Clothesline Crochet by Priscilla Hewitt ©2000 August 2000 "Crochet Along" project

Clothesline crochet is a technique used to create baskets, rugs, coasters, chair pads, placemats, etc. The crochet stitches are worked over a core of clothesline or other cord for body, thickness and durability.

What Kind of Clothesline to Use

100% cotton clothesline works best, but that's hard to find these days. I found a 100% cotton 1/8"diameter sash cord that's thinner than clothesline, but it works nicely for smaller projects like coasters, trivets and small baskets. I also tried a 7/32" diameter polyester/polypropylene blend sash cord, and that worked well for larger projects.You can also use the cording that's sold in fabric stores for things like welt seams. Nylon cord does not work for clothesline crochet. Especially avoid cotton clothesline with a nylon core. The nylon core is made up of several strands of what looks like 20 lb. test fishing line that is very wiry and doesn't want to stay together when the ends are cut.

What Kind of Yarn to Use

For the smaller diameter sash cord you can use one strand of worsted weight yarn (acrylic, cotton, chenille, nylon, or Aunt Lydia's Denim) and a size G or H hook. For the larger diameter cord, use 2 or 3 strands of worsted weight yarn, bulky yarn, jute, etc., and a size I or J hook. Varigated yarns work well, or you can change colors if you like, for variety. You can even work simple patterns into your color changes.

Tutorials

For a"clothesline crochet in the round tutorial", click here

For a"clothesline crochet in rows tutorial", click here

To learn how to join a new length of clothesline, click here

Easy Projects That Don't Require a Pattern

Round coasters, trivet, placemats, chairpads or rugs - click here

Rectangular placemats, table runners or rugs - click here

Clothesline Crochet Patterns

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