Cosy Stripe Blanket

I am addicted to making blankets and I think much of the appeal lies in finding a pattern that delivers a huge amount of feel good throughout the making process. The very act of crocheting row upon neat row of glorious colour is so therapeutic and relaxing that I never want it to end. Having said that though, it is pretty fabulous to end up with a beautiful blanket at the end of the journey.

This pattern uses just one crochet stitch -  Treble Crochet (this is called a Double Crochet in the US). It's an incredibly simple but very effective mixed stripe using two rows of crochet for each colour. The simplicity of it (very little counting or pattern reading!) makes it a hugely enjoyable project, and it's especially suited to the colder months of the year when you can cosy up and enjoy the snugly warmth of the blanket on your lap as you work. The rows grow satisfyingly quickly, and the simple mix of stitches creates a beautiful surface texture. It's an all-round "Good Do" as they say here in Yorkshire!

Some notes before we begin........

♥ I have used 15 x 100g balls of Stylecraft Special DK worked on a 4mm hook to make my Cosy Stripe Blanket.

♥ These 15 balls are enough to make a single bed size blanket with a finished size of approximately 4ft x 6ft / 120 cm x 180 cm.

♥ If you crochet loosly, you will need to make sure that your starting chain and first row measures roughly 120cm otherwise you will need more than 15 x 100g balls. It's fine to reduce your starting chain to achieve the correct size, just remember to make your starting chain a multiple of 3.

♥ If you wish to make the blanket bigger ie to fit a double / king size bed, you will need to increase the number of stitches in your starting chain.....the starting chain should always be a multiple of  3. You will also need to purchase extra yarn if you make a bigger size.

♥ I'm writing this pattern in UK crochet terms, as follows ::

tr [treble] :: yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch (three loops on hook), yarn over and pull through two loops on hook (two loops left on hook), yarn over and pull through remaining two loops (note :: this is equivalent to the US dc stitch)

>> NOTE << If you are an experienced hooker (!) and don't require the full step-by-step picture tutorial, I've written a normal pattern at the end for you to copy/paste/print.

To make a blanket with a width of 120cm (single bed size) chain 198 to begin.

:: ROW 1 ::

1 treble into 4^th chain from hook (shown by my needle in the picture above).

Work 1 treble into each chain along.

Assuming we are counting the turning chain as a stitch, you should have 196 stitches in total.

Chain 3 and turn.

:: ROW 2 ::

:: note :: when working a row of treble crochet, you should ignore the stitch at the base of the chain-3. Your first treble should go into the next stitch along, as shown by the arrow in the picture above.

Work 1 treble into each stitch along....

....your very last stitch should be worked into the top of the chain-3 from the previous row, as shown by the arrow above. It's sometimes easy to miss this last stitch, so watch out for it!

There we go, last treble completed.

Assuming we are counting the first ch-3 as a stitch, you should have 196 stitches in total.

Now fasten off, leaving a 15cm tail end for darning in later.

:: ROW 3 ::

:: note ::  change colour for this row, and on every alternate row which will always be an odd number row.

Insert your hook into the first stitch (shown above) and pull a loop of your new colour through to the front.

Chain 3 (counts as 1 treble), then 1 treble into the same stitch (as shown above)

Skip two stitches, then work 3 trebles into the next stitch (as shown above).

*Skip 2 stitches, work 3 trebles into next stitch*

Repeat between ** all the way along the row until you have 3 stitches remaining.

Skip 2 stitches, then work 2 trebles into the very last stitch (which is the top of the chain-3 from the previous row).

If you want to check your stitch count for this row, you should have the following :

(2 tr) + (3 tr x 64) + (2 tr)

Chain 3 and turn.

:: ROW 4 ::

:: note :: you'll be working out of the spaces between the groups of 3-trebles in this row.

Work 3 trebles into the first space (as shown above)

Work 3 trebles into each space along.

Work 1 treble into the top of the very last stitch, then fasten off leaving a 15cm tail end for darning in later.

If you want to check your stitch count for this row, you should have the following :

(1 tr) + (3 tr x 65) + (1 tr)

:: ROW 5 ::

:: Note :: change colour

Insert your hook into the first stitch (shown above) and pull a loop of your new colour through to the front.

Chain 3 (counts as 1 treble).

Work 1 treble into each stitch along, until there is just one stitch remaining....

....IMPORTANT!!!!!!!!>>> SKIP THIS LAST STITCH!!!! Unlike previous rows, there is NO treble worked into this last stitch. Just ignore it :)

Counting your beginning ch-3 as a stitch, you should have 196 stitches in total for this row.

Chain 3 and turn.

:: ROW 6 ::

:: note :: remember to ignore the stitch at the base of the chain-3. Your first treble should go into the next stitch along, as shown by the arrow in the picture above.

Work 1 treble into each stitch along.

As with row 2, make sure you don't miss that very last stitch - work the last treble into the top of the chain-3 from the previous row.

You should have 196 stitches in this row.

Fasten off, leaving a 15cm tail end to darn in later.

:: ROW 7 ::

:: note ::  change colour for this row.

Insert your hook into the first stitch and pull a loop of your new colour through to the front.

Chain 3 (counts as 1 treble), then work 1 treble into the same stitch.

*Skip 2 stitches, then work 3 trebles into the next stitch*

Repeat between ** until 3 stitches remain. Work 2 trebles into the very last stitch (which is the top of the chain-3 from the previous row). Turn (do not fasten off).

:: ROW 8 ::

:: note :: you'll be working out of the spaces between the groups of trebles for this row.

Chain 3 (counts as 1 treble), then work 3 trebles into the first space.

Work 3 trebles into each space along.

Work 1 treble into the top of the very last stitch.

Fasten off, leaving a 15cm tail end to darn in later.

:: ROW 9 ::

:: Note :: change colour

Insert your hook into the first stitch (shown above) and pull a loop of your new colour through to the front.

Chain 3 (counts as 1 treble).

Work 1 treble into each stitch along, until there is just one stitch remaining....

REMEMBER???!!!! That's right, SKIP THE LAST STITCH!!!

Turn (do not fasten off).

:: ROW 10 ::

:: Note :: ignore the stitch at the base of the chain-3

Chain 3 (counts as 1 tr), then work 1 treble into each stitch across (don't forget the last stitch is worked into the top of the chain-3 from the previous row).

Fasten off, leaving a 15cm tail end to darn in later.

After Row 10, you should be able to see how the simple mixed stripe pattern is forming.

Each colour is used to crochet one stripe, which is made up of two rows.

There is one stripe (two rows) of plain trebles, followed by one stripe (two rows) of treble clusters (groups of 3 trebles worked into one stitch).

ROW 11 = Repeat Row 7 (1st treble cluster row)

ROW 12 = Repeat Row 8 (2nd treble cluster row)

ROW 13 = Repeat Row 9 (1st plain treble row)**

ROW 14 = Repeat Row 10 (2nd plain treble row)

** NOTE >> it's very important to remember that the first plain treble row SKIPS A STITCH at the END of that row. This keeps the stitch count correct and the edges straight (there should always be 196 stitches in each of the straight tr rows)

It's very straightforward I promise you, so long as you start and end each row correctly.

A little note about darning in those pesky ends. I've found the neatest way to do this is to use a darning needle and weave the end vertically up the actual post of a treble stitch.....

....then weave it down the post of an adjoining treble stitch before taking it across to the outside edge. Dealing with your ends this way may seem fiddly, but if you do it as you go along (Listen to Lucy here, be disciplined with your tail ends!!), it's not so bad and it makes a strong, super-neat finish.

You may find your edges look a little bumpy or uneven, but remember we'll be adding a border at the end which will disguise any lumps and bumps rather nicely.

As this Cosy Stripe is a brand new blanket I'm currently making, it's still a work in progress. When my blanket measures 180cm(ish) tall, I'll stop the rows and decide what kind of an edging it needs. I'll finish writing up this tutorial then, to share my edging method :)

You can work this Cosy Stripe blanket using whichever colours make your heart sing. All you need to think about is the quantity - it takes roughly 15 x 100g balls to make a single bed size blanket, and twice as many to make a full king size bed blanket.

If you are using the Attic24 Cosy Pack of yarn colours (that's them in the bag above), I'll be sharing the progress of my own Cosy Stripe blanket (including the exact random colour order) here on my blog EVERY SUNDAY throughout November and December 2014. Here are links to the blog posts....

Cosy Blanket Part 1 (introduction and colour order for stripes 1-15)

Cosy Blanket Part 2 (progress update and colour order for stripes 16-30)

Cosy Blanket Part 3 (progress update and colour order for stripes 31-45)

Cosy Blanket Part 4 (progress update and colour oder for stripes 46 - 60)

Cosy Blanket Part 5 (progress update and colour oder for stripes 61 - 75)

Cosy Blanket Part 6 (progress update and colour oder for stripes 76 - 90)

Cosy Blanket Part 7 (all about the edging)

Cosy Blanket Edging (full tutorial for working the border)

To make things easier, here is the pattern written in a more abbreviated form for you to copy/paste/print....

Chain 198 to begin.

:: ROW 1 :: starting in 4th ch from hook, work 1 tr into each st along. Ch 3 and turn. [196 sts]

:: ROW 2 :: Work 1 treble into each stitch along. Fasten off. [196 sts]

:: ROW 3 :: (new colour) ch 3 (counts as 1 tr), work 1 tr into same st. *Skip 2 sts, 3 tr's into next st*

Repeat between ** until 3 sts remain. Skip 2 sts, 2 tr's into last st. Ch 3 and turn. [(2tr) +( 3tr x 64) + (2tr)]

:: ROW 4 :: Work 3 tr's into 1st space between groups of tr's. Work 3 tr's into each space along. Work 1 tr into top of very last stitch. Fasten off.  [(1tr) +( 3tr x 65) + (1tr)]

:: ROW 5 :: (new colour) Ch 3 (counts as 1 tr), work 1 tr into each stitch along until 1 stitch remains. SKIP LAST STITCH ON THIS ROW ONLY. Ch 3 and turn.  [196 sts]

:: ROW 6 :: Work 1 tr into each st along. Fasten off.  [196 sts]

:: ROWS 7 & 8 :: Repeat rows 3 & 4

:: ROWS 9 & 10 :: Repeat rows 5 & 6

Carry on repeating rows 3-6 until you are happy with the length.

♥ Wishing you a Happy,  COSY blanket journey! ♥

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Comments

[Erika]

Just finished a worsted weight version for my son due early September! I really like the simple pattern and I switched it up by doing a group of dc,dc cluster, dc rows with one color and then five sets of rows with other colors in random order (since I had a lot of one color and less of my others). I abbreviated the border too, but I'm so happy with the result and it worked up fast between the worsted and my need for stress relief! :)

[Judy Allen]

I BELIEVE THAT THIS PATTERN WILL WORK OUT GREAT FOR ME !!!

[Kay]

How do I print the pattern off pleas ka

[Barbara Brauer]

I can’t wait to bake this blanket. What kind of edging would you suggest?

[Jacqui Thurgood]

Hi Lucy, I wanted to tell you my Cosy Stripe blanket was just beautiful. I followed your instructions to the letter. As I was close to finishing my dear brother in law was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. I gifted it to him as a 60th birthday present, and the look on his face is something I will treasure forever. He was totally overcome to receive this gift. He absolutely loved it. Thank you so much

[Diane Lofthouse]

How do I do a border

[Lisa]

Hi, I am also a newbie to making blankets. I would love to know the measurements/maths to be able to make this blanket smaller in width. I’d like to make some smaller doll blankets for my children at kinder.

[Cindy Willman]

I loved this pattern,it worked up so fast. I decided to finish it on the vertical because I was using up stash and did not think I could make it bigger. It's now my Cosy Seaside throw.

[Rhonda Keen]

Hi there, I have purchased Dune colourways yarn and it has arrived in Lake Macquarie Australia. Can you share the exact sequence to use please?

[Hilary Airey]

Hi can you let me know what kind of edging you decided on. I have finally finished my cosy blanket and did a row of trebles on one short end. When I turned the corner and continued up the long side, it looked uneven and lumpy. So I am wondering what to do now. Leaving it unedged looks unfinished. Many thanks. Hilary

[Wanda Gelezinsky]

I am a novice to crocheting. I love this pattern! Is there a printed version for a baby blanket size? The pattern seems to he the size for a twin bed. Thanks in advance.

[Chris Hocken]

Hello there I love this blanket so much and am trying to make it in one colour. I have tried multiple times with the count of three’s but it never works out by the time I get to the pattern part!! What am I doing wrong???

[judy]

how many chains to make this a laprobe or afghan size? about 36x48?

[Marj Frels]

I ordered this kit about 3 months ago. I was busy with Christmas projects so am just getting around to make it. Upon checking the colors, I find I am 3 skeins short. Claret, Camel & Meadow. I need them to start this afgan.

[Jenny]

I love the colours for this blanket, but need a bit of help please.
My chain foundation row of 198 stitches only measures 80cms. Should I add more chains in multiples of 3 to make the 120 cms stated in pattern or use a 5mm hook? TIA

[Ina Evans]

Hello Attic24. I've started making Cosy Stripe blanket. Due to not crocheting into last stitch on row 5 and 9 etc, my edge isn't lining up, it is like steps. I've done 10 rows and my stitch count and groups of 3 tripple clusters are getting less. Can you work out what I'm doing wrong? Will be very grateful of your help. Thanks.

[Joyce]

Why cant I see any Replies to these questions?

[Afzaa]

I love this pattern so much, i was wondering if this blanket can be started pff with a chainless foundation chain rather than doing a normal foundation chain

[Ginger]

How many chains for a baby blanket?

[Hilary Fraser]

I’m just starting crotchet and my chain foundation row of 198 stitches only measures 100 cms. Does this mean they are too tight ? Should I add more chains in multiples of 3 to make the 120 cms stated in pattern or re chain the foundation row more loosely

[Jan]

In response to Johanna, I counted very carefully and used knitting markers to make sure my clusters were on track. It works. I did have to rip out a lot at first but once I got going, it looks great. I just used 3 colors and a lot of white and it turned out lovely. Jan

[Angelica Lopez]

This is a very beautiful blanket, and I will try to make it. Because I like crochet to make anything. Thank you very much.

[Jan]

To keep the rows even,I count the stitches and use knitting counters every 10 or 20 or 30 stitches. I'm experienced too but I make any necessary corrections on each row &follow the tutorials.

[Betty Moore]

Absolutely lovely. Picks your spirits up just looking at of. Thank you so much for sharing.

[Nora Ambrose]

Hi Lucy,
This is a lovely pattern. Thank you for sharing it. Just wanted to ask where can I get the instructions on how to do the border?

Thank you!