If The Great British Bake Off Was About Crochet

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The new season of The Great British Bake Off started airing in the U.K. recently, and I can’t wait for it to arrive on Netflix here in the states! This show is my favorite way to unwind on the weekend. I grab my current fiber project, a cuppa something delicious, and I tuck into an hour of witty banter and mouthwatering bakes.

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Last season when Freya donned a fabulous crochet vest I started to wonder, what if there was a Great British Crochet Show? Then, in my mind, I heard Noel Fielding introducing “Blanket Week” and I just couldn’t let it go. Join me as I let my imagination run a little wild planning my version of this popular reality series. 

Signature Makes, Not Bakes

Every episode of the GBBO starts with bakers making their signature recipe around that week’s theme. So, if it’s cake week, they might be asked to make their go-to chocolate cake. They’re encouraged to use the opportunity to show off their personality and creativity.

For blanket week, I imagine the judges asking for your best blanket crocheted side-to-side in rows. Chevrons to waves, shells to fans, popcorn to puffs … pick your favorite stitch, grab your trademark color palette, and express yourself in a signature make that only you can create.

The Technical Challenge

Hiding under a gingham cloth each week is the baker’s technical challenge. They’re told what they’re making and given a stripped-down recipe with a tray full of ingredients. From there, all levels of hilarity ensue. Some turn out fantastic. Others are, well, less than stellar.

For our crochet technical challenge, I don’t want to waste yarn, so I’m going to suggest the judges give you a pattern I know you’ll be successful with. However, you will need to make some judgement calls, and your finishing techniques need to be spot on. I challenge you to make the In the Garden Throw. Paul Hollywood will be measuring your fringe to make sure each strand is cut to a consistent length.

Showstopper Project

The last event of the episode is the Showstopper Bake. The bakers take all the feedback they’ve received from the judges and bake their hearts out in something completely over the top. If you haven’t seen the show, think sculptural center pieces made from gingerbread or a jaw-dropping wedding cake made in just five hours.

For a crochet showstopper there are a few ways you could go. You might try stitching a ginormous granny square that could fit a king-sized bed. Or perhaps you’ll want to work a corner-to-corner crochet caricature of Prue Leith. Better yet, wow them with the subtle beauty of something like the Deneb Throw.

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Star Makers

I’m quite thankful I’m not a judge on our imaginary show. I hate trying to pick favorites. So, I’m giving everyone a Star Maker award if you’ve managed to finish crocheting a blanket of any size!

—Kerry Bogert, Content Manager, Yarn

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Grow your skills and make your next great project with these patterns from Interweave!