If you’re looking for a cheerful and imaginative crochet project, the Up, Up, and Away! Afghan is a wonderful choice. This playful blanket features colorful hot air balloon motifs floating across a soft sky-blue background, creating a dreamy design perfect for a child’s room or nursery.

The bright balloons bring a sense of adventure and creativity to the afghan, while the repeating motifs make the project fun and engaging to crochet. The design combines textured stitches, decorative sky panels, and charming balloon appliqués to create a blanket that feels both whimsical and cozy.

At the end of this article, I’ll include the PDF pattern download so you can follow the full instructions.

Finished Size

• Approximately 40″ x 49″

This size makes the blanket ideal for a stroller cover, toddler blanket, or decorative throw for a child’s bed.

Materials

According to the pattern materials list (page 2)  you will need:

Yarn

Worsted Weight Yarn

Spring Green – 3 skeins
Blue Jewel – 8 skeins

Additional colors for the balloon motifs:

• Pale Blue – 2 skeins

• White – 2 skeins

• True Blue – 1 skein

• Warm Brown – 1 skein

• Maize – 1 skein

• Orange – 1 skein

• Jockey Red – 1 skein

• Spring Green – 1 skein

Hook

• Crochet hook 5.00 mm (H) or size needed to obtain gauge

Gauge

Each balloon motif measures approximately:

7” x 8¾”

Checking gauge ensures that all motifs fit together correctly during assembly.

Pattern Overview

The Up, Up, and Away Afghan is constructed using two main motif types:

1. Balloon Motifs

2. Sky Motifs

These are crocheted individually and then joined together to create the full blanket layout.

The finished design includes 13 balloon motifs and 12 sky motifs, arranged in alternating rows.

Balloon Motif (Make 13)

Each balloon motif features colorful stripes and a small basket, creating the appearance of a hot air balloon floating in the sky.

Basic Construction

Foundation Round

1. With first color, chain 4.

2. Join with slip stitch to form a ring.

Round 1

• Chain 4 (counts as first treble crochet).

• Work 6 treble crochet into the ring.

• Finish off.

Round 2

• Join next color.

• Chain 3.

• Work double crochet stitches across to expand the balloon shape.

Round 3–5

• Continue shaping the balloon using puff stitches and double crochet rows to form the rounded top.

Basket

• Work a small section using brown yarn to create the balloon basket at the base.

The pattern includes a color chart for the balloons, allowing you to vary the color stripes for each motif to keep the blanket lively and playful.

Sky Motif (Make 12)

The sky motifs represent the background of the blanket.

Row 1

• Chain 20.

• Work single crochet across.

Row 2

• Chain 1.

• Work single crochet across.

Row 3

• Introduce double crochet stitches and chain spaces to create a light, airy texture.

Rows 4–6

• Continue shaping the sky block using combinations of single crochet and double crochet.

These blocks create a textured background that contrasts beautifully with the colorful balloons.

Motif Layout

The motifs are arranged in alternating rows to create a balanced design.

Example layout:

Balloon – Sky – Balloon – Sky – Balloon
Sky – Balloon – Sky – Balloon – Sky

Continue alternating rows until the full blanket is assembled.

This layout creates the visual effect of balloons floating across the sky.

Joining the Motifs

Once all motifs are complete, they are joined using single crochet stitches.

Motif Joining Method

1. Place motifs wrong sides together.

2. Join yarn in a corner space.

3. Single crochet through both motifs across each edge.

4. Continue joining until each strip is complete.

Motifs are first joined into vertical strips, then the strips are joined together to complete the blanket.

Border

The afghan is finished with a decorative edging.

Border Round 1

• Chain 1.

• Work 3 single crochet in first stitch, then single crochet evenly around.

Border Round 2

• Work treble crochet clusters and double crochet stitches around the edges to create a soft decorative border.

This edging frames the blanket and gives it a finished, polished appearance.

Why You’ll Love This Pattern

✔ Bright, colorful hot air balloon motifs
✔ Perfect for nurseries and children’s rooms
✔ Fun combination of textured stitches
✔ Modular design with easy-to-join motifs
✔ A playful and imaginative crochet project

The Up, Up, and Away Afghan captures the feeling of adventure and imagination, making it a wonderful handmade gift for children or anyone who loves whimsical crochet designs.

Download the Full Pattern

To see the full instructions, color charts, and motif diagrams, download the pattern below:

👉 Download the Up, Up, and Away Afghan Pattern PDF: