This pattern and countless similar versions of it can easily be found all over the internetz as a written pattern and/or video tutorial but for those of you actually reading my blog (the blog metrics say you're out there, even if nobody EVER comments), in want of a free pattern, here it is just for you. This is one of the most classic, traditional crochet patterns and a staple in many American homes, often made by someone's mom or granny in a crazy, funky color combo of acrylic yarn that because of its easy to wash nature, has survived decades of snuggling, cuddling, use and abuse.
So if you're totally superstitious and you think the number 13 is unlucky, I do not recommend trying this pattern because, you'll be counting to 13 over and over again throughout the pattern!
Supplies: Size H crochet hook, 2 Caron Cakes (or 400g of size 4 yarn of your choice), scissors.
Working only in the back loop throughout is what gives the stitches in this pattern their extra textured 3-D dimension.
Chain 177. ALWAYS Single Crochet in the BACK loop FOR THE ENTIRE PATTERN.
* If you want to crochet a larger blanket, the pattern repeat is 29 + 3.
In the second chain from the hook and the next chain, SC2TOG. (insert your hook into the first chain, pull up a loop, insert your hook into the next chain, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through both loops on your hook).
* SC in the next 13 chains, work 3 SC into the next chain (to create a peak), SC in the next 13 chains, skip 2 chains. Repeat * (Repeat from the *).
Once you have worked the last 13 stitches, you will have 2 remaining stitches. SC2TOG, these last 2 stitches. Chain 1 and turn. Begin the next row by SC2TOG, * then work 13 SC, work 3 SC into the next stitch (this is the middle stitch of the 3 SC you worked in the previous row), work 13 SC, skip 2 stitches at the bottom (for a valley) and repeat *.
Always remember to SC2TOG at the end of each row and at the beginning of a row. Always skip 2 stitches for a valley. Always SC 13 up each side. Always work 3 SC into one stitch for the peak (technically the 14th stitch or "top" stitch). Always chain 1 and turn.
Repeat the pattern for as long as you desire.
In the essence of time and yarn stash busting, I used 2 color pooling Caron Cakes to complete this project but it's entirely up to you to change or alternate colors and yarns as often as you like or not at all. If you are changing colors, I recommend tying off and weaving in as you go to create the strongest foundation at each new color base. If you're not changing colors, then don't tie off until you reach the end, leave a long tail and weave it in throughout.
My blanket measures 32" L x 30.5" W after steam blocking the edges.
I made this blanket for a very dear, old friend of mine who is having a baby. They don't know the sex yet but you'd think I was having a baby by the colors I used. This was a super fun and easy project that I was able to complete in less than 3 weeks. I actually enjoyed it so much that I'm going to start another (crochet chevron) winter blanket for Xena in Kindred Red's Rad DK celadon in cinders colorway (on the right hand side of the images below) that I recently picked up at her trunk show at The Black Squirrel in Berkeley. It was the first trunk show I've ever attended and it was such a wonderful opportunity to meet the wonderful woman behind her hand-dyed fiber. Amalia also designs patterns. She is such a positive spirit within the fiber arts community. And with her coming to town, I was also inspired to check out the weekly knit nite at The Black Squirrel which was so much fun and jam packed with wonderful, creative peeps. Everyone was so kind and friendly. I just wish it wasn't so much of a hassle trying to get across the Bay (on a week night, with a little one)...still, crazy schedules permitting, I'm going to try to make it over there once/month from now on.
I'm probably going to make a sweater for Xena with the Rad DK metropolis colorway on the left and I am most definitely gonna make some rad socks with the Rad Sock oh snap! colorway in the middle!
I don't really have much to report otherwise because since my last update in addition to all of my current WIP's that are still WIP's, I've been busy gathering the yarn and completing my homework for my retreat at the end of the month.
I did take a quick break to try my hand at tapestry crochet. There's actually a variety of ways to do it and on the motif sampler below, the bottom curly Q's are crocheted with one technique and the top is with another. It's not really worth getting into but what I learned is that regardless of which technique you use, it's a bit tedious switching colors at first but once you get going, it's no big thing.
I just bought a couple intarsia crochet patterns so we'll see how floating the yarn in the back compares to working over it soon. That's all for now. I had all 4 of my wisdom teeth extracted a couple days ago and it's crushing every cell in my brain just trying to complete this update!
