AN EASY STASH-BUSTING REVERSIBLE TEXTURED BLANKET
You will needt.
Leftover stash of same weight - sample used 600g of Aran. Crochet hook one size larger than that recommended on the ball band - sample used a 6mm hook. Tapestryneedle Accuratescales
Paftern notes:
The blanket is worked from corner to corner, diagonally - continue to work increases until the blanket is the desired width. All stitches are worked through the back loop only (blo), creating a reversible texture. Suggested blanket sizes are: Small Preemie: 18-20in square Medium Preemie: 20-22in square Large Preemie: 22-28in square Full Term Baby: 28-36in square Crib: 30x36in Children: 42x48in Lap-ghan: 36x48in Afghan: 48x72in Adult DoubleBed:60x84in
Stashbusting tips:
If you have a limited amount of yarn, work the increases until you have used half the weight of your stash, then start your decreases. If you have a limited amount of yarn and are working a rectangular blanket, work straight until you have used half the weight of your available stash. Count the number of stripes worked on the straight section, work the same number again then start your decreases.
SQUARE VERSION
Set up row: Ch 4 (counts as 1tr + 1ch), work 5 tr(blo) in 4th st from hook, turn. (6 tr) Row 1: 3ch (counts as 1tr now and throughout), 1tr(blo) in base of ch, 2tr(blo) in next st, tr(blo) across to last st, 2tr(blo) in last st, turn. Row 2: Repeat Row 1. Fasten off. Rows 3-4: Join new colour in the back loop only and repeat Rows 1-2. Continue increasing until the blanket is the desired width - refer to stash-busting tips above if working with a limited supply! Begin decreasing as follows, keeping to the colour changes as established. Decrease Row 1: 2ch, 1tr(blo) in next st (counts as tr2tog now and throughout), tr2tog(blo), tr(blo) across to last 2 sts, tr2tog(blo), turn. Repeat decrease row until 6 sts remain. Final row: Ch2, tr5tog(blo).
Finishing.
Fasten off, weave in ends & block gently.
RECTANGULAR VERSION
Work as for Square Version until the blanket is the desired width. Maintain colour changes as established whilst working as follows: Rectangle Row 1: Ch3, 1tr(blo) in base of ch, 2tr(blo) in next st, tr(blo) across to last sts, tr2tog(blo) twice, turn. Rectangle Row 2: Ch2, 1tr(blo) in next st, tr2tog(blo), tr(blo) across to last 2 sts, 2tr(blo) in each st, turn. Rep Rectangle rows 1-2 until blanket is either desired length or refer to stash-busting tips above. Begin decreasing as follows, keeping to the colour changes as established. Decrease Row 1: 2ch, 1tr(blo) in next st (counts as tr2tog now and throughout), tr2tog(blo), tr (blo) across to last 2 sts, tr2tog(blo), turn. Repeat decrease row until 6 sts remain.
Final row: Ch2, tr5tog(blo).
Finishing
Fasten off, weave in ends & block gently.
LEVAMENTUM
Can YOU help provide unbending relief, comfort & solace by crocheting for charity? Crafting for charity benefits both the maker and the recipient and there are many charities that need our help - Knit for Peace (www.knitforpeace.org.uk) is a great example. I designed this blanket especially for them after I had opened my eyes to the plight of refugees all over the world. I wanted to help, but simply giving money didn't seem to be enough. I wanted to give of my time, give a little of me, to give relief, comfort and solace - unbending, even in the face of pressures to do the opposite. I designed Levamentum (latin for relief, comfort & solace) to do just that. If you'd like to help too, please send your finished blankets to: Knit for Peace (Refugee appeal), Radius Works, Back Lane, London, NW3 1HL.
