Get your copy of the Exact Choker Crochet pattern and enjoy a fun to make project that results in a really handy item to own. It's on Ravelry or Etsy.
Delighted by the lovely comments I received on my similar Exact Bookmark pattern and wanting a special choker for a Halloween outfit, I came up with this design featuring a rose and my favourite long X stitch.
A problem I often have with chokers is that they are too straight. Most necks are wider where they join the shoulder than higher up so it doesn’t sit quite right. This one takes that into account with a simple chain join between the two side pieces that angles the pieces to make it more shapely and also forms a secure base for the rose to sit on.
The pattern has an adjustable standard-fit option and a customised option to suit different body types and preferences: you can even use the customised option to make it with different yarn weights. The pattern provides likely sizes based on a US #10 thread with a 1.5mm hook and an estimated one using a swatch of Scheepjes Sweet Treat (ST) and a 1.25mm hook but I know that makers will have their own thread preferences, as well as a preference for how much or the neck should be covered by the choker while the rest is formed by the ribbon fastening, so I want this to work for everyone. If the choker is working up bigger or smaller than you want at the tension you like or if you want to adjust the length to your desired style, or use a different sized thread or yarn, you'll be able to check how to customise the length in the "Make it your own" section at the end of the pattern.
I loved making this choker on my livestreams on Twitch this year. It was so much fun. The simple pattern instructions meant I could chat with those watching without making a mistake, so perhaps this is a great project to take to craft group or anywhere else that you'll want to craft and chat at the same time. I was also able to make clips from each livestream's recording so you'll find links in the pattern for parts where a visual aid could help.
I've added some customisation tips to the pattern too: for different sizes and fastening options. I love seeing how creative people can be and seeing how different versions of the same pattern turn out to suit the user's style and use preferences is one of the best parts of being a designer. I think this could make a great multicolour project perhaps with one main colour and then a second for the rose and the X stitches in row 2.
I was fortunate to work with a great tester Paulina Smith Maraboli who gave feedback on how the pattern could be improved before being released. I really love her subtle, neutral version and was excited to see her beaded alternative to the tassel. She made such helpful and clear suggestions on how I could make the pattern better for you. Here's a few photos of her finished work. Many thanks to her for her help in getting this pattern ready for publication and for the lovely photos of her beautiful finished project. Do check out her stunning Instagram by clicking on her name above! I'm always so grateful for my testers' work! If you are interested in testing one of my patterns in future, just sign up to my mailing list. I offer all my new pattern tests to subscribers first.
A downloadable copy of the Exact Choker Crochet pattern, including US terminology and UK terminology versions in separate files and links to video tutorials, is available on Ravelry or Etsy.
Do let me know if you make it. I'm always excited when I see that someone has used one of my patterns!