Now that you're familiar with using the different shafts on the VarieHook to make single stitches (or groups of stitches, like clusters) let's mix them up!
The beehive pattern is a very simple one that combines a double crochet with a front post double crochet (fpdc). Traditionally, you just use the same size hook for both stitches. Because the fpdc reaches down to the next row - but it's the same size stitch - it pulls each row down, creating an accordion effect in the fabric. It will never lie flat (no matter how hard you block it!) and because every-other stitch is tight it is very firm and not very flexible.
If you wanted to fix this problem manually, you could pull up a larger loop for the fpdc. The longer, fuller stitch will reach down easily and not pull -- but you'd be doing that for thousands of stitches over the course of a large piece. Plus, you'd have no way to ensure that you are pulling up the same size loop every time, making for a very uneven piece.
With VarieHook, we remove the guesswork with the medium shaft! As you've already seen, sliding up to the medium shaft is easy and fast, with no hesitation between stitches. Just work your fpdc on medium and you've got that longer stitch you need, no estimating height, no slowing down to make sure they're all the same size.
You're only 1 stitch away from a fast and easy front post (or back post!) with VarieHook!
And just in case you missed it, we featured the beehive pattern in one of our fun ads this month! See a side-by-side comparison between 2 pieces - one made on the 5.5mm VarieHook and the other on a 5.5mm aluminum hook. They both used the same number of stitches, but the VH piece is large, relaxed, and lies nice and flat, while the traditional one is puckered and stiff! Which would you rather make?
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