Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

SEEKING INPUT – or – tell me what you know, please!

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I’m seeking information about this program from those crocheters who have used it:

http://www.greatknitdesigns.com/

What I’d be most likely to use the program for would be sweaters.  Here’s the layout they use:

Since I’m mathematically challenged, I believe this program might be of benefit to me.  I can’t download the demo on the computer I’m writing on (as there is a very expensive proprietary art program on it that my son must use for his work) so I’m seeking input from my readers.

If you’ve used the demo successfully (or, unsuccessfully, I guess) or have purchased the program and use it, I’d love to hear from you.  I’m thinking positively about the whole thing, but would like more info from all of you!

Comments

  1. I LOVE this program. I purchased it a couple of years ago for knitting, but use it for crochet too. It is fantastic for adjusting size & fit. You must make a gauge swatch so you can input the correct figures & get the proper finished size. It is very easy to use — I often make my own patterns from pictures in magazines. There are so many design options to create the perfect pattern.

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.