Plaid Blanket/Afghan made in columns

 

I made this crocheted blanket for a friend of mine so she had something to throw over here while watching TV in the living room. We live in the Midwest and it gets very cold here during the fall/winter months. My dog Dolly couldn't resist getting in the photo.

Invisible Sewing, Video here

I didn't make this blanket in 1 piece. When I make blankets that don't use granny squares I make 1 column at a time then sew them side-by-side. Just change yarns when ready. There's no way I could flip a heavy blanket every time I finished a row and I have a feeling more people feel the same. Am I right? I do wish I could but I can't.  I made this for her living room. She has tan walls, black leather couch and since I like to use 3 colors I added white. 

Amount of yarn used: (Caron, 1 pound yarn)

Black yarn = 12 rectangles = 533 yards needed

Tan yarn = 17 rectangles = 756 yards needed

White yarn = 6 rectangles = 267 yards

35 rectangles total = 1556 yards total

Hook Size: K

Stitches:

• Half Double Crochet

Size:

• Each column is 8 inches by 63 inches
• Each section is 8 inches by 9 inches

Foundation Chain: 22

GAUGE:

• 2.75 sts per inch
• Approx 2.15 rows per inch

Pattern:

Chain 22

Row 1: Do 1 HDC in the 3^rd chain from hook. Do 1 HDC in each stitch across the row   (20hdc's)

Row 2: chain 2, (beginning chain does not count as a stitch) Do 1 HDC in each stitch across the row.

Repeat row 2 changing colors every 9 inches...or the length you need.

To change yarn:

• Don't complete the last HDC. When you get to it, do: YO, insert hook, pull up a loop. Now attach the new yarn then complete the last “pull through” with it.

Then I tie a loose, but snug, knot with the tail of the new yarn and the working yarn of the yarn you last used. Then I made another knot very tight to secure the loose one.

FINISHING: (photo of the movement of your yarn below)
To see a video on how to do invisible sewing go here
Weave all ends on the wrong side of your work. 

I sewed the columns side by side. I do this because I don't like making them in 1 piece because it can get heavy.

To start I take 2 of the "columns" and put them face down. Thread your yarn needle and put it through the topside of your finished column, on the edge, and go through to the other column. Just "skim off the top" when you insert the yarn. Just like you're weaving the ends in...you don't want it to be seen on the other side.
SEWING DIAGRAM HERE

See video here

Wait several inches before you pull the yarn tight. It's okay to have it loose at first. When I pull the yarn tight I put my palm down hard on  the areas that you've sewn then pull it tight. If you don't it will cinch up.

Also, it's a nice technique in case you use multiple yarns in your blanket. You won't be able to see the yarn you're sewing with. It will be invisible on both sides.

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Thanks for stopping by!

Have a great day!

Heather