Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Scrappy Cowl

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This cowl demonstrates the flexibility and creativity that so many crocheters possess.  First, it’s Sarah’s first published design (and it’s a free pattern for us).  Second, she makes great use of some yarns in an interesting color combination that inspires me to dig through my stash to find some pretty yarn to make a similar cowl in colors that suit me better.

Crochet itself is so amazing in that we can experiment with stitch patterns and yarns to create simple items for ourselves and others.  This would be a great pattern to start working on now to have a stash of Christmas gifts already finished long before the hustle and bustle of the Season puts us all into a frenzy.  A simple cowl like this or the one I designed earlier will work nicely as gifts for family and friends of all ages – even kids.  Use colors of their favorite sports teams or their school.  Use the same yarns in different rows to create coordinating cowls for husband and wife.  Buy that skein of luxury yarn you’ve been eyeing and combine it with yarns you have stashed to create a decadent gift (for yourself!).

Looking for more Crochet Cowl patterns? Check out these crochet cowl patterns we found on Etsy.

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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.