I've started a new free pattern blog over at Carolyn Christmas Designs! Join me there for crochet fun!
Dec 28, 2013
Feb 8, 2010
Voila!
First, thank you to all who participated. You guys are awesome! This was so much fun I will definitely be doing more CALs. What do you want to make next?
And now... my afghan! I'm very happy with it, not only for its festive looks, but its warm memories as well. I've truly enjoyed this process.
I can't help but imagine how pretty this would be in a square configuration with baby yarns. :)
And now... my afghan! I'm very happy with it, not only for its festive looks, but its warm memories as well. I've truly enjoyed this process.
I can't help but imagine how pretty this would be in a square configuration with baby yarns. :)
Feb 4, 2010
Variations on a Theme border rnds 2-5
Rnd 2: Join with sc in any corner, ch 3, sc in same corner, (ch 2, sc in next ch-1 sp) across to next corner, (sc, ch 3, sc) in corner; repeat from * around ending last repeat at first corner, join with sl st in first sc. Fasten off.
Rnd 3: Repeat rnd 1.
Rnd 4: Repeat rnd 2.
Rnd 5: Join with sc in second ch-sp before any corner, * (dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-sp before corner--shell made, shell in corner, shell in ch-sp after corner, (sc in next ch-sp, shell in next sp) across to corner, skipping one ch-sp if needed to make sure shell falls in ch-sp before corner; repeat from * around ending at first sc, join with sl st in first sc. Fasten off.
Next stop--complete afghan photos! :) :)
Rnd 3: Repeat rnd 1.
Rnd 4: Repeat rnd 2.
Rnd 5: Join with sc in second ch-sp before any corner, * (dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-sp before corner--shell made, shell in corner, shell in ch-sp after corner, (sc in next ch-sp, shell in next sp) across to corner, skipping one ch-sp if needed to make sure shell falls in ch-sp before corner; repeat from * around ending at first sc, join with sl st in first sc. Fasten off.
Next stop--complete afghan photos! :) :)
Feb 3, 2010
Variations on a Theme border
I've been thinking-- after all your work on your afghan, it's hardly fair of me to dole out the border instructions one row at a time without a photo of the whole border. So tomorrow, we are hoping it will not rain, and David and I can get outside and photograph my border so you can see what I've done. I'll give you instructions for all rows--and this way, you can decide if you want to do as I've done, or something different.
Feb 2, 2010
Variations on a Theme border rnd 1
OK here we go! Border.
Rnd 1: Join with sl st in any corner, ch 3 (counts as dc), (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same corner, * (ch 1, 2 dc in next ch-sp) to next corner, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in corner; repeat from * around ending last repeat at first corner, join with sl st in top of ch 3. Fasten off.
Rnd 1: Join with sl st in any corner, ch 3 (counts as dc), (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same corner, * (ch 1, 2 dc in next ch-sp) to next corner, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in corner; repeat from * around ending last repeat at first corner, join with sl st in top of ch 3. Fasten off.
Happy Groundhog Day!
I'll be posting round 1 of the border later today. Everyone's afghans are looking gorgeous!
Jan 28, 2010
Simulated braid join
This method simulates a braid join and is accomplished by crocheting pre-edged blocks together. It's fast and easy but uses more yarn and creates a ridge on the back between squares.
Step 1: Edge each square according to instructions for Step 1 of Flat Braid Join.
Step 2: Using matching or contrasting color, hold two squares right sides together matching up corners. Working through both thicknesses, join with sc in first corner, (ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp) across ending with sc in corner. Pick up next two squares and continue with sc in first corner, (ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp) across. Squares can be joined in long strips or just two at a time, as you prefer.
Here's how it looks from the front and back:
Step 1: Edge each square according to instructions for Step 1 of Flat Braid Join.
Step 2: Using matching or contrasting color, hold two squares right sides together matching up corners. Working through both thicknesses, join with sc in first corner, (ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp) across ending with sc in corner. Pick up next two squares and continue with sc in first corner, (ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp) across. Squares can be joined in long strips or just two at a time, as you prefer.
Here's how it looks from the front and back:
Scallop join
This method is very similar to the flat braid join, except you do not drop lp from hook and pick it up again. This is faster and easier but does not give the twisted look of the flat braid join. Still, pretty and very useful. I've used this method way more than the flat braid join over the years, but now I find myself using the flat braid join more for the little extra beauty it gives, especially on special projects.
Work the scallop join just like the flat braid join, except on flat braid join where you (ch 2, drop lp from hook, insert hook in next ch-sp on first block, pick up lp, ch 1, sc in next ch-sp on second block), substitute this:
(Ch 1, sl st in next ch-sp on first block, ch 1, sc in next ch-sp on second block)
Here's how it looks:
Work the scallop join just like the flat braid join, except on flat braid join where you (ch 2, drop lp from hook, insert hook in next ch-sp on first block, pick up lp, ch 1, sc in next ch-sp on second block), substitute this:
(Ch 1, sl st in next ch-sp on first block, ch 1, sc in next ch-sp on second block)
Here's how it looks:
Flat braid join how-to
Step 1: To edge the first block, join with sc in any corner, ch 3, sc in same sp, (ch 3, sc in next ch-sp) around with (sc, ch 3, sc) in each corner ch-sp, join. Fasten off.
Step 2: Join with sc in ch-sp below top left corner, and work edging rnd same as step 1 around left edge, bottom edge and right edge to top right corner. Sc in top right corner, ch 2, remove hook from lp, insert hook in bottom right corner of first block, pick up dropped lp, ch 1, sc in same corner on second block.
Step 3: * Ch 2, remove hook from lp, insert hook in next ch-sp on bottom edge of first block, pick up dropped lp, ch 1, sc in next ch-sp on top edge of second block. Repeat from * across to corner; repeat in corner to be sure you connect corner to corner and have two sc in each corner.
Step 2: Join with sc in ch-sp below top left corner, and work edging rnd same as step 1 around left edge, bottom edge and right edge to top right corner. Sc in top right corner, ch 2, remove hook from lp, insert hook in bottom right corner of first block, pick up dropped lp, ch 1, sc in same corner on second block.
Step 3: * Ch 2, remove hook from lp, insert hook in next ch-sp on bottom edge of first block, pick up dropped lp, ch 1, sc in next ch-sp on top edge of second block. Repeat from * across to corner; repeat in corner to be sure you connect corner to corner and have two sc in each corner.
Step 4: Ch 3 and join to finish round. Fasten off.
Step 5: Add subsequent blocks in the same manner, working the flat braid join on as many sides as needed.
Jan 27, 2010
Block Arrangements
There's one more thing I want to show you as you finalize arrangement of your blocks. I know some of you wanted to make an afghan larger than the normal afghan size, and I want to give you a couple of arrangements to accomplish that.
I've made some little square blocks for use in these arrangements -- for the square block, just start in the same manner as making the little rectangles, and stop when they're square. Edging all the way around is the same as the short size of the rectangle. So, in addition to making a little pillow cover, as I'm going to do with my small blocks, these little squares can go between ends of rectangles in the following arrangements. As you can see, the first arrangement is simply the addition of rectangles and the little squares all around our original layout. The second arrangement is more like a quilt-setting with sashing and corner blocks around each large square.
Measure carefully when planning your layout. My afghan, joined in the original arrangement and with about 2 1/2 inches width of border added all around, is about 50 x 70. The arrangements below will be larger.
I'll also use these little blocks to demonstrate three methods of joining I'd recommend in tomorrow's post.
Jan 26, 2010
Variations on a Theme Square #18
Square #18
Row 1: Ch 32, sc in second ch from hook, (skip next 2 ch, 5 dc in next ch--shell made, skip next 2 ch, sc in next ch) across, turn.
Row 2: Ch 5 (counts as dc and ch 2), sc in center dc of first shell, (ch 5, sc in center dc of next shell) across, ch 2, dc in last sc, turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first dc, (ch 5, sc in next ch-5 sp) across ending with ch 5, sc in last dc, turn.
Row 4: Ch 5, sc in next sc 2 rows below enclosing ch from previous row in sc, ch 2, dc in next sc, (ch 2, sc in next sc 2 rows below enclosing ch from previous row in sc, ch 2, dc in next sc) across, turn.
Row 5: Ch 1, sc in first dc, (shell in next sc, sc in next dc) across, turn.
Rows 6-20 or until piece is square or almost square: Repeat rows 2-5 ending with row 4.
At end of last row, fasten off.
To make this stitch pattern any size, begin with ch multiple of 6 plus 2.
Row 1: Ch 32, sc in second ch from hook, (skip next 2 ch, 5 dc in next ch--shell made, skip next 2 ch, sc in next ch) across, turn.
Row 2: Ch 5 (counts as dc and ch 2), sc in center dc of first shell, (ch 5, sc in center dc of next shell) across, ch 2, dc in last sc, turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first dc, (ch 5, sc in next ch-5 sp) across ending with ch 5, sc in last dc, turn.
Row 4: Ch 5, sc in next sc 2 rows below enclosing ch from previous row in sc, ch 2, dc in next sc, (ch 2, sc in next sc 2 rows below enclosing ch from previous row in sc, ch 2, dc in next sc) across, turn.
Row 5: Ch 1, sc in first dc, (shell in next sc, sc in next dc) across, turn.
Rows 6-20 or until piece is square or almost square: Repeat rows 2-5 ending with row 4.
At end of last row, fasten off.
To make this stitch pattern any size, begin with ch multiple of 6 plus 2.
Jan 25, 2010
Variations on a Theme Square #17
Square #17
Notes:
Beginning cluster beginning cl: Ch 2, (yo, pull up lp in same st, yo, pull through 2 lps on hook) 2 times, yo, pull through all lps on hook.
Cluster cl: Yo, pull up lp in indicated st, yo, pull through 2 lps on hook, (yo, pull up lp in same st, yo, pull through 2 lps on hook) 2 times, yo, pull through all lps on hook.
Row 1: Ch 32, sc in second ch from hook, (ch 2, skip next 2 ch, dc in next ch, ch 2, skip next 2 ch, sc in next ch), across, turn.
Row 2: Beginning cl in first sc, (ch 2, sc in next dc, ch 2, cl in next sc) across, turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in top of first cl, (ch 2, dc in next sc, ch 2, sc in top of next cl) across, turn.
Rows 4-16 or until piece is square, or almost square: Repeat rows 2-3 ending with row 2.
At end of last row, fasten off.
To make this stitch pattern any size, begin with ch multiple of 6 plus 2.
Notes:
Beginning cluster beginning cl: Ch 2, (yo, pull up lp in same st, yo, pull through 2 lps on hook) 2 times, yo, pull through all lps on hook.
Cluster cl: Yo, pull up lp in indicated st, yo, pull through 2 lps on hook, (yo, pull up lp in same st, yo, pull through 2 lps on hook) 2 times, yo, pull through all lps on hook.
Row 1: Ch 32, sc in second ch from hook, (ch 2, skip next 2 ch, dc in next ch, ch 2, skip next 2 ch, sc in next ch), across, turn.
Row 2: Beginning cl in first sc, (ch 2, sc in next dc, ch 2, cl in next sc) across, turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in top of first cl, (ch 2, dc in next sc, ch 2, sc in top of next cl) across, turn.
Rows 4-16 or until piece is square, or almost square: Repeat rows 2-3 ending with row 2.
At end of last row, fasten off.
To make this stitch pattern any size, begin with ch multiple of 6 plus 2.
Jan 24, 2010
Variations on a Theme Square #16
Square #16
Row 1: Ch 32, sc in second ch from hook, (ch 1, skip next ch, dc in next 3 ch, ch 1, skip next ch, sc in next ch), across, turn.
Row 2: Ch 5 (counts as dc and ch 2), bpdc around center dc of next 3-dc group, ch 2, dc in next sc, (ch 2, bpdc around center dc of next 3-dc group, ch 2, dc in next sc) across, turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first dc, (ch 1, dc in next ch-2 sp, fpdc around next dc, dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 1, sc in next dc) across, turn.
Rows 4-16 or until piece is square, or almost square: Repeat rows 2-3 ending with row 2.
At end of last row, fasten off.
To make this stitch pattern any size, begin with ch multiple of 6 plus 2.
Row 1: Ch 32, sc in second ch from hook, (ch 1, skip next ch, dc in next 3 ch, ch 1, skip next ch, sc in next ch), across, turn.
Row 2: Ch 5 (counts as dc and ch 2), bpdc around center dc of next 3-dc group, ch 2, dc in next sc, (ch 2, bpdc around center dc of next 3-dc group, ch 2, dc in next sc) across, turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first dc, (ch 1, dc in next ch-2 sp, fpdc around next dc, dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 1, sc in next dc) across, turn.
Rows 4-16 or until piece is square, or almost square: Repeat rows 2-3 ending with row 2.
At end of last row, fasten off.
To make this stitch pattern any size, begin with ch multiple of 6 plus 2.
Jan 22, 2010
Variations on a Theme rectangle #3
Note: this stitch pattern is the same as square #1.
Rectangle #3 (make 4)
Row 1: Ch 14, sc in second ch from hook, (skip next 2 ch, 5 dc in next ch--shell made, skip next 2 ch, sc in next ch) across, turn.
Row 2: Ch 5 (counts as dc and ch 2), sc in center dc of first shell, ch 2, dc in next sc, ch 2, sc in center dc of next shell, ch 2, dc in next sc, turn.
Row 3: Ch 6 (counts as dc and ch 3), sc in next sc, ch 3, dc in next dc, ch 3, sc in next sc, ch 3, dc in next dc, turn.
Row 4: Ch 1, sc in first dc, (ch 2, dc in next sc, ch 2, sc in next dc) across, turn.
Row 5: Ch 1, sc in first sc, (shell in next dc, sc in next sc) across, turn.
Rows 6-16 or until same number or rows as square #1: Repeat rows 2-5, ending with row 2 or 4.
At end of last row, fasten off.
Rectangle #3 (make 4)
Row 1: Ch 14, sc in second ch from hook, (skip next 2 ch, 5 dc in next ch--shell made, skip next 2 ch, sc in next ch) across, turn.
Row 2: Ch 5 (counts as dc and ch 2), sc in center dc of first shell, ch 2, dc in next sc, ch 2, sc in center dc of next shell, ch 2, dc in next sc, turn.
Row 3: Ch 6 (counts as dc and ch 3), sc in next sc, ch 3, dc in next dc, ch 3, sc in next sc, ch 3, dc in next dc, turn.
Row 4: Ch 1, sc in first dc, (ch 2, dc in next sc, ch 2, sc in next dc) across, turn.
Row 5: Ch 1, sc in first sc, (shell in next dc, sc in next sc) across, turn.
Rows 6-16 or until same number or rows as square #1: Repeat rows 2-5, ending with row 2 or 4.
At end of last row, fasten off.
Jan 21, 2010
Variations on a Theme Square #15
Square #15
Note: This stitch pattern is dense. Mine worked up about an inch larger than the others when worked with the same size hook--this is enough so that you may wish to make this with one size smaller hook.
Most of the small size variations in these squares are of no consequence to this design. Once the edgings are on and everything is joined together, it all works out fine and the small size variations disappear. Just FYI-- my square #15 is an inch wider than the others and I used it in my afghan anyway, so when you see my finished afghan you'll be able to see that the size difference is not discernable in final result. However, I wanted to give you a heads up to the size difference in case you wanted to use a smaller hook.
Row 1: Ch 32, sc in second ch from hook, (skip next 2 ch, 5 dc in next ch--shell made, skip next 2 ch, sc in next ch), across, turn.
Row 2: Ch 3, 2 dc in same st, (sc in center dc of first shell, 5 dc in next sc) across ending with 3 dc in last sc, turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first dc, (5 dc in next sc, sc in center dc of next shell) across ending with sc in last dc, turn.
Rows 4-16 or until piece is square, or almost square: Repeat rows 2-3.
At end of last row, fasten off.
To make this stitch pattern any size, begin with ch multiple of 6 plus 2.
Row 1: Ch 32, sc in second ch from hook, (skip next 2 ch, 5 dc in next ch--shell made, skip next 2 ch, sc in next ch), across, turn.
Row 2: Ch 3, 2 dc in same st, (sc in center dc of first shell, 5 dc in next sc) across ending with 3 dc in last sc, turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first dc, (5 dc in next sc, sc in center dc of next shell) across ending with sc in last dc, turn.
Rows 4-16 or until piece is square, or almost square: Repeat rows 2-3.
At end of last row, fasten off.
To make this stitch pattern any size, begin with ch multiple of 6 plus 2.
Variations on a Theme Square #14
Square #14
Row 1: Ch 32, sc in second ch from hook, * (ch 1, skip next 2 ch, 3 dc in next ch--shell made, ch 1, skip next 2 ch, sc in next ch) **, ch 2, skip next 2 ch, dc in next ch, ch 2, skip next 2 ch, sc in next ch; repeat from * across ending last repeat at **, turn.
Row 2: Ch 5 (counts as dc and ch 2), sc in center dc of first shell, ch 2, dc in next sc, * ch 2, sc in next dc, ch 2, dc in next sc, ch 2, sc in center dc of next shell, ch 2, dc in next sc; repeat from * across, turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first dc, * ch 2, dc in next sc, ch 2, sc in next dc **, ch 1, shell in next sc, ch 1, sc in next dc; repeat from * across ending last repeat at **, turn.
Row 4: Ch 5 (counts as dc and ch 2), sc in first dc, ch 2, dc in next sc, * ch 2, sc in center dc of next shell, ch 2, dc in next sc, ch 2, sc in next dc, ch 2, dc in next sc; repeat from * across, turn.
Row 5: Ch 1, sc in first dc, ch 1, shell in next sc, ch 1, sc in next dc, * ch 2, dc in next sc, ch 2, sc in next dc, ch 1, shell in next sc, ch 1, sc in next dc; repeat from * across, turn.
Rows 6-16 or until piece is square, or almost square: Repeat rows 2-5, ending with row 2 or 4.
At end of last row, fasten off.
To make this stitch pattern any size, begin with ch multiple of 6 plus 2.
Row 1: Ch 32, sc in second ch from hook, * (ch 1, skip next 2 ch, 3 dc in next ch--shell made, ch 1, skip next 2 ch, sc in next ch) **, ch 2, skip next 2 ch, dc in next ch, ch 2, skip next 2 ch, sc in next ch; repeat from * across ending last repeat at **, turn.
Row 2: Ch 5 (counts as dc and ch 2), sc in center dc of first shell, ch 2, dc in next sc, * ch 2, sc in next dc, ch 2, dc in next sc, ch 2, sc in center dc of next shell, ch 2, dc in next sc; repeat from * across, turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first dc, * ch 2, dc in next sc, ch 2, sc in next dc **, ch 1, shell in next sc, ch 1, sc in next dc; repeat from * across ending last repeat at **, turn.
Row 4: Ch 5 (counts as dc and ch 2), sc in first dc, ch 2, dc in next sc, * ch 2, sc in center dc of next shell, ch 2, dc in next sc, ch 2, sc in next dc, ch 2, dc in next sc; repeat from * across, turn.
Row 5: Ch 1, sc in first dc, ch 1, shell in next sc, ch 1, sc in next dc, * ch 2, dc in next sc, ch 2, sc in next dc, ch 1, shell in next sc, ch 1, sc in next dc; repeat from * across, turn.
Rows 6-16 or until piece is square, or almost square: Repeat rows 2-5, ending with row 2 or 4.
At end of last row, fasten off.
To make this stitch pattern any size, begin with ch multiple of 6 plus 2.
Jan 19, 2010
Variations on a Theme Square #13
If anyone has been having trouble with this one, my apologies--I've fixed typos in rows 3 and 5. Thanks to Kath and Sandy for pointing these out.
Square #13
Note:
fptr front post treble crochet Yo two times, insert hook from front to back to front around stitch indicated, pull up lp, (yo, pull through 2 lps on hook) 3 times.
Row 1: Ch 32, sc in second ch from hook, * skip next 2 ch, 5 dc in next ch--shell made, skip next 2 ch, sc in next ch, dc in next 4 ch, ch 1, skip next ch, sc in next ch **; repeat from * across ending last repeat at **.
Row 2: Ch 5 (counts as dc and ch 2), sc in center dc of first shell, ch 2, dc in next sc, (ch 1, bpdc around next 4 dc, dc in next sc, ch 2, sc in center dc of next shell, ch 2, dc in next sc) across, turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first dc, *shell in next sc, sc in next dc **, skip next 2 dc, fptr in next 2 dc, fptr in two skipped dc, ch 1, sc in next dc; repeat from * across ending last repeat at **, turn.
Row 4: Ch 5 (counts as dc and ch 2), sc in center dc of first shell, ch 2, dc in next sc, (ch 1, bpdc around next 4 tr, dc in next sc, ch 2, sc in center dc of next shell, ch 2, dc in next sc) across, turn.
Row 5: Ch 1, sc in first dc, shell in next sc, sc in next dc, (fpdc around next 4 dc, ch 1, sc in next dc, shell in next sc, sc in next dc) across, turn.
Row 6-8: Repeat rows 2-4.
Rows 9-16 or until piece is square, or almost square: Repeat rows 5-8.
At end of last row, fasten off.
To make this stitch pattern any size, begin with ch multiple of 6 plus 2.
Square #13
Note:
fptr front post treble crochet Yo two times, insert hook from front to back to front around stitch indicated, pull up lp, (yo, pull through 2 lps on hook) 3 times.
Row 1: Ch 32, sc in second ch from hook, * skip next 2 ch, 5 dc in next ch--shell made, skip next 2 ch, sc in next ch, dc in next 4 ch, ch 1, skip next ch, sc in next ch **; repeat from * across ending last repeat at **.
Row 2: Ch 5 (counts as dc and ch 2), sc in center dc of first shell, ch 2, dc in next sc, (ch 1, bpdc around next 4 dc, dc in next sc, ch 2, sc in center dc of next shell, ch 2, dc in next sc) across, turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first dc, *shell in next sc, sc in next dc **, skip next 2 dc, fptr in next 2 dc, fptr in two skipped dc, ch 1, sc in next dc; repeat from * across ending last repeat at **, turn.
Row 4: Ch 5 (counts as dc and ch 2), sc in center dc of first shell, ch 2, dc in next sc, (ch 1, bpdc around next 4 tr, dc in next sc, ch 2, sc in center dc of next shell, ch 2, dc in next sc) across, turn.
Row 5: Ch 1, sc in first dc, shell in next sc, sc in next dc, (fpdc around next 4 dc, ch 1, sc in next dc, shell in next sc, sc in next dc) across, turn.
Row 6-8: Repeat rows 2-4.
Rows 9-16 or until piece is square, or almost square: Repeat rows 5-8.
At end of last row, fasten off.
To make this stitch pattern any size, begin with ch multiple of 6 plus 2.
Jan 18, 2010
Variations on a Theme Rectangle #2
Rectangle #2 (make 4)
Note: This stitch pattern is the same as the stitch pattern for square #7.
Row 1: Ch 14, sc in second ch from hook, * skip next 2 ch, 5 dc in next ch--shell made, skip next 2 ch, sc in next ch); repeat from *, turn.
Row 2: Ch 5 (counts as dc and ch 2), sc in center dc of first shell, ch 2, dc in next sc, ch 2, sc in center dc of next shell, ch 2, dc in next sc, turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first dc, (shell in next sc, sc in next dc) 2 times, turn.
Rows 4-16 or same number rows as square #7: Repeat rows 2-3, ending with row 2.
At end of last row, fasten off.
Note: This stitch pattern is the same as the stitch pattern for square #7.
Row 1: Ch 14, sc in second ch from hook, * skip next 2 ch, 5 dc in next ch--shell made, skip next 2 ch, sc in next ch); repeat from *, turn.
Row 2: Ch 5 (counts as dc and ch 2), sc in center dc of first shell, ch 2, dc in next sc, ch 2, sc in center dc of next shell, ch 2, dc in next sc, turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first dc, (shell in next sc, sc in next dc) 2 times, turn.
Rows 4-16 or same number rows as square #7: Repeat rows 2-3, ending with row 2.
At end of last row, fasten off.
Jan 17, 2010
Flat braid join tutorial
Here's Prescilla Hewett's excellent flat braid join tutorial, via the wayback machine, if you want to jump into joining:
http://web.archive.org/web/20080112104311/http://members.aol.com/_ht_a/lffunt/flatbraid.htm
http://web.archive.org/web/20080112104311/http://members.aol.com/_ht_a/lffunt/flatbraid.htm
Variations on a Theme Square #12
Square #12
Row 1: Ch 32, sc in second ch from hook, * ch 1, skip next 2 ch, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch--V-stitch made, ch 1, skip next 2 ch, sc in next ch; repeat from * across, turn.
Row 2: Ch 5 (counts as dc and ch 2), sc in center sp of first V-st, ch 2, dc in next sc, (ch 2, sc in center sp of next V-st, ch 2, dc in next sc) across, turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first dc, (ch 1, V-st in next sc, ch 1, sc in next dc) across, turn.
Row 4: Repeat row 2.
Row 5: Ch 1, sc in first dc, (5 dc in next sc--shell made, sc in next dc) across, turn.
Row 6: Ch 5 (counts as dc and ch 2), sc in center dc of first shell, ch 2, dc in next sc, (ch 2, sc in center dc of next shell, ch 2, dc in next sc) across, turn.
Rows 7-10: Repeat rows 3-4.
Rows 11-12: Repeat rows 5-6.
Rows 13-16: Repeat rows 3-4.
At end of last row, fasten off.
To make this stitch pattern any size, begin with ch multiple of 6 plus 2.
Row 1: Ch 32, sc in second ch from hook, * ch 1, skip next 2 ch, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch--V-stitch made, ch 1, skip next 2 ch, sc in next ch; repeat from * across, turn.
Row 2: Ch 5 (counts as dc and ch 2), sc in center sp of first V-st, ch 2, dc in next sc, (ch 2, sc in center sp of next V-st, ch 2, dc in next sc) across, turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first dc, (ch 1, V-st in next sc, ch 1, sc in next dc) across, turn.
Row 4: Repeat row 2.
Row 5: Ch 1, sc in first dc, (5 dc in next sc--shell made, sc in next dc) across, turn.
Row 6: Ch 5 (counts as dc and ch 2), sc in center dc of first shell, ch 2, dc in next sc, (ch 2, sc in center dc of next shell, ch 2, dc in next sc) across, turn.
Rows 7-10: Repeat rows 3-4.
Rows 11-12: Repeat rows 5-6.
Rows 13-16: Repeat rows 3-4.
At end of last row, fasten off.
To make this stitch pattern any size, begin with ch multiple of 6 plus 2.
Jan 16, 2010
Steam blocking
You may wish to block your motifs before doing the flat braid join. It's not required, but some people like to do so. Man-made yarns don't generally need much blocking, if any, but wool yarns or other natural fibers may need a bit more. My personal preference is to complete the afghan, then give it a nice steaming on a bed, smoothing all the seams and joinings out nicely and relaxing the stitch patterns a bit.
My favorite method is steam blocking. For straight-sided pieces, I use a piece of large gingham-check fabric to line everything up, and using rustproof pins, pin the crochet to a padded surface such as the ironing board cover or a towel on a counter. For large items, I use the bed.
Set the iron to steam, and if you have an iron that features bursts of steam, so much the better, but either way, use the iron to allow the steam to penetrate the crochet fibers without actually touching the iron to the crochet. If you prefer, cover the crochet with a pressing cloth just to be sure.
I then smooth the crochet with my hands until it all looks symmetrical and straight, adding more steam if needed, then let the crochet dry completely before removing.
My favorite method is steam blocking. For straight-sided pieces, I use a piece of large gingham-check fabric to line everything up, and using rustproof pins, pin the crochet to a padded surface such as the ironing board cover or a towel on a counter. For large items, I use the bed.
Set the iron to steam, and if you have an iron that features bursts of steam, so much the better, but either way, use the iron to allow the steam to penetrate the crochet fibers without actually touching the iron to the crochet. If you prefer, cover the crochet with a pressing cloth just to be sure.
I then smooth the crochet with my hands until it all looks symmetrical and straight, adding more steam if needed, then let the crochet dry completely before removing.
Variations on a Theme Square #11
Square #11
Row 1: Ch 32, sc in second ch from hook, * ch 1, skip next 2 ch, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch--V-stitch made, ch 1, skip next 2 ch, sc in next ch **, skip next 2 ch, 5 dc in next ch--shell made, skip next 2 ch, sc in next ch; repeat from * across ending last repeat at **, turn.
Row 2: Ch 5 (counts as dc and ch 2), sc in center sp of first V-st, ch 2, dc in next sc, (ch 2, sc in center dc of next shell, ch 2, dc in next sc, ch 2, sc in center sp of next V-st, ch 2, dc in next sc) across, turn.
Row 3: Ch 6 (counts as dc and ch 3), sc in next sc, ch 3, dc in next dc, (ch 3, sc in next sc, ch 3, dc in next dc) across, turn.
Row 4: Ch 1, sc in first dc, (ch 2, dc in next sc, ch 2, sc in next dc) across, turn.
Row 5: Ch 1, sc in first sc, shell in next dc, sc in next sc, (ch 1, V-st in next dc, ch 1, sc in next sc, shell in next dc, sc in next sc) across, turn.
Row 6: Ch 5 (counts as dc and ch 2), sc in center dc of first shell, ch 2, dc in next sc, (ch 2, sc in center sp of next V-st, ch 2, dc in next sc, ch 2, sc in center dc of next shell, ch 2, dc in next sc) across, turn.
Rows 7-8: Repeat rows 3-4.
Row 9: Ch 1, sc in first sc, ch 1, V-st in next dc, ch 1, sc in next sc, (shell in next dc, sc in next sc, ch 1, V-st in next dc, ch 1, sc in next sc) across, turn.
Row 10-16: Repeat rows 2-8.
At end of last row, fasten off.
To make this stitch pattern any size, begin with ch multiple of 6 plus 2.
Row 1: Ch 32, sc in second ch from hook, * ch 1, skip next 2 ch, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch--V-stitch made, ch 1, skip next 2 ch, sc in next ch **, skip next 2 ch, 5 dc in next ch--shell made, skip next 2 ch, sc in next ch; repeat from * across ending last repeat at **, turn.
Row 2: Ch 5 (counts as dc and ch 2), sc in center sp of first V-st, ch 2, dc in next sc, (ch 2, sc in center dc of next shell, ch 2, dc in next sc, ch 2, sc in center sp of next V-st, ch 2, dc in next sc) across, turn.
Row 3: Ch 6 (counts as dc and ch 3), sc in next sc, ch 3, dc in next dc, (ch 3, sc in next sc, ch 3, dc in next dc) across, turn.
Row 4: Ch 1, sc in first dc, (ch 2, dc in next sc, ch 2, sc in next dc) across, turn.
Row 5: Ch 1, sc in first sc, shell in next dc, sc in next sc, (ch 1, V-st in next dc, ch 1, sc in next sc, shell in next dc, sc in next sc) across, turn.
Row 6: Ch 5 (counts as dc and ch 2), sc in center dc of first shell, ch 2, dc in next sc, (ch 2, sc in center sp of next V-st, ch 2, dc in next sc, ch 2, sc in center dc of next shell, ch 2, dc in next sc) across, turn.
Rows 7-8: Repeat rows 3-4.
Row 9: Ch 1, sc in first sc, ch 1, V-st in next dc, ch 1, sc in next sc, (shell in next dc, sc in next sc, ch 1, V-st in next dc, ch 1, sc in next sc) across, turn.
Row 10-16: Repeat rows 2-8.
At end of last row, fasten off.
To make this stitch pattern any size, begin with ch multiple of 6 plus 2.
Jan 15, 2010
Variations on a Theme Square #10
Square #10
Row 1: Ch 32, sc in second ch from hook, * skip next 2 ch, 5 dc in next ch--shell made, skip next 2 ch, sc in next ch **, ch 2, skip next 2 ch, dc in next ch, ch 2, skip next 2 ch, sc in next ch; repeat from * across ending last repeat at **, turn.
Row 2: Ch 5 (counts as dc and ch 2), sc in center dc of first shell, ch 2, dc in next sc, (ch 2, sc in next dc, ch 2, dc in next sc, ch 2, sc in center dc of next shell, ch 2, dc in next sc) across, turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first dc, * shell in next sc, sc in next dc **, ch 2, dc in next sc, ch 2, sc in next dc: repeat from * across ending last repeat at **, turn.
Rows 4-16 or until piece is square, or almost square: Repeat rows 2-3, ending with row 2.
At end of last row, fasten off.
To make this stitch pattern any size, begin with ch multiple of 6 plus 2.
Row 1: Ch 32, sc in second ch from hook, * skip next 2 ch, 5 dc in next ch--shell made, skip next 2 ch, sc in next ch **, ch 2, skip next 2 ch, dc in next ch, ch 2, skip next 2 ch, sc in next ch; repeat from * across ending last repeat at **, turn.
Row 2: Ch 5 (counts as dc and ch 2), sc in center dc of first shell, ch 2, dc in next sc, (ch 2, sc in next dc, ch 2, dc in next sc, ch 2, sc in center dc of next shell, ch 2, dc in next sc) across, turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first dc, * shell in next sc, sc in next dc **, ch 2, dc in next sc, ch 2, sc in next dc: repeat from * across ending last repeat at **, turn.
Rows 4-16 or until piece is square, or almost square: Repeat rows 2-3, ending with row 2.
At end of last row, fasten off.
To make this stitch pattern any size, begin with ch multiple of 6 plus 2.
Jan 14, 2010
Variations on a Theme block arrangement
This afghan will be made of 18 large squares and 12 rectangles in this arrangement:
We'll crochet a final round around each block and join everything together. I'll be showing you exactly how. My colors are all scrappy, but I'll be doing the final joining round in red. Thennnn, we'll add a pretty border!
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