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. Every side has a fun and pretty zig-zag shape.

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 Bouclé.

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

Materials:
Yarn – Sizing given for Bulky 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
sl st = slip stitch

Instructions:

Instead of a beginning chain, the blanket is begun with a first row of blocks.

For these widths, start with this number of blocks:
27.5″ = 20
34.5″ = 25
41.5″ = 30
48.25″ = 35
55.25″ = 40

There is a photo tutorial, chart and a video demonstrating the technique of this pattern.

CathyNoyb provided this chart she created in AutoSketch. She created this chart to more clearly demonstrate the transition from the first row to the second row.

Row 1 Block: Chain 6. Join with a sl st in first chain. Chain 3. 2 dc in ch 6 sp.
Make these blocks until desired width.

Do not turn.

Row 2: Ch3. Without turning the work, rotate so that the following is worked across the chain loops created in the first row. In each of the chain spaces, (sc, ch3, 3dc) in ch sp.

Row 3: Ch 3 and turn. In each of the chain spaces, (sc, ch3, 3dc) in ch 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.

Edits:
6/9/2018 – Added CathyNoyb chart.

Columns of post stitch emphasize the shells in this ripple afghan. This is a quick and relatively simple pattern with a classy finished look.

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.

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

Special stitches:
dc3tog – double crochet 3 stitches together (uses three stitches, decreases by two stitches) – [Yarn over, insert hook in next stitch, yarn over and pull up loop, yarn over, draw through 2 loops] 3 times (4 loops on hook), yarn over, draw through all loops on hook.
FPtr – Front post treble crochet – Yarn over 2 times, insert hook from front to back to front around the post of the corresponding stitch below, yarn over and pull up loop [yarn over, draw through two loops on hook] 3 times.
BPtr – Back post treble crochet – Yarn over 2 times, insert hook from back to front to back around the post of the corresponding stitch below, yarn over and pull up loop [yarn over, draw through two loops on hook] 3 times.

The beginning chain should be a multiple of 34 plus 29.

For these widths, start with this number of chains:
22.25″ = 97
30″ = 131
37.75″ = 165
45.5″ = 199
53.25″ = 233

There is also a chart available.

Row 1: 2dc in 4th chain from hook, dc in next 5 ch, dc3tog (uses 3 ch), dc in next ch, skip 2 ch, 2 dc in next ch, ch2, 2 dc in next ch, skip 2 ch, dc in next ch, dc3tog (uses 3 ch) ** dc in next 5 ch, 3dc in next ch, dc in next ch, skip 2 ch, 2 dc in next ch, ch2, 2 dc in next ch, skip 2 ch, dc in next ch, 3dc in next ch, dc in next 5 ch, dc3tog (uses 3 ch), dc in next ch, skip 2 ch, 2 dc in next ch, ch2, 2 dc in next ch, skip 2 ch, dc in next ch, dc3tog (uses 3 ch). Repeat from ** across to last 6 chains. Dc in next 5 ch, 3dc last ch. Turn.

Row 2: Ch3 (counts as a dc), 2dc in first dc, dc in next 5 dc, dc3tog in next three stitches, BPtr around next dc, skip 2 dc, (2dc, 2ch, 2dc) in next ch2 sp, skip 2 dc, BPtr around next dc, dc3tog in next three stitches, ** dc in next 5 dc, 3dc in next dc, BPtr around next dc, skip 2 dc, (2dc, 2ch, 2dc) in next ch2 sp, skip 2 dc, BPtr around next dc, 3dc in next dc, dc in next 5 dc, dc3tog in next three stitches, BPtr around next dc, skip 2 dc, (2dc, 2ch, 2dc) in next ch2 sp, skip 2 dc, BPtr around next dc, dc3tog in next three stitches. Repeat from ** across to last 5 dc and turning chain. Dc in next 5 dc, 3dc in top of turning chain. Turn.

Row 3: Ch3 (counts as a dc), 2dc in first dc, dc in next 5 dc, dc3tog in next three stitches, FPtr around next BPtr, skip 2 dc, (2dc, 2ch, 2dc) in next ch2 sp, skip 2 dc, FPtr around next BPtr, dc3tog in next three stitches, ** dc in next 5 dc, 3dc in next dc, FPtr around next BPtr, skip 2 dc, (2dc, 2ch, 2dc) in next ch2 sp, skip 2 dc, FPtr around next BPtr,  3dc in next dc, dc in next 5 dc, dc3tog in next three stitches, FPtr around next BPtr, skip 2 dc, (2dc, 2ch, 2dc) in next ch2 sp, skip 2 dc, FPtr around next BPtr,  dc3tog in next three stitches. Repeat from ** across to last 5 dc and turning chain. Dc in next 5 dc, 3dc in top of turning chain. Turn.

Row 4: Ch3 (counts as a dc), 2dc in first dc, dc in next 5 dc, dc3tog in next three stitches, BPtr around next FPtr, skip 2 dc, (2dc, 2ch, 2dc) in next ch2 sp, skip 2 dc, BPtr around next FPtr, dc3tog in next three stitches, ** dc in next 5 dc, 3dc in next dc, BPtr around next FPtr, skip 2 dc, (2dc, 2ch, 2dc) in next ch2 sp, skip 2 dc, BPtr around next FPtr,  3dc in next dc, dc in next 5 dc, dc3tog in next three stitches, BPtr around next FPtr, skip 2 dc, (2dc, 2ch, 2dc) in next ch2 sp, skip 2 dc, BPtr around next FPtr,  dc3tog in next three stitches. Repeat from ** across to last 5 dc and turning chain. Dc in next 5 dc, 3dc in top of turning chain. Turn.

Repeat rows 3 and 4 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 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.

Modifications:
3/7/19 – added “first” after “2dc in” at beginning of each row.

After the first row, all but the last stitch of each row is made in chain spaces, making this a great pattern for homespun or boucle 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 Bernat Soft Boucle.

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

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

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

Special stitches:
1stRowDecV – Dc in chain indicated, ch 2, yo, insert hook in same chain as double crochet, yo and pull up a loop, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook, yo, skip next 3 chains, insert hook in next ch, yo and pull up a loop, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook, ch 2, dc in same chain.
DecV – Dc in ch sp indicated, ch 2, yo, insert hook in same ch sp as double crochet, yo and pull up a loop, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook, yo, skip 4 dc, insert hook in next ch sp, yo and pull up a loop, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook, ch 2, dc in same ch sp.

The beginning chain should be a multiple of 32 plus 3.

For these widths, start with this number of chains:
28.75″ = 99
38″ = 131
47.25″ = 163
56.5″ = 195

Row 1: Skip first 6 ch (counts as first dc and 3 ch), dc in 7th ch from hook, [skip 3 ch, (dc, ch 3, dc) in next chain] two times, * skip 3 ch, 1stRowDecV, [skip 3 ch, (dc, ch3, dc) in next chain] three times, ch 3, [skip 3 ch, (dc, ch3, dc) in next chain] three times. Repeat from * to last 20 ch. Skip 3 ch, 1stRowDecV, [skip 3 ch, (dc, ch3, dc) in next chain] three times.

Row 2: Ch4 (counts as dc and ch), (4dc in next ch3 sp, ch1) three times, (2 dc in next ch2 space) two times, (ch1, 4 dc in next ch3 sp) two times, * (ch1, 4 dc in next ch3 sp) five times, ch1, (2 dc in next ch2 space) two times, (ch1, 4 dc in next ch3 space) two times. Repeat from * to end of row. Ch1, in next ch 6 space (4 dc, ch1, dc in 3rd turning chain). Turn.

Row 3: Ch 6 (counts as first dc and 3 ch), dc in ch1 sp, [(dc, ch 3, dc) in next ch sp] two times, * DecV in next ch sp, [(dc, ch3, dc) in next ch sp] three times, ch 3, [(dc, ch3, dc) in next ch sp] three times. Repeat from * to the last 4 ch sp and ch-4 turning ch. DecV in next ch sp, [(dc, ch3, dc) in next ch sp] two times, (dc, ch3, dc) in the ch-4 turning ch sp. Turn.

Repeat rows 2 and 3 until afghan is desired length. End with a row 2. 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:
9/30/2014: Modified Rows 1 and 3 for clarity.

This afghan is soft and cuddly and so easy to make. The borders and edges are included as you go. Make it in a solid color or with as many color changes as you like.

The example is made in Caron Simply Soft, a soft worsted weight yarn.

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
yo = yarn over

Special stitches:
Dec5 – Decrease 5 stitches – (yo, insert hook in next stitch, yo and pull up a loop, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook) five times, yo and draw through all 6 loops on hook.
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.
DecCluster – 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, skip next ch sp, in next ch sp (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 7 loops on hook.

The beginning chain should be a multiple of 16.

There is also a chart available for this pattern.

For these widths, start with this number of chains:
32.75″ = 144
36.25″ = 160
40″ = 176
43.75″ = 192
47.25″ = 208

Row 1: Skip first 4 ch (counts as first dc), dc in 5th ch from hook, dc in each of next four ch, 3dc in next ch, dc in each of next five ch, dec5 using the next five ch, dc in each of the next five ch,  ** 5dc in next ch, dc in each of next five ch, dec5 using the next five ch, dc in each of the next five ch. Repeat from ** across to last 7 ch, 3dc in next ch, dc in each of next 6 ch. Turn.

Row 2: Ch1, sc in first dc, sc in each dc and dec5 across row. Sc in top turning chain. Turn.

Row 3: Ch3 (counts as first dc), dc in 2nd sc, dc in each of next four sc, 3dc in next sc, dc in each of next five sc, dec5 using the next five sc, dc in each of the next five sc,  ** 5dc in next sc, dc in each of next five sc, dec5 using the next five sc, dc in each of the next five sc. Repeat from ** across to last 7 sc, 3dc in next sc, dc in each of next 6 sc. Turn.

Row 4: Ch1, sc in first dc, sc in each of the next 5 dc, (chain one, skip one dc, sc in next dc) across row to last 4 dc and turning chain. Sc in each remaining dc and top of turning chain. Turn.

Row 5: Ch3 (counts as first dc), dc in 2nd sc, dc in each of next three sc, ch1, (cluster, ch1, cluster) in ch sp, (ch1, cluster in next ch sp) twice, ch1, DecCluster (uses next three ch sp),  (ch1, cluster in next ch sp) twice, ch1. **  (Cluster, ch1, cluster, ch1, cluster) in next ch sp, (ch1, cluster in next ch sp) twice, ch1, DecCluster (uses next three ch sp),  (ch1, cluster in next ch sp) twice, ch1. Repeat from ** across to last ch sp and six sc. (Cluster, ch1, cluster) in ch sp, ch 1. Skip one sc. Dc in each of the next five sc. Turn.

Row 6: Ch1, sc in first dc, sc in each of the next 4 dc, sc in ch sp, (chain one, sc in next ch sp) across row to last 4 dc and turning chain. Sc in each remaining dc and top of turning chain. Turn.

Repeat rows 5 and 6 until afghan is desired length. Finish with these three rows:

Third to last row: Ch3 (counts as first dc), dc in 2nd sc, dc in each of next four sc, 3dc in next ch, dc in each of next five sc and ch, dec5 using the next five sc and ch, dc in each of the next five sc and ch,  ** 5dc in next ch, dc in each of next five sc and ch, dec5 using the next five sc and ch, dc in each of the next five sc and ch. Repeat from ** across to last ch and 6 sc, 3dc in next ch, dc in each of next 6 sc. Turn.

Second to last row: Repeat row 2.

Last row: Repeat row 3. 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:
7/21/18 – added link to chart

I was very busy adding items to the March 2012 batch for my friend’s delivery to our local hospice. I contributed six lap blankets and nine preemie blankets. Other volunteers make baby hats, so I used coordinating yarn to make blankets to pair with them.

This first lap blanket is from some donated Jeanne salmon colored cotton yarn and some ecru cotton I had on hand. The pattern is Diamond Ripple by Anne Halliday in Leisure Arts #108214, Afghans for All Seasons, Book 2.

The second lap blanket is from Baby Bee Pitter Pattern yarn. I had started a baby blanket for my son, who is now nearly four, so he doesn’t need it. I finished it as a lap blanket. It is the standard feather and fan stitch.

The third lap blanket is yet another one of Lyn’s Round Ripple Blankets. It is just such a fun and easy pattern.

These three lap blankets are from my own patterns: Lacy V-stitch Ripple Afghan, Jacob’s Ladder Ripple Afghan and Shell and V-stitch Ripple Afghan.

These are three little square preemie blankets made from donated King Tut cotton. The first two are patterns I have posted: Tiffany Lace Baby Blanket and Fan Lace Baby Blanket. The third is an original design in Tunisian crochet. I haven’t gotten brave enough to write up the pattern and post it. I have never written down a Tunisian crochet pattern.

These three preemie blankets (also in the cotton King Tut) are crochet, original designs I have posted: Ribbed Ripple Reversible Afghan, Ribbons and Lace Afghan and Eyelet Ripple Afghan.

These three preemie blankets (also in the cotton King Tut) are knit, original designs I have posted: Simple Lines Baby Blankets and Wrapped Stitches Baby Blanket.

This isn’t my best drawing, but hopefully will help with understanding the construction of the Lacy V-stitch Ripple Afghan.

Some friends of mine recently had a long anticipated baby boy. They had trains as a theme, so I made this train track baby set for them. The blanket is crocheted and the hat is knitted.

This afghan looks so elegant but is so easy to make. 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 light worsted weight cotton.

Size:

Materials:
Worsted weight yarn – see chart above for amounts
Size H (5mm) crochet hook

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

Special stitch:
Dec – Decrease 3 stitches – yo, insert hook in next stitch, yo and pull up a loop, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook, yo, skip next stitch, 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 4.

Here is a chart of the first five rows.

For these widths, start with this number of chains:
34.25″ = 164
38.25″ = 184
42.5″ = 204
46.75″ = 224
50.75″ = 244

Row 1: Skip first 4 ch (counts as first dc), **(dc, ch1, dc) in next ch, dc in next 2 ch, ch1, skip 1 ch, dc in next 2 ch, dec (uses next 3 ch), dc in next ch, dec (uses next 3 ch), dc in next 2 ch, ch1, skip 1 ch, dc in next 2 ch, (dc, ch1, dc) in next ch, dc in next ch. Repeat from ** across to end. Turn.

Row 2: Ch3 (counts as a dc), skip first dc **(dc, ch1, dc) in next dc, dc in next ch, dc in next dc, ch1, skip 1 dc, dc in next dc, dc in next ch, dec (uses next 3 dc), dc in next dc, dec (uses next 3 dc), dc in next ch, dc in next dc, ch1, skip 1 dc, dc in next dc, dc in next ch, (dc, ch1, dc) in next dc, dc in next dc. 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.

This is an old standard lace pattern that I have convered to a ripple. The sample is made in worsted weight cotton, but it would work well with most yarn weights and styles.

Size:
Sample is a 34 by 39 inch throw in worsted weight cotton yarn, but pattern can be easily adjusted to make any sized blanket.

Materials:
For 34 by 39 inch throw, 624 grams/22 ounces/1,050 yards worsted weight yarn
Size H (5.0 mm) crochet hook

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
ch sp = chain space
dc = double crochet
sl st = slip stitch
** = indicates section to repeat

Special stitches:
Shell – 5 dc in stitch or chain space indicated
V-stitch – 1 dc, 1 ch, 1 dc in stitch or chain space indicated

The beginning chain should be a multiple of 32 plus 25.

For 34″ width started with chain of 153. (For 41″ width start with chain of 185). (For 48″ width start with chain of 217).

After the first row, I recommend stitiching through both the front and back loops of the preceding row.

Row 1: Dc in 5th ch from hook (first 4 ch count as dc and ch), skip 3 ch, shell in next ch, skip 3 ch, v-stitch in next ch, skip 1 ch, shell in next chain, skip 1 ch, v-stitch in next chain, skip 3 ch, shell in next ch, skip 3 ch, v-stitch in next chain. ** Skip 5 ch, shell in next chain, skip 5 chains, v-stitch in next chain, skip 3 ch, shell in next ch, skip 3 ch, v-stitch in next ch, skip 1 ch, shell in next chain, skip 1 ch, v-stitch in next chain, skip 3 ch, shell in next ch, skip 3 ch, v-stitch in next chain. ** Repeat across to end. Turn.

Row 2: Ch1, sl st in dc, sl st in ch1 sp, ch3 (count as dc), 2dc in same ch1 sp, v-stitch in 3rd dc of next shell, shell in next ch1 sp, v-stitch in 2nd dc of next shell, v-stitch in 4th dc of same shell, shell in next ch1 sp, v-stitch in 3rd dc of next shell. ** Shell in next ch1 sp, skip shell, shell in next ch1 sp, v-stitch in 3rd dc of next shell, shell in next ch1 sp, v-stitch in 2nd dc of next shell,  v-stitch in 4th dc of same shell, shell in next ch1 sp, v-stitch in 3rd dc of next shell ** repeat across to last ch1 sp, 3dc in next ch1 sp. Turn.

Row 3: Ch1, sl st each of next 4 dc, sl st in ch1 sp, ch3 (count as dc), 2dc in same ch1 sp, v-stitch in 3rd dc of next shell, shell in next ch1 sp, v-stitch in space between two v-stitches, shell in next ch1 sp, v-stitch in 3rd dc of next shell. ** Shell in next ch1 sp, v-stitch in space between two shells, shell in next ch1 sp, v-stitch in 3rd dc of next shell, shell in next ch1 sp, v-stitch in space between two v-stitches, shell in next ch1 sp, v-stitch in 3rd dc of next shell ** repeat across to last ch1 sp and 3dc, 3dc in next ch1 sp. Turn.

Row 4: Ch4 (counts at dc and ch), dc in first dc (forms first v-stitch), shell in next ch1 sp, v-stitch in 3rd dc of next shell, shell in space between shell and v-stitch, shell in space between v-stitch and shell, v-stitch in 3rd dc of next shell, shell in next ch1 sp. ** V-stitch in 3rd dc of next shell, skip ch1 sp, v-stitch in 3rd dc of next shell, shell in next ch1 sp, v-stitch in 3rd dc of next shell, shell in space between shell and v-stitch, shell in space between v-stitch and shell, v-stitch in 3rd dc of next shell, shell in next ch1 sp ** repeat across to last 3dc, v-stitch in top of turning chain. Turn.

Row 5: Ch1, sl st in dc, sl st in ch, sl st in each of next 4 dc (see note about color changes), ch4 (counts as dc and ch1), dc in same dc (completes a v-stitch), shell in next ch1 sp, v-stitch in 3rd dc of next shell, shell in space between shells, v-stitch in 3rd dc of next shell, shell in next ch1 sp. ** V-stitch in 3rd dc of next shell, shell in space between v-stitches, v-stitch in 3rd dc of next shell, shell in next ch1 sp, v-stitch in 3rd dc of next shell, shell in space between shells, v-stitch in 3rd dc of next shell, shell in next ch1 sp. ** Repeat across to last shell and ch1 sp, v-stitch in 3rd dc of next shell. Turn.

Repeat rows 2 through 5 until blanket is desired length.  End with a row 4. Finish off and weave in end.

Note about color changes:
The blanket can be made in a solid color or can be made with any number of color changes. For this blanket I recommend making color changes at the beginning of row 5 before the last slip stitch. Cut yarn with a few inches of tail and join with new color next to stitch. Pull new color through to complete the last slip stitch. Weave in ends.

I love the basic Jacob’s Ladder Afghan, so thought it could only be even all the more wonderful in a ripple version.

The example is made in worsted weight acrylic.

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

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

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
ch sp = chain space
dc = double crochet
tr = triple/treble crochet

Special stitch:
dc3tog – double crochet 3 stitches together (uses three stitches, decreases by two stitches) – [Yarn over, insert hook in next stitch, yarn over and pull up loop, yarn over, draw through 2 loops] 3 times (4 loops on hook), yarn over, draw through all loops on hook.

Instructions:

There are two tutorial videos available for this blanket. Part one covers the beginning and body of the blanket. Part two covers the finishing rows of the blanket.

The beginning chain should be a multiple of 24 plus 1.

For these widths, start with this number of chains:
33.5″ = 145
39″ = 169
44.5″ = 193
50″ = 217
55.5″ = 241

Row 1: 2dc in 4th chain from hook, dc in next 6 ch, dc3tog (uses 3 ch), dc in next 2 ch, dc3tog ** dc in next 6 ch, 3dc in next ch, dc in next two ch, 3dc in next ch, dc in next 6 ch, dc3tog (uses 3 ch), dc in next 2 ch, dc3tog. Repeat from ** across to last 7 chains. Dc in next 6 ch, (2dc, tr) in last ch. Turn.

Row 2: Ch3 (counts as a dc), 2dc in tr, dc in next 6 dc, dc3tog in next three stitches, ch10, skip 2 dc, dc3tog in next three stitches, ** dc in next 6 dc, 3dc in next dc, ch10, skip 2 dc, 3dc in next dc, dc in next 6 dc, dc3tog in next three stitches, ch10, skip 2 dc, dc3tog in next three stitches. Repeat from ** across to last 6 dc and turning chain. Dc in next 6 dc, (2dc, tr) in top of turning chain. Turn.

Row 3: Ch3 (counts as a dc), 2dc in tr, dc in next 6 dc, dc3tog in next three stitches, ch10, skip ch10, dc3tog in next three stitches, ** dc in next 6 dc, 3dc in next dc, ch10, skip ch10, 3dc in next dc, dc in next 6 dc, dc3tog in next three stitches, ch10, skip ch10, dc3tog in next three stitches. Repeat from ** across to last 6 dc and turning chain. Dc in next 6 dc, (2dc, tr) in top of turning chain. Turn.

Repeat row 3 until afghan is desired length. Work the last three rows as follows:

Second to last row: Ch3 (counts as a dc), 2dc in tr, dc in next 6 dc, dc3tog in next three stitches, ch6, skip ch10, dc3tog in next three stitches, ** dc in next 6 dc, 3dc in next dc, ch6, skip ch10, 3dc in next dc, dc in next 6 dc, dc3tog in next three stitches, ch6, skip ch10, dc3tog in next three stitches. Repeat from ** across to last 6 dc and turning chain. Dc in next 6 dc, (2dc, tr) in top of turning chain. Turn.

Next to last row: Ch3 (counts as a dc), 2dc in tr, dc in next 6 dc, dc3tog in next three stitches, ch6, skip ch6, dc3tog in next three stitches, ** dc in next 6 dc, 3dc in next dc, ch6, skip ch6, 3dc in next dc, dc in next 6 dc, dc3tog in next three stitches, ch6, skip ch6, dc3tog in next three stitches. Repeat from ** across to last 6 dc and turning chain. Dc in next 6 dc, (2dc, tr) in top of turning chain. Turn.

As you work the last row, you will need to draw up the loops of each loop column as you come to it. Starting at the bottom of the column, pull the first over the second and pull the second loop through it toward the front. Then pull that loop over the third loop and pull the third loop through to the front. Continue in this way up the column. You will then make stitches from the last row in this top loop to secure it.

If you would like to see a tutorial on looping, Linda of alottastitches has a great post about it, as well as a lot of other great tips on this blanket.

Last row: Ch3 (counts as a dc), 2dc in tr, dc in next 6 dc, dc3tog in next three stitches, loop the column to the top and make 2 dc in top loop, dc3tog in next three stitches, ** dc in next 6 dc, 3dc in next dc, loop the column to the top and make 2 dc in top loop, 3dc in next dc, dc in next 6 dc, dc3tog in next three stitches, loop the column to the top and make 2 dc in top loop, dc3tog in next three stitches. Repeat from ** across to last 6 dc and turning chain. Dc in next 6 dc, (2dc, tr) in top of turning chain. 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 triple 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.