Meadow Stripe

This pattern and colour palette is inspired by my many walks in the summer meadow close to where I live. I've used crossed treble stitches to echo the criss-crossing wild flower stems and tall grasses which fill the meadow in abundance throughout the summer months.

The Meadow Stripe pattern uses a basic UK treble stitch. The stitches are worked in pairs which cross over each other to create a stripe pattern with a beautifully subtle texture. It's a lovely visual stitch with minimal counting, making it easy for beginners to get to grips with or a lovely therapeutic journey for more experienced crocheters.

If you are an experienced crocheter please can you read the beginning info which explains starting chains, pattern repeats, and the working of a gauge sample (oh, yes, you know you will want to do this!), then you can jump to the end where there is a pattern PDF that you can download/print if you prefer to work from a traditional written pattern.

MATERIALS

For my blankets I use Stylecraft Special DK which is a 100% premium acrylic yarn. It's lovely to work with, comes in generous 100g balls and the finished blankets are warm, soft and machine washable. 

As is usual for my blankets, I've chose fifteen shades of Stylecraft Special DK for my Meadow blanket

Starting from the top and working clockwise ::

🏵️ Wisteria 🏵️ Lavender 🏵️ Cloud Blue 🏵️ Duck Egg 🏵️ Sage 🏵️

🏵️ Lincoln 🏵️ Meadow 🏵️ Pistachio 🏵️ Dandelion 🏵️ Buttermilk 🏵️

🏵️ Parchment 🏵️ Mushroom 🏵️ Pale Rose 🏵️ Raspberry 🏵️ Grape 🏵️

You can find the Meadow yarn pack in my shop at Wool Warehouse, click on the following link...

❧🏵️ MEADOW YARN PACK ❧🏵️

HOOK SIZE  and TENSION

The standard hook size for Stylecraft Special DK yarn is 4 mm. However, it's a good idea to be familiar with your own personal tension and experiment with moving to a larger or smaller hook to achieve a neat result. For example, I'm a tight crocheter so I'm making my Meadow blanket using a 4.5 mm hook. If you crochet quite loosely, then you will probably find that a 3.5 mm hook suits you just fine. 

I would strongly advise you to make a small tension sample. Please, please take the time to do this, especially if you are following the CAL and using a yarn pack to make a blanket. It'll help you make your blanket the right size and drape, and will make sure you don't run out of yarn. Making this small sample before you begin on your blanket will also help you to feel familiar with the pattern and decide which hook size will work best for you.

To make a tension sample, chain 34, then follow the pattern below. 

Work 6 rows in total then measure the width. It should measure approx. 18 cm. This is an approximate guide so that you can determine if you are using the correct hook size to suit your tension.

PATTERN REPEATS AND STARTING CHAINS

The Meadow Blanket starting chain should always be a multiple of 2.

Here is a list of suggested starting chains for different size blankets :

Tension sample (18 cm/ 6" width) :: Chain 34 

Single/twin blanket (120cm / 48" width) : Chain 198 * This is my standard blanket size

Baby blanket (70cm / 28" width) : Chain 116 

Lap throw (90cm / 36" width) : Chain 148

Double bed blanket* (180cm / 72" width) : Chain 290 *requires two yarn packs

King bed blanket* (210cm / 84" width) : Chain 340 *requires two yarn packs

MEADOW STRIPE PATTERN

This pattern uses a basic UK treble stitch. The stitches are worked in pairs which cross over each other to create a stripe pattern with a beautifully subtle texture. Each stripe is crocheted in two rows. I'm writing my pattern using 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)

As mentioned, I would advise you to chain 34 and work 6 rows of the pattern to familiarise yourself with the crossed stitches and to be clear how the rows start and end. The width of your sample should measure approx 18cm.

If you are an experienced crocheter and don't need a full tutorial, you can download a PDF pattern by clicking on the following link >>

DOWNLOAD MEADOW BLANKET PATTERN

To Begin : Use Meadow yarn (colour story) or Grape yarn (colourwash)

Chain 34 for the tension sample or

Chain 198 for the blanket. 

Note : You can use a bigger hook size (5mm or a 5.5mm) to make your starting chain, then switch back down for the first crochet row. You need to count carefully - place stitch markers at regular intervals (every 25 stitches) if you need to.

Row 1 : 

Starting in the 4th chain from the hook (as shown above), work 1 tr in each chain along.

Do not fasten off - you should have 32 stitches (tension sample) / 196 stitches (blanket).

Remember that the three chains which were pulled up to form the start of your row count as one stitch.

Turn your work.

Row 2 :

Chain 3 (counts as 1 tr)

Note : I'm using a chain-3 at the start of each row to count as a treble. You can use chain-2 if you prefer - sometimes this can give a straighter/neater edge.

Ignoring the stitch at the base of the chain-3, work 1 tr into the first stitch (shown by needle in the above photo);

Skip 1 stitch;

Work 1 tr in next stitch (shown by my needle in the above photo)

The next treble will be worked into the skipped stitch which sits directly to the right of the stitch you just made - I'm showing you where your hook goes in the above photo. You work a normal treble into this skipped stitch, and it will cross over the stitch you made previously.

It takes a little bit of practice at first. Yarn over, then twist your hook so that you can insert it into the skipped stitch to the right. Yarn over again, and pull the loop through to the front. Keep your tension even and draw the loops up slightly so that they sit at the same height as the stitches around it. Then perform the rest of your treble stitch as normal....

....do you see how it crosses over? It takes a little bit of getting used to as first, and you will need to be mindful of keeping an even tension as you work this crossed over treble.

Now lets make our second pair of crossed trebles...

Skip 1 stitch; work 1 tr into next stitch;

Work 1 tr into the skipped stitch to the right of the tr you just made. Keep you tension even, and allow the stitch to cross over neatly on top of the previous treble...

In the above photo, you can see the first two straight trebles that started the row, plus two pairs of crossed trebles.

*Skip 1 stitch; 1 tr in next stitch; 1 tr in skipped stitch to the right of previous tr (crossed pair made):

Repeat from * until the last two stitches remain; 

Work 1 tr in next stitch;

Work 1 tr into the top of the chain-3; fasten off.

In your tension sample you should have 14 pairs of crossed trebles, and the row should start and end with two straight trebles. Think of the starting and ending trebles as the straight fence that surrounds the meadow - this will be the same in every row from now on.

How did you find the crossed trebles, did you manage them OK? The next rows will be easier as you will be stacking your crosses on top of each other - this makes it a little bit easier to see exactly where to put your hook. 

Row 3 : Use Pistachio yarn (colour story) or Pale Rose yarn (mixed stripe)

Insert hook in first stitch and pull through a loop of the new colour, remembering to leave a 6 inch  tail end for darning in.

Chain 3 (counts as 1 treble); 1 tr in next stitch (this is your straight fence!)

Skip 1 stitch; work 1 tr in next stitch;

Work 1 tr into the skipped stitch to the right of the tr you just made. Keep you tension even, and allow the stitch to cross over neatly on top of the previous treble;

Skip 1 st; 1 tr in next stitch; 1 tr in skipped stitch to the right of previous tr (crossed pair made);

*Skip 1 stitch; 1 tr in next stitch; 1 tr in skipped stitch to the right of previous tr (crossed pair made):

Repeat from * until the last two stitches remain; 

1 tr in next stitch; 1 tr in top of chain-3 from previous row; do not fasten off; turn your work.

Row 4 :

Chain 3 (counts as 1 tr); 1 tr in next stitch (build that straight fence!)

*Skip 1 stitch; 1 tr in next stitch; 1 tr in skipped stitch to the right of previous tr (crossed pair made):

Repeat from * until the last two stitches remain; 

1 tr in next stitch; 1 tr in top of chain-3 from previous row; fasten off.

What do you think?? It's pretty easy once you begin to stack the crosses on top of each other isn't it? Crocheting the two straight trebles at the start and end of each row should keep your crosses fenced in and your edges nice and neat. I'll show you how to darn your ends in once we've finished the next two rows.

Rows 3 and 4 form the pattern repeat.....so lets do one more stripe, then we can measure up.....

Row 5 : Use Pale Rose yarn (colour story) or Parchment yarn (mixed stripe)

Insert hook in first stitch and pull through a loop of the new colour, remembering to leave a 6 inch  tail end for darning in.

Row 5 is exactly the same as Row 3, as follows:

Chain 3 (counts as 1 tr); 1 tr in next st;

*Skip 1 stitch; 1 tr in next stitch; 1 tr in skipped stitch to the right of previous tr (crossed pair made):

Repeat from * until the last two stitches remain; 

1 tr in next stitch; 1 tr in top of chain-3 from previous row; do not fasten off; turn;

Row 6 : 

Row 6 is exactly the same as Row 4, as follows:

Chain 3 (counts as 1 tr); 1 tr in next st;

*Skip 1 stitch; 1 tr in next stitch; 1 tr in skipped stitch to the right of previous tr (crossed pair made):

Repeat from * until the last two stitches remain; 

1 tr in next stitch; 1 tr in top of chain-3 from previous row; fasten off. 

Your tension sample should measure approximately 18cm across if you started with chain 34.

If it's 17 or 19 cm, it's not too much of a problem really, the sizing is an approximate guide so please use your own judgement.

If your sample measures waaaaay bigger and feels all floppy and loose, then you will need to switch to a smaller hook. Alternatively reduce the number of starting chains when you make your blanket (keeping a multiple of 2) to ensure you achieve the correct width and don't run out of yarn.

If your sample feels tight and stiff and is coming out way smaller, switch to a larger hook size. 

DARNING IN ENDS

I thought it would be useful to give some guidance about darning in ends. I do them as I go along, it's be far the best way (trust me on this, you know I'm right!)

Ends should be woven under the stitches using a darning needle. Weave one end at a time. Pass the needle under approx four pairs of crossed trebles, in the direction of the centre of the blanket.

Now pass the needle back in the opposite direction, bringing it out at the edge of the blanket. This forwards and backwards double-darning creates a strong finish, and ends are very unlikely to pop out if you follow this method. You can simply snip the tail end off at the very edge of the blanket.

In the above photo, I'm darning the tail end up through the last stitch of the row so that I can weave it through the centre of the stripe. This makes it neater/more invisible.

You can see in the above photo, I passed the needle under the stitches in towards the centre of the blanket, then turned and double-darned back on myself to pop the needle out at the edge.

The above photo shows the wrong side (ends darned in on the left) - pretty neat huh? Aim to make the ends invisible, hiding them under the same colour stitches, and not pulling too tightly.

If you are making the Meadow Blanket with me in January/February 2021 as part of my Crochet-A-Long, the colours of the stripes will be released each week here on my blog. I'll add each part as a link at the bottom of this tutorial as soon as they become available.

You can download a PDF copy of this pattern to save/print if you wish. This is a traditionally written pattern with no step-by-step photos. Click on the following link >>

DOWNLOAD MEADOW BLANKET PATTERN

If you are using the Meadow yarn pack, there are two versions of the blanket. They each use the exact same yarn colours but arranged in different ways.

The Colour Story is an arrangement of the colours to evoke the feeling of looking out over the meadow to the distant sky beyond.

Please note that the Colour Story isn't suitable for small size blankets as the stripes are a fixed number (90) in order for the arrangement to work as a 6ft long blanket.

The Mixed Stripe is a random mix of all the colours throughout the blanket.

You can find the colour info for each of these blankets by clicking on the links below. Updates are made every Friday throughout January and February 2021.

MEADOW CAL INTRODUCTION :: lots of photos showing the inspiration behind this blanket.

MEADOW YARN PACK

DOWNLOAD MEADOW BLANKET PATTERN PDF

MEADOW BLANKET BORDER TUTORIAL

CAL PART 1 (stripes 1 - 15)

CAL PART 2 (stripes 16 - 30)

CAL PART 3 (stripes 31 - 45)

CAL PART 4 (stripes 46 - 60)

CAL PART 5 (stripes 61 - 75)

CAL PART 6 (stripes 76 - 90)

CAL PART 7 - (the Border)

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Comments

[Sarah carr]

Please can anyone tell me the number of crosses for the 198 chain blanket thanks

[Jane]

Could you please tell me how many pairs of crossed stitches you should have in the blanket on row 2 if you start with 198 chains???

[Isabelle Desmarets]

Merci Lucy pour toutes les jolies choses que tu me fais faire!!! J'adore ton style, ton écriture. J'attends toujours avec impatiente que tu postes un billet. J'ai reçu mon pack de laine le 07 janvier, juste pour être prête le 08! (en plus jour de mon anniversaire, quel beau cadeau) J'ai compris que la couverture ne se crochète pas en allers-retours? J'ai bien compris les explications?

[Bronwyn Harding]

Lovely pattern Lucy if our weather behaves here in Australia l might be able to keep up. Thank you , it’s a beautiful CAL 💗

[Eva Sánchez]

Thanks a lot, Lucy, I was really looking forward to starting with the blanket. It is my third CAL with you and I really love them! Big hugh from Granada (Spain) :)

[Claire Daniels Mew]

I can’t seem to find the colour order for the Mixed Stripe Blanket

[Dawn]

I was really careful, made a tension swatch, counted and marked chains, realised halfway through second row I'd chained 298 instead of 198. (I thought it was a bit long)
Ah well, it'll teach me to add the 50 counts to each other :)

[Devin]

For those looking for the link where the colors are listed, It is on the end of the main blog post labeled "Part One Colour Worksheets."

https://attic24.typepad.com/files/attic24_meadow_cal_part1.pdf

[Karen Hood-Cree]

same here, cannot figure out what is A, B or C.. etc...

[Patti]

So excited to begin but I like others are not sure what colors correspond to A,B,C.

[Carmel]

I can’t find a list of the colour order in meadow blanket colour story.

[Nancy Wright]

So exciting! Thanks, Lucy! I have my yarn and am all set to go. I love the little flowers that you have done of each colour - is that pattern available at all? Many thanks from Canada! Nancy

[Jean Snow]

i was thinking the same what letters match what colour

[Gertrud]

Thanks a lot for this pattern, easy to follow as always and stunningly pretty!
Brightened my "locked down" day here in the northern german rainlands :-)

[jo firth]

Have I missed where the colours are listed A,B,C etc //