Crochet

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A Crochet Beauty

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cro wendy blanket 1113

 

When I read about Wendy’s adaptation of an older pattern, I was intrigued.  Then, I asked and she sent me this picture of her work.  While Wendy does not assert that this is her original design, she did adapt and improve an older pattern to create this masterpiece.

For a long time I was not a fan of the popcorn stitch.  It seemed to me that it was quite a waste of perfectly good yarn to create dimension that could be more easily achieved with a simpler cluster stitch of some sort.  But, the more I examine work that contains popcorn stitches, the more I see their benefit.  The degree of depth and the dimension achieved with the popcorn stitch can be amazing.  It’s an easy stitch to learn and, in the hands and eye of someone like Wendy, can provide a lot of visual interest with only a single color of yarn.

Wendy has created a visual pattern (otherwise known as a chart or graph) that she has kindly agreed to share with you.  I am including some of her tips that will add to your ease in duplicating her results.  I especially like that she can lay down the project and resume exactly where she left off by using a simple coloring technique.  So, print off a copy of this for yourself (with Wendy’s permission), grab some pretty yarn, and get making one of these beauties for yourself.

Clicking on this link should give you a better version of Wendy’s chart.

cro wendy chart 1113

Here are Wendy’s tips:

I have different shades for different stitches and sections to make the pattern easier to see. Mine was done with a repeat of the sections.
Border – Triangle – Border – Triangle – Border – Triangle – Border which made 192 Foundation Half Double stitches. I marked my foundation as I worked round one. So at the end of the border section I placed a marker in the foundation, at the end of the triangle section I placed a marker and so on. Once the sections are set then the pattern takes shape. I printed off the pattern for the full length of the afghan and hi-lighted the rows as I completed them. This took a lot of confusion out of the pattern. When I walked away I had no problem picking it back up and knowing where I was. The X indicates single crochet.

In response to a couple of queries, Wendy adds this information for you:

I used a J hook and approx. 7-8 skeins of red heart super saver ( I started with 2 partial skeins so it is hard to tell).

Thanks to Wendy for sharing her lovely pattern with us!

Comments

  2. What are the other abbreviations?
    HDC – half double crochet
    DFP – ???
    TR – ???

    Also about how much yarn and what size hook? I would love to make this, but don’t know where to start.

  3. DFP = Double Crochet Front Post
    TR = Treble

    Hook would be suitable for yarn as this pattern will work with almost any yarn. Refer to the yarn label of the yarn you choose for hook size suggestions. Sizing up your hook will make the popcorns easier to make. As to the amount of yarn, I can’t comment. I’ll ask the designer for you.
    jd

  4. So pretty! These one-color popcorn afghans have a lovely vintage feeling, like those old-fashioned chenille bedspreads.

    Popcorn stitch does tend to take a lot of yarn, if I recall correctly… Maybe check out some other popcorn-heavy patterns to get a rough idea of yardage?

    I may try to use just part of the pattern to make a large throw pillow for the couch…

  5. Thank you JD for such a wonderful article. I am shocked at the attention this piece is getting. I had no idea when I shared it that everyone would enjoy it so much. Your abbreviations are correct. I used a red J hook and approximately 7 or 8 skeins of the RedHeart Super Saver (I started with 2 partial skeins). I do apoligize for the lack of some information. This is my first time for someone asking me for my pattern. I hope you enjoy it.

Have you read?

Shock Wave Free Crochet Lap Blanket Pattern

This Free Shock Wave Crochet Lap Blanket Pattern from Mary Maxim looks like one of those wonderfully satisfying projects that gives big cozy payoff without fiddly detail. Mary Maxim lists it as a free download, designed as a crochet afghan/lap blanket, with a finished size of 45 x 50 inches.

What immediately stands out is the yarn choice. The pattern is made with Bernat Blanket Extra Thick, using 5 skeins, and calls for a U.S. U/50 (25 mm) crochet hook. That is gloriously chunky territory, which usually means fast progress and lots of squishy texture. If you are in the mood for a project that feels substantial in your hands and grows quickly row by row, this one definitely has that appeal.

Mary Maxim describes the blanket as having a beautifully textured, plush, soft finish and suggests it as a project for home décor or gifting. Based on the materials and oversized hook alone, that sounds about right. This feels like the sort of blanket you make for curling up on the couch, draping over a chair, or giving as a practical handmade gift that will actually get used instead of folded away “for best.”

The pattern is marked Easy, and the listed stitch requirements are straightforward: chain, repeat, double crochet, single crochet, and slip stitch. That makes it sound approachable for confident beginners and very appealing for anyone who wants a relaxing crochet project without too much counting drama.

I also think the lap blanket size is a smart one. Not every crochet blanket needs to become a giant commitment that takes over the lounge room and your will to live. A 45 x 50 inch blanket is a useful, manageable size for gifting, for wheelchairs or reading nooks, or just for keeping on hand for chilly evenings. That practicality gives this pattern extra appeal. The usability point is my own take based on the finished dimensions Mary Maxim provides.

At the moment, the pattern page shows no reviews, so there is not much customer feedback to go on yet. Still, if you enjoy easy crochet blanket patterns, super chunky crochet throws, or quick lap blanket projects, this one looks like a solid freebie to save.

My overall take? This looks like a fast, cozy, beginner-friendly crochet blanket pattern with plenty of texture and instant-gratification energy. Very much the sort of project you start because it looks easy, then keep going because the yarn feels ridiculously soft.