There’s something about being able to put the ‘pedal to the metal’ (step on the sewing machine pedal) and also make something so pretty! ‘Endless possibilities of designs & colours, not to mention that this No Knit Rose Crazy-Wool scarf is one of a kind! No pattern to crochet, knit or follow exactly!

This method is called 'crazy wool' because it tends to be whatever crazy design you'd like... See this one as well.

Supplies

wool, yarn or other fibres
extra ribbons or detail trims for effect
thin fabric for the background rose shapes (this rose design)
Water Soluable Sewing Stabilizer
Thread (your choice of colour)
Sewing machine with Free-motion embroidery foot
Scissors

Step 1:

If you know what Crazy-wool is, any leftover yarn or wool can be used to come together to make a ‘fabric’ by being stitched crazily together. I took it up a notch and added some fabric as flower petals. Typically only yarn is used between Water Soluble Stabilizer and then free-motion sewn until stitched enough to hold together. This light polyester fabric would help add the rose pedal shapes in this flower design.

Since it is a polyester fabric it can be slightly singed at the edges over a small flame to make the chance of fraying less. Alright, let me warn you that you should be careful when using an open flame for this! Bringing the edge closet to the flame will slightly melt it to prevent fraying. I did this when I made the roses for a special wedding. Do not light it on fire, so short and quick is the key!

The yarn that I like to use tends to be fuzzy, as then it will be more likely to be anchored by the free-motion sewing. These bowls were made in a similar way and they used wool fibre. There are no rules so what ever you think looks good together will work.

Step 2:

Once you have all the pedals made, collect some colours to suggest flowers and leaves. Lay out the bottom layer of stabilizer (length of scarf) and arrange the yarn. If you look at roses you will see how the images are quite simple; like a bunch of swirls! Don’t be too picky! Swirl the yarns and fibres with lay them out. Crossing and layers will make it stronger and thicker.

TIP: Used yarn/wool that has some fuzziness to it as it’s more likely to ‘catch’ in the sewing and hold together.

Use a variety of yarns and colours. Keep the yarn within the width of your stabilizer. I personally like thinner but longer scarf for more versatility. If you find it too long to work with you can work in sections to join later.

A 'Sandwich':
Add another layer of Stabilizer on top of your design. The hardest part of this method is keeping the yarns in place, but then again you don’t have to knit or crochet. If it’s too bulky and thick you can place a sheet of parchment paper on top and iron it to flatten the yarns better. I had experimented with a slight dampening to adhere the 2 layers together but that depends on your specific brand and also the amount of water. This soluble stuff dissolves quite easily so be careful. I’ve had good luck with just pinning through the top and bottom stabilizer.

Step 3:

The Fun Stuff:

Carefully, transport (roll or fold) the length to the sewing machine. I used a simple clear foot and loosened the presser foot pressure to allow easy moving as it sews. Each brand of sewing machine can usually be adjusted for free-motion embroidery. The are also free-motion or darning presser feet specially made for this. They will lift up and down as it sews. You do not need to turn as you sew, just hold and move it around as it sews. I used a random swirl as it’s very easy to manage. You can also have a grid-work but that is less forgiving.

TIP: To keep the yarn in place before going further it may help to first sew around the entire shape.

Step 4:

Thread:

You can use a contrasting colour, matching colour or even a clear transparent thread. I used black in the background and colours in the roses.

Crazy-Wool so fast:
Zoom zoom zoom! Foot on the pedal and zooming around and around. It’s such fun since there are little rules here! Before you know it, it’s done. Can you see it?! The Pretty Crazy-wool Rose?! A few loops in the middle add a nice detail like the centre of a rose. As an illustrator I get excited to make images in different ways! Drawing with a sewing machine; endless possibilities.

Almost Done:
If there are some edges that need defining, you can cut off the yarn. If you made it in sections they can be overlapped and sewn with some swirls to attach. This method can be used to make something quite unique such as a garment. It just takes more planning…

Pretty Roses!

How remarkable that a few strands of wool look like a flower! Take the scarf to a sink and rinsing carefully in warm water; the stabilizer disappears quickly. Even the edges will be quite interesting and almost lace-like. I think it reminds me of drawing; that’s what makes me like it so much.

Step 5:

Use a colour combination of your own, or maybe some shapes that are YOUR favourite. Whatever you chose; it will definitely be unique!

Another great thing; you can use up all that yarn that needs a purpose… Maybe a small ‘test’ like a placemat or a small picture design or a table-runner or a… you decide. Happy making!