pattern. If not, go back and determine if you need to eat up more yarn or if you ate too much. Instead of working into the large chain space created by the half double crochet, place your hook through the back loop under the hole.
Once you get past the large holes created by the half double crochets, continue working into the chain 1 spaces.
10 Planned Pooling Crochet Patterns
Now that you understand the basics of planned pooling crochet, it is time to get busy working on a pattern. Below are 10 patterns that use the planned pooling crochet technique.
1. Argyle Plaid Christmas Table Runner Scarf Pattern by CrochetAwayCo
Create an argyle plaid scarf or table runner with this planned pooling crochet pattern. You can get this beautiful design using three different colours of yarn.
The picture only shows a single repeat of the pattern. However, you can adjust the number of repeats to make the project any length you want. Using a single repeat, the piece will measure 14.125 inches (35.88 cm) wide x 13.25 inches (33.66 cm) long.
Find the Pattern by CrochetAwayCo HERE
2. Red Heart Perfect Planned Pooling Scarf Pattern by Yarnspirations
Keep warm this winter with this wonderful crochet scarf. The scarf is easier to make than it looks using Red Heart Super Saver Pooling yarn. This yarn is engineered to easily achieve a pooled plaid effect without all the work.
To complete this free planned pooling crochet pattern all you need are 2 skeins of Carnival Pooling colour. The completed scarf will measure approximately 7.5 inches (19.05 cm) x 80 inches (203.2 cm).
Find the Pattern by Yarnspirations HERE
3. Planned Pooling Crochet Christmas Stocking Pattern by CDCreationsDesign
The unique stitch and variegated pooling yarn creates an intricate spiral pattern. Not only does the pattern spiral, the colours do too.
This Christmas stocking has ribbing that looks like knit. There are also optional pom poms that resemble little snowballs.
You can also check out these Christmas Stocking Patterns.
Find the Pattern by CDCreationsDesign HERE
4. Cardigan Crochet Planned Pooling Tutorial by TheKnottyLaceStudios
Are you looking for a crochet cardigan pattern? Check out this beautiful sweater that uses planned pooling crochet. The jacket is fun to make and wear.
Included is a step-by-step full video tutorial. The entire pattern does not require any colour changes. This is an intermediate level crochet pattern.
Find the Pattern by TheKnottyLaceStudios HERE
5. Cowl Neck Poncho Pattern by VallisVilla
Are you an advanced level crochet artist that already understand the planned pooling crochet technique? Then this pattern is for you. The completed cowl neck poncho is amazing and beautiful.
More gorgeous crochet poncho patterns here.
Find the Pattern by VallisVilla HERE
6. Red Heart Pullover Planned Pooling Crochet Pattern by Yarnspirations
Here is an easy-to-fit sweater that uses planned pooling crochet. It has solid colour side panels and an argyle pattern on the front and back.
This free crochet pattern is for a small/medium. The finished bust size is 40 inches (101.5 cm) buttoned. The length is 24 inches (61 cm).
Find the Pattern by Yarnspirations HERE
7. Color Pooling Scarf Crochet Pattern by Lion Brand Yarn
The trendy Colour Pooling Scarf is made with light weight. It is a stunning planned pooling crochet pattern that is fairly simple to complete.
The pattern is suitable for advanced beginners. Completed, it measures about 7 inches (18 cm) wide x 72 inches (183 cm) long.
Find the Pattern by Lion Brand Yarn HERE
8. Red Heart Argyle Pillow Planned Pooling Crochet Pattern by Yarnspirations
Give planned pooling crochet a try with this crochet pillow. The throw pillow would make a beautiful addition to your living room or bedroom. It has a buttoned back designed for easy removal.
The pillow is crocheted using Red Heart Super Saver. Finished the pillow will measure approximately 17 inches (43 cm) square.
Find the Pattern by Yarnspirations HERE
9. Planned Pooling Crochet Bag Pattern by My Poppet Makes
This handbag with bamboo handles has a fun vintage vibe. You can use this bag just the way it is or add a lining.
This bag is crocheted in one piece then the side seams are sewn shut. The handles are attached by single crocheting over and around the bottom bars.
Also see:
Find the Pattern by My Poppet Makes HERE
10. Fabulous Planned Pooling Crochet Wrap Pattern by Yarnspirations
Enjoy a morning cup of coffee on the porch cozied up in this planned pooling crochet wrap. The warp is warm and lovely.
This pattern was engineered to help you easily achieve an expertly stitched plaid effect. Completed, the wrap measures 36 inches (91.5 cm) x 72 inches (183 cm) including edging, but not the fringe.
Find the Pattern by Yarnspirations HERE
Here’s a Free Color Pooling Crochet E-Book You Can Download
Color Pooling crochet is the new skill to acquire. If you haven’t tried yet it’s time to incorporate color pooling into your crocheting. This e-book by Marly Bird is for you! It takes you through four different video tutorials on how to get started with your color pooling.
And it also provides a number of different beginner and intermediate patterns. These patterns incorporate these color pooling techniques. This is the perfect way to get started with color pooling, and you will soon be turning an ordinary ball of multi yarn into a beautiful argyle-type plaid.
Download the e-book now and get started!
Once you have practiced the planned pooling crochet technique, give one of these patterns a try.
Are you ready to add a new crochet technique to your repertoire? Why not give this one a try? We can’t wait to see what you create! Show us your finished creations by sharing a pic on our Facebook Page.
Planned pooling crochet is the new craze that creates a gorgeous argyle pattern with variegated yarn.
