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

[Flibbertygibbet]

This is just fabulous. I've been trying to teach myself to crochet and I know the reason is so that I can try to make something as utterly amazing as this! What a lovely blog...

[GEL]

Hi,
Saw your *beautiful* blog featured on typepad and also being an artist, I had to pop in here. Terrific content, adorable craft items, and creative layout!
It's a treat to browse around in here. I visited many pages on your site such as your about page, several previous posts, your online shop and some galleries. I'm sorry I don't have time to comment individually in each place, so I'll summarize:

I love the friendly appeal you show here and wish you and your family warm greetings from across the net.

(I began using Typepad in July with the prime intention of highlighting my artwork[jewelery, photography, and painting], while also continuing my love of writing poetry because I had outgrown "blogger at blogspot.") However, I've been too busy in my studio to set up much yet since I already maintain a professional art website off of typepad. Hopefully, I'll be up and running here before the New Year.)

[dianeinjapan]

Great blanket! Now I just need to learn how to crochet...Anyway, congrats on being a Typepad Featured Blog!! I'm so glad to see this distinction go to a crafty woman/fellow homeschooling mom. Your blog is a delight!

[Linnie]

I happened on your site through a friend's blog, never been here before, but what a great blanket! My grandma made these ALL the time, and I have two in my house right now, they're my favorites. She was blind at the end of her knitting/crocheting days, and in the end this was just about all she would make, because you couldn't see the mistakes. Thanks for the walk down memory lane.

[fillyjonk]

Ooooh, looking at that makes me happy! I have lots of odds and ends of WW yarn I could use for this.

I've gotten back into crocheting more this fall, this is a good inspiration for a "big" project (but an easy one for when I'm watching tv or something)

[Alvina]

Absolutely wonderful! I can't wait to get started. Thanks girlfriend for sharing this tutorial.

[Cherry Menlove]

What an inspiration. I would so love to be able to crochet having seen your creation and being able to envisage my own. I will learn, and when I do I will be back to this tutorial.

[mary]

this tutorial is great, cassi. I have been wanting to do exactly this project, but I'm a novic crocheter and didn't really know where to start. thank you!!

[Alicia P.]

Fan-absolutely-tastic. That's it, I'm making one too.

[carolyn]

Jane at Yarnstorm has just informed us that you share her birthday, so a Happy Birthday to you.

[emerald]

yay! thanks for posting the intstructions for the blanket - I've seen so many things striped like this and wanted to make them, but have never seen it explained anywhere... :)

[wren]

Great tutorial, it makes me want to dig out all my leftover yarns.

[trish]

Your blanket turned out so well! It's really cheerful and happy. I love the colours and the look. Thanks for the tips on how to add a colour without the cross over.

Beautiful!

[Jane]

It's a wonderfully vibrant blanket. I love it!

[Gloria]

This is a great tutorial! Thanks a lot! I will do it! I love the hook inserted into the space between the stitches. I love the technique!

[Mari Eriksson]

What a lovely blanket and it seems easy to make maybe I will try... Thanks for your beautiful and inspirational blogg.

[pinar]

so this is how it doen't zig zag.. two in the last ..
thanks for the tip..
I love the colours..
must finish this bolero quick.. to get started with one of these.. but will be much paler than yours.. I have lots of small left overs.. in pastel colours.. can't wait..

[amandajean]

wow, you did a great job on your tutorial. thanks for posting it...I have been looking forward to seeing the instructions! I think I may be able to attempt this on my own now. your blanket looks great. love the randomness of the stripes!

[Miss Scarlett]

Oh no! I have so many knitting projects I want to do. What have you done to me?! I can't add crochet!!
I just might have to though...

[Murta]

I love your blanket! Couldn't help remembering my grandmother and her stash of threads, always ready to crochet something for us.
I have 2 blankets very similar to yours and truly "vintage" by now, since I have them for years. When I'm sick or with some headache I usually wrap one of nana's blankett and lay down in my bed seeking for some confort and tenderness in my memories of her. It works for me...

[denice]

Love this. Thanks for the tutorial.

[michelle]

Ours look very similar, but I've refrained from using black for some reason. And, I like black.

[IamSusie]

I'm 38 rows in. Since I couldn't wait for your pattern, I started it on my own and I only chained 210. Mine is sugar and cream cottons since I don't have so much leftover yarn.

[Siri]

Yay! Thank you! Even if I never make this, I'm enjoying seeing yours.

[Mariah]

Hi...been lurking for a long time! I didn't know you were going to do a tutorial and when I first saw this blanket I started one immediately! I'm just doing a double crochet (it's the only stitch I know, but I REALLY want to learn to do scallops!) for the whole thing...nothing special at the ends. I don't have much experience with crochet yet, so I'm just tying one color to the next at the end of the rows and carrying on. Oops! When I come to the end of the next row I'll try your method. I'm doing it in random blues and greens to match my living room and it's turning out really nice. We'll use it to snuggle under on the couch! :-)