Weldon’s Mystery Project: Crocheted Imitations of Fur

Do you love vintage crochet patterns? Then this project is for you! >Weldon’s Practical Needlework includes not only knitting patterns but crochet, too. Our latest installment in our series of patterns lacking illustrations begs you to grab a hook and chain on. The Crocheted Imitations of Fur pattern from Volume 1 is a mystery to us. Help us stitch up this enigma.

Here is the pattern as it was published in 1886 with neither corrections nor alterations.

Crocheted Imitations of Fur

With a fine bone hook and single Berlin wool make a chain. 1st row—Double crochet at the end, 1 chain. 2nd row—1 double crochet in the first double crochet, taking up the back of the loop, which is done throughout the work; take up the back of the second loop, draw the wool through, pass the wool round the needle, take up the same loop again making 3 loops on the needle in this one stitch, draw the wool through these three, then through the two on the needle; take up the whole of this row in this manner. 3rd row—Plain double crochet worked from the back of the loop as before. Repeat the second and third rows.

Bonus, no animals were harmed in the making of this vintage imitation crocheted fur (although, a few sheep might have gotten a wee bit cold). Use imitation crochet fur to add a whimsical element to muffs and caps.

Be mindful, British crochet terms differ from those used in the United States. Here’s a handy translation of the different crochet terms:

If you make the Crocheted Imitations of Fur, we’d love to see a photo. Send us your project images to piecework@longthreadmedia.com.

Happy stitching!
Elizabeth