This afghan is quick and easy, has built in borders and edging, and looks the same on both sides. After the first three rows, the same row is just repeated over and over, so a really easy pattern to learn.

The example is made in light worsted weight cotton.

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
yo = yarn over

There is a tutorial video as well.

The beginning chain should be a multiple of 10 plus 8.

For these widths, start with this number of chains:
34.75″ = 148
39.5″ = 168
44.25″ = 188
49″ = 208
53.75″ = 228

Row 1: Dc in 5th chain from hook and in each chain across to the end. Turn.

Row 2: Ch3 (counts as a dc), dc in each dc across to end. Turn.

Row 3: Ch3 (counts as a dc), skip first dc, dc in next four dc, ** skip 3 dc, (tr, ch4, sc) in next dc, ch3, skip 1 dc, dc in next 5 dc. Repeat from ** across to the end, the last dc being in the 3rd chain of the turning chain. Turn.

Row 4: Ch3 (counts as a dc), skip first dc, dc in next four dc, ** skip ch3 and sc, (tr, ch4, sc) in next ch4 sp, ch3, dc in next 5 dc. Repeat from ** across to the end, the last dc being in the 3rd chain of the turning chain. Turn.

Repeat row 4 until afghan is desired length. Finish with the following three rows:

Third to last row: Ch3 (counts as a dc), skip first dc, dc in next four dc, ** skip ch3 and sc, tr in next ch4 sp, ch2, dc onto the tr just made, ch1, dc in next 5 dc. Repeat from ** across to the end, the last dc being in the 3rd chain of the turning chain. Turn.

Second to last row: Ch3 (counts as a dc), dc in each dc, chain and tr across to end. Turn.

Last row: Ch3 (counts as a dc), dc in each dc across to end. Finish 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.

Edits:
10/26/14 – clarified repeat language by adding “Repeat from”

This afghan has it all. It’s quick and easy, has lots of texture, and looks the same on both sides. After the first row, the same row is just repeated over and over, so a really easy pattern to learn.

The example is made in light worsted weight cotton.

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

Materials:
Worsted weight yarn. See chart above for amount.
Size H (5mm) crochet hook

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

Special stitches:
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.
Dec5 – Decrease 5 stitches – yo, insert hook in next stitch, yo and pull up a loop, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook, yo, skip next 3 stitches, 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.

There is a video tutorial available as well.

The beginning chain should be a multiple of 23 plus 1.

For these widths, start with this number of chains:
30.5″ = 162
34.75″ = 185
39.25″ = 208
43.5″ = 231
47.75″ = 254

Row 1: 2dc in 4th chain from hook, dc in next 7 ch, dec5 (uses 5 ch), ** dc in next 9 ch, ch3, dc in next 9 ch, dec5. Repeat from ** across to last 8 chains. Dc in next 7 ch, (2dc, tr) in last ch. Turn.

Make all subsequent rows by crocheting into the front loop only.

Row 2: Ch3 (counts as a dc), 2dc in tr, FPtr in next two dc, dc in next two dc, FPtr in next two dc, dc in next dc, dec5, ** dc in next dc, FPtr in next two dc, dc in next two dc, FPtr in next two dc, (2dc, ch2, 2dc) in ch sp, FPtr in next two dc, dc in next two dc, FPtr in next two dc, dc in next dc, dec5 Repeat from ** across to last 7 dc and turning chain, dc in next dc, FPtr in next two dc, dc in next two dc, FPtr in next two dc, (2dc, tr) in top 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 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.

Edits:
3/25/14 – added note about crocheting into front loops.

This is a crib sized baby blanket with a patchwork apparence. The sample is Caron Simply Soft which is a soft worsted weight yarn.

Size:
34″ by 42″

Materials:
For lap blanket size, 680 grams/24 ounces/1260 yards worsted weight yarn
Size H (5mm) crochet hook

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

General Instructions:

There are three different types of squares. Make four of each type. The train track square requires two colors. The other two squares can be made in solid colors, but can be different colors from the train track square. I assembled the blanket with the same color as the track color, but any color can be used. Each of the square types has a special stitch which is described at the beginning of each of their instructions.

Each of the squares are alternating rounds of single crochet and double crochet or double crochet type stitches. On all rounds, the corners are a single chain stitch. The corners on the double crochet rounds consist on making a (2dc, 1ch, 2dc) cluster in this corner chain space. Take particular care on the next stitch after the corner to find the true next sc. It tends to get buried under that cluster, so you may have to pull the cluster back a bit to get into that stitch.

Unless otherwise indicated, crochet in the back loop only.

Train Track Square:

Ldc – yo, insert hook in sc or chain space below the dc of the previous row, yo and pull up a loop even with last stitch made, (yo and draw through 2 loops) twice.

Ch4. Sl st in first chain to form ring.
Rnd 1: Ch3 (counts as a dc), 2dc in ring, (ch1, 3dc in ring) three times, ch1, sl st in top chain of 3ch.
Rnd 2: Ch1, sc in same stitch as sl st, sc in next two dc, [ (sc, ch1, sc) in ch sp, sc in next 3 dc ] three times, (sc, ch1, sc) in ch sp, sl st in first sc.
Rnd 3: Ch3 (counts as a dc), dc in next 3 sc, [ (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in ch sp, dc in next 5 sc ] three times, (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in ch sp, dc in next sc, sl st in top chain of 3ch.
Rnd 4: Ch1, sc in same stitch as sl st, sc in next 5 dc, [ (sc, ch1, sc) in ch sp, sc in next 9 dc ] three times, (sc, ch1, sc) in ch sp, sc in next 3 dc, sl st in first sc.
Rnd 5: Ch3 (counts as a dc), dc in next 6 sc, [ (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in ch sp, dc in next 11 sc ] three times, (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in ch sp, dc in next 4 sc, sl st in top chain of 3ch.
Rnd 6: Ch1, sc in same stitch as sl st, sc in next 8 dc, [ (sc, ch1, sc) in ch sp, sc in next 15 dc ] three times, (sc, ch1, sc) in ch sp, sc in next 6 dc, sl st in first sc.
Rnd 7: Ch3 (counts as a dc), dc in next 9 sc, [ (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in ch sp, dc in next 17 sc ] three times, (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in ch sp, dc in next 7 sc, change to track color, sl st in top chain of 3ch.
Rnd 8: Ch1, sc in same stitch as sl st, sc in next 11 dc, [ (sc, ch1, sc) in ch sp, sc in next 21 dc ] three times, (sc, ch1, sc) in ch sp, sc in next 9 dc, change to main color, sl st in first sc.
Rnd 9: Ch3 (counts as a dc), dc in next 12 sc, [ (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in ch sp, dc in next 23 sc ] three times, (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in ch sp, dc in next 10 sc, change to track color, sl st in top chain of 3ch.
Rnd 10: Ch1, sc in same stitch as sl st, (ldc in next dc, sc in next 2 dc) four times, ldc in next dc (so that the ldc is in the ch sp of prior sc row), sc in next dc, [ (sc, ch1, sc) in ch sp, sc in next dc, ldc in next dc (so that the ldc is in the ch sp of prior sc row), sc in next 2 dc, (ldc in next dc, sc in next 2 dc) seven times, ldc in next dc (so that the ldc is in the ch sp of prior sc row), sc in next dc ] three times, (sc, ch1, sc) in ch sp, sc in next dc,  ldc in next dc (so that the ldc is in the ch sp of prior sc row), sc in next 2 dc, (ldc in next dc, sc in next 2 dc) two times, ldc in next dc, sc in next dc, change to main color, sl st in first sc.
Rnd 11: Ch3 (counts as a dc), dc in next 15 sc/ldc, [ (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in ch sp, dc in next 29 sc/ldc ] three times, (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in ch sp, dc in next 13 sc/ldc, sl st in top chain of 3ch.
Rnd 12: Ch1, sc in same stitch as sl st, sc in next 17 dc, [ (sc, ch1, sc) in ch sp, sc in next 33 dc ] three times, (sc, ch1, sc) in ch sp, sc in next 15 dc, sl st in first sc, finish off.

Crossed Double Crochet Square:

Cdc – crossed double crochet – skip a stitch, dc in next stitch, yo, go behind that dc, insert needle through back loop of skipped stitch and then complete a dc

Ch4. Sl st in first chain to form ring.
Rnd 1: Ch3 (counts as a dc), dc in ring, (ch1, 3dc in ring) three times, ch1, dc in ring, sl st in top chain of 3ch.
Rnd 2: Ch1, sc in same stitch as sl st, sc in next dc, [ (sc, ch1, sc) in ch sp, sc in next 3 dc ] three times, (sc, ch1, sc) in ch sp, sc in next dc, sl st in first sc.
Rnd 3: Ch3 (counts as a dc), cdc in next 2 sc, [ (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in ch sp, cdc in next 2 sc, dc in next sc, cdc in next 2 sc ] three times, (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in ch sp, cdc in next 2sc, sl st in top chain of 3ch.
Rnd 4: Ch1, sc in same stitch as sl st, sc in next 4 dc, [ (sc, ch1, sc) in ch sp, sc in next 9 dc ] three times, (sc, ch1, sc) in ch sp, sc in next 4 dc, sl st in first sc.
Rnd 5: Ch3 (counts as a dc), cdc in next 4 sc, dc in next sc, [ (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in ch sp, dc in next sc, cdc in next 4 sc, dc in next sc, cdc in next 4 sc, dc in next sc ] three times, (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in ch sp, dc in next sc, cdc in next 4 sc, dc in next sc, sl st in top chain of 3ch.
Rnd 6: Ch1, sc in same stitch as sl st, sc in next 7 dc, [ (sc, ch1, sc) in ch sp, sc in next 15 dc ] three times, (sc, ch1, sc) in ch sp, sc in next 7 dc, sl st in first sc.
Rnd 7: Ch3 (counts as a dc), cdc in next 8 sc, [ (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in ch sp, cdc in next 8 sc, dc in next sc, cdc in next 8 sc ] three times, (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in ch sp, cdc in next 8 sc, sl st in top chain of 3ch.
Rnd 8: Ch1, sc in same stitch as sl st, sc in next 10 dc, [ (sc, ch1, sc) in ch sp, sc in next 21 dc ] three times, (sc, ch1, sc) in ch sp, sc in next 10 dc, sl st in first sc.
Rnd 9: Ch3 (counts as a dc), cdc in next 10 sc, dc in next sc, [ (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in ch sp, dc in next sc, cdc in next 10 sc, dc in next sc, cdc in next 10 sc, dc in next sc ] three times, (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in ch sp, dc in next sc, cdc in next 10 sc, dc in next sc, sl st in top chain of 3ch.
Rnd 10: Ch1, sc in same stitch as sl st, sc in next 13 dc, [ (sc, ch1, sc) in ch sp, sc in next 27 dc ] three times, (sc, ch1, sc) in ch sp, sc in next 13 dc, sl st in first sc.
Rnd 11: Ch3 (counts as a dc), cdc in next 14 sc, [ (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in ch sp, cdc in next 14 sc, dc in next sc, cdc in next 14 sc ] three times, (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in ch sp, cdc in next 4 sc, sl st in top chain of 3ch.
Rnd 12: Ch1, sc in same stitch as sl st, sc in next 16 dc, [ (sc, ch1, sc) in ch sp, sc in next 33 dc ] three times, (sc, ch1, sc) in ch sp, sc in next 16 dc, sl st in first sc, finish off.

Cluster Square:

Cluster – (yo, insert hook, draw up a loop, yo, draw through 2 loops) three times in same stitch, yo, draw through 4 loops.

Ch4. Sl st in first chain to form ring.
Rnd 1: Ch4 (counts as a dc and chain), (3dc in ring, ch1) three times, 2dc in ring, sl st in 3rd chain of 4ch.
Rnd 2: Sl st in ch space, ch1, (sc, ch1, sc) in same ch space, [ sc in next 3 dc, (sc, ch1, sc) in ch sp ] three times, sc in next 3 dc , sl st in first sc.
Rnd 3: Sl st in ch space, ch3, (1dc, ch1, 2dc) in same ch space, [ dc in next sc, ch1, skip 1 sc, cluster in next sc, ch1, skip 1 sc, dc in next sc, (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in ch sp ] three times, dc in next sc, ch1, skip 1 sc, cluster in next sc, ch1, skip 1 sc, dc in next sc, sl st in top chain of 3ch.
Rnd 4: Sl st in next dc, sl st in ch space, ch1, (sc, ch1, sc) in same ch space, [ sc in next 3 dc, sc in ch sp, sc in cluster, sc in ch sp, sc in next 3 dc, (sc, ch1, sc) in ch sp ] three times, sc in next 3 dc, sc in ch sp, sc in cluster, sc in ch sp, sc in next 3 dc , sl st in first sc.
Rnd 5: Sl st in ch space, ch3, (1dc, ch1, 2dc) in same ch space, [ ch1, skip 1 sc, (cluster in next sc, ch1, skip 1 sc) five times, (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in ch sp ] three times, ch1, skip 1 sc, (cluster in next sc, ch1, skip 1 sc) five times, sl st in top chain of 3ch.
Rnd 6: Sl st in next dc, sl st in ch space, ch1, (sc, ch1, sc) in same ch space, [ sc in next 2 dc, (sc in ch sp, sc in cluster) five times, sc in ch sp, sc in next 2 dc, (sc, ch1, sc) in ch sp ] three times, sc in next 2 dc, (sc in ch sp, sc in cluster) five times, sc in ch sp, sc in next 2 dc , sl st in first sc.
Rnd 7: Sl st in ch space, ch3, (1dc, ch1, 2dc) in same ch space, [ dc in next sc, ch1, skip 1 sc, (cluster in next sc, ch1, skip 1 sc) 7 times, dc in next sc, (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in ch sp ] three times, dc in next sc, ch1, skip 1 sc, (cluster in next sc, ch1, skip 1 sc) 7 times, dc in next sc, sl st in top chain of 3ch.
Rnd 8: Sl st in next dc, sl st in ch space, ch1, (sc, ch1, sc) in same ch space, [ sc in next 3 dc, (sc in ch sp, sc in cluster) 7 times, sc in ch sp, sc in next 3 dc, (sc, ch1, sc) in ch sp ] three times, sc in next 3 dc, (sc in ch sp, sc in cluster) 7 times, sc in ch sp, sc in next 3 dc , sl st in first sc.
Rnd 9: Sl st in ch space, ch3, (1dc, ch1, 2dc) in same ch space, [ ch1, skip 1 sc, (cluster in next sc, ch1, skip 1 sc) 11 times, (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in ch sp ] three times, ch1, skip 1 sc, (cluster in next sc, ch1, skip 1 sc) 11 times, sl st in top chain of 3ch.
Rnd 10: Sl st in next dc, sl st in ch space, ch1, (sc, ch1, sc) in same ch space, [ sc in next 2 dc, (sc in ch sp, sc in cluster) 11 times, sc in ch sp, sc in next 2 dc, (sc, ch1, sc) in ch sp ] three times, sc in next 2 dc, (sc in ch sp, sc in cluster) 11 times, sc in ch sp, sc in next 2 dc , sl st in first sc.
Rnd 11: Sl st in ch space, ch3, (1dc, ch1, 2dc) in same ch space, [ dc in next sc, ch1, skip 1 sc, (cluster in next sc, ch1, skip 1 sc) 13 times, dc in next sc, (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in ch sp ] three times, dc in next sc, ch1, skip 1 sc, (cluster in next sc, ch1, skip 1 sc) 13 times, dc in next sc, sl st in top chain of 3ch.
Rnd 12: Sl st in next dc, sl st in ch space, ch1, (sc, ch1, sc) in same ch space, [ sc in next 3 dc, (sc in ch sp, sc in cluster) 13 times, sc in ch sp, sc in next 3 dc, (sc, ch1, sc) in ch sp ] three times, sc in next 3 dc, (sc in ch sp, sc in cluster) 13 times, sc in ch sp, sc in next 3 dc , sl st in first sc, finish off.

Assembly:

Lay out the squares in a three by four grid. The first joining will be first to second row. Keeping the squares in the order you have laid out, put the second row squares back to back with the first row squares, holding up the sides you want to seam with the second row square toward you. Make all stitches in both loops of the edge of the squares. Form a starting loop and make a single crochet in the edge corner chain space of the second row square. Sc in the edge corner chain space of the first row square. Sc in the next sc of the second row square. Skip a stitch on the first row square and sc in the next stitch. Skip a stitch on the second row square and sc in the next stitch. Proceed in this fashion across to the end of those squares, skipping stitches between sc on each square, except at the end to sc in each ch1 space. Then sc in the ch1 space of each of the next two squares keeping with the alternating pattern, then proceed across as with the first squares. Do this again for the third squares.

Make this join across each of the rows then again down the two columns. If the border is to be the same color, do not finish off the last one.

Border:

Rnd 1: On right side, starting from last join row make a single crochet in the ch1 spaces of the adjacent corner. Sc across each edge of each square, and sc in each ch1 corner space. At each seam, sc in the side of the seam. At each outside corner, (1sc, ch1, 1sc) in the corner ch1 space. Continue around the perimeter of the blanket to the beginning and slip stitch in the beginning sc.

Rnd 2: Ch3 (counts as a dc), and dc in each sc across each side of the blanket. At each ch1 space on the outside corners, do (2dc, 1ch, 2dc) in the ch1 space. At the end of the round, join with a slip stitch to the third chain of the beginning ch3.

Rnd 3: Ch1, sc in same stitch. Sc across each side. At each ch1 space on the corners, do (1sc, 1ch, 1sc) in the ch1 space. At the end of the round, join with a slip stitch to the first sc. Finish off and weave in all ends.

This is a chart of the beginning chain and first two rows of the Lacy V-stitch Ripple Afghan for two repeats.

This is a simple but elegant pattern for a throw. The sample is made in worsted weight, but it would work well with lighter weight yarns. This is a particularly good pattern for a boucle or homespun style yarn because after the first row, all stitches are made in chain spaces. (For a version where even the first row is made in chain spaces, go here.)

Size:
Sample is a 30 by 32 inch lap blanket in worsted weight acrylic yarn, but pattern can be easily adjusted to make a throw or full sized blanket.

Materials:
For lap blanket size, 400 grams/14 ounces/750 yards worsted weight yarn. For other sizes, see above chart.
Size I (5.5mm) crochet hook

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

There is also a tutorial video.

The beginning chain should be a multiple of 22 plus 17.

Lap blanket size (30″)  is started with chain of 149. For other widths start with this number of chains:
34.5″ = 171
38.75″ = 193
43.25″ = 215
47.75″ = 237

Row 1: V-stitch in 5th chain from hook. Skip 2 chains, v-stitch in next chain. Skip 2 chains, shell in next chain. (Skip 2 chains, v-stitch in next chain) twice. ** Skip 4 chains, v-stitch in next chain, skip 4 chains, v-stitch in next chain, skip 2 chains, v-stitch in next chain, skip 2 chains, shell in next chain, (skip 2 chains, v-stitch in next chain) twice. Repeat from ** across to end of chain. Turn.

Row 2: Chain 3, 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. Turn.

Row 3: Chain 3, 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. Turn.

Repeat rows 2 and 3. Next to the last row should be a row 3. Finish with this last row:

Last Row: Chain 3, 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. Color changes should be made between row 2 and row 3. 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.

There is a chart available of the first two rows.

Edits:
8/14/15 – added link to No Beginning Chain version.

For the full pattern please see this link.

This chart is for one repeat – showing the chain and two next rows.

These are the items I had for the May 2011 Hospice delivery.

The lap blanket to the left was made from Mulberry Caron Dazzleaire which I unraveled from a hideous sweater I had made long ago. The pattern is Fabulous Fans by Rita Weiss in Leisure Arts #3693, Afghans by the Pound. The lap blanket to the right is of some mystery acrylic worsted that my aunt and uncle picked up at an estate sale. The pattern is Diamond Ripple by Anne Halliday in Leisure Arts #108214, Afghans for All Seasons, Book 2.

These are both my own Crossed Double Crochet Ripple Blanket pattern. The one on the left is with Lion Brand Pound of Love Bubble Gum and Pastel Pink. The one on the right is with Heather Green Caron Dazzleaire from the same hideous sweater as the Fabulous Fans above.

I had some yarn leftover from a baby shower gift so made two preemie sets in the same (somewhat modified) pattern.

Several people had donated preemie blankets to this batch without hats, so I made hats with coordinating yarn using my Basic Baby Hat pattern.

These are two simple hats to go with blankets others made using my Simple Lines Baby Hats pattern.

This is another neutral hat to go with a blanket given by someone else. I will probably design a coordinating blanket for this one and publish the patterns in the future.

This blanket has a twist on the traditional ripple blanket. It can be made in a solid color, a variegated yarn, or any number of colors.  It can also be made with most yarn weights or even using two strands for a quick and thick throw.

The example in the photos was made with a size H (5mm) crochet hook and Lion Brand Pound of Love yarn. Color A is Bubble Gum and Color B is Pastel Pink. Color bands are 5 rows tall, and the color A is used for first five rows and last five rows.

Lap Blanket/Baby Blanket:
Finished blanket is 28.5″ by 29.25″
Chain 131
6.5 oz color A
5.2 oz color B

Throw:
Finished blanket is 36.5″ by 48.75″
Chain 167
10.4 oz color A
9.1 oz color B

Size Chart:

Abbreviations:

ch – chain
dc – double crochet
cdc – crossed double crochet –  skip a stitch, dc in next stitch, yo, go behind that dc, insert needle through front loop of skipped stitch and then complete a dc
inc-cdc – increase crossed double crochet –  dc in next stitch, yo, go behind that dc, insert needle through front loop of last stitch (which already has a cdc in it) and then complete a dc
dec-cdc – decrease crossed double crochet – skip two stitches, dc in next stitch, yo, go behind that dc, insert needle in front loop of first skipped stitch and then complete a dc

Pattern:

Chain a multiple of 18 plus 5 chain stitches. Chain the following number of stitches for these sizes:

29″ = 131
33″ = 149
37″ = 167
41″ = 185
45″ = 203

Row 1: The first four chain stitches count as a double crochet in a stitch.  Dc in the 7th stitch from hook.  Yo, go behind that dc, insert needle in chain that is two before the chain with the dc and complete a dc (this is a dec-cdc). Work another dec-cdc.  * Going across the chain, make one cdc, four inc-cdc, and four dec-cdc. * Repeat between the * across the row to last 13 chains. Make one cdc, four inc-cdc, two dec-cdc and one dc.

Row 2: Chain 3 and turn (counts as a dc). Dc in the 4th stitch.  Yo, go behind that dc, insert needle in front loop of second stitch and complete a dc (this is a dec-cdc). Work another dec-cdc.  * Going across the chain, make one cdc, four inc-cdc, and four dec-cdc. * Repeat between the * across the row to last 13 stitches. Make one cdc, four inc-cdc, two dec-cdc and one dc which will be in the turning chain of the previous row.

Repeat row 2 until blanket is desired length and finish off. Weave in ends.

If seeing a chart of this would be helpful, I have a chart of two rows of one repeat here. There is also a tutorial video available here.

Edits:
4/7/14 – added link for video

Making lap blankets for the elderly and infirmed is an amazing way for stitchers to contribute charitably in an enjoyable and fulfilling way.  Charitable lap blankets are usually designed to fit in the lap of the wheelchair bound.  Since they are so much smaller than a full throw, they are quick to make.

This blanket is reversible. The sample is 32 inches square and made from 100% Acrylic worsted weight yarn with a Size I (5.5mm) crochet hook. The sample took approximately 17 ounces or 760 yards of yarn. The pattern can be worked in a single color, or if desired, color changes can be made between sections.

The pattern can be easily modified to make any size blanket.  Begin with a multiple of six plus three chain stitches.

Gauge:
14 stitches and 11 rows = 4 inches in single crochet

Abbreviations:

ch = chain
dc = double crochet
sc = single crochet
tr = triple (treble) crochet

Directions:

Chain 111.

Ridges

Row 1: Sc in second chain and in each of the following chains to the end (110 sc). ch1, turn.

Row 2: Sc in the back loop of the first sc.  sc in the back loop of each of the following sc. (110 sc). ch1, turn.

Rows 3-8: Repeat row 2 six times.

Diamond knobs

Row 9: (Now working in front loops) sc in first sc and in each stitch across row (110 sc). Ch1, turn.

Row 10: Repeat row 9.

Row 11: Sc in first two sc.  (Tr in the next sc and push the middle of the stitch to the back of the work, sc in next two sc, tr in next sc and push the middle of the stitch to the front of the work, sc in next two sc) across to the end of the row (36 tr, 74 sc). Ch1, turn.

Rows 12 and 13: Repeat row 9 twice.

Row 14: Sc in first two sc.  (Tr in the next sc and push the middle of the stitch to the front of the work, sc in next two sc, tr in next sc and push the middle of the stitch to the back of the work, sc in next two sc) across to the end of the row (36 tr, 74 sc).  The tr stitches will go to the opposite side of the tr stitches on the row three rows below. Ch1, turn.

Rows 15 and 16: Repeat row 9 twice.

Rows 17-22: Repeat rows 11-16.

Ridges

Rows 23-29: Repeat row 2 seven times.

Row 30: Sc in the back loop of the first sc.  sc in the back loop of each of the following sc (110 sc). Ch3, turn.

Clusters

Row 31: (Now working in front loops) in second sc work cluster as follows: (yo, insert hook and draw up loop) three times, yo and pull through 6 loops, yo and pull through remaining 2 loops. (Ch1, skip sc, cluster in next sc) across to end of row (55 clusters). Ch3, turn.

Row 32: In first ch1 space work cluster, ch1, (cluster in next ch1 space, ch1) across to end of row. Cluster in turning chain (55 clusters). Ch3, turn.

Row 33: Repeat row 32.

Row 34: In first ch1 space work cluster, ch1, (cluster in next ch1 space, ch1) across to end of row. Cluster in turning chain (55 clusters). Ch1, turn.

Ridges

Row 35: Sc in the back loop of the first cluster.  sc in the back loop of each of the following chains and clusters to end of row. sc in turning chain. (110 sc). ch1, turn.

Rows 36-42: Repeat row 2 seven times.

Crossed doubles

Row 43: Now working in the front loops, in the second and third sc work a crossed stitch as follows: skip a sc, dc in next sc, yo, go behind that dc, insert needle through front loop of skipped sc and then complete a dc.  Make crossed stitches across the row and dc in last sc  (54 crossed stitches). Ch1, turn.

Row 44: Working in front loops, sc in first stitch and in each stitch across row, sc in turning chain (110 sc). Ch3, turn.

Rows 45-52: Repeat rows 43 and 44 four times.

Row 53: Repeat row 43.

Row 54: Working in front loops, sc in first stitch and in each stitch across row, sc in turning chain (110 sc). Ch1, turn.

Ridges

Rows 55-61: Repeat row 2 seven times.

Row 62: Repeat row 30.

Clusters

Rows 63-66: Repeat rows 31-34.

Ridges

Rows 67-74: Repeat rows 35-42.

Diamond knobs

Rows 75-88: Repeat rows 9-22.

Ridges

Rows 89-95: Repeat row 2 seven times.

Row 96: Sc in the back loop of the first sc.  sc in the back loop of each of the following sc. (110 sc). Finish off and weave in end.

Edits:
4/13/15 – changed sc to stitch in row 9 so that it works for when it is repeated later.
4/24/17 – corrected row 42 to repeat row 2 instead of row 30.

I have been making this double thick potholder for years and several years ago took the pictures and put together the instructions in a word document.  I decided it was time to share it in a more usable format, so added a pattern section to this blog.