How to Bavarian Crochet

Bavarian crochet, also known as the Bavarian stitch or the wool eater stitch, is a crochet technique that creates a circular or square motif with a raised texture. It is a fun and unique technique that adds interest and depth to any project. Here's how to Bavarian crochet:

Materials: - Yarn of your choice - Crochet hook (size recommended for your yarn)

Instructions:

1. Start with a magic ring or chain 4 and slip stitch to form a loop. 2. Round 1: Chain 3 (counts as the first double crochet), work 11 double crochets in the loop, slip stitch to the top of the chain 3 to join. 3. Round 2: Chain 5 (counts as the first double crochet and a chain 2 space), work a double crochet in the same stitch, *chain 2, skip one stitch, work 2 double crochets in the next stitch*. Repeat from * to * until you have worked six sets of 2 double crochets and chain 2 spaces. Slip stitch to the third chain of the beginning chain 5 to join. 4. Round 3: Slip stitch into the chain 2 space, chain 5 (counts as the first double crochet and chain 2 space), work a double crochet in the same space, *chain 2, work 2 double crochets in the next chain 2 space, chain 2, work 2 double crochets in the next 2-chain space, chain 2, work 2 double crochets in the next stitch*. Repeat from * to * until you have worked six sets of (2 double crochets, chain 2, 2 double crochets) and chain 2 spaces. Slip stitch to the third chain of the beginning chain 5 to join. 5. Rounds 4-6: Repeat Round 3, working 12 sets of (2 double crochets, chain 2, 2 double crochets) and chain 2 spaces in each round. 6. Round 7: Slip stitch into the next chain 2 space, chain 1, work 1 single crochet in the same space, *work 1 half double crochet in each of the next 2 stitches, work 1 double crochet in each of the next 2 stitches, work 1 half double crochet in each of the next 2 stitches, work 1 single crochet in the next chain 2 space*. Repeat from * to * until you have worked all the way around. Slip stitch to the first single crochet to join. 7. Repeat Round 7 for as many rounds as desired, changing colors as desired.

Tips: - It's important to keep your tension consistent throughout the project to ensure that the motif lays flat and doesn't pucker or curl. - Experiment with different color combinations and yarn weights to create unique and beautiful projects.