This blanket is simple enough to work well with a variegated yarn, but has enough features to work with a solid yarn or solid strips. The example is made with Loops & Threads Charisma yarn.

Sizes:

Gauge: 11 stitches and 16 rows = 4 inches in stockinette

Materials:
Bulky weight yarn
Size 13 (9 mm) knitting needles
Yarn needle

Abbreviations:
k = knit
p = purl
k2tog = knit two together
ssk = slip one knitwise, slip one knitwise, insert left needle into front of both slipped stitches and knit.
yo = yarn over
s2kp2 – slip2 (together, knitwise), k1, pass 2 slipped stitches over

Instructions:

The number of cast on stitches should be a multiple of 14 plus 5 .

Cast on these number of stitches for these widths:
32.5″ = 89
42.75″ = 117
53.” = 145
63.25″ = 173
73.5″ = 201

Row 1: k3, ** yo, k3, ssk, yo, s2kp2, yo, k2tog, k3, yo, k1. Repeat from ** across to last 2 stitches, k2.
Rows 2-4: knit
Row 5: repeat row 1
Row 6: k3, purl across to last three stitches, k3
Row 7: knit
Row 8: repeat row 6

Repeat rows 1 through 8 until blanket is desired length ending with a row 5.
Cast off with row 6, finish off, secure and weave in end.

For solid stripes, make color changes between rows 2 and 3.

The filet diamonds make this a lighter weight throw. The pattern creates a finished rippled edge on all sides as you go. Being a repeat of three rows, it is an easy pattern to learn. Make it in a solid color or with as many color changes as you like.

The example is made in bulky weight (Bulky-5, 12 ply) acrylic yarn.

Size:

Materials:
Bulky weight (Bulky-5, 12 ply) yarn – see chart above for amounts. This blanket can be made in almost any weight yarn. Use the size hook suggested on the yarn you use. The dimensions and yarn amounts in the chart only apply to the yarn weight and hook size given in this pattern.
Size K (6.5mm) crochet hook

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
dc = double crochet
sl st = slip stitch
sp = space

Special stitch:
dec: yo, insert hook into first stitch, yo and pull up a loop, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook, skip 3 stitches, yo, insert hook into next stitch, yo and pull up a loop, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook. (Uses five stitches)

The beginning chain should be a multiple of 24 plus 15.

For these widths, start with this number of chains:
30.5″ = 135
36″ = 159
46.75″ = 207
57.75″ = 255
68.5″ = 303

There is a chart available for this pattern here.

Row 1: Skip first 3 ch (counts as first dc), dc in the 4th ch from hook, dc in each of the next 4 ch, (dc, ch 3, dc) in next ch, dc in next 6 ch ** ch 1, skip 1 ch, dc next ch, ch 1, skip 1 ch, dec, ch 1, skip 1 ch, dc next ch, ch 1, skip 1 ch, dc in next 6 ch, (dc, ch 3, dc) in next ch, dc in each of next 6 ch. Repeat from ** across to end.

For the rest of the blanket, work all stitches in both loops.

Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as a dc), turn, skip first dc, dc in each of next 6 dc, ch 1, (dc, ch 3, dc) in ch-3 sp, ch 1, dc in next 7 dc ** ch 1, skip 1 ch, dec, ch 1, skip 1 ch, dc in each of next 7 dc, ch 1, (dc, ch 3, dc) in ch-3 sp, ch 1, dc in next 7 dc. Repeat from ** across to end.

Row 3: Ch 3 (counts as a dc), turn, skip first dc, dc in each of next 6 dc, ch 1, skip ch-1, dc in next dc, ch 1, (dc, ch 3, dc) in ch-3 sp, ch 1, dc in dc, ch 1, skip ch-1, dc in next 6 dc ** dec, dc in each of next 6 dc, ch 1, sk ch-1, dc in dc, ch 1, (dc, ch 3, dc) in ch-3 sp, ch 1, dc in next dc, ch 1, skip ch-1, dc in next 6 dc. Repeat from ** across to end.

Row 4: Ch 1, turn, skip first dc, sl st in each of next 6 dc, ch 3 (counts as a dc), dc in ch-1 sp, dc in dc, dc in ch-1 sp, dc in dc, (2 dc, ch 3, 2 dc) in ch-3 space, dc in dc, dc in ch-1 sp, dc in dc, dc in ch-1 sp, dc in dc ** skip dc, ch 1, dc in next dc, skip dc, ch 1, dec, skip dc, ch 1, dc in next dc, skip dc, ch 1, dc in next dc dc in ch-1 sp, dc in dc, dc in ch-1 sp, dc in dc, (2 dc, ch 3, 2 dc) in ch-3 space, dc in dc, dc in ch-1 sp, dc in dc, dc in ch-1 sp, dc in dc. Repeat from ** across to last 6 stitches. Do not complete any more stitches on row. You will leave 5 dc and turning chain unworked.

Repeat rows 2 through 4 until blanket is desired length. End with a row 3.

The blanket can be made in a solid color or can be made with any number of color changes. The best way to make a color change is to finish all but the very last pull through of the two loops of the last double crochet of a row. Cut yarn with a few inches of tail and join with new color next to stitch. Pull new color through last two loops. Weave in ends.

Edits:
5/13/18 – correction to Row 3.

The first row of an afghan with homespun or bouclé or other knobby style yarn can be frustrating. This afghan does not require finding chain stitches, even for the first row. The big shell pattern makes this afghan quick to crochet while looking like it took a lot longer.

This pattern was designed to be easy for homespun or bouclé style yarns, but it can be made with just about any yarn. Make it in a solid color or with as many color changes as you like.

The example is made in Jo-Ann Sensations Rainbow Classic. This yarn has been discontinued but was replaced with Purl Essence Rainbow Boucle.

Size: This blanket can be made any size. Five widths are given in the directions.

Materials:
Yarn – Sizing given for Bulky weight yarn but other weights can be used
Size K (6.5mm) crochet hook

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
ch sp = chain space
dc = double crochet
sc = single crochet
tr = triple crochet

Special stitches:
Dec: in stitches or spaces indicated, yo, insert hook into first space indicated, yo and pull up a loop, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook, yo, insert hook into second space indicated, yo and pull up a loop, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook.
Shell: in stitch or space indicated, 4 dc, 2 ch, 4 dc

Instructions:
Instead of a beginning chain, the blanket is begun with a first row of chain and tr spaces.
For these widths, start with this number of chain and tr spaces:
33.25″ = 41
43″ = 53
52.75″ = 65
62.5″ = 77
72.25″ = 89

Row 1: Ch 3, tr in first ch, (ch 3, tr in last ch sp) until you have made desired number of tr/ch spaces. Make a number of tr/ch spaces that is a multiple of 4 plus 1.

Do not turn.

Row 2: Ch 4. Without turning the work, 4 dc in first ch sp, skip next ch sp, ch 1, dec in next ch sp. ** ch 1, skip next ch sp, shell in next ch sp, ch 1, skip next ch sp, dec in next ch sp. Repeat from ** across to the last two chain spaces. Ch 1, skip next ch sp, (4 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) in last ch sp.

Row 3: Ch 4, turn, 4 dc in next chain space, ch 1, dec over the next two ch-1 spaces. ** ch 1, shell in ch-2 space, ch 1, dec over the next two ch-1 spaces. Repeat from ** across to the ch-4 at the end of the row. Ch 1, (4 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) in ch-4 space.

Repeat row 3 until afghan is desired length. Fasten off and weave in end.

The blanket can be made in a solid color or can be made with any number of color changes. The best way to make a color change is to finish all but the very last pull through of the two loops of the last stitch of a row. Cut yarn with a few inches of tail and join with new color next to stitch. Pull new color through last two loops. Weave in ends.

Edits:
2/18/16 – Added missing ch 1 stitches to row 2.
8/15/17 – Moved ch 1 stitches on row 2 for better clarity.

This is a good basic ripple pattern with a little check pattern that adds character without making it too lacy. After the first row, the same row is just repeated over and over, so a really easy pattern to learn. Make it in a solid color or with as many color changes as you like.

The example is made in DK weight (Light-3, 8 ply) mercanized cotton.

Size:

Materials:
DK weight (Light-3, 8 ply) yarn – see chart above for amounts. This blanket can be made in almost any weight yarn. Use the size hook suggested on the yarn you use. The dimensions and yarn amounts in the chart only apply to the yarn weight and hook size given in this pattern.
Size G (4mm) crochet hook

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
dc = double crochet

The beginning chain should be a multiple of 21 plus 12.

For these widths, start with this number of chains:
30″ = 138
39.25″ = 180
48.25″ = 222
57.5″ = 264
66.5″ = 306

Row 1: Skip first 3 ch (counts as first dc), dc in the 4th ch from hook, dc in each of the next 3 ch skip 1 ch, dc in each of the next 9 ch, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch, dc in each of next 9 ch ** skip 2 ch, dc in each of the next 9 ch, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch, dc in each of next 9 ch. Repeat from ** across to the last 6 chains. Skip 1 ch, dc in each of next 5 ch.

For the rest of the blanket, work all stitches in both loops.

Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as a dc), turn, skip first dc, dc in each of next 4 dc ** [skip 2 dc, 2 dc in space between dc stitches] four times, skip 2 dc, (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 space [skip 2 dc, 2 dc in space between dc stitches] four times, skip 2 dc. Repeat from ** across to last 4 dc and turning ch. Dc in each of the next 4 dc, dc in turning chain. (Note that there is a “skip 2 dc” at the beginning and end of the repeat. This will result in skipping 4 dc in all the “valleys” except for the very beginning and end of the row which are partial “valleys”.)

Repeat row 2 until blanket is desired length.

The blanket can be made in a solid color or can be made with any number of color changes. The best way to make a color change is to finish all but the very last pull through of the two loops of the last double crochet of a row. Cut yarn with a few inches of tail and join with new color next to stitch. Pull new color through last two loops. Weave in ends.

Edits 12/7/15: added “to” in next to last sentence of Row 2. Added parenthetical explanation to end of Row 2.

The first row of an afghan with homespun or bouclé or other knobby style yarn can be frustrating. This afghan does not require finding chain stitches, even for the first row. The lacy v-stitch pattern keeps the afghan light even with a heavier yarn.

This pattern was designed to be easy for homespun or bouclé style yarns, but it can be made with just about any yarn. Make it in a solid color or with as many color changes as you like. (For the traditional beginning chain version of this blanket go here.)

The example is made in Yarn Bee Tender Touch.

Size: This blanket can be made any size. Five widths are given in the directions.

Materials:
Yarn – Sizing given for Bulky weight yarn but other weights can be used
Size K (6.5mm) crochet hook

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
ch sp = chain space
dc = double crochet
sc = single crochet
tr = triple crochet

Special stitches:
V-stitch: in stitch or space indicated, 1 dc, 1 ch, 1 dc
Shell: in stitch or space indicated, (1 dc, 1 ch) 3 times, 1 dc

Instructions:
Instead of a beginning chain, the blanket is begun with a first row of chain and tr spaces.
For these widths, start with this number of chain and tr spaces:
30″ = 45
40.75″ = 61
51.25″ = 77
62″ = 93
72.75″ = 109

Row 1: Ch 3, tr in first ch, (ch 3, tr in last ch sp) until you have made desired number of tr/ch spaces. Make a number of tr/ch spaces that is a multiple of 8 plus 5.

Do not turn.

Row 2: Ch 4. Without turning the work, v-stitch in first ch sp, v-stitch in next ch sp, shell in next ch sp, (v-stitch in next ch sp) twice. ** Skip a ch sp, v-stitch in next ch sp, skip a ch so, (v-stitch in next ch sp) twice, shell in next ch sp, (v-stitch in next ch sp) twice. Repeat from ** across to end of the chain spaces.

Row 3: Ch 4, turn, skip first v-stitch, (v-stitch in next chain space) twice, shell in next chain space, (v-stitch in next chain space) twice. ** Chain 2, skip next v-stitch. In next chain space (1 sc, 4 ch, 1 sc). Chain 2, skip next v-stitch, (v-stitch in next chain space) twice, shell in next chain space, (v-stitch in next chain space) twice. Repeat from ** across to end, ending on next to last v-stitch.

Row 4: Ch 4, turn, skip first v-stitch, (v-stitch in next chain space) twice, shell in next chain space, (v-stitch in next chain space) twice. ** Skip next v-stitch and chain 2. In chain 4 space work v-stitch. Skip chain 2 and next v-stitch, (v-stitch in next chain space) twice, shell in next chain space, (v-stitch in next chain space) twice. Repeat from ** across to end, ending on next to last v-stitch.

Repeat rows 3 and 4. Next to the last row should be a row 3. Finish with this last row:

Last Row: Ch 4, turn, skip first v-stitch, (v-stitch in next chain space) twice, shell in next chain space, (v-stitch in next chain space) twice. ** Chain 2, skip next v-stitch. In next chain space (2 sc). Chain 2, skip next v-stitch, (v-stitch in next chain space) twice, shell in next chain space, (v-stitch in next chain space) twice. Repeat from ** across to end, ending on next to last v-stitch. Fasten off and weave in end.

The blanket can be made in a solid color or can be made with any number of color changes. The best way to make a color change is to finish all but the very last pull through of the two loops of the last stitch of a row. Cut yarn with a few inches of tail and join with new color next to stitch. Pull new color through last two loops. Weave in ends.

Edits:
9/10/15 – corrected special stitches section

This blanket is soft to the touch and has gentle calming waves. After the first row, the same row is just repeated over and over, so a really easy pattern to learn. Make it in a solid color or with as many color changes as you like.

The example is made in Bernat Softee Baby, a DK weight (Light-3, 8 ply) acrylic yarn.

Size:

Materials:
DK weight (Light-3, 8 ply) yarn – see chart above for amounts. This blanket can be made in almost any weight yarn. Use the size hook suggested on the yarn you use. The dimensions and yarn amounts in the chart only apply to the yarn weight and hook size given in this pattern.
Size G (4mm) crochet hook

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
dc = double crochet
yo = yarn over

Special stitch:
Dec – Decrease 2 stitches – yo, insert hook in next stitch, yo and pull up a loop, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook, yo, insert hook in next stitch, yo and pull up a loop, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook.

The beginning chain should be a multiple of 20 plus 3.

For these widths, start with this number of chains:
31.5″ = 143
36″ = 163
40.5″ = 183
44.75″ = 203
49.25″ = 223

Row 1: Skip first 3 ch (counts as first dc), **[2dc in next ch, dc in next ch] twice, [dec (uses next 2 ch), dc in next ch] four times, [2dc in next ch, dc in next ch] twice. Repeat from ** across to end. Turn.

For the rest of the blanket, work all stitches in the back loop only.

Row 2: Ch3 (counts as a dc), skip first dc **[2dc in next stitch, dc in next stitch] twice, [dec (uses next 2 stitches), dc in next stitch] four times, [2dc in next stitch, dc in next stitch] twice. Repeat from ** across to end. The last dc will be in the top of the turning chain. Turn.

Repeat row 2 until afghan is desired length.

The blanket can be made in a solid color or can be made with any number of color changes. The best way to make a color change is to finish all but the very last pull through of the two loops of the last double crochet of a row. Cut yarn with a few inches of tail and join with new color next to stitch. Pull new color through last two loops. Weave in ends.

Usually knitted creations have a “right side” but this afghan has cables on one side and lace on the other. This is a practical afghan for actually using, because it is soft and warm and looks great on both sides. The example is made with Lion Brand Homespun yarn.

Sizes:

Gauge: 12 stitches and 18 rows = 4 inches in stockinette

Materials:
Bulky weight yarn
Size 10-1/2 (6.5 mm) knitting needles
Yarn needle

Abbreviations:
k = knit
p = purl
k2tog = knit two together
ssk = slip one knitwise, slip one knitwise, insert left needle into front of both slipped stitches and knit.
yo = yarn over
C4F = cable 4 front – Slip the next 2 stitches onto cable needle and hold in front of work. Knit the next 2 stitches from left-hand needle, knit the 2 stitches from the cable needle.

Instructions:

The number of cast on stitches should be a multiple of 8 plus 5 .

Cast on these number of stitches for these widths:
33.75″ = 101 (113 stitches in body of blanket)
44.5″ = 133 (149 stitches in body of blanket)
55.25″ = 165 (185 stitches in body of blanket)
66″ = 197 (221 stitches in body of blanket)
76.75″ = 229 (257 stitches in body of blanket)

Repeat directions between * across the row.
Row 1: k1, * p1, k1 *
Rows 2 – 6: repeat row 1
Row 7: k1, (p1, k1) twice, k1, knit in front and back of next stitch, k1, * p5, k1, knit in front and back of next stitch, k1 *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 8: k1, (p1, k1) twice, p4, *k2, yo, ssk, k1, p4 *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 9: k1, (p1, k1) twice, C4F, *p5, C4F *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 10: k1, (p1, k1) twice, p4, *k3, yo, ssk, p4 *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 11: k1, (p1, k1) twice, k4, *p5, k4 *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 12: k1, (p1, k1) twice, p4, *k1, k2tog, yo, k2, p4 *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 13: k1, (p1, k1) twice, k4, *p5, k4 *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 14: k1, (p1, k1) twice, p4, *k2tog, yo, k3, p4 *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 15: k1, (p1, k1) twice, C4F, *p5, C4F *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 16: k1, (p1, k1) twice, p4, *k2, yo, ssk, k1, p4 *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 17: k1, (p1, k1) twice, k4, *p5, k4 *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 18: k1, (p1, k1) twice, p4, *k3, yo, ssk, p4 *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 19: k1, (p1, k1) twice, k4, *p5, k4 *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 20: k1, (p1, k1) twice, p4, *k1, k2tog, yo, k2, p4 *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 21: k1, (p1, k1) twice, C4F, *p5, C4F *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 22: k1, (p1, k1) twice, p4, *k2tog, yo, k3, p4 *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 23: k1, (p1, k1) twice, k4, *p5, k4 *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 24: k1, (p1, k1) twice, p4, *k2, yo, ssk, k1, p4 *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 25: k1, (p1, k1) twice, k4, *p5, k4 *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 26: k1, (p1, k1) twice, p4, *k3, yo, ssk, p4 *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 27: k1, (p1, k1) twice, C4F, *p5, C4F *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 28: k1, (p1, k1) twice, p4, *k1, k2tog, yo, k2, p4 *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 29: k1, (p1, k1) twice, k4, *p5, k4 *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 30: k1, (p1, k1) twice, p4, *k2tog, yo, k3, p4 *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 31: k1, (p1, k1) twice, k4, *p5, k4 *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 32: k1, (p1, k1) twice, p4, *k2, yo, ssk, k1, p4 *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 33: k1, (p1, k1) twice, C4F, *p5, C4F *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 34: k1, (p1, k1) twice, p4, *k3, yo, ssk, p4 *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 35: k1, (p1, k1) twice, k4, *p5, k4 *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 36: k1, (p1, k1) twice, p4, *k1, k2tog, yo, k2, p4 *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 37: k1, (p1, k1) twice, k4, *p5, k4 *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 38: k1, (p1, k1) twice, p4, *k2tog, yo, k3, p4 *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 39: k1, (p1, k1) twice, C4F, *p5, C4F *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 40: k1, (p1, k1) twice, p4, *k2, yo, ssk, k1, p4 *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 41: k1, (p1, k1) twice, k4, *p5, k4 *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 42: k1, (p1, k1) twice, p4, *k3, yo, ssk, p4 *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 43: k1, (p1, k1) twice, k4, *p5, k4 *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 44: k1, (p1, k1) twice, p4, *k1, k2tog, yo, k2, p4 *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 45: k1, (p1, k1) twice, C4F, *p5, C4F *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 46: k1, (p1, k1) twice, p4, *k2tog, yo, k3, p4 *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 47: k1, (p1, k1) twice, k4, *p5, k4 *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 48: k1, (p1, k1) twice, p4, *k2, yo, ssk, k1, p4 *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 49: k1, (p1, k1) twice, k4, *p5, k4 *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 50: k1, (p1, k1) twice, p4, *k3, yo, ssk, p4 *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 51: k1, (p1, k1) twice, C4F, *p5, C4F *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 52: k1, (p1, k1) twice, p4, *k1, k2tog, yo, k2, p4 *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 53: k1, (p1, k1) twice, k4, *p5, k4 *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 54: k1, (p1, k1) twice, p4, *k2tog, yo, k3, p4 *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 55: k1, (p1, k1) twice, k4, *p5, k4 *, k1, (p1, k1) twice

Repeat rows 8 through 55 until blanket is desired length ending with a row 10, 16, 22, 28, 34, 40, 46 or 52. Complete these last rows:

Row 1: k1, (p1, k1) twice, k1, k2tog, k1, *p5, k1, k2tog, k1 *, k1, (p1, k1) twice
Row 2: k1, * p1, k1 *
Rows 3 – 7: repeat row 2

Cast off with last row, finish off, secure and weave in end.

This lacy throw looks classy in a solid color, but can be made with stripes. The example is made in worsted weight acrylic yarn.

Size:
This blanket can be made any size. Five widths are given in the directions.

Materials:
Worsted weight yarn
Size I (5.5mm) crochet hook

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
ch sp = chain space
dc = double crochet
sc = single crochet
tr = triple crochet
yo = yarn over

Special stitch:
Cluster – in ch sp indicated (yo, insert hook in ch sp, yo and pull up a loop, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook) three times, yo and draw through all 4 loops on hook.

There is also a chart available here.

The beginning chain should be a multiple of 12 plus 6.

For these widths, start with this number of chains:
35″ = 126
41.75″ = 150
48.25″ = 174
55″ = 198
61.75″ = 222

After the first row, make all stitches in front loops.

Row 1: Dc in 5th chain from hook. Dc in each chain across row.

Row 2: Ch 3. Turn. Dc in second dc and in each dc across. Dc in next ch.

Row 3: Ch 3. Turn. Dc in second dc and in each dc across. Dc in top of turning ch.

Row 4: Ch 1. Turn. Sc in first dc and in each of the next 6 dc. Ch 2, skip 1 dc, sc in next dc, ** skip 3 dc, work (3 tr, ch 4, sc) in next dc, ch 2, skip 1 dc, work (sc, ch 4, 3 tr) in next dc, skip 3 dc, sc in next dc, ch 2, skip 1 dc, sc in next dc. Repeat from ** to last 5 dc. Sc in each remaining dc in and in top of turning chain.

Row 5: Ch 3. Turn. Skip first sc, dc in each of next 6 sc, ch 1, dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 1, skip 3 tr, sc in top of ch-4, ch 2, work Cluster in next ch-2 sp, ch 2, skip 3 ch, sc in next ch, ch 1, ** work (dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch-2 sp, ch 1, skip 3 tr, sc in top of ch-4, ch 2, work Cluster in next ch-2 sp, ch 2, skip 3 ch, sc in next ch, ch 1. Repeat from ** to last ch-2 sp. Dc in last ch-2 sp, ch 1, dc in each of last 7 sc.

Row 6: Ch 1. Turn. Sc in first dc and in each of the next 6 dc. ch 2, skip (ch and dc), ** sc in next ch-1 sp, work (3 tr, ch 4, sc) in next ch-2 sp, ch 2, skip Cluster, work (sc, ch 4, 3 tr) in next ch-2 sp, sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 2, skip 1 ch-1 sp. Repeat from ** to last 6 dc and turning chain. Sc in each remaining dc in and in top of turning chain.

Repeat rows 5 and 6 until afghan is desired length. After a row 5, work these final three rows.

Third to last row: Ch 3. Turn. Dc in second dc and in each st across. Dc in top of turning ch.

Second to last row: Ch 3. Turn. Dc in second dc and in each dc across. Dc in top of turning ch.

Last row: Ch 3. Turn. Dc in second dc and in each dc across. Dc in top of turning ch. Finish off and weave in end.

The blanket can be made in a solid color or can be made with any number of color changes. The best way to make a color change is to finish all but the very last pull through of the two loops of the last stitch of a row. Cut yarn with a few inches of tail and join with new color next to stitch. Pull new color through last two loops. Weave in ends.

Edits:
4/24/17 – Added link to chart.

The first row of an afghan with homespun or bouclé or other knobby style yarn can be frustrating. This afghan does not require finding chain stitches, even for the first row. The lacy diamond pattern keeps the afghan light even with a heavier yarn.

This pattern was designed to be easy for homespun or bouclé style yarns, but it can be made with just about any yarn. Make it in a solid color or with as many color changes as you like.

The example is made in Jo-Ann Sensations Rainbow Boucle (now made by Purl Essence).

Size: This blanket can be made any size. Five widths are given in the directions.

Materials:
Yarn – Sizing given for Bulky weight yarn but other weights can be used
Size I (5.5mm) crochet hook

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
ch sp = chain space
dc = double crochet
sc = single crochet
tr = triple crochet

Special stitches:
Shell – work the following in the ch sp indicated: 2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc
V-stitch – work the following in ch sp indicated: 1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc

Instructions:
Instead of a beginning chain, the blanket is begun with a first row of chain and tr spaces.
For these widths, start with this number of chain and tr spaces:
30″ = 39
34.5″ = 45
39.25″ = 51
43.75″ = 57
48.5″ = 63

Row 1: Ch 3, tr in first ch, (ch 3, tr in last ch sp) until you have made desired number of tr/ch spaces. Make an odd number of tr/ch spaces.

Do not turn.

Row 2: Ch 4. Without turning the work, make 2 dc in first space (over tr just made). Working across the spaces (holding it so that the tr stitches are on top, so work will be made over the tr stitches), skip one space and make a Shell in the next space across to the last two spaces. In the last space make 2 dc, ch 1, 1 dc.

Row 3: Ch 4 and turn. 1 dc in ch-1 sp, ch 2, sc in space before next Shell (between dc of partial Shell and first full Shell) ** ch 2, V-stitch in ch-2 space of Shell, ch 2, sc in space between Shells. Repeat from ** across to end with the last sc made between the last full shell and the partial shell at the end of the row. Ch 2, V-stitch in ch-4 space.

Row 4: Ch 4 and turn. 2 dc in ch-1 sp, ** skip ch-2, skip sc, skip ch-2, Shell in the next V-stitch. Repeat from ** across to ch-4 turning chain. Skip ch-2, skip sc, skip ch-2, (2 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) in ch-4 sp.

Repeat rows 3 and 4 until afghan is desired length. If no additional border is desired, finish off and weave in end.

Optional border – end with a row 3.

Border round 1: Ch 3 and turn. (1 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch-1 sp, ** skip ch-2, skip sc, skip ch-2, Shell in the next V-stitch. Repeat from ** across the top of the throw to the ch-4 turning chain. Work the following in the ch-4 turning chain sp: shell, ch 2, shell. Mark the 2-ch between the shells as the corner. On the side of the throw, make a shell in each space formed by the ch-4 turning chain of the rows. At the bottom corner, in the ch-3/tr space at the corner work (shell, ch 2, shell). Mark the 2-ch between the shells as the corner. Working across the ch-3 spaces at the bottom of the blanket, (skip one space and make a Shell in the next space) across to the last two spaces. In the last space work (shell, ch 2, shell). Mark the 2-ch between the shells as the corner. On the side of the throw, make a shell in each space formed by the final dc of the rows. Ch 2, slip stitch to join in the third chain of the first shell of the round. Mark the 2-ch between the shells as the corner. Do not turn.

Border round 2: Slip stitch in the next dc, slip stitch in the ch-2 space, ch 4, dc in same ch-2 space [** ch 2, sc in space before next Shell, ch 2, V-stitch in ch-2 space of Shell. Repeat from ** across to the corner, ch 2, (sc, ch 2, V-stitch, ch 2, sc) in the corner ch-2 space, move the corner marker to this last V-stitch, ch 2, V-stitch in the ch-2 space of the shell] four times, but on the last repeat, exclude the last V-stitch, join with a slip stitch in the third chain. Do not turn.

Border round 3: Slip stitch in the ch sp. Ch 3, (1 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in same sp. Make a shell in the ch-1 space of each V-stitch around, except at each corner, make (shell, ch 2, shell) in the ch-1 space of the corner V-stitch. Move the corner marker to the ch-2. Join in the third chain of the first shell of the round. Do not turn.

Rounds 2 and 3 can be repeated to desired width. Finish off and weave in end.

The blanket can be made in a solid color or can be made with any number of color changes. The best way to make a color change is to finish all but the very last pull through of the two loops of the last stitch of a row. Cut yarn with a few inches of tail and join with new color next to stitch. Pull new color through last two loops. Weave in ends.

Edits:
11/8/14 – corrected typos in Border round 2
3/19/17 – added photos for all rows

Little stripes of color look so fun, but weaving in ends from lots of color changes is far from fun. This blanket is designed to make it possible to change between three colors without cutting the yarn between stripes. The “drips” add interest to an otherwise just plain striped blanket.

Size: This blanket can be made any size. Five widths are given in the directions.

Materials:
Worsted weight yarn in three colors
Size I (5.5mm) crochet hook

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
sc = single crochet

Special stitches:
ldc – long double crochet – yo, insert hook in stitch a row below next sc, yo and pull up a loop even with last stitch made, (yo and draw through two loops on hook) twice.
eldc – extended long double crochet – yo, insert hook in stitch 2 rows below next sc, yo and pull up a loop even with last stitch made, (yo and draw through two loops on hook) twice.
You can see a demonstration of these stitches in this video – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSuvSZPGiLM&feature=youtu.be

The beginning chain should be a multiple of 40 plus 5.

For these widths, start with this number of chains:
26.5″ = 85
39″ = 125
51.5″ = 165
64″ = 205
76.5″ = 245

How to change colors for this blanket:
For making this blanket, you will use 3 colors that will stay attached to the work. You will drop and take up colors at the ends of rows, but will not have to cut or restart a color except to start a new skein. At the end of each row, finish all but the last pull through the two loops to finish the sc. Use the other color waiting at the end of that row to pull up through that loop. Use it to continue the next row back across to the other side.

After the first row, make all stitches in front loop.
Make beginning chain (see above for number of chains) in color A.
Beginning Border Row 1: Sc in second ch from hook, sc in each ch to the end of the row. On the last sc, finish all the but the last pull through the two loops. Attach color B, drop color A and pull color B through those last two loops.
Beginning Border Row 2: Color B. Ch 1, turn. Sc in first sc, sc in each sc to end of the row. On the last sc, finish all the but the last pull through the two loops. Attach color C, drop color B and pull color C through those last two loops.
Beginning Border Row 3: Color C. Ch 1, turn. Sc in first sc, sc in each sc to end of the row. On the last sc, finish all the but the last pull through the two loops. Drop color C and pull color A through those last two loops.

Continue this way of changing colors each row for the rest of the blanket. You will always know what color to change to because it will be the yarn waiting for you at the end of the row.

Repeat these 10 rows for the length of the blanket, continuing to change color each row in the same manner as above. There are not colors given on these rows because they rotate throughout the length of the blanket.

Row 1: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first sc, sc in next sc, working across the prior row stitches * eldc, ldc, 16 sc, ldc, eldc, 20 sc. Repeat from * across to the last two stitches. Sc in each of the last two stitches.
Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first sc, sc in next sc, working across the prior row stitches * 16 sc, eldc, ldc, 16 sc, ldc, eldc, 4 sc. Repeat from * across to the last two stitches. Sc in each of the last two stitches.
Row 3: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first sc, sc in next sc, working across the prior row stitches * 8 sc, eldc, ldc, 16 sc, ldc, eldc, 12 sc. Repeat from * across to the last two stitches. Sc in each of the last two stitches.
Row 4: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first sc, sc in next sc, working across the prior row stitches * 8 sc, eldc, ldc, 16 sc, ldc, eldc, 12 sc. Repeat from * across to the last two stitches. Sc in each of the last two stitches.
Row 5: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first sc, sc in next sc, working across the prior row stitches * 16 sc, eldc, ldc, 16 sc, ldc, eldc, 4 sc. Repeat from * across to the last two stitches. Sc in each of the last two stitches.
Row 6: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first sc, sc in next sc, working across the prior row stitches * eldc, ldc, 16 sc, ldc, eldc, 20 sc. Repeat from * across to the last two stitches. Sc in each of the last two stitches.
Row 7: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first sc, sc in next sc, working across the prior row stitches * 2 sc, ldc, eldc, 20 sc, eldc, ldc, 14 sc. Repeat from * across to the last two stitches. Sc in each of the last two stitches.
Row 8: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first sc, sc in next sc, working across the prior row stitches * 10 sc, ldc, eldc, 20 sc, eldc, ldc, 6 sc. Repeat from * across to the last two stitches. Sc in each of the last two stitches.
Row 9: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first sc, sc in next sc, working across the prior row stitches * 10 sc, ldc, eldc, 20 sc, eldc, ldc, 6 sc. Repeat from * across to the last two stitches. Sc in each of the last two stitches.
Row 10: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first sc, sc in next sc, working across the prior row stitches * 2 sc, ldc, eldc, 20 sc, eldc, ldc, 14 sc. Repeat from * across to the last two stitches. Sc in each of the last two stitches.

Finishing and border:

End with a color C row. Finish off. Cut the color A yarn and tie to the color C tail to finish off color A.
Round 1: At the beginning of the last row, insert hook into back loop of first sc and pull up a loop of color B. Ch 1, sc in first sc and sc across the top in each stitch to the last sc. Make 2 sc in the last sc of the top row. Sc in the side of each stitch going down the side of the blanket, working over the loops where the colors were changed at the sides to hide them. On the bottom, work across the bottom loops of each stitch, making 2 sc in the first and last stitches of the bottom, and 1 sc in each stitch between. Sc in the side of each stitch going down the side of the blanket, working over the loops where the colors were changed at the sides to hide them. Make another sc in the first stitch of the top row. Switch to color C. Sl st in the first stitch of the round to join.
Round 2: Ch 1, sc in same sc, sc in each sc around, with 3 sc in each corner sc. Once reaching the beginning, switch to color A. Sl st in the first stitch of the round to join.
Round 3: Ch 1, sc in same sc, sc in each sc around, with 3 sc in each corner sc. Once reaching the beginning, sl st in the first stitch of the round to join.