This updated ripple afghan really showcases color. It gets its name from the M’s and W’s you see in the ripples from a distance.

The example is made in DK weight cotton/silk yarn, but can be made with most yarn weights.

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

Materials:
DK weight yarn (see chart for amount)
Size H (5mm) crochet hook

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
dc = double crochet

Special stitch:
dc5tog – double crochet 5 stitches together (uses five stitches, decreases by four stitches) – [Yarn over, insert hook in next stitch, yarn over and pull up loop, yarn over, draw through 2 loops] 5 times (6 loops on hook), yarn over, draw through all loops on hook.

The beginning chain should be a multiple of 58 plus 34.

For these widths, start with this number of chains:
30.25″ = 150
42″ = 208
53.75″ = 266
65.5″ = 324
77.25″ = 382

There is also a chart available.

Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in next 7 ch, 5 dc in next ch, dc in next 4 ch, dc5tog (uses next 5 ch), dc in next 4 ch, ** 5 dc in next ch, dc in next 12 ch, dc5tog (uses next 5 ch), dc in next 4 ch, 5 dc in next ch, dc in next 4 ch, dc5tog (uses next 5 ch), dc in next 12 ch, 5 dc in next ch, dc in next 4 ch, dc5tog (uses next 5 ch), dc in next 4 ch. Repeat from ** to last 9 ch. 5 dc in next ch, dc in next 8 ch.

Row 2: Ch 3, turn. Dc in 2nd dc, dc in next 8 dc, 5 dc in next dc, dc in next 4 dc, dc5tog (uses 2 dc, dc5tog, 2 dc), dc in next 4 dc, ** 5 dc in next dc, dc in next 12 dc, dc5tog (uses 2 dc, dc5tog, 2 dc), dc in next 4 dc, 5 dc in next dc, dc in next 4 dc, dc5tog (uses 2 dc, dc5tog, 2 dc), dc in next 12 dc, 5 dc in next dc, dc in next 4 dc, dc5tog (uses 2 dc, dc5tog, 2 dc), dc in next 4 dc. Repeat from ** to last 12 dc and turning chain. 5 dc in next dc, dc in next 8 dc.

Repeat row 2 until afghan is desired length. 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.

 
For March 2013 I sent six lap blankets with the batch of items for hospice.

These five are made with my own patterns:

	This is made from some donated Lion Brand Homespun. The pattern is No Beginning Chain Asymmetric Shell.
	This was made with Jo-Ann Sensations Rainbow Boucle Multi. The pattern is No Beginning Chain Crazy Block Afghan.
	This is made from Jo-Ann Sensations Rainbow Classic. The pattern is Lacy Round Ripple Blanket.
	This blanket is made from Jo-Ann Sensations Rainbow Classic Pattern. The pattern is Shell and Wrapped Stitches Blanket.
	This is made from Yarn Bee Boucle Traditions. The pattern is No Beginning Chain Strawberry Lace Blanket.

This is a scrap lapghan I made from worsted weight scraps I’d saved. The pattern is Mitered Squares Afghan by Chris de Longpré but I laid the squares out square rather than on the bias.

 
For December 2012 I sent eight lap blankets with the batch of items for hospice.

These six are made with my own patterns:

	This yarn is Knitting Fever King Tut, a mercerized cotton yarn. The pattern is Chevrons and Ladders Ripple Blanket.
	This was a stash buster I made with all my remaining Knitting Fever King Tut. The pattern is Crazy Ripple Blanket.
	This is made from Joann Sensations Rainbow Boucle. The pattern is No Beginning Chain Egg Blanket.
	This blanket is made from Loops & Threads Impeccable™ Ombre. The pattern is Filet Blocks Ripple Blanket.
	This is made from Joann Sensations Rainbow Boucle Patterns. The pattern is No Beginning Chain Granny Ripple Afghan.
	I made this one with Red Heart Soft Yarn Solids & Heathers. The pattern is Shell and Stripe Ripple Afghan.

These two are made with other patterns:

The center of this is made with Lana Grossa Niki yarn that I traded with a fellow Ravelry stitcher in California. The pattern is Repose by Carole Prior from Leisure Arts #3137, Big Book of Quick Knit Afghans. The Niki blanket was smaller than I wanted, so I improvised a pattern similar to Repose as a border on all sides and added it with Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice yarn.

I had DK weight baby yarn in yellow and lavender in my stash. I used them double stranded to make Reversible Shell Baby Afghan 06-34089 from Lee Wards Complete Library of Needlecraft. I didn’t have enough lavender to make the blanket long enough, so I added top and bottom borders in the yellow in a single layer of shells.

I knew about their wedding for a while, but I let the time slip up on me. They were going to use dark earth tones in their home and had a casual style. I love Lion Brand Homespun for afghans because it is so soft, but looks nice and washes well. The only problem with Homespun is that it is not fun to crochet, so I usually knit it. I’m a faster crocheter than knitter and needed a fast project, but really wanted to give them a full sized throw. I created this pattern with these things in mind – No Beginning Chain Bricks Afghan.

Erin and Stan loved the blanket, but so did their kitty.

 
Yes, that says 2012. I really am more than a year behind posting these. 2013 was a hard year for me, and I’m sincerely hopeful that things will be better in 2014.

For October 2012 I sent twelve lap blankets with the batch of items for hospice.

These eight are made with my own patterns:

	This yarn is Knitting Fever King Tut, a mercerized cotton yarn. The pattern is Double V-stitch Ripple Blanket.
	This was a stash buster I made in several Aran weight scraps. The pattern is The Blanket Has Eyes.
	This also made from Knitting Fever King Tut. The pattern is Fans and Pansies Ripple Blanket.
	This also made from Knitting Fever King Tut. The pattern is Spider Lace Throw.
	This is made from a discontinued yarn from my stash, Caron SnoSpun. The pattern is No Beginning Chain Lacy Shell Afghan.
	I made this one with two stands of DK weight yarn. The pattern is No Beginning Chain Quick Shell Afghan.
	This blanket is made with Hobby Lobby I Love This Yarn! Dark Country Blue. The pattern is Shell and V-stitch Round Ripple Blanket.
	This also made from Knitting Fever King Tut. The pattern is Wavy Squares Afghan.

These four are made with other patterns:

This one is made with two strands of Bernat Softee Baby. The pattern is #137 in the book The Complete Book of Crochet Stitch Designs.

I had a spool of discontinued Peaches & Creme in my stash and used it to make Crochet Heathers Throw by Melissa Leapman.

This one is made with two strands of Bernat Softee Baby. The pattern is #256 in the book The Complete Book of Crochet Stitch Designs.

I used two stands of Knitting Fever King Tut to make this one. The pattern is Super Quick Throw by Marilyn Coleman.

This vintage look throw is not a complicated pattern, but will keep your interest while making it. The example is made in light worsted weight mercanized cotton.

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

Materials:
Worsted weight yarn
Size H (5mm) crochet hook

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

The beginning chain should be a multiple of 48 plus 41.

For these widths, start with this number of chains:
25.25″ = 89
39″ = 137
52.75″ = 185
66.25″ = 233
80″ = 281

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

Written instructions are provided for the first 13 rows only. Please refer to the chart (click the word chart) for full instructions. Repeat stitches between red lines across the row. Repeat rows between the blue lines until the blanket is the desired length.

Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in each ch across row.

Row 2: Ch 3, turn. Dc in 2nd dc and in each dc across to end of row. Dc in top of turning ch.

Row 3: Ch 3, turn. Dc in 2nd dc, dc in each of next 9 dc, ** ch 1, skip 1 dc, dc in each of next 15 dc. Repeat from ** to last 11 dc and turning ch. Ch 1, skip 1 dc, dc in each of next 10 dc. Dc in top of turning ch.

Row 4: Ch 3, turn. Dc in 2nd dc, dc in each of next 7 dc, ch 4, skip 2 dc, dc in ch sp, ch 4, skip 2 dc, dc in each of next 11 dc, ch 4, skip 2 dc, dc in ch sp, ch 4, ** skip 2 dc, dc in each of next 11 dc, ch 1, skip 1 dc, dc in next dc, ch 1, skip ch sp, dc in next dc, ch 1, skip 1 dc, dc in each of next 11 dc, ch 4, skip 2 dc, dc in ch sp, ch 4, skip 2 dc, dc in each of next 11 dc, ch 4, skip 2 dc, dc in ch sp, ch 4. Repeat from ** to last 12 dc and turning ch. Skip 2 dc, dc in each of last 8 dc. Dc in top of turning ch.

Row 5: Ch 3, turn. Dc in 2nd dc, dc in each of next 5 dc, ch 4, skip 2 dc, sc in ch sp, sc in dc, sc in ch sp, ch 4, skip 2 dc, dc in each of next 7 dc, ch 4, skip 2 dc, sc in ch sp, sc in dc, sc in ch sp, ch 4, ** skip 2 dc, dc in each of next 7 dc, ch 1, (skip 1 dc, dc in next dc, ch 1) four times, skip 1 dc, dc in each of next 7 dc, ch 4, skip 2 dc, sc in ch sp, sc in dc, sc in ch sp, ch 4, skip 2 dc, dc in each of next 7 dc, ch 4, skip 2 dc, sc in ch sp, sc in dc, sc in ch sp, ch 4. Repeat from ** to last 8 dc and turning ch. Skip 2 dc, dc in each of last 6 dc. Dc in top of turning ch.

Row 6: Ch 3, turn. Dc in 2nd dc, dc in each of next 3 dc, ch 4, skip 2 dc, sc in ch sp, sc in each of 3 sc, sc in ch sp, ch 4, skip 2 dc, dc in each of next 3 dc, ch 4, skip 2 dc, sc in ch sp, sc in each of 3 sc, sc in ch sp, ch 4, ** skip 2 dc, dc in each of next 3 dc, (ch 1, skip 1 dc, dc in next dc) three times, dc in ch sp, dc in dc, (ch 1, skip 1 dc, dc in next dc) three times, dc in next two dc, ch 4, skip 2 dc, sc in ch sp, sc in each of 3 sc, sc in ch sp, ch 4, skip 2 dc, dc in each of next 3 dc, ch 4, skip 2 dc, sc in ch sp, sc in each of 3 sc, sc in ch sp, ch 4. Repeat from ** to last 6 dc and turning ch. Skip 2 dc, dc in each of last 4 dc. Dc in top of turning ch.

Row 7: Ch 3, turn. Dc in 2nd dc, dc in each of next 3 dc, 2 dc in ch sp, ch 4, skip 1 sc, sc in each of next 3 sc, skip 1 sc, ch 4, 2 dc in ch sp, dc in next dc, ch 1, skip 1 dc, dc in next dc, 2 dc in ch sp, ch 4, skip 1 sc, sc in each of next 3 sc, skip 1 sc, ch 4, 2 dc in ch sp, ** dc in next dc, ch 1, skip 1 dc, dc in next dc, (ch 1, dc in next dc) twice, dc in ch sp, dc in next dc, ch 1, skip 1 dc, dc in next dc, dc in ch sp, dc in next dc, (ch 1, dc in next dc) twice, ch 1, skip 1 dc, dc in next dc, 2 dc in ch sp, ch 4, skip 1 sc, sc in each of next 3 sc, skip 1 sc, ch 4, 2 dc in ch sp, dc in next dc, ch 1, skip 1 dc, dc in next dc, 2 dc in ch sp, ch 4, skip 1 sc, sc in each of next 3 sc, skip 1 sc, ch 4, 2 dc in ch sp. Repeat from ** to last 4 dc and turning ch. Dc in each of last 4 dc. Dc in top of turning ch.

Row 8: Ch 3, turn. Dc in 2nd dc, dc in each of next 5 dc, 2 dc in ch sp, ch 4, skip 1 sc, dc in next sc, skip 1 sc, ch 4, 2 dc in ch sp, dc in next dc, ch 4, skip 2 dc, dc in ch sp, ch 4, skip 2 dc, dc in next dc, 2 dc in ch sp, ch 4, skip 1 sc, dc in next sc, skip 1 sc, ch 4, 2 dc in ch sp, ** dc in next dc, ch 1, skip 1 dc, dc in next dc, (ch 1, dc in next dc) twice, dc in ch sp, dc in next dc, ch 4, skip 2 dc, dc in ch sp, ch 4, skip 2 dc, dc in next dc, dc in ch sp, dc in next dc, ch 1, skip 1 dc, dc in next dc, (ch 1, dc in next dc) twice, ch 1, skip 1 dc, dc in next dc, 2 dc in ch sp, ch 4, skip 1 sc, dc in next sc, skip 1 sc, ch 4, 2 dc in ch sp, dc in next dc, ch 4, skip 2 dc, dc in ch sp, ch 4, skip 2 dc, dc in next dc, 2 dc in ch sp, ch 4, skip 1 sc, dc in next sc, skip 1 sc, ch 4, 2 dc in ch sp. Repeat from ** to last 6 dc and turning ch. Dc in each of last 6 dc. Dc in top of turning ch.

Row 9: Ch 3, turn. Dc in 2nd dc, dc in each of next 7 dc, 2 dc in ch sp, ch 1, 2 dc in next ch sp, dc in next dc, ch 4, skip 2 dc, sc in ch sp, sc in dc, sc in ch sp, ch 4, skip 2 dc, dc in next dc, 2 dc in ch sp, ch 1, 2 dc in next ch sp, ** dc in next dc, ch 1, skip 1 dc, dc in next dc, (ch 1, dc in next dc) twice, dc in ch sp, dc in next dc, ch 4, skip 2 dc, sc in ch sp, sc in dc, sc in ch sp, ch 4, skip 2 dc, dc in next dc, dc in ch sp, dc in next dc, ch 1, skip 1 dc, dc in next dc, (ch 1, dc in next dc) twice, ch 1, skip 1 dc, dc in next dc, 2 dc in ch sp, ch 1, 2 dc in next ch sp, dc in next dc, ch 4, skip 2 dc, sc in ch sp, sc in dc, sc in ch sp, ch 4, skip 2 dc, dc in next dc, 2 dc in ch sp, ch 1, 2 dc in next ch sp. Repeat from ** to last 8 dc and turning ch. Dc in each of last 8 dc. Dc in top of turning ch.

Row 10: Ch 3, turn. Dc in 2nd dc, dc in each of next 9 dc, dc in ch sp, dc in next dc, ch 4, skip 2 dc, sc in ch sp, sc in each of 3 sc, sc in ch sp, ch 4, skip 2 dc, dc in next dc, dc in ch sp, ** dc in next dc, ch 1, skip 1 dc, dc in next dc, (ch 1, dc in next dc) twice, dc in ch sp, dc in next dc, ch 4, skip 2 dc, sc in ch sp, sc in each of 3 sc, sc in ch sp, ch 4, skip 2 dc, dc in next dc, dc in ch sp, dc in next dc, (ch 1, dc in next dc) twice, ch 1, skip 1 dc, dc in next dc, dc in ch sp, dc in next dc, ch 4, skip 2 dc, sc in ch sp, sc in each of 3 sc, sc in ch sp, ch 4, skip 2 dc, dc in next dc, dc in ch sp. Repeat from ** to last 10 dc and turning ch. Dc in each of last 10 dc. Dc in top of turning ch.

Row 11: Ch 3, turn. Dc in 2nd dc, dc in each of next 9 dc, ch 1, skip 1 dc, dc in next dc, 2 dc in ch sp, ch 4, skip 1 sc, sc in each of next 3 sc, skip 1 sc, ch 4, 2 dc in ch sp, dc in next dc, ** ch 1, skip 1 dc, dc in next dc, dc in ch sp, dc in next dc, (ch 1, dc in next dc) twice, 2 dc in ch sp, ch 4, skip 1 sc, sc in each of next 3 sc, skip 1 sc, ch 4, 2 dc in ch sp, dc in next dc, (ch 1, dc in next dc) twice, dc in ch sp, dc in next dc, ch1, skip 1 dc, dc in next dc, 2 dc in ch sp, ch 4, skip 1 sc, sc in each of next 3 sc, skip 1 sc, ch 4, 2 dc in ch sp, dc in next dc. Repeat from ** to last 11 dc and turning ch. Ch 1, skip 1 dc, dc in each of next 10 dc, dc in top of turning ch.

Row 12: Ch 3, turn. Dc in 2nd dc, dc in each of next 7 dc, ch 4, skip 2 dc, dc in ch sp, ch 4, skip 2 dc, dc in next dc, 2 dc in ch sp, ch 4, skip 1 sc, dc in next sc, skip 1 sc, ch 4, 2 dc in ch sp, dc in next dc, ch 4, skip 2 dc, dc in ch sp, ch 4, ** skip 2 dc, dc in next dc, dc in ch sp, dc in next dc, (ch 1, dc in next dc) twice, 2 dc in ch sp, ch 4, skip 1 sc, dc in next sc, skip 1 sc, ch 4, 2 dc in ch sp, dc in next dc, (ch 1, dc in next dc) twice, dc in ch sp, dc in next dc, ch 4, skip 2 dc, dc in ch sp, ch 4, skip 2 dc, dc in next dc, 2 dc in ch sp, ch 4, skip 1 sc, dc in next sc, skip 1 sc, ch 4, 2 dc in ch sp, dc in next dc, ch 4, skip 2 dc, dc in ch sp, ch 4. Repeat from ** to last 12 dc and turning ch. Skip 2 dc, dc in each of last 8 dc. Dc in top of turning ch.

Row 13: Ch 3, turn. Dc in 2nd dc, dc in each of next 5 dc, ch 4, skip 2 dc, sc in ch sp, sc in dc, sc in ch sp, ch 4, skip 2 dc, dc in next dc, 2 dc in ch sp, ch 1, 2 dc in next ch sp, dc in next dc, ch 4, skip 2 dc, sc in ch sp, sc in dc, sc in ch sp, ch 4, ** skip 2 dc, dc in next dc, dc in ch sp, dc in next dc, (ch 1, dc in next dc) twice, 2 dc in ch sp, ch 1, 2 dc in next ch sp, dc in next dc, (ch 1, dc in next dc) twice, dc in ch sp, dc in next dc, ch 4, skip 2 dc, sc in ch sp, sc in dc, sc in ch sp, ch 4, skip 2 dc, dc in next dc, 2 dc in ch sp, ch 1, 2 dc in next ch sp, dc in next dc, ch 4, skip 2 dc, sc in ch sp, sc in dc, sc in ch sp, ch 4. Repeat from ** to last 8 dc and turning ch. Skip 2 dc, dc in each of last 6 dc. Dc in top of turning ch.

Edits:
2/15/15 – added two missing stitches to the center of row 7.
7/29/17 – moved “dc in ch sp, dc in next dc,” in row 7.

This blanket has a very striking appearance and is very heavy and warm. It is quite the yarn hog, so I have only given directions for smaller sizes.

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

Colors:
The sample was made with Caron Simply Soft yarn. The base color is Bone 9703. The three stripe colors are Autumn Red 9730, Forest Floor 9950 and Chocolate 9750. The borders and three crocodile rows on either end are in the base color. The stripes are five crocodile rows separated by three crocodile rows of the base color. This chart gives the yarn requirements for this type of color striping scheme for the base color, the number of color stripes for each size of blanket, and the yarn requirements of each stripe color for a one, two or three color scheme for the stripes.

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

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
ch sp = chain space
dc = double crochet
hdc = half double crochet
sc = single crochet
yo = yarn over

Special stitch:
Crocodile Stitch: the stitch is formed on a pair of dc with ch sps on both sides. Yarn over then insert the hook from front to back in the chain space before the first dc of the pair. Then from behind, insert the hook between the dc pair toward the front. Yo and pull through two loops, then yo and pull through last two loops. In the same way, make 4 more dc on that same dc, each below the last on the dc. Ch 1. Rotate the work so that now you can work on the second dc of the pair. Yarn over then insert the hook from front to back in the chain space after the pair of dc. Then from behind, insert the hook between the dc pair toward the front. Yo and pull through two loops, then yo and pull through last two loops. In the same way, make 4 more dc on that same dc, each above the last on the dc.

The crocodile stitch is very complex until you have gotten some practice. If you haven’t done the crocodile stitch before, I would recommend watching this video – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUNtrp_Vj4o

The beginning chain should be a multiple of 6.

For these widths, start with this number of chains:
30.75″ = 102
34.5″ = 114
38″ = 126
41.5″ = 138
45.25″ = 150

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

Row 1: Sc in second ch from hook. Sc in each ch to the end.

Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first sc. Sc in each sc to the end of the row.

Rows 3 and 4: Repeat row 2.

Row 5: Ch 2, turn. Hdc in the second sc, hdc in each of the next two sc, skip 1 sc, ch 1, 2 dc in next sc, ** skip 2 sc, ch 2, 2 dc in next sc. Repeat from ** across to last 5 sc. Skip 1 sc, ch 1, hdc in each of last 4 sc.

Row 6: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first hdc, sc in each of next 3 hdc, crocodile stitch in first pair of dc, ** ch 1, skip next pair of dc, crocodile stitch in next pair of dc. Repeat from ** across to last 3 hdc and turning chain. Sc in each of the three hdc, sc in top of turning chain.

Row 7: Ch 2, turn. Hdc in the second sc, hdc in each of the next two sc, skip 1 ch, ch 1, 2 dc between the dc pair on which the crocodile stitch was made, ** ch 2, skip ch-2, 2 dc between the dc pair that was skipped, but catching the ch between crocodile stitches, ch 2, skip ch-2, 2 dc between the dc pair on which the crocodile stitch was made. Repeat from ** across to last 4 sc. Ch 1, skip ch, hdc in each of last 4 sc.

Row 8: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first hdc, sc in each of next 3 hdc, ch 3, skip first pair of dc, crocodile stitch in next pair of dc, ** ch 1, skip next pair of dc, crocodile stitch in next pair of dc. Repeat from ** across to last dc pair and 3 hdc and turning chain. Ch 3, skip last pair of dc, sc in each of the three hdc, sc in top of turning chain.

Row 9: Ch 2, turn. Hdc in the second sc, hdc in each of the next two sc, skip ch, ch 1, 2 dc between the dc pair that was skipped, but catching the ch between crocodile stitches, ** ch 2, skip ch-2, 2 dc between the dc pair on which the crocodile stitch was made, ch 2, skip ch-2, 2 dc between the dc pair that was skipped, but catching the ch between crocodile stitches. Repeat from ** across to last 4 sc. Ch 1, skip ch, hdc in each of last 4 sc.

Repeat rows 6 through 9 until afghan is desired length. After a row 6, work these final four rows.

Fourth to last row: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first sc, sc in each of next 3 sc, sc in ch-1 space (do not catch part of the crocodile stitch that is to the back of your work), sc between the dc pair on which the crocodile stitch was made, ** 2 sc in ch-2 space (do not catch part of the crocodile stitch that is to the back of your work), sc between the dc pair that was skipped, but catching the ch between crocodile stitches, 2 sc in ch-2 space (do not catch part of the crocodile stitch that is to the back of your work), sc between the dc pair on which the crocodile stitch was made. Repeat from ** across to last 4 sc. Sc in ch-1 space (do not catch part of the crocodile stitch that is to the back of your work), sc in each of last 4 sc.

Third to last row: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first sc. Sc in each sc to the end of the row.

Last two rows: Repeat third to last row. 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:
2/13/14 – added yarn requirements for striping scheme.
11/17/15 – in row 9, changed to “skip ch” in first line to be consistent with last line.

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 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 Lion Brand Homespun.

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
tr = triple crochet

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

Instructions:

There is also a chart available.

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:

32.5″ = 34
38.25″ = 40
44″ = 46
49.75″ = 52
55.5″ = 58

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 3 plus 1.

Do not turn.

Row 2: Ch 4. Without turning the work (tr stitches will be on top, chains on the bottom), make 2 dc in first tr/ch space (over tr just made). Working across the tr/ch spaces, (dc in the next sp, ch 1) twice ** shell in the next sp, (dc in the next sp, ch 1) twice. Repeat from ** across to the last tr/ch sp. (2 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) in the last sp.

Row 3: Ch 4 and turn. 2 dc in ch-1 sp, (dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) twice ** shell in next ch-1 sp (which is the ch-1 sp of a shell), (dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) twice. Repeat from ** across to ch-4 turning chain. (2 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) in ch-4 sp.

Repeat row 3 until afghan is desired length. 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.

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 basket 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.

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 1, 2 dc

V-stitch – work the following in chain space or over stitch indicated: 1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc

Instructions:

There is also a tutorial video available.

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:
30.75″ = 35
37.75″ = 43
44.75″ = 51
51.75″ = 59
59″ = 67

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 (holding it so that the tr stitches are on top and the ch-3 loops on the bottom), make a dc in the first sp (over tr just made). Working across the spaces (working over the tr stitches), make a V-stitch in each space to the end of the row.

Row 3: Ch 4 and turn. 1 dc in ch-1 sp, Shell in next ch-1 sp, ** ch 1, skip one ch-1 sp, Shell in next ch-1 sp. Repeat from ** across to ch-4 turning chain. V-stitch in ch-4 sp.

Row 4: Ch 4 and turn. 1 dc in ch-1 sp, V-stitch in ch-1 space of Shell, ** V-stitch in ch-1 space between shells V-stitch in ch-1 space of shell. Repeat from ** across to ch-4 turning chain. V-stitch 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 4.

Border round 1: Ch 3 and turn. (1 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in ch-1 sp, mark the shell just made as a corner shell. Ch 1, shell in next ch-1 sp, (ch 1, skip a ch-1 space, shell in next ch-1 sp) across the top of the throw to the ch-4 turning chain. Work the following in the ch-4 turning chain sp: ch 1, shell, ch 1, shell. Mark the first shell in the turning chain space as a corner shell. On the sides of the throw, work in the spaces formed by the ch-4 turning chains and final dc stitches of the rows. Ch 1, and make a shell in the next sp. (Ch 1, skip a space, shell in next space) across the side of the blanket. Ch 1, shell in the last space of the side. Across the bottom of the throw, work in the spaces formed by the ch-3 loops of the foundation loops. Ch 1, shell in the first ch-3 space. Mark this shell as a corner shell. Ch 1, shell in the next ch-3 space. (Ch 1, skip a ch-3 sp, shell in next ch-3 sp) across the bottom of the throw. Ch 1, shell in last ch-3 sp, mark this shell as a corner shell. Work across the last side of the throw in the spaces formed by the ch-4 turning chains and final dc stitches of the rows. Ch 1, shell in the first sp. (Ch 1, skip a space, shell in the next space) across the side of the blanket. Ch 1, shell in the last sp, ch 1, slip stitch to join in the third chain of the first shell of the round. Do not turn.

Border round 2: Slip stitch in the next dc, slip stitch in the ch-1 space, ch 4, dc in same ch-1 space. V-stitch in every ch-1 space around the entire blanket back to the ch 4. Slip stitch to join 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. (Ch 1, shell in next ch-1 space) two times. (Ch 1, skip one ch-1 sp, shell in next ch-1 sp) around the blanket. On either side of the corner V-stitches, do not skip spaces, so that there are Shells in 5 v-stitches in a row with the 3rd being in the corner v-stitch. 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.

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 strawberries and shells keep 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 Yarn Bee Boucle Traditions.

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

Materials:
Yarn – Sizing given for Aran weight yarn but other weights can be used
Size J (6mm) crochet hook

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

Special stitches:
SB (Strawberry Bottom) – work the following in the ch sp or over stitch indicated: (1 dc, ch 1)  four times, 1 dc
Shell – work the following in the ch sp or over stitch indicated: 2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc

Instructions:

There is also a video and a chart available for this pattern.

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:
31″ = 29
39.5″ = 37
48″ = 45
56.75″ = 53
65.25″ = 61

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 them that is a multiple of 4 plus 1.

Do not turn.

Row 2: Ch 4. Without turning the work, make 2 dc over tr just made. Working across the tr stitches, ch 1, skip 1 tr, SB over next tr, ch 1, skip 1 tr ** Shell over next tr, ch 1, skip 1 tr, SB over next tr, ch 1, skip 1 tr. Repeat from ** across to the last tr stitch. Work (2 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) over last tr.

Row 3: Ch 4 and turn. 2 dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, skip ch-1 space between dc and SB, sc in first ch-1 sp of SB, (ch 3, sc in next ch-1 sp) three times, ch 1, skip ch-1 sp between SB and Shell,  ** Shell in next Shell, ch 1, skip ch-1 space between Shell and SB, sc in first ch-1 sp of SB, (ch 3, sc in next ch-1 sp) three times, ch 1, skip ch-1 sp between SB and Shell. Repeat from ** across to ch-4 turning chain. (2 dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-4 sp.

Row 4: Ch 4 and turn. 2 dc in ch-1 sp, ch 2, skip ch-1 space between dc and strawberry, sc in first ch-3 sp, (ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp) two times, ch 2, skip ch-1 sp between strawberry and Shell,  ** Shell in next Shell, ch 2, skip ch-1 space between Shell and strawberry, sc in first ch-3 sp of strawberry, (ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp) two times, ch 2, skip ch-1 sp between strawberry and Shell. Repeat from ** across to ch-4 turning chain. (2 dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-4 sp.

Row 5: Ch 4 and turn. 2 dc in ch-1 sp, ch 3, skip ch-2 space between dc and strawberry, sc in first ch-3 sp, ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp, ch 3, skip ch-2 sp between strawberry and Shell,  ** Shell in next Shell, ch 3, skip ch-2 space between Shell and strawberry, sc in first ch-3 sp of strawberry, ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp, ch 3, skip ch-2 sp between strawberry and Shell. Repeat from ** across to ch-4 turning chain. (2 dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-4 sp.

Row 6: Ch 4 and turn. 2 dc in ch-1 sp, ch 3, skip ch-3 space between dc and strawberry, (tr, ch 3, tr) in ch-3 sp, ch 3, skip ch-3 sp between strawberry and Shell,  ** Shell in next Shell, ch 3, skip ch-3 space between Shell and strawberry, (tr, ch 3, tr) in ch-3 sp of strawberry, ch 3, skip ch-3 sp between strawberry and Shell. Repeat from ** across to ch-4 turning chain. (2 dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-4 sp.

Row 7: Ch 4 and turn. 2 dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, skip ch-3 space between dc and strawberry, SB in ch-3 sp, ch 1, skip ch-3 sp between strawberry and Shell,  ** Shell in next Shell, ch 1, skip ch-3 space between Shell and strawberry, SB in ch-3 sp of strawberry, ch 1, skip ch-3 sp between strawberry and Shell. Repeat from ** across to ch-4 turning chain. (2 dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-4 sp.

Repeat row 3 to 7 until afghan is desired length. Finish off and weave in end.

Optional Border

To add this optional border, continue the main blanket ending with a row 6, except making a ch 2 instead of a ch 1 in the last partial shell of the row.

Border round 1 – continuing from the row 6, (dc, ch 2, shell) in that same ch-4 turing chain. Continue working down the side of the blanket in spaces created by the ch-4s at the beginning of rows and the dc at the end of rows. Ch 3, dc in the next space, ch 3, dc in the next space, ch 3, skip a space, shell in the next space, ** ch 3, skip a space, dc in the next space, ch 3, dc in the next space, ch 3, skip a space, shell in the next space. Repeat from ** down the side of the blanket. The last shell will be in the first chain loop at the bottom of the blanket. (ch 2, shell) in this same space. Continuing across the loop spaces at the bottom of the blanket, *** ch 3, skip a space, (dc, ch 3 dc) in next space, ch 3, skip a space, shell in next space. Repeat from *** across bottom of blanket. Last shell will be in the last loop space at the bottom of the blanket. (ch 2, shell) in this same space. Continue working down the other side of the blanket in spaces created by the ch-4s at the beginning of rows and the dc at the end of rows. Ch 3, skip a space, dc in the next space, ch 3, dc in the next space, ch 3, **** skip a space, shell in next space, ch 3, skip a space, dc in the next space, ch 3, dc in the next space, ch 3. Repeat from **** across to end of the side. (shell, ch 2, dc) in the last side dc space. Sl st to join to the third ch of the beginning of the last row of the blanket.

Border round 2 – Sl st into ch sp. Ch 3, (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same ch sp, ** ch 1, skip ch-3 space, SB in next ch-3 sp, ch 1, skip next ch-3 sp, Shell in next Shell. Repeat from ** across to corner, shell in ch-2 space between shells, [shell in next shell, *** ch 1, skip ch-3 space, SB in next ch-3 sp, ch 1, skip next ch-3 sp, Shell in next Shell. Repeat from *** across to corner, shell in ch-2 space between shells] three times. Sl st to join to the 3rd ch at the beginning of the round.

Border round 3 – Sl st in dc, sl st in ch-2 sp, ch 3, (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same ch sp, ** ch 1, skip ch-1 space between dc and SB, sc in first ch-1 sp of SB, (ch 3, sc in next ch-1 sp) three times, ch 1, skip ch-1 sp between SB and Shell, Shell in next Shell. Repeat from ** across to corner, ch 2, shell in corner shell, ch 2, [shell in next shell, *** ch 1, skip ch-1 space between dc and SB, sc in first ch-1 sp of SB, (ch 3, sc in next ch-1 sp) three times, ch 1, skip ch-1 sp between SB and Shell, Shell in next Shell. Repeat from *** across to corner, ch 2, shell in corner shell, ch 2, shell in next shell, ch 2] three times. Sl st to join to the 3rd ch at the beginning of the round.

Border round 4 – Sl st in dc, sl st in ch-2 sp, ch 3, (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same ch sp, **ch 2, skip ch-1 space between dc and strawberry, sc in first ch-3 sp, (ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp) two times, ch 2, skip ch-1 sp between strawberry and Shell, Shell in next Shell, Repeat from ** across to corner, ch 2, 2 dc in ch-2 sp, ch 2, shell in corner shell, ch 2, 2 dc in ch-2 sp, ch 2, [shell in next shell, ***ch 2, skip ch-1 space between dc and strawberry, sc in first ch-3 sp, (ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp) two times, ch 2, skip ch-1 sp between strawberry and Shell, Shell in next Shell, Repeat from *** across to corner, ch 2, 2 dc in ch-2 sp, ch 2, shell in corner shell, ch 2, 2 dc in ch-2 sp, ch 2 ] three times. Sl st to join to the 3rd ch at the beginning of the round.

Border round 5 – Sl st in dc, sl st in ch-2 sp, ch 3, (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same ch sp, **ch 3, skip ch-2 space between dc and strawberry, sc in first ch-3 sp, ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp, ch 3, skip ch-2 sp between strawberry and Shell, Shell in next Shell, Repeat from ** across to corner, (ch 2, 2 dc in ch-2 sp) twice, ch 2, shell in corner shell, ch 2, 2 dc in ch-2 sp, ch 2, [shell in next shell, ***ch 3, skip ch-2 space between dc and strawberry, sc in first ch-3 sp, ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp, ch 3, skip ch-2 sp between strawberry and Shell, Shell in next Shell, Repeat from *** across to corner, (ch 2, 2 dc in ch-2 sp) twice, ch 2, shell in corner shell, ch 2, 2 dc in ch-2 sp, ch 2] three times. Sl st to join to the 3rd ch at the beginning of the round. 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:
3/4/15 – added optional border