Hyperbolic Crochet is the name given to applying a mathematical principle to crochet patterns. A hyperbolic plane expands exponentially from any point on its surface, always curving away from itself. You can easily crochet a hyperbolic surface by increasing at a constant rate throughout the piece.
Hyperbolic growth in nature gives rise to the ruffled shapes of coral, kelp, and sea anemone. Crocheting coral forms is a great opportunity to try different yarns and stitches, and is just one example of the types of project that hyperbolic motifs may inspire you to do.
The Institute for Figuring created the concept of the Coral Reef with hyperbolic crochet and have been developing this concept since 2005. More information about the project may be seen on their website www.theiff.org
Item A
Top: 210-098 Lion Suede: Ecru
Top: 320-124 Fun Fur: Champagne
Base: 860-099 Vanna's Choice: Linen - 2 strands held together
Item B 210-098 Lion Suede: Ecru
Item C
210-123 Lion Suede: Taupe
Item D
210-098 Lion Suede: Ecru
Item E
860-099 Vanna's Choice: Linen
Item F
210-125 Lion Suede: Mocha
Item G
790-311 Homespun®: Rococo
Item H
790-311 Homespun®: Rococo
Item J 790-311 Homespun®: Rococo
Item K
790-309 Homespun®: Deco
320-098 Fun Fur
Item L
790-309 Homespun®: Deco
Item M
320-124 Fun Fur: Champagne
210-123 Lion Suede: Taupe
Item N
790-309 Homespun®: Deco
Edging: 210-123 Lion Suede: Taupe
GENERAL DIRECTIONS
All pieces shown above were made following four easy patterns, spelled out below. Any basic crochet stitch – single, half double, double, or triple – can be used in the patterns. Feel free to alternate stitches within a pattern – to change yarns as it strikes your fancy. Try using different hook sizes to achieve different looks. Work with a single strand of yarn or a combination of yarns worked together with a large hook.
RUFFLE
Make a chain to any length. Crochet any stitch (single, half double, double or triple) back along chain – working 2 or more stitches in each chain.
Turn work at the end of the row. Make more rows as desired, changing yarns and stitches as desired, and working increased stitches (by working 2 or more stitches in the same place) as desired to shape piece.
CIRCLE
Chain about 4. Join chain with a slip stitch to form a ring. Work stitch of choice into the ring until it’s filled up. Join your last stitch to the first stitch with a slip stitch. End off, or make more rounds as desired. Make increases on subsequent rounds to shape piece.
CYLINDER
Make a chain to any length. Join chain with a slip stitch to form a ring. Work a stitch into each chain, join your last stitch to the first with a slip stitch. Continue to work in rounds, changing stitches and yarns as desired. You can alter the shape of the cylinder by occasionally working an increase (making 2 or more stitches into the same stitch) or a decrease (working 1 or more less stitches on a round).
CORKSCREW
Make a chain to any length. Crochet any stitch (single, half double, double or triple) back along chain – working 2 or more sts in each chain to make it curl. When you reach beginning of chain, chain again to same or a different length and repeat to make additional corkscrews.
Lion Brand Hyperbolic Crochet Motifs Reviewed by Spencer Diamond on 2010-12-31
This is fantastic fun! I love making these wonderful brain coral creations. Hyperbolic crochet is mt new favorite thing!
When you are in New York City, visit the Lion Brand Yarn Studio at 34 W. 15th Street for a one-of-a-kind yarn lover's experience.
For more information, visit the website, LionBrandYarnStudio.com
