An Introduction

Hi, hello! If you’ve found your way here from Alexi’s Traveling Afghans project, welcome to my little corner of the internet, affectionately referred to as Sewrella – but people call me Ashleigh! A bit about me: I love baking with my 4-year-old son Parker (you can often find us making Christmas cookies at all times of the year), I’m utterly and forever obsessed with Gilmore Girls, and I have a not-so-side biz hand dyeing yarn (check it out here!).

I’m so happy you’re here and hope you’ll grab a cup of coffee to join me on my fun crochet journey!

Traveling Afghans Project

The absolute gem behind the incredible design biz called Two of Wands, Alexi, created the idea of doing a traveling afghan project – think Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants – but better! It’s traveled by old school snail mail all across the world this year, with one granny square being added to the blanket by each maker it ventures to see. This project has been in the works for almost a year, and still has some special people to visit after me before it’s finished! I’m working on the crochet version, but there is also a knit traveling afghan if you prefer dusting off those needles.

To find all of the wonderful makers and patterns included in the blanket listed cumulatively over on Alexi’s blog, get the inside scoop on this unique project, along with all the details, click HERE.

Inspiration + Design

When it came time to design my square I knew I wanted to make something simple, therapeutic, and familiar. I love eyelet lace stitches and the way they add breatheability to a wool afghan like this one. So I went with the same eyelet stitch pattern as my Duo Poncho from last year!

I love all the textural squares on the crochet afghan and this easy square works up QUICK to offer some light contrast to the more dense stitches around it. I love that every designer brings something totally different to the blanket and it has so much personality!

Substituting yarns

For both the crochet and knit counterparts, we all used Lion Brand’s Wool-Ease, which is a medium weight 4 yarn. If you’re allergic to wool or have other yarns in your stash you’d like to use – go for it! Just use any worsted yarn and make sure to check your gauge. This blanket could be made in any colors, even multiple colors! Though I love that all the squares are in the same neutral because it makes this traditional sampler style afghan really modern and elegant.

PATTERN

Yarn

Lion Brand Wool Ease
(Weight 4/worsted, 3 oz/100g,  197 yds/ 180m)
Colorway: Natural Heather

Notions

-Size J 6mm Crochet Hook

-Darning needle

-Blocking mats and pins

Gauge

14 sts x 10 rows = 4″ in pattern

Notes

-This pattern is part of an ongoing project called the Traveling Afghans. See all the other squares, find the links to all other designer’s patterns, and make the entire sampler blanket here!

CROCHET TRAVELING AFGHAN SQUARE

Ch 34

Row 1: Starting in thrid chain from hook, Hdc across, chain two and turn <32>

Row 2: Hdc across

Row 3: Ch 3, sk 1 hdc st, hdc, *ch 1, sk 1, hdc; rep from * across, chain three and turn <16 hdc>

Row 4: sk 1 hdc st, hdc, *ch 1, sk 1, hdc; rep from * across. Finish last stitch with mc yarn, chain two and turn

Repeat Rows  1-4 until you’ve finished 24 rows.

Finish off, weave ends.

The shape of your square may be a slight bit slanted but this can be straightened out with blocking. I recommend soaking your square in a bit of wool wash or mild laundry detergent, pinning it to a blocking board (make sure it measures 10 x 10″ when blocking!) and letting it dry.

Sew square to the rest of your Traveling Afghans blanket with a mattress stitch for a seamless join.

The post Traveling Afghan Square – Crochet Eyelet Granny Square appeared first on Sewrella.

The Inspiration + Design

I could have just knit this hat in my size and called it a day, but where’s the fun in that?! For some reason, once the weather cools off all I can think about is a family set of chunky hats. Every year this thought passes through my mind and every year I never get around to making them. This year is different!

I wanted to create a very simple super bulky knit hats pattern that is beginner friendly and classic. It looks good in any super bulky yarn and on anyone’s head! My husband (who never wears knits) even said he’d like a blue one! Gasp!

These would also make wonderful handmade holiday gifts – I’m trying to get ahead on my gift giving plan so I actually have time to make all the super bulky knit hat projects I want to this year!

Sewrella Yarn

For this project I used some of my own hand dyed yarn (did you know I have my own hand dyed yarn company?!). We have a new base yarn called Classic Super that you can order any of our colorways on to knit this hat. One skein will make any size up to Adult Small – you would just need two skeins to make the Adult Medium or Adult Large.

I love this yarn because it is extremely soft and drapey, even for a yarn as chunky as this. It’s also super vibrant and the color is juuuuust right because of our artisanal hand dyed method! The colors I used in these super bulky knit hats samples are Lodge and Harvest that will be available in our Cozy Collection launch on October 1st at 8pm est!

One chunky hat, so many sizes

We’ve just started in on our cooler fall weather so what better time to knit family hats?! I made this pattern in 10 sizes ranging from Newborn all the way to Adult Large (and yes, I measured my husband’s giant head to make sure that size would fit him, ha!)

Hat sizing is always somewhat approximate and I’ve written the pattern to have a bit of a snug fit around the brim so it stays on the head with a bit more room in the body of the hat for a comfortable, warm fit. In the sizing list for these super bulky knit hats just choose the size that closely matches the actual measurement of the recipients head. I’ve built that fancy fit into the pattern.

Substituting different super bulky yarns

Although our yarn is beautiful, it can be hard to get your hands on. Our collections sell out in hours and we only launch once every month or so. If you just can’t wait to get started on these knit hats, I do have a couple of recommendations! Our Classic Super base is a Weight 6/Super Bulky weight yarn so any comparable yarn could be substituted in this pattern.

The tried and true classic of Super Bulky yarn is Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick. This yarn is perfectly suitable for this pattern and it’s sold at nearly every yarn retailer you can find. It’s inexpensive and has plenty of yardage to make an adult size hat or multiple kids size hats per skein. It comes in loads of colors and is an excellent option!

Another fun yarn substitution would be the newer Lion Brand Wool Ease Roving. It’s got a more singly ply feel like our own Classic Super hand dyed yarn but at a much more affordable price point. There are some gorgeous colors and it’s available at LionBrand.com here!

PATTERN

• Get the ad-free, large print, printable PDF pattern HERE.
• Grab the Ultimate Pattern Bundle that includes 150+ patterns just like this one on sale for $20 today HERE.
• PIN this pattern to your Pinterest boards for later HERE.
• Save to your Ravelry queue HERE.

Description

Simple, classic super bulky knit hats are the perfect cool weather accessory. Made in 10 sizes, these are perfect for the whole family!

Yarn

–Sewrella Yarn – Classic Super
(weight 5 / bulky, 3.5oz/100g, 76yds/69m)
Colorways: LODGE, HARVEST
See yardage below

Notions

-Size US 11 8mm circular knitting needles with a 16″ cord

(I love this set of interchangeable knitting needles for hat knitting)

–Set of 8mm DPNs

–Darning needle

–Faux fur pom pom (optional)

Gauge

10 sts x 18 rows = 4″ in stockinette

Sizes (head circumference) & Yardage

Newborn (13″) – 30 yds

3 month baby (16″) – 40 yds

6 month baby  (17″) – 46 yds

12 month baby  (18″) – 48 yds

2 years toddler (19″) – 58 yds

3-5 years child (20″) – 68 yds

6-10 years child (21″) – 70 yds

Adult Small (22″) – 76 yds

Adult Medium (23″) – 92 yds

Adult Large (24″) – 106 yds

Notes

-Head circumference listed above is the true measurement. Measure just above the ears and all the way around, then choose the size that closely matches this measurement from the sizing list above

-Pictured: Lodge sample in Child, Harvest sample in Adult Small

SUPER BULKY KNIT HATS

Newborn

CO 32, continue working in round
Rows 1-5: *K1, P1; rep from * around
Rows 6-16: K around
Row 17: *K2tog, K2; rep from * around, k2tog <24>
Row 18: K around
Row 19: K2tog, K1; rep from * around, K last two <16>
Row 20: K around
Row 21: K2tog around, K last st <8>
Row 22: K2tog around <4>
FO and pull to cinch, weave ends.

3 month baby

CO 36, continue working in round
Rows 1-6: *K1, P1; rep from * around
Rows 7-20: K around
Row 21: *K2tog, K2; rep from * around <27>
Row 22: K around
Row 23: K2tog, K1; rep from * around  <18>
Row 24: K around
Row 25: K2tog around <9>
Row 26: K2tog around, K last stitch <5>
FO and pull to cinch, weave ends.

6 month baby

CO 38, continue working in round
Rows 1-6: *K1, P1; rep from * around
Rows 7-22: K around
Row 23: *K2tog, K2; rep from * around, K last  <29>
Row 24: K around
Row 25: K2tog, K1; rep from * around, K2tog <18>
Row 26: K around
Row 27: K2tog around <9>
Row 28: K2tog around, K last stitch <5>
FO and pull to cinch, weave ends.

12 month baby

CO 40, continue working in round
Rows 1-6: *K1, P1; rep from * around
Rows 7-24: K around
Row 23: *K2tog, K2; rep from * around <30>
Row 24: K around
Row 25: K2tog, K1; rep from * around  <20>
Row 26: K around
Row 27: K2tog around <10>
Row 28: K2tog around, K last stitch <5>
FO and pull to cinch, weave ends.

2 Years toddler

CO 42, continue working in round
Rows 1-8: *K1, P1; rep from * around
Rows 9-26: K around
Row 27: *K2tog, K2; rep from * around, K last 2 sts <32>
Row 28: K around
Row 29: K2tog, K1; rep from * around, K2tog  <21>
Row 30: K around
Row 31: K2tog around, K last stitch <11>
Row 32: K2tog around, K last stitch <7>
FO and pull to cinch, weave ends.

3-5 Years child

CO 44, continue working in round
Rows 1-8: *K1, P1; rep from * around
Rows 9-29: K around
Row 30: *K2tog, K2; rep from * around <33>
Row 31: K around
Row 32: K2tog, K1; rep from * around <22>
Row 33: K around
Row 34: K2tog around, K last st <11>
Row 35: K2tog around, K last stitch <6>
FO and pull to cinch, weave ends.

6-10 Years child

CO 48, continue working in round
Rows 1-9: *K1, P1; rep from * around
Rows 10-32: K around
Row 33: *K2tog, K2; rep from * around <36>
Row 34: K around
Row 35: K2tog, K1; rep from * around  <24>
Row 36: K around
Row 37: K2tog around <12>
Row 38: K2tog around, K last stitch <6>
FO and pull to cinch, weave ends.

Adult Small

CO 52, continue working in round
Rows 1-10: *K1, P1; rep from * around
Rows 11-34: K around
Row 35: *K2tog, K2; rep from * around <39>
Row 31: K around
Row 32: K2tog, K1; rep from * around  <26>
Row 33: K around
Row 34: K2tog around <13>
Row 35: K2tog around, K last stitch <7>
FO and pull to cinch, weave ends.

Adult Medium

CO 56, continue working in round
Rows 1-10: *K1, P1; rep from * around
Rows 11-36: K around
Row 37: *K2tog, K2; rep from * around <42>
Row 38: K around
Row 39: K2tog, K1; rep from * around  <28>
Row 40: K around
Row 41: K2tog around <14>
Row 42: K2tog around <7>
FO and pull to cinch, weave ends.

Adult Large

CO 60, continue working in round
Rows 1-12: *K1, P1; rep from * around
Rows 13-40: K around
Row 41: *K2tog, K2; rep from * around <45>
Row 42: K around
Row 43: K2tog, K1; rep from * around  <30>
Row 44: K around
Row 45: K2tog around <15>
Row 46: K2tog around, K last stitch <8>
FO and pull to cinch, weave ends.

Abbreviations (US terms):

FO – finish off
k – knit
k2tog – knit 2 together decrease
p – purl
rep – repeat
st(s) – stitch(es)
<> – stitch count

OTHER FREE CROCHET BLANKET PATTERNS

1. Crochet Color Block Blanket / 2. Crochet Seedling Blanket / 3. Crochet Cake Stripe Blanket

The post Super Bulky Knit Hats appeared first on Sewrella.

The Inspiration + Design

I dyed some yarn for my most recent Sewrella Yarn hand dyed collection in the gorgeous colors Cruise and Lido Deck, they were just sitting on my shelf, begging to be used for something as stunning as they are. I loved dyeing these colors and I knew a two-sided, simple stitch blanket would be the perfect thing for them. Worked up on our Classic Bulky base yarn made the blanket squishy and luxurious with unbelievable drape.

This cruise crochet blanket is the epitome of luxe. It’s an heirloom piece for sure! I’ll just say this: if there’s a blanket you should splurge on and invest time in making, it’s this one.

Color Pooling made easy

You’ll notice in the photos of this crochet blanket pattern that the variegated yarn pools in a way that looks like waves or really soft, flowing striping. That’s not due to any fancy counting or technique, that’s just how our yarn works up when crocheted.

We work the right side of the blanket in one color and the wrong side in another color to get a two-toned effect and this helps the color to pool in the wavy look that you see here. You could get a similar effect using any of our pour dyed hand dyed yarn colorways.

Sewrella Yarn

I started hand dyeing my own yarn over two years ago and it’s now a flourishing business that I absolutely love working on! We host monthly collections, each one focused on a theme complete with variegated and solid colored yarns, speckled yarns and all different base yarns including the bulky yarn you see pictured here.

We also incorporate teas and house-made wool wash that are specific to each collection. Special edition teas that connect to the theme like key lime margarita in the summer and pumpkin chai in the fall to taste while scented wool wash connects a sense of smell to the collection like coconut grove or warm amber staycation.

Follow Sewrella Yarn on Instagram or get on our email list on the Sewrella Yarn Website to stay up-to-date when new collections launch!

One blanket, so many sizes

Although I am in love with this crochet blanket in the baby size, I have written this pattern to work for blankets of just about any size!

Within the pattern below you’ll find a table of blanket sizes that are included in the pattern as well as their measurements and the yardage required to make them (provided you’re using the yarn I used or a similar worsted weight yarn)

Yarn + Substitution

It’s easy to make this blanket in another chunky yarn – like Lion Brand Color Made Easy. This yarn is really widely available for a great price in a really pretty color palette. Any other category 5 bulky blanket could also be substituted fairly easily – even hand dyed yarn from other independent dyers too!

PATTERN

• Get the ad-free, large print, printable PDF pattern HERE.
• Grab the Ultimate Pattern Bundle that includes 150+ patterns just like this one on sale for $20 today HERE.
• PIN this pattern to your Pinterest boards for later HERE.
• Save to your Ravelry queue HERE.

Description

This cruise crochet blanket includes an easy free pattern using all my own gorgeous hand dyed yarn, written in 12 sizes!

Yarn

–Sewrella Yarn – Classic Bulky
(weight 5 / bulky, 3.5oz/100g, 219yds/200m)
Colorways: CRUISE, LIDO DECK
See yardage via table below

Notions

–Size 7mm Crochet Hook

–Darning needle

Gauge

7 sts x 12.5 rows = 4″ in hdc

Finished Size

Notes

–See chart above to choose the size blanket you’d like to make!

-See chart within pattern below to determine your number of foundation chains (A), row stitch count (B), and number of total row repeats (C).

-Chain stitches throughout the pattern do no count as a stitch, nor are they included in total stitch counts.

-Throughout this pattern you change color every row working all RS rows in Cruise and all WS rows in Lido Deck. This gives a two-tone, reversible effect!

-Substitute other yarns of any weight by using it’s recommended hook size and following the same stitch pattern with a foundation chain that’s the width of your desired blanket size and working row repeats until you’ve reached the length you desire. Alterations may affect yardage.

-Use worsted weight yarns following the yardage chart below. See “Yarn & Substitution” section above for additional guidance.

Special stitches

-Front Loop Only Hdc: make a half double crochet stitch working into the front loop only.

CROCHET OLD FASHIONED THROW BLANKET

With Cruise, Ch A (or any number +2), sk 2 sts.

Row 1 (RS): Hdc across, turn <B>

Change color to Lido Deck leaving 6″ tails from both yarns.

Row 2 (WS): Ch 1, FLO hdc, turn <B>

Change color to Cruise leaving 6″ tails from both yarns.

Rep row 2 until you’ve finished C rows, changing color every row as indicated.

Finish off & weave ends.

Abbreviations (US terms):

ch – chain
flo – front loop only
hdc – half double crochet
rep – repeat
rs – right side
sk – skip
st(s) – stitch(es)
ws – wrong side
<> – stitch count

OTHER FREE CROCHET BLANKET PATTERNS

1. Crochet Color Block Blanket / 2. Crochet Seedling Blanket / 3. Crochet Cake Stripe Blanket

The post Cruise Crochet Blanket appeared first on Sewrella.

An easy crochet blanket with a fun, new stitch – my Crochet Old Fashioned Throw Blanket – is a free pattern here on the blog! Read through my inspiration, design process, and lots of info on the perfect yarn I chose. Or scroll on down for the free pattern.

The Inspiration + Design

I had a stash of Lion Brand’s Touch of Cashmere yarn in the gorgeous color Brandy, just sitting on my shelf, begging to be used for something as stunning as she is. When I came across this mini bean stitch, I knew this yarn would be the perfect thing for it. This stitch worked up in any yarn will create a squishy fabric and a drape like you’ve never seen. But then combine it with this also very squishy, soft, dreamy yarn – and you’ve got a match truly made in the crochet heavens.

This crochet old fashioned throw blanket is just warm and cozy enough, as well as light enough to use year round. I’ll just say this: if there’s a blanket you should splurge on and invest time in making, it’s this one.

One blanket, so many sizes

Although I am in love with this crochet old fashioned throw blanket in the throw size, I have written this pattern to work for blankets of just about any size!

Within the pattern below you’ll find a table of blanket sizes that are included in the pattern as well as their measurements and the yardage required to make them (provided you’re using the yarn I used or a similar worsted weight yarn).

Another fun aspect of this blanket is that you can sort of create your own crochet old fashioned throw blanket! Using yarn of any weight, you can just follow the pattern making the foundation chain as wide as you’d like your blanket to be and continuing with row repeats until it’s long enough.

You could make it in a solid color like I did here, or create a striped pattern, a two-tone stripe effect – anything goes. The crochet old fashioned throw blanket is totally customizable and my favorite kind of project!

The Mini Bean Stitch

This fun stitch creates a beautiful, drapey finished piece that I am just in love with. It’s really simple and easy to learn – then you just repeat it for the whole blanket! So once you get the hang of the stitch, this crochet old fashioned throw blanket is the perfect Netflix-able project. Watch my video tutorial below to make the pattern, or apply it to your own unique project!

Yarn + Substitution

I used a blend of Lion Brand’s Touch of Cashmere in Brandy, which is a worsted weight yarn.

A note on substituting yarns for this project: there is a lot of variation in the yarn industry within the world of worsted weight category 4 weight yarn. The best way I know to compare yarns of different origins, fiber contents, and brand are to look at the yardage per gram. On the yarn label for any yarn (from a big box store or from an independent dyer), the yardage for the ball or skein is listed.

The Touch of Cashmere yarn I used from Lion Brand is an 100 gram ball with 219 yards. 219/100=2.19 yards per gram.

I try to make sure any yarns I’m substituting are absolutely no more than 0.5 yards per gram difference from the yarn originally used in the pattern. The lower this number is, the closer these comparative yarns will be in gauge, resulting in a seamless finished project!

PATTERN

• Get the ad-free, large print, printable PDF pattern HERE.

• Grab the Ultimate Pattern Bundle that includes 150+ patterns just like this one on sale for $20 today HERE.

• PIN this pattern to your Pinterest boards for later HERE.

• Save to your Ravelry queue HERE.

Description

This crochet old fashioned throw blanket includes an easy free pattern and video tutorial featuring the mini bean stitch in 12 sizes!

Yarn

–Lion Brand – Touch of Cashmere
(weight 4 / medium, 3.5oz/100g, 219yds/200m)
Color: BRANDY
See yardage via table below

Notions

–Size 7 4.5mm Crochet Hook

–Darning needle

Gauge

7 sts x 12.5 rows = 4″ in pattern (mini bean stitch, see below)

Finished Size

Notes

–See chart above to choose the size blanket you’d like to make!

-See chart within pattern below to determine your number of foundation chains (A), row stitch count (B), and number of total row repeats (C).

-Chain stitches throughout the pattern do no count as a stitch, nor are they included in total stitch counts.

-Substitute other yarns of any weight by using it’s recommended hook size and following the same stitch pattern with a foundation chain that’s the width of your desired blanket size and working row repeats until you’ve reached the length you desire. Alterations may affect yardage.

-Use worsted weight yarns following the yardage chart below. See “Yarn & Substitution” section above for additional guidance.

Special stitches

-Mini Bean Stitch: insert hook in next stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over, insert hook back into the same stitch, pull up a loop (4 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through all loops, ch 1, skip one stitch, and repeat sequence.

CROCHET OLD FASHIONED THROW BLANKET

Ch A (or any number +2), sk 2 sts.

Row 1: Mini bean st across, turn <B>

Row 2: Ch 1, mini bean st across, turn <B>

Rep row 2 until you’ve finished C rows.

Finish off & weave ends.

Abbreviations (US terms):

ch – chain
rep – repeat
sk – skip
st(s) – stitch(es)
<> – stitch count

OTHER FREE CROCHET BLANKET PATTERNS

1. Crochet Color Block Blanket / 2. Crochet Seedling Blanket / 3. Crochet Cake Stripe Blanket

The post Crochet Old Fashioned Throw Blanket appeared first on Sewrella.

The Inspiration + Design

I started hand dyeing yarn back in 2017 and I fell in love quickly. I started a business selling our hand dyed yarn and called it Sewrella Yarn! We open our store once a month for themed collections on the 15th of every month and it always sells out fast! (Follow us on instagram here to stay caught up). We have so much fun creating themed colorways around different collection ideas like Hocus Pocus at Halloween, Gilmore Girls (the TV show), and Disneyland to name a few.

View this post on Instagram

 

Color family planning for our February collection! What do you think the theme is based on this color mood? ???? If anyone gets it right I’ll give ya a shop credit!!

A post shared by Ashleigh • CJ • Parker (@handmadehomefibers) on Jan 31, 2020 at 7:21am PST

The two hand dyed colorways I featured here were sitting on my shelf after a batch of test dyeing. The recipes haven’t yet been released publicly in any way but I thought they were beautiful for this project. One was originally inspired by a golden peach and the other was a rosy clay style colorway.

Books & Blankets – a monthly series!

Crochet is obviously a big passion of mine (it’s why I have a whole blog about it, ha!) but another big passion of mine is children’s books. After a big pattern sale last fall, we actually took half of our proceeds and used it to buy children’s books for our local hospital. That sparked an idea – a collection of crochet patterns inspired by some favorite children’s books.

I’m so excited to bring these two passions of mine together in this series this year, the second of which is this crochet color block blanket! Check out the first one of the series here!

Creating a blanket from a children’s story

These two just so happen to perfectly coordinate with our featured book, Bagel in Love! I picked up this book recently as a little Valentine’s Day book for Parker’s collection and was actually kind of shocked by how much I loved it! It’s about a sweet bagel who want’s to enter a dance contest but can’t find a partner. By the end he falls in love with a cupcake and wins the Cherry Jubilee dance contest. The illustrations are vibrant and the story is full of happiness.

Creating a color palette to match children’s book art is so fun – when you find the perfect yarn for the blanket it feels like such a fun victory. Making this blanket in the baby size and gifting it for a baby shower with the matching children’s book is a perfect thoughtful gift that’s easy to customize to the baby’s nursery theme or other details.

High end + Affordable

I loved curating a color palette blending high end hand dyed yarn with more affordable yarn from Lion Brand. The end result is a wool blend, super soft blanket that didn’t cost a fortune to make. One could certainly make an entire blanket of this style in high end yarn and it would be gorgeous. However, this yarn is expensive when you’re making a large project like a blanket – those skeins add up.

When you make your blanket, use the tips below on looking at yardage to determine what yarns will blend well together in this way. Get creative and use up some of your stash and if you’re able, think about supporting an artisanal hand dyer (even if you only purchase one or two skeins for an accent in your blanket).

One blanket, so many sizes

Although I am in love with this crochet color block blanket in a baby size gifted to a new mom along with the Bagel in Love story that matches it so well, I have written this pattern to work for blankets of just about any size!

Within the pattern below you’ll find a table of blanket sizes that are included in the pattern as well as their measurements and the yardage required to make them (provided you’re using the yarn I used or a similar worsted weight yarn).

Another fun aspect of this blanket is that you can sort of create your own color block blanket! Using yarn of any weight, you can just follow the pattern making the foundation chain as wide as you’d like your blanket to be and continuing with row repeats until it’s long enough.

You could even make it in a solid color, different sizes of color block stripes, more or fewer stripes, a two-tone stripe effect, anything goes. The crochet color block blanket is totally customizable and my favorite kind of project!

Easy level & totally beginner friendly

This blanket is one of the easiest I’ve ever made. If you know how to half double crochet, you can complete this blanket. With the video tutorial embedded in the pattern, you’ll see the basic techniques I use to create this stunningly simple color block blanket.

Once you get past the first two rows you’ll be able to complete the blanket without counting or thinking much about it at all – just tune in to your favorite show or podcast and zoom along through the project!

Yarn + Substitution

I used a blend of Lion Brand’s Wool Ease in grey heather, fisherman, and navy and some of my own hand dyed yarn from Sewrella Yarn in a few colorways I created back in 2019. All are worsted weight and of comparable gauge. I just chose colors that worked well together to match my theme of Bagel in Love.

A note on substituting yarns and blending yarns for this project: there is a lot of variation in the yarn industry within the world of worsted weight category 4 weight yarn. The best way I know to compare yarns of different origins, fiber contents, and brand are to look at the yardage per gram. On the yarn label for any yarn (from a big box store or from an independent dyer) the yardage for the ball or skein is listed.

The Wool Ease yarn I used from Lion Brand is an 85 gram ball with 197 yards. 197/85=2.318 yards per gram.
The Handmade Home Fibers hand dyed yarn is a 100 gram skein with 218 yards. 218/100=2.18 yards per gram.
2.318-2.18=0.138 yards per gram difference

I try to make sure any yarns I’m blending within one project like this are absolutely no more than 0.5 yards per gram difference from each other. The lower this number is, the closer these comparative yarns will be in gauge, resulting in a seamless finished project!

PATTERN

• Get the ad-free, large print, printable PDF pattern HERE.
• Grab the Ultimate Pattern Bundle that includes 150+ patterns just like this one on sale for $20 today HERE.
• PIN this pattern to your Pinterest boards for later HERE.

Description

An heirloom blanket inspired by a favorite children’s book – the crochet color block blanket is simple and stunning. An easy level pattern using value and luxury yarns results in a colorful and versatile blanket that’s warm and comforting in all 12 finished sizes.

Yarn

–Lion Brand – Wool Ease
(weight 4 / medium, 3oz/85g, 197yds/180m)
Colorways: GREY HEATHER, FISHERMAN, NAVY
See yardage via table below

–Handmade Home Fibers – Classic Worsted
(weight 4 / medium, 3.5oz/100g, 218yds/200m)
Colorways: ROSY CLAY, GOLDEN PEACH
See yardage via table below

Notions

–Size J 6mm Crochet Hook

–Darning needle

Gauge

14 sts x 9 rows = 4” in pattern (blo hdc)

Finished Size

Notes

–See chart above to choose the size blanket you’d like to make!

-See chart within pattern below to determine your number of foundation chains (A), row stitch count (B), number of total row repeats (C), and number of row repeats per color block (D).

-Ch 2 at beginning of each row does not count as a stitch.

-Substitute other yarns of any weight by using it’s recommended hook size and following the same stitch pattern with a foundation chain that’s the width of your desired blanket size and working row repeats per color block until you’ve reached the length you desire. Alterations may affect yardage.

-Use worsted weight yarns following the yardage chart below. See “Yarn & Substitution” section above for additional guidance.

HAND DYED CROCHET COLOR BLOCK BLANKET

Ch A (or any number +2), sk 2 sts.

Row 1: Hdc across, turn <B>

Row 2: Ch 2, blo hdc across, turn <B>

Repeat row 2 until you’ve finished C rows, changing color every D rows.

Finish off & weave ends.

Abbreviations (US terms):

blo – back loop only
ch – chain
hdc – half double crochet
rep – repeat
st(s) – stitch(es)
<> – stitch count

OTHER FREE CROCHET BLANKET PATTERNS

1. Crochet Cake Stripe Blanket / 2. Crochet Mini Basketweave Blanket / 3. Crochet Homemaker Throw

The post Hand Dyed Crochet Color Block Blanket appeared first on Sewrella.

Books & Blankets – a new monthly series!

Crochet is obviously a big passion of mine (it’s why I have a whole blog about it, ha!) but another big passion of mine is children’s books. After a big pattern sale last fall, we actually took half of our proceeds and used it to buy children’s books for our local hospital. That sparked an idea – a collection of crochet patterns inspired by children’s books.

I’m so excited to bring these two passions of mine together in this series this year, the first of which is this crochet seedling blanket!

The Inspiration + Design

Way back in the first year of designing, I made a huge chunky blanket called the mini basketweave blanket using a new-to-me stitch. I’ve been wanting to revise it with a much lighter weight yarn for a more delicate, heirloom style crochet baby blanket project.

Once I started working up the stitch I realized it looks a lot like the knitted seed stitch. I’ve been calling this blanket the seedling blanket ever since!

On a trip to our local library, I noticed a bunch of books on the table of featured titles that were made for newborns. Thinking back to when my own son was a newborn, I never knew what to read to him. I usually read my old favorites but I would have loved to have these books when he was that little – and what a lovely baby shower gift!

One of these titles was called “I Have a Little Seedling” and the illustrations and message of the story matched my budding crochet seedling blanket so well – it felt meant to be!

One blanket, so many sizes

Although I am in love with this crochet seedling blanket in a baby size gifted to a new mom along with the seedling story that matches it so well, I have written this pattern to work for blankets of just about any size!

Within the pattern below you’ll find a table of blanket sizes that are included in the pattern as well as their measurements and the yardage required to make them (provided you’re using the yarn I used or a similar worsted weight yarn).

Another fun aspect of this blanket is that you can sort of create your own seedling blanket! Using yarn of any weight, you can just follow the pattern making the foundation chain as wide as you’d like your blanket to be and continuing with row repeats until it’s long enough.

The crochet seedling blanket is totally customizable and my favorite kind of project!

Easy level & advanced beginner friendly

This blanket isn’t as easy as crochet possibly gets, but it’s pretty close. If you know how to double crochet, you can complete this blanket. With the video tutorial embedded in the pattern, you’ll see the basic techniques I use to create this stunningly simple stitch.

Once you get past the first two rows you’ll be able to complete the blanket without counting or thinking much about it at all – just tune in to your favorite show or podcast and zoom along through the project!

The Yarn

I chose to use Lion Brand’s new Touch of Cashmere yarn in this gorgeous Portobello color for my crochet seedling blanket. Once I felt this yarn I knew it was perfect for a handmade heirloom quality blanket to be loved for years to come – it’s got the soft luster of cashmere without the crazy high price-point. Blended with acrylic, this yarn is much more affordable than other cashmere yarns and comes in some gorgeous colors.

I love the greyish taupe hue of the portobello color but some other favorites are brandy, winter white, willow, and cameo (I actually have another project planned using that cameo pink color soon!).

This pattern is now available as a kit from Lion Brand – see that here!

Substituting another even more affordable yarn for this blanket, especially if you’re making one of the larger sizes, is an option too – yarns of similar weight I would suggest are:

• Lion Brand’s Basic Stitch
• Lion Brand’s Feels Like Butta
• Lion Brand’s Jeans
• Lion Brand’s Pound of Love
• Lion Brand’s Touch of Alpaca

PATTERN

• Get the ad-free, large print, printable PDF pattern HERE.
• Grab the Ultimate Pattern Bundle that includes 150+ patterns just like this one on sale for $20 today HERE.
• PIN this pattern to your Pinterest boards for later HERE.
• Save this pattern to your Ravelry queue HERE.

Description

An heirloom blanket inspired by a favorite children’s book – the crochet seedling blanket is simple and stunning. An easy level pattern results in a textured and versatile blanket that’s warm and comforting in all 12 finish sizes.

Yarn

–Lion Brand Touch of Cashmere
(weight 4 / medium, 3.5oz/100g, 219yds/200m)
Colorway: PORTOBELLO
See yardage via table below

This pattern is available as a kit from Lion Brand here!

Notions

–Size J 6mm Crochet Hook

–Darning needle

Gauge

14 sts x 12 rows = 4” in pattern (seedling stitch)

Notes

–See chart below to choose the size blanket you’d like to make! Additionally, use this chart to determine your number of foundation chains (A), row stitch count (B), and number of row repeats (C).

-Ch 1 at beginning of each row does not count as a stitch.

-Substitute other yarns of any weight by using it’s recommended hook size and following the same stitch pattern with a foundation chain that’s the width of your desired blanket size and working row repeats until you’ve reached the length you desire.

-Use a worsted weight yarn following the size options chart below.

CROCHET SEEDLING BLANKET

Ch A (or any multiple of 2 +2), sk 2 sts.

Row 1 : Dc in each st across, turn <B>

Row 2  (ws): Ch 1, sc in first stitch, *fpdc, bpdc; rep from * across until one stitch remains, sc, turn  <B>

Row 3 (rs): Ch 1, sc in first stitch, *bpdc, fpdc; rep from * across until one stitch remains, sc, turn <B>

Repeat rows 2-3 until you’ve finished C rows.

Finish off & weave ends.

Abbreviations (US terms):

bpdc – back post double crochet
ch – chain
dc – double crochet
fpdc – front post double crochet
rep – repeat
rs – right side
st(s) – stitch(es)
ws – wrong side
<> – stitch count

OTHER FREE CROCHET BLANKET PATTERNS

1. Crochet Cake Stripe Blanket / 2. Crochet Mini Basketweave Blanket / 3. Crochet Homemaker Throw

The post Crochet Seedling Blanket appeared first on Sewrella.

Read through my inspiration, design process, and lots of info on the perfect yarn I chose, or scroll on down for the free pattern.

The Inspiration + Design

Since my birthday was last week, what better time to publish a crochet pattern all about CAKE?!

I’ll admit – I never gravitate toward the cake yarn trend. I think it’s because I love combining color so much that the cakes take a bit of that fun out of it for me. HOWEVER I’ve been trying to embrace the things outside my comfort zone and figuring out a way to convert these cakes into a stylish, on-trend piece for my home was at the top of the list!

I loved working up the lacy stitch pattern for my Double Scoop Shawl earlier this summer and I wanted to turn it into a lightweight blanket. I adjusted a couple of rows and threw in those cake colors for more interest and I love the result. Such a fresh take on a simple stripe throw!

The Yarn + Kit

We had some Lion Brand Touch of Merino laying around in white so we used that one for the base yarn. It’s soft and silky and not too heavy (also it washes great because it’s mostly acrylic!). Then we picked up 2 mismatched Lion Brand Mandala cakes (Wood Nymph and Cupid) and cut them up to make individual little balls of each color.

These cake yarns often have a lot of yardage of one solid color and then an abrupt color change. We wound the start of the yarn into a little ball on our fingers until the color changed, cut the yarn and started another little ball with the next.

As we worked the colored stripes, we just kind of went with the flow, making sure no two colors were matching next to each other and playing with all the colors between the two cakes (even though they’re different!). I do recommend picking 2 cakes from the same family of yarns (i.e. all Lion Brand Mandala, not mixing brands) so that the weight of yarn and the gauge is exactly the same.

This pattern is also a great stash buster – you could use up leftover yarn bits from other projects for the stripes and create a scrappy version. You could also just get two balls of a solid color yarn and use that for the stripes. The options are endless!

PATTERN

• Get the ad-free, large print, printable PDF pattern HERE.
• Grab the Ultimate Pattern Bundle that includes 150+ patterns just like this one on sale for $20 today HERE.
• PIN this pattern to your Pinterest boards for later HERE.
• Add this pattern to your Ravelry queue HERE.

Description: Crochet this simple lacy blanket with self-striping contrast stripes made from cake yarn! Easy eyelet stitches and decorative tassels give this blanket the luxe look without complicated instructions.

Materials:

–Lion Brand Touch of Merino yarn (3/Light, 3.5 oz, 100g, 257 yds/237 m)

6 skeins White (MC)

–Lion Brand Mandala Cake yarn (3/Light, 5.3 oz, 150g, 590 yds/540 m)

2 skeins any color – I used Wood Nymph and Cupid (CC)

–Size H/8 5mm crochet hook

–Tapestry needle

–Measuring tape

–Scissors

Shop all of my favorite tools & materials HERE!

Sizes:

1 size throw (with easy additional repeat)

Gauge:

16 sts x 9 rows in Dc = 4″

Finished Measurements:

50 x 65″

Pattern Notes:

-Pattern is worked as one large striped panel with tassels attached at the end.
-Pattern is throw size but may be easily lengthened by adding sequential repeats. This may, however, affect yardage.
-Carry MC yarn up the side of the piece but do not carry CC yarn (the floats will be too obvious).
-All sts in < > are final st counts for the Row. These counts include ch spaces.

Crochet Cake Stripe Blanket

With MC yarn, Ch 202 (or any multiple of 3+1), sk 1st st

Row 1: Sc across, t <201>

Row 2: Ch 2 (does not count as a st throughout), dc across, t <201>

Row 3: Ch 2, dc, *ch 1, sk 1, dc; rep from * to end <201>

Row 4: Ch 2, Dc across, t <201>

Change to CC yarn

Rows 5-6: Ch 1, sc across, t <201>

Change to MC yarn

Rep Rows 1-6 until you run out of MC yarn or until you finish 22 total repeats (or 132 rows).

Rep Rows 1-4 once more.

Finish off, weave ends.

Tassels

With CC yarn, make 4 super chunky tassels (use 50 strands of yarn per tassel) about 8” long when finished. Leave a large tie on the top to attach to blanket.

Tie one tassel onto each corner of the blanket. Weave ends.

Abbreviations (US Terms):

BLO – back loop only
CC – contrast color
ch – chain
dc – double crochet
MC – main color
rep – repeat
sc – single crochet
sk – skip
st(s) – stitch(es)
t – turn

OTHER FREE CROCHET HOME DECOR PATTERNS YOU MIGHT LOVE

1. Crochet Homemaker Throw / 2. Crochet Bloom Afghan Throw / 3. Crochet Fluffy Fur Pillows

The post Crochet Cake Stripe Blanket appeared first on Sewrella.

Read through my inspiration, design process, and lots of info on the perfect yarn I chose, or scroll on down for the free pattern.

The Inspiration + Design

Hello Spring! Warmer weather is finally upon us and I am always loving pastel and florals this time of year. So I had to make a pretty blanket for the season! (Because it’s still chilly inside when I crochet, ya know?)

I wanted to go with a sampler sort of design for this project to give a bit of variety and use a lot of color without things looking too busy. I love the way it turned out with different motifs and focal points throughout the blanket.

You could also make your blanket alternating between two of the motifs and create a sort of block-y stripe or leave out motifs you don’t want in your own blanket. Get creative with your color palette and applique/cross stitch to make a boy’s dinosaur blanket or a college grad blanket as a gift!

The Yarn

I chose to use Lion Brand’s Color Made Easy yarn (yet again, I love this stuff!!) – the color range is really pretty and I love how fast the category 5 bulky weight yarn works up. The blanket is warm without being too heavy and is just the right level of density where you don’t have toes poking through crochet holes!

I used 5 colors of yarn for my blanket – Alabaster, Millenial, Wheat, Prism and Horizon and I love the pastel palette! You could easily work with neutrals within the Color Made Easy line working with Birch, Shade, Basalt, Coal and Caviar and replace the daisy appliques with something more modern. Now I want to make this whole blanket all over again in a new palette!

Pick up all the Color Made Easy yarn you need here!

PATTERN

• Get the ad-free, large print, printable PDF pattern HERE.
• Grab the Ultimate Pattern Bundle that includes 150+ patterns just like this one on sale for $20 today HERE.
• PIN this pattern to your Pinterest boards for later HERE.
• Add this pattern to your Ravelry queue HERE.

To sum it up: Crochet this sampler style afghan with floral feminine flair and simple techniques. Using bulky yarn this project works up fast and keeps your attention with color blocked stitch variation that you can mix and match as you wish! Crochet this pretty blanket and watch your home bloom.

Materials:

–Lion Brand Color Made Easy yarn (Weight: 5/Bulky – 7oz, 247 yds)

Color A – Alabaster (5 skeins)

Color B – Wheat (3 skeins)

Color C – Millenial (2 skeins)

Color D – Horizon (1 skein)

Color E – Prism (1 skein)

–Size K 6.5mm crochet hook (click to see my favorite!)

–Large eye tapestry needle

Shop all of my favorite tools & materials HERE!

Gauge:

11 sts x 13 rows in Sc = 4″

Dimensions:

52.75 x 66.5”

Abbreviations (US terms):

blo – back loop only

cc – contrast color

ch – chain

hdc – half double crochet

mc – main color

sc – single crochet

sl st – slip stitch

st(s) – stitch(es)

yo – yarn over

t – turn

Special Stitches:

Contrast Color Bobble Stitch – With CC [yo, insert hook into st, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through the first two loops on hook] 4 times, yo with MC, pull through all 5 loops, continue in MC.

Skill Level:

Level 2 – easy

Pattern Notes

-This afghan pattern is made to be a standard throw size.

-Modify the width of this blanket by adding or reducing the number of foundation chain stitches, taking care to work with the stitch multiple given.

-This blanket is worked in 9 stitch sections each with 14 rows. There are five total sections of what we will call the “border section” which is simple BLO Sc. Between these “border sections” are four “special sections” each with their own name and instructions. Each section will begin with “Row 1” indicating the first row of that section.

-Color change information will be different for each stitch section, so play close attention to color change notes (or change color as you wish!)

-Mix and match/pick and choose stitch sections as you wish or follow the pattern in order as written to watch your afghan bloom.

-All final stitch counts will be listed within < >. Any instructions within ( ) are pattern directions.

Crochet Bloom Afghan

With Color B, Ch 145 (or any multiple of 18 +1)

Row 1: Sc in 2^nd ch st from hook and in each across <144>

Border Section:

Rows 2-14: Ch 1, t, BLO Sc in each st across <144>

Special Section #1: Moss Stitch

Change yarn to Color C

Row 1: Ch 2, t, sk first Sc, Sc in next Sc, *Ch 1, sk 1 Sc, Sc in next Sc; Rpt from * across <72 Sc>

Change yarn to Color E

Row 2: Ch 2, t, sk first Sc, Sc in Ch 1 space, *Ch 1, sk 1 Sc, Sc into Ch 1 space; Rpt from * across to end working your last stitch into the Ch 2 space from the row below <72 Sc>

Rpt Row 2 until you’ve finished 24 Rows following the color change guide below.

Row 1: Color C

Row 2: Color E

Row 3: Color A

Row 4: Color D

Row 5: Color B

Repeat sequence, ending with Row 24: color D

Border Section:

Change yarn to Color A

Row 1: Ch 1, t, Sc in each st across (including ch sts) <144 Sc>

Rows 2-14: Ch 1, t, BLO Sc in each st across <144>

Special Section #2: Daisy Stitch

Change yarn to Color C

Rows 1-24: Ch 1, t, Sc in each st across <144>

Work up 4 daisy flower appliques of your choosing. We used a pattern by Doni Speigle which you can view for free here.

Daisy Main Color – Color A

Daisy Accent Color – Color D

Sew appliques onto your blanket.

Finish off and weave all ends.

Border Section:

Change yarn to Color B

Rows 1-14: Ch 1, t, BLO Sc in each st across <144>

Special Section #3: Staggered Bobble Stitch

Change yarn to Color A

*note: All Sc sts in this section are worked with Color A. All bobble sts are worked with another color. See special stitch instructions above for more information on working bobbles in contrasting colors.

Rows 1-2: Ch 1, t, Sc in each st across <144>

Row 3: Sc in first 4 sts, *Bobble st in next Sc with Color E yarn, Sc in next 8 sts with Color A, Bobble st in next Sc with Color C yarn, Sc in next 8 sts with Color A; Rpt from * across 6 more times, Bobble st in next Sc with Color E yarn, Sc in next 8 sts with Color A, Bobble st in next Sc with Color C yarn, Sc remaining 4 sts <144>

Rows 4-6: Ch 1, t, Sc in each st across <144>

Row 7: Sc in first 8 sts, “Bobble st in next Sc with Color C yarn, Sc in next 8 sts with Color A, Bobble st in next Sc with Color E yarn, Sc in next 8 sts with Color A; Rpt from * across 6 more times, Bobble st in next Sc with Colo C yarn, Sc in last 9 sts <144>

Rows 8-10: Ch 1, t, Sc in each st across <144>

Rpt Rows 3-10 twice more.

Border Section:

Change yarn to Color D

Rows 1-14: Ch 1, t, BLO Sc in each st across <144>

Special Section #4: Lavender Cross Stitch

Change yarn to Color

Rows 1-24: Ch 1, t, Sc in each st across <144>

Work lavender cross stitches by following the simple cross stitch chart below. Use a single strand of yarn in its designated color and treat each box on the chart as a single crochet stitch. Repeat pattern across reading from left to right.

Pro-tip: Cut and weave ends for each cluster of color to keep the back side of your blanket as neat as possible.

If you’re unfamiliar with cross stitching on crochet, watch my video on the technique here.

Once all blocks on the chart are cross stitched, embroider a running stitch for the stems as indicated on the chart.

Border Section:

Change yarn to Color B

Rows 1-14: Ch 1, t, BLO Sc in each st across <144>

OTHER SPRING ESSENTIAL FREE CROCHET PATTERNS

1. Crochet Elle Convertible Shawl / 2. Crochet Rancher Poncho / 3. Crochet Audrey Tunic

The post Crochet Bloom Afghan Throw appeared first on Sewrella.

If you scroll down you’ll find the pattern for my simple plaid blanket in sizes baby, wheelchair, and adult throw, enjoy!

Oh, baby!

Pictured here is my knit plaid blanket made in the baby size. My little gal pal there is Payton and if Parker doesn’t grow up and marry her, he’s crazy. (“Parker & Payton”, are you kidding me?! C’mon!) Payton is the cutie pie that belongs to one of my oldest friends, Cali & she let me make goofy faces at baby P one afternoon and snap a few photos. Ain’t she the absolute cutest?!

You can make this blanket for your favorite newborn and it will grow with them through to elementary age. It’s a generous size for a baby blanket and little ones are sure to get a lot of use out of it.

Of course you can follow the pattern to make a lapghan/wheelchair size or an adult throw blanket as well. I’ve also included the stitch repeat multiple in the pattern if you’d like to further customize it. So knit plaid til your heart’s content!

OTHER BABY PATTERNS I LOVE (& you should too)

1. Crochet Bunny Baby Lovey / 2. Crochet Kaleidoscope Baby Blanket / 3. Crochet Lamb Baby Lovey

The Design

I’ve been seeing tons of simple plaid items all over the fashion and homeware spaces, and I originally wanted to knit a plaid wrap (after finding one from Anthropologie I loved, as per usual). In the end, I decided to switch gears to a baby blanket because it’s just so chic for little babes. If you do use this tutorial on knitting plaid to make a long rectangular wrap, though, know that you’re bringing my original vision to life – and for that, I thank you.

I knew knitting plaid could be a series of painful colorwork headaches – so before I cast on a single stitch I decided to see if I could hack the system. I knew that doing all of the stripes moving in one direction at once (in this case, horizontally) as regular stripes (as if this thing weren’t plaid at all) would simplify things. But how to work those vertical stripes in?

I carved out long vertical divots where I wanted the vertical stripes (every 10 stitches in each row) by basically garter stitching among the sea of stockinette. So the entire blanket is worked, cast off and ends woven with these concave lines that are then surface slip stitched later with a (wait for it)… CROCHET HOOK!!!

When you glance through the step-by-step photos in the pattern, this will all become more clear but let’s just say this is about 100x easier than knitting complicated colorwork to get the same effect.

The Yarn

I used Lion Brand’s new Color Made Easy yarn for this project – you’ve already seen this yarn all over the blog since it came out because I kinda love it (I also made the Holiday Knit Sweater and the Crochet Brooklyn Ridge hats in this yarn). Especially for knitting, the bulky category 5 weight yarn works up fast and is oh so squishy.

It drapes beautifully for a snuggly blanket – no stiff stitches here! However my favorite element of this line is the color lineup. I used the Millenial colorway (my favorite peachy pink) with an Alabaster accent. There are lots of gorgeous colors to pair with Alabaster, some of my favorites are Basalt, Kingfisher, Pomegranate, Huckleberry, and Avocado. There are lots of other amazing options for any home decor or nursery style!

Click here to check out my new favorite yarn from Lion Brand, Color Made Easy!

Lion Brand even made a kit for this project that includes all the yarn you need in a few color options and a printed copy of the pattern, shipped right to your door!

CLICK HERE to grab the kit!

PATTERN

• Get the ad-free, large print, printable PDF pattern HERE.
• Grab the Ultimate Pattern Bundle that includes 150+ patterns just like this one on sale for $20 today HERE.
• PIN this pattern to your Pinterest boards for later HERE.
• Add this pattern to your Ravelry queue HERE.

To sum it up: Learn to knit perfect plaid with my easy, innovative technique that uses a crochet hook to stitch on the final stripes! Make your blanket in any size – baby/child, lapghan/wheelchair, or a full size throw with soft and squishy Color made Easy yarn. This project is loads easier than it looks and is a really simple knit for beginners that want to try something different. Soft plaids are on-trend in fashion and home décor and now it’s handmade by you!

Materials:

–Lion Brand Color Made Easy yarn (Weight: 5/Bulky – 7oz, 247 yds)

Main Color: Millenial – (3, 4, 8) skeins

Contrast Color: Alabaster – 1 skein

Grab the kit with everything you need from Lion Brand here!

–Size US 10.5 (6.5mm) circular knitting needles, 36” or longer

–Size J 6mm crochet hook

–Stitch markers

–Tapestry needle

Shop all my favorite tools & materials HERE!

Sizes:

Baby/Child, Wheelchair/Lapghan, Adult Throw

Gauge:

12 sts x 19.5 rows in stockinette = 4”

Measurements:

Width: 32 (42, 52)“

Length: 39 (50, 61)“

Abbreviations (US terms):

CO – cast on

K – knit

P – purl

MC – main color

CC – contrast color

Rpt – repeat

RS – right side

WS – wrong side

St(s) – stitch(es)

Skill Level:

Level 2 – Easy

Pattern Notes

-Sizing listed in the pattern will be in Baby with Lapghan and Throw sizes listed in parenthesis such as “95 (125, 155)” whereas CO 95 for Baby, 125 for wheelchair, and 155 for Throw. When only one number is given, it applies to all sizes. To follow pattern more easily, circle/highlight all numbers pertaining to your size before beginning.

-Although this pattern uses circular needles, we will be knitting flat in rows back and forth. I recommend using circulars for this project instead of straight needles because the many stitches have more room on a long circular needle cord. I also find it more comfortable to knit this way personally.

-Color changes are worked mid row so as not to impede on our solid color garter stitch border. I drop my MC yarn and pick up my CC yarn to change color leaving a hole that I’ll fix later when weaving the ends. However, use any color change technique you prefer.

-Slipped stitches count as a stitch throughout.

Knit Plaid Blanket

Border:

With MC, CO 95 (125, 155) sts – or any multiple of 10 + 15

Rows 1-16: Slip 1^st st, K remaining sts (95, 125, 155)

Working Plaid:

RS Row: Slip 1^st st, K remaining sts (95, 125, 155)

WS Row: Slip 1^st st, K 7 sts, *P 9 sts, K 1 st; Rpt from * until you have 7 sts remaining, K last 7 sts (95, 125, 155)

Tip: Place stitch markers at every knit stitch within sequence repeat to help keep stitch counts on future rows.

Rpt alternating RS and WS Rows until you’ve finished 14 Rows of “working plaid.”

Colorwork:

*Note: I cut and join my yarn each time I change color for the entirety of this blanket. I’ll show you how I weave my ends later.

RS Row: Slip 1^st st, K 7 sts, change to CC yarn, K until you have 8 sts remaining, change to MC yarn, K last 8 sts (95, 125, 155)

Rpt “working plaid” WS Row in MC yarn.

Rpt “working plaid” RS Row in MC yarn.

WS: Slip 1^st st, K 7 sts, change to CC yarn, *P 9 sts, K 1 st; Rpt from * until you have 7 sts remaining, change to MC yarn K last 7 sts (95, 125, 155)

Rpt “working plaid” and “colorwork” sections (last 18 Rows) until you’ve finish Row 144 (198, 252) of stockinette plaid sections or 8 (11, 14) repeats.

Rpt “working plaid” section alone once more (14 Rows).

Finishing:

Rows 1-16: Slip 1^st st, K remaining sts (95, 125, 155)

Cast off all sts, weave all ends.

I weave dropped yarn ends in opposite directions over each other to close up the hole as pictured.

Crochet finish:

With your crochet hook and CC yarn, surface sl st along the purl bump ridges between blocks of stockinette. Work one sl st for each purl bump you see.

Note: Cut and join new yarn for each stripe.

Weave all ends.

Earning a Living with my Handmade Home

If you love crocheting and knitting, you should think about starting a blog! I’ll help you get started to turn your hobby into a money-making career with my free “Start a Blog” guide.

Or you can check out my latest income report to see how this blog earned over $10,000 last month!

The post How to Knit a Plaid Blanket appeared first on Sewrella.

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