There’s something inherently comforting about a handcrafted afghan, especially one adorned with beautiful stripes. Crochet enthusiasts understand the joy that comes from creating cozy blankets that not only keep us warm but also become cherished heirlooms. In this article, we’ll explore the timeless art of crochet afghan stripes patterns, guiding you through the process of crafting a piece that is as delightful to make as it is to snuggle under.
The beauty of a crochet afghan stripes pattern lies in the endless color possibilities. You can opt for a bold and vibrant palette or a subtle, soothing combination. Consider the recipient’s preferences or the intended room decor when selecting your colors.
Materials Needed:
- Yarn: Choose a soft and durable yarn in your preferred colors. Consider using a worsted weight yarn for a classic and versatile afghan.
- Crochet Hook: Select a crochet hook size that complements your chosen yarn. The recommended hook size is often specified on the yarn label.
- Yarn Needle: This will help you weave in loose ends seamlessly.
Finished Dimensions: 36 inches in width and 37 inches in length.
Yardage: I utilized 2 skeins for each color, with each skein containing 315 yards. While there was excess yarn from the blue skeins, nearly all of the off-white color was used, as it was also incorporated in the border.
Stitch Abbreviations:
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- sk: skip
- dc: double crochet
- ch-sp: chain space
- st: stitch
- beg: beginning
- YO: yarn over
- Cl: cluster
Stitch Explanations: Cluster (Cl): (YO, insert hook into the indicated ch-space, pull up a loop, YO, pull through 2 loops, repeat this process three times, resulting in 4 loops on the hook; YO and pull through all 4 loops) — a cluster is created.
Gauge: Each repetition consists of (Cl, ch 2, Cl) worked into the same ch-2 space. 4 Repeats = 4 inches
Crochet Instructions:
Pattern Notes:
- Work with three yarn skeins simultaneously, one for each color, ensuring center pulls from all skeins.
- Refer to the colors as blue, soft green, and cream, with stripes in the order blue, cream, and soft green.
- Avoid fastening off when changing colors; instead, drop the current color and pick it up later. Carry the yarn along the side, concealing it during border work.
- Switch colors at the end of every cluster stitch row. When joining a new color in the last dc st, incorporate the new color by YO and pull through to complete the dc.
Crochet Pattern:
Using blue yarn, Ch 143. Optionally, chain any multiple of 4+3 for a different afghan width.
Row 1: 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook, 1 sc in next, (ch 2, sk 2 chs, 1 sc in next 2 sts), repeat to end of row, turn. — 72 sc and 35 ch-2 spaces
Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as a dc), (Cl, ch 2, Cl) in each ch-2 space across, 1 dc in last sc while joining cream color yarn, drop the blue to pick up later, turn. — 35 Cluster V-sts
Row 3: Ch 1, 1 sc in first st, ch 1, 2 sc in next ch-2 space, (ch 2, 2 sc in next ch-2 space), repeat until 2 sc in last ch-2 space, ch 1, 1 sc on top of beg ch-3, turn. — 72 sc, 34 ch-2 spaces, 1 ch-1 space at each end
Row 4: Ch 4 (counts as a dc + ch 1), 1 Cl in adjacent ch-1 space, (Cl, ch 2, Cl) in each ch-2 space across, 1 Cl in next ch-1 space, ch 1, 1 dc in last sc while joining soft green color yarn, drop the cream to pick up later, turn. — 34 Cluster V-sts plus one cluster on each end
Row 5: Ch 1, 1 sc in first st, 1 sc in adjacent ch-1 space, (ch 2, 2 sc in next ch-2 space), repeat until 2 sc in last ch-2 space, ch 2, 1 sc on top of beg ch-4, 1 sc in next ch, turn. — 72 sc and 35 ch-2 spaces
Repeat Rows 2-5, changing colors after every cluster st row, until the blanket measures approximately 36 inches in length, ending in either a blue or soft green cluster st row. Fasten off.
Adding a Border to the Crochet Blanket:
Pattern Notes:
- The border, worked in cream color yarn, is on the right side of the blanket.
- In the first round, work over the carried yarn strands along the side to conceal them.
- When working sc across the row ends, insert your hook into the leg of the dc or the chains of the beginning chains to avoid creating holes.
Round 1: With a sl st, join cream color yarn at the same corner you fastened off. Work 2 sc in the same corner, evenly distribute sc sts along the row ends, placing 3 sc in each color stripe. When reaching a corner on the foundation chain side, work 3 sc in the corner, 1 sc in each ch and free loop on the foundation ch side until the next corner, 3 sc in the corner, distribute sc along the row ends, 3 sc in the next corner, 1 sc in each ch and st on the last row. Once at the starting corner, 1 sc in the corner, sl st to the first sc. Do not turn.
Note: In the next two rounds, if there’s an extra st near the corner, work a sc there, even if it breaks the sequence.
Round 2: Ch 2 (counts as a sc + ch 1), 1 sc in the same st as ch 2, [(ch 1, sk 1, 1 sc in next), repeat to the next corner, (sc, ch 1, sc) in corner st], repeat until all around the blanket, reaching back near the starting corner. Sl st to the top of beg ch-1. Do not turn.
Round 3: Work (sc, ch 2, sc) in adjacent ch-1 space. The ch-1 space will be hard to see but will be right in the corner. [sk next sc, (sc, ch 2, sc) in next ch-1 space], repeat until you work all around the blanket, reaching back near the starting corner. Sl st to the base of the first projection, fasten off.
Finishing the Afghan
Crocheting an afghan with stripes is not just a creative endeavor; it’s a journey of warmth and nostalgia. As you work through the pattern, each stitch becomes a stitch in time, weaving memories and love into your handmade masterpiece. So, grab your yarn and hook, and let the soothing rhythm of crochet bring your afghan stripes pattern to life!
