This combined twisted headband and scarf pattern is a vehicle for me to introduce what I think could be a new crocheting technique to the hooking community.

I am calling it “binary crocheting” because it’s a way of very easily using two colours in a row, producing a unique looking fabric.

Different variations can be produced by alternating which yarn is dominant and the number of rows where one colour is dominant over the other.

The two colours aren’t used doubled throughout your work but neither are they carried behind. You don’t need bobbins of yarn either. One colour is kind of partially crocheted over, combined with yarn overs.

It sounds complicated but it’s really easy - and fun - to learn for any crocheter who is familiar with basic crochet stitches.

As you’re using two strands on one row, you need to use a bigger than usual crochet hook. In the examples here, I’ve used 6mm/J10 hook with DK yarn so the items work up quickly.

I had an “I wonder what happens if I …” moment a few months ago and I’ve been playing around with it ever since. I don’t want to keep it to myself as I’m excited by the possibilities it raises.

I can’t be the first person to think of it but I haven’t come across it before anywhere in magazines, blogs or patterns so I thought I would write up a full tutorial. It’s published on my blog for free to anyone who wants to make items using it, designers should feel free to use it in their own patterns.

I sent it to some of the same people who tested one of my other patterns and I was happy to hear that it works!

I’m enthused about binary crocheting and I’d love it if it gives pleasure to others too.

The blog instructions use UK terms but there are print-ready PDF copies linked to in the blog in both UK and US terms.

Enjoy!