Vintage Vertical Stripe Crocheted Blanket Pattern

This blanket is intended to be made from leftover yarns. You need to know how to chain, single crochet, double crochet, and add in a new color if you want to change colors in the middle of a row. I used 27 different colors, some more than others. Most of the yarn is Wool-Ease by Lion Brand but there is some Simply Soft by Caron and a few others that I've lost the wrappers for so I don't remember what they are.

At 250 chains, the blanket is 6' 9" long and the width will be a little over 4' wide when I'm done. I used a size "I" hook because that's what the yarn called for. (If you look at the wrapper around the yarn it will tell you the suggested hook size.) I'm getting about 17 rows to every 6". Once you get going you'll be able to do a row in about 20-25 minutes so you can use those figures to estimate your time.

To start, chain 250. At the end of your chain, chain 2 more - this is your turning chain for double crochet.

Now for your first row, double crochet in each chain (your first double crochet will be in your 250th chain).

When you get to the end of the row, cut your yarn and knot off by pulling the cut thread through the last loop on your hook. You just completed the hardest part of the whole blanket!

Next, choose your new yarn color and make a slip knot with it on your hook.

Insert your hook with the slip knot into the space between your last two double crochets. (Remember you will be working into the space for the whole blanket).

With your hook through the space, make a single crochet, then chain two.

Double crochet in every space until the end of the row but...

in the last space double crochet twice in the same space. Cut your yarn and knot off. Can you see how the last two double crochets in the same space make a little "V"?

Always flip your blanket at the end of a row - you work from right to left. With a new yarn on your hook, insert your hook in the first space between your last two double crochets - the space in the "V".

Double crochet in each space until you reach the end of your row and always make two double crochets in your last space. You always begin your row by inserting your hook in the "V". Continue this way until you reach the width that you desire.

I'm planning to do a scalloped edging around the finished blanket so I'll add that here when I'm done.

Believe me, the hardest part is the first two rows but after that it just gets easier and easier. I've left all the yarn tails about 5" long so they'll be easy to weave in later on. This is a great beginner project and works up pretty fast for a blanket. If any of you give it a try I'd love to hear from you and maybe I'll even start a Flickr group so we can share our results. Have fun!

Comments

[Denis]

Thanks for all the great pictures and share

[margot]

Love this blanket! Did you ever add the instructions for the scalloped edging? I am very much a novice at crocheting but think the edging would really help the blanket maintain it's shape.

[Stephanie]

I'm a brand new crocheter and just found you. This is something I think I can do. It's gorgeous.

[Elizabeth]

I found your pattern about a week ago while looking for a pattern to make a blanket for my husband. This is perfect for him and for my skill level (I just took up crocheting and this will be my first project). I just started today and got thru the first two and a half rows before the sun went down. I would have liked to do more but my husband and I are truck drivers and it's a little hard to work only by the light of the street lamps! I'll send you some pictures when I'm done. Thanks so much for the pattern!

[Michele C]

Nice tutorial and great photos!

[Miko's Girl]

Thanks for providing instructions for this project. After crocheting the heart, I went to the craft store to buy yarn to make a blanket for my daughter. I've also used the basic concept of the blanket to make a scrarf for my youngest.

[limebrarian]

Thanks again for this tutorial! I used it as my first crochet project. I have posted some pics of the results at: http://flickr.com/photos/51075052@N00/3229279031/

[Shana]

This is just the pattern I've been looking for. Although it does look time consuming and I'm not such the patient crocheter, I'm going to create a similiar look with a much larger hook. Easier on the hands and eyes (not to mention time of completetion..lol)

[cvb]

i'm going to use this pattern to make a basic striped scarf too. awesome instructions and the pictures are great.

[Erica]

I love this blanket!
I would like to know if I can add your blanket picture with the url- credit, on my blog ?

[TRACI]

This is great!!! I on the norm just make a giant granny. Thank you so much....

[Melanie]

Great pattern! I have a hugh stash. This will use up some of it. It's also a great pattern for beginners (I recently taught a co-worker how to crochet. Maybe she'll want to make one.) Thanks!

[Diana]

so i liked this pattern a lot it makes it easy to find a stopping point and you can always add width if you want without having too many problems!

[Lori]

Thanks for the great tutorial! I linked you:
http://momsbyheart.blogspot.com/2008/11/best-of-blogosphere_11.html

[Stephanie]

Great step-by-step directions. I like the little V stitch at the end. I did a pattern sortof the same way and had trouble keeping the edges even. That V solves the problem. Next time I need to do a random scrap afghan, THIS will be the one! Thanks for sharing.

[Brenda]

Hi I was wondering if you have the pattern for the edging that you used? Very nice pattern. Thanks for it.

[Amber]

I absolutely love your blanket and explanation. I'm starting a smaller one for my cat later on, in two colours, but I'll definitely rember this for when I have collected a lot of scraps!

Amber

[Mandy]

Thanks for the great pattern. It is a while since I have done any crotcheting and I found this easy after the first row.

I had to undo the chain because it was too tight. Now, it is pulling a little. Will it sort itself out or do I need to undo it and start again?

[AMTK]

Such an easy pattern I can do this with the kids and don't need to worry over counting stiches or losing my place and my 9yo will have funny making her own color choices! Makes a great little dish towel using cotton yarn too. Thanks so much!

[Viki]

Thanks for all the great pictures -- I always have trouble changing colors -- you made it simple by SEEING it . . .

[photo blankets]

hello all,

Wow, thanks for the fine tutorial. learn something from you. i cant imagine if you make a blanket with a picture, how long will it takes?

[Judi]

Thank you for the tutorial. What a great way to use up leftover yarn. I'm going to have to give it a try but maybe not until the fall. Wonderful colours.

[Sarah]

Hi - this is a great pattern, thanks for putting it on for all to share. x

[emily]

I started a similar blanket to this at the start of December, would love to crochet along *^_^*

[emily]

I started a similar blanket to this at the start of December, would love to crochet along *^_^*