With my trusty KnitPicks Palette yarn, I’ve started a new Vibrant Vintage CAL blanket. You may remember this CAL from January – August 2016 – the Facebook Group has nearly 4000 members! You can find the 33 free granny square patterns in PDF format at Ravelry or at the post linked above.
In the meantime, check out this spiffy green version!
Palette yarn is awesome and as the name suggests, there are a ton of colors – and some are even heathered.
I made one tester square to see what hook I was going to use – Size E! Then I had a serious planning sesh for my chosen squares – the recipient wants mostly three dimensional squares instead of flat ones.
And some joining in progress! You can see a bunch of join options on the VVCAL main page linked above, or look through all the joining methods I show on my site. Or to see what some IG crafters have already done by browse the #VVCAL hashtag on Instagram.
Looking forward to showing y’all more of this blanket as I make it! To see what else I’ve been up to, you can scroll through my WIDN post category. Thanks for stopping in and happy crafting!
I use affiliate links! If you shop through them, you help support my site 🙂 Thank you! One last status report on this teeny gauge VVCAL blanket before I start joining it and digging into that wide, lush border.
New planning supplies thanks to the tax free weekend and discounts on back-to-school funsies. Graph paper notebooks are the bees knees! And I’m not sure I need another binder, but honestly, floral and stripes?! I’ve been trying so hard to bring back that 2013 fashion trend and this whole time it’s been alive and well on stationery??
The VVCAL squares already work well together but I’m throwing in a few surprise squares as I took the oppotunity to design some new squares. Yay!
I dragged out my hand-drawn charts from the Vibrant Vintage CAL for this blanket project. Gorgeous hook roll by Instagram’s @SewRayMe.
Joining attempt #1:
And #2 – amongst about 3 more…
I tried several joins for these squares and I didn’t like any of them. So of course I came up with a different Join altogether!
The Row by Row JAYG, or the “Boomerang Join” is a simpler alternative to the continuous Join-as-you-go, but still lets you weave far fewer ends and makes for a quicker joining experience. Read about this Join here. There’s even a video!
Looking forward to sharing this FO with you all, as soon as I can finish it. 🙂
– RC Sometimes I look at my WIP and think, “Why are you like this?” Lol – but this method is faster, or at least in my mind.
Besides, this pic from January 2015 has over a hundred thousand pins or something, so it can’t be that crazy..
But what IS crazy is how many joins I tried for these squares… eventually I just invented a Join for them – the Row by Row JAYG, and I didn’t even end up using it!! Honestly…
What I did end up using was a version of the Flat Braid Join with only one chain instead of three or five. I made a YouTube video for it!
Along the way I also tried my go-to PLT Join, but I didn’t think it had enough oomph to echo the Lacy squares.
I also tried out making the PLT move on only certain stitches so it would have a pretty Celtic effect. I didn’t end up liking that one either… but it was kinda pretty!
Gratuitous granny square pic… these are the VVCAL (Vibrant Vintage CAL) squares from the cal I hosted in 2016. Check it out! 33 free square patterns, multiple joining options, and a wide Lace border.
And here is the final blanket. All that frogging was worth it. Then I almost ran out of the white yarn. (This is KnitPicks Palette yarn, by the way – aff.) I added in the green border rounds to get the piece a tad larger, and I do like the little frame it makes.
Also, I had to change the border a bit just to keep from running out of yarn. But I was pleased with the result anyhow.
A couple more pics!
And BONUS Green content ❤️❤️❤️
Our trip to the San Antonio Botanical Gardens. If you’re taking a trip to SA, this place is a total hidden gem. It’s serene, beautiful, and the kids enjoyed every moment, plus it’s not over-crowded, so you can spread out.
Just lovely. Highly recommend getting a season pass. ❤️
Hope y’all enjoyed this green post!!
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Between writing free content, self-publishing paid patterns, and completing design commissions, my business is getting to be more stressful and less fulfilling lately. So I’ve been taking a closer look at the pretty crafter photos on social media, searching for tools and tips to make my crochet life easier. A strong tool that I discovered and added into my pattern designing tool kit is a food scale. This is the one I have: Amazon.com – Weighing the Cozy Flowers blanket free pattern coming soon 😍🔥
Instead of just listing the ways I use this digital scale, I thought I’d spend a week taking a snapshot every time I used it. You can really see it in action during my Hexagon Month with Scheepjes Yarns*!
Monday
In making motifs for Autumn Blues, I figured out how many of the orange centers I could get from one ball of Catona*. I weighed one motif – 6g. Each ball of Catona is 50g, so I can get about 7-8 motifs per ball. This is the most common way I have used my scale.
Note: I round up on weights to account for differences in tension when I design a pattern, or someone with naturally different tension could run out of yarn. Also my scale’s accuracy is only to the gram, so I have to remember that 6g could mean 6.4g. Rounding up is safer!
Tuesday
When all of the orange motif centers were made, I wanted to see how much blue was used to edge each motif, so I could calculate blue yarn quantity needed. When I weighed the full motif, it was now 11g, so subtracting the 6g orange center portion, I know every motif uses 5g of blue yarn. Now I can figure out how many 50g balls I’ll need.
Note: This is a blessing when you need to add instruction to resize a blanket and you must extrapolate.
Wednesday
Today, I wanted to know exactly how much yarn I had left over after I made all of the motifs, both to double check the accuracy of my scale weights, and to get an idea of how much a small amount of this particular yarn would weigh. This may come in handy for future projects with leftovers!
Thursday
When I sent all of the wonderful members of my Tester Tribe a ball of yarn for our upcoming collab blanket, I realized many of my yarn balls were partials. In order to calculate proper shipping, I weighed the yarn balls individually and recorded the weights. This saved me from accidental shipping overages!
Friday
Sunshine Blanket!! This piece uses several shades of Cotton 8, randomized with 4 colors per motif. I want to know how many motifs I can get from the 10 colors I’m using, without having to map out the color order. Weighing one full motif at 13g and dividing that into 500g of yarn, I know I can get about 34-36 motifs (accounting for tension differences, woven ends, etc.)
Another note: In this pattern, I am not explicitly telling the maker which order to use the colors, or how many times to use them – I’m just going to write, “use 10 balls of Cotton 8 to make 34 motifs, choosing color order of your liking.” So there is a chance that the balls will not be used efficiently, meaning some balls may have a lot left over, or some may have very little left over, and fewer motifs will be made because the colors were not efficiently speed through the piece. I have to account for this by calling for a couple fewer motifs for the layout.
Saturday
This day I decided to play! I worked on a totally new design using Stone Washed*, which was actually the border of a blanket I’ve been meaning to finish up. Designing a totally new border is so much fun – and LOTS of math! The main worry I had when making this border, though, was yarn quantity. Of course near the end of a piece, this is almost always an issue. To see if I would be able to make it around the rest of the blanket with the quickly dwindling ball of yarn staring me in the face, I simply weighed that yarn ball, being careful not to unravel my border. I knew the original ball of Stone Washed weighs 50g, and the partial ball weighed 36g – more than half the ball left! Yay I made it around! If I would have had less than half of the ball left over, I’d have the chance to frog back and do less of a wool-eater stitch. This was the most clever way I used my scale, and so very useful.
Sunday
Wanting to turn these small flowers, into a large blanket, I needed a more accurate weight than just for one (very light) flower, so I weighed many motifs in a bucket and took the average weight. Now I know accurately how much yarn I’ll need for the whole blanket of flowers!
Thanks for taking the scale tour with me! It’s the tool I’ve most used besides my hook and scissors 😊❤️ I highly recommend getting one!
One more tip: take a second to record the weight with the project so you can reference it later. That number won’t stay in your brain for long, trust me… Happy crafting, y’all!
*Support my free content by shopping through affiliate links, buying patterns or becoming a patron! I promise no ads ever! ❤️
If you absolutely cannot fathom the idea of sewing your motifs together, then this is the sewing join for you. I’m working on a huge blog post with all the joining methods I could find, and there are pros and cons to each one.
When to use:
You don’t have a whole lot of yarn to join with
You want a “barely there” join that’s easier than for example, mattress st
You want to dip your toe in the waters of sewing your motifs together
Try it! It’s very easy and doesn’t feel like sewing since you’re using your hook.
Materials
Normally you would use a tapestry needle for the whip st join, but if you’re anything like me, using something besides your hook makes you cringe. So I just use my hook! You’ll also need some yarn in a similar color as the motifs to blend in, or in a contrasting color for a more unique look. I’m using Scheepjes | Catona (affiliate) for this piece.
Hexagon Motifs
An SC round as the final round is great for the whip stitch join, but an HDC or DC round will work too. Make sure all of your motifs have identical stitch count on final round. The pattern I’ve used for this demo is “Shep” – pattern link coming soon!
Note: There is some planning involved with how you cut the tail on your final round, if you’d like to have the fewest possible amount of ends to weave in (who doesn’t!?). But if you already have a stack of motifs, then you’ll have to weave the extra ends – in the grand scheme of things, it isn’t so bad.
PS If you really, really don’t like weaving ends, and you have full balls of yarn to use for joining, try a continuous join-as-you-go for hexies like Flat Braid or Single Crochet with PLT.
Whip Stitch Join
The first step is to join the hexagons into vertical strips, then join those strips together along the zig-zag. Make sure your tail (if you’re using the tail) is cut about 3 times the length of the edge you’ll be joining. The photo below shows the first short edge I’ll be joining to make my first strip.
Hold the first 2 motifs with wrong sides together, insert the hook front to back through both loops of both motifs, all the way through the corner sts where your joining tail is located. If you’re not using the tail, grab the yarn and make a slip st through those corner sts.
Insert hook front to back again, and grab yarn, pulling it all the way through to the front of the work. Be sure to always make 2 whip sts in the corner to secure it nicely.
Important: do not overtighten the sts by yanking on the tail as this will destroy the lovely look. All you need is a naturally snug stitch.
Continue across the side, insert hook through motifs, grab yarn, pull through to front of work.
This is how your side will look before you open it up.
And when you open it flat. Beautiful!
Weave your tail.
When all strips are joined together in this manner, it’s time to join the zig-zag.
When you get to a corner where 3 motifs meet, go through the center 2 times for the first motif and 2 times for the second motif. This will secure everything.
And now you’re done! Happy dance for a super easy and beautiful join. Use a contrast yarn for a totally patchworky, hand-stitched quilt, Sally from Nightmare Before Christmas vibe.
Thanks for stopping in! I hope you’re able to make use of this joining method. Consider becoming a patron to support CypressTextiles and all my free content (no ads, ever) and receive lots of exclusive goodies! ❤️
_____________________________________ If you’ve followed me for any period of time, you know about my obsession with a certain six-sided shape… In fact I’m having a deja vu moment feeling like I’ve started a blog post with that exact phrase in the past. Probably. I am madly in love with hexagons, and that’s why September is Hexagon Month!
One of the patterns I’m releasing is called Autumn Blues! When I made my YouTube tutorial “Continuous Flat Braid JAYG for Hexagons” I had a ton of feedback asking for the actual hexagon pattern (which was so heart-warming btw). Well this is it! And that join linked is the one I used for this blanket! So you have a bonus video tutorial for the join 🙂
This project has a perfect mix of Peachy to Tangerine-y hues of orange, paired with some soft and lovely shades of denim. And all that juicy autumnal richness is joined with a flat braid in a bold navy.
WHITE TEETH – Read it. It’ll change you for the better.
In the pattern, you’ll find:
a full hexagon
a half hexagon
the joining method (condensed version)
the border – with optional but highly recommended beads
woohoo!
I’m proud of this piece, because its simplicity is charming. The colors are allowed to sing over the repeating motifs. You can wrap this piece over your shoulders and be as comfortable as you are in your worn-out, too-loose blue jeans.
Tonal color play is so freeing and extremely effective. Good news: It’s also easy, peasy! Once you have motifs in all of your color shades, you can lay them out like if it were the rippling water of a swimming pool. You’re going to fade into lights and darks, with some highlights randomly throughout. Luckily with Scheepjes | Cotton 8* there are a ton of colors to choose from. There’s no need to evenly distribute the colors, and I have a bone to pick with perfectly even color distribution anyway. But that’s for another blog post – lol.
To get back to the point haha, Autumn Blues is available now! Pick one up wherever you’re most comfortable shopping.
Is anyone else having a rough go at the moment? Who else is feeling recently like they’re MacGyvered together with chewing gum and scotch tape? We know what we have to do, right? Get more sleep, drink less caffeine, go for a walk, eat a vegetable. Gotta get around to doing all that. In the meantime, I’m comfortable wallowing in my feelings for a bit longer while Autumn rolls in. …Until I’m all “Ahh so this is what feelings are like. Erm ok no thanks.” Then back to normal lol
Anyway, on those days where it gets gloomy, I give myself a yarny infusion! Today I’m having a pastel pick-me-up! Playing with colors from my Scheepjes | Cotton 8* yarn pegs. Yes they’re tied off with a surgeon’s knot, but I like to leave the messy ends hanging.
Conjured a My Little Pony “Friendship is Magic” vibe for this one as my kids are watching the new episodes on Netflix. Cotton 8 has a fantastic range of oranges, which is something many yarn lines cannot say, but I’ve saved those for a different hexie project [Link coming soon] 🙂
These are, starting with the dark pink at the bottom and moving clockwise:
And of course, the Theme of the Month (TOTM) at CypressTextiles is….. Drumroll….. Hexagons! So I had to make a fun and sunny hexagon to lift me up until all my hecks-are-gone. …No? Just me? Ok. 😆
I present: the Sunshine Blanket – a freebie pattern coming soon. You’ll love the beginner-friendly granny stitch Join as-you-go YouTube video. Check the September Calendar for dates! ❤️❤️
* Shopping through affiliate links is a great way to support my blog and all the included content – and it costs nothing extra! Yay!!
Welcome to the Continuous Flat Braid JAYG for Hexagons tutorial. I’ve made a video for this Join, but written instructions are added below. I recommend looking at both the video and the written instructions for the best clarity. (Add this pattern to your favorites on Ravelry!)
A pile of hexagons, with the same stitch count around. It doesn’t matter what the pattern is. For these Hexagons I have 18 sts between my 3-sc corners. I used ScheepjesCotton 8 yarn and these hexies are from my Autumn Blues Blanket releasing this weekend.
If you’ll be filling in the half-hexagons on the sides, set those to the side for now. They’ll be added in once all of the full hexies are joined together.
Joining yarn – you’ll want to have full balls of this, as one of the joys of joining continuously is that you eliminate having to weave all those ends. If you have a bunch of shorter lengths of your joining yarn, you’ll cancel that fun part out. Boo!
Abbreviations (US Terms)
ch-n chain n number of times
PLT Pull loop through
RS right side of motif/blanket
sc single crochet
sp space
ss slip stitch
Setup
Before you begin, choose your motif layout. For my hexagon blankets I like to square the edges off by adding in half-hexagon motifs, and then filling in the “zig-zag” sides to make a perfect rectangle. You can choose either hexie orientation from the diagram below, but be sure your opposite sides start and end with a half-hexagon as shown. This will help when you’re filling in the zig-zag sides. If you don’t want to fill these sides in, you can easily start and end these rows with a full hexagon instead, and adjust the join path to accommodate.
For this blanket the orientation is with the half-hexies along the sides; however, when joining, the blanket will be rotated like the photo below. The green spot indicates where the Join will start and stop.
Here is the diagram you will follow for this tutorial. The start/end point is labeled, and the special path is drawn in using colors to represent the steps. Along the way there will be “Close-ups” (areas circled in blue) where detailed explanation is needed.
Sunshine Blanket: A super cute circle surrounded by fun rays of granny stitch that transitions to a hexagon shape. These motifs made in Cotton 8 are joined as-you-go on the final round. It’s a classic method that will have you feeling some crafty nostalgia or some excitement to try something new!!
Full and Half Motif: Cozy Flowers blanket Pattern made in Scheepjes yarn Sweet Treat* and Catona* (held together) using the continuous granny st join demonstrated in this week’s YouTube tutorial
Welcome to Perfect Palette! This is an open-ended series in which I scribble down a color combination that I’m currently madly in love with – a new combo every week.
Fresh Earth is a palette that combines full-of-life brights with two down to earth shades for an unexpected effect. Go ahead and cover up those two left-hand yarn balls. You could imagine just about any brights – some pinks would look lovely. I’m envisioning a magenta and a purple! But instead, you have a shift downward into the sophisticated and serious with the clay and sand, shoving this palette into the Fall category for me. Indeed I have a blanket planned for this Fall in a very similar palette! Stay tuned ❤️
*This post uses affiliate links – at no additional cost to you, shopping through them helps me keep providing content! Thank you!
Welcome to Perfect Palette! This is an open-ended series in which I scribble down a color combination that I’m currently madly in love with – a new combo every week.
Okay you guys, believe it or not, I did not just gather a bunch of mind-blowingly beautiful yarn colors to stare at them, mouth agape. I mean I am doing that. But the reason I’ve curated this lovely group of yarns is for a Hexagon Month pattern!
More on that later.. for now, here is this week’s Perfect Palette:
Fire meets ice – well, sugar really. Fire meets sugar in this this electrifyingly sweet palette. It’s like if you have one foot in summer and one foot in fall – perfect for today, the first day of Autumn!
[Related: Full review of Sweet Treat, including pics of alllllll the rainbowlicious colors!]
I’ve already made some headway on this pattern and the little motifs are coming out so cute. I should clarify.. some are cute. Others are fire-hot! Try this palette if you’re looking for a project that will energize you as you work.
I’ll be combining these two amazing cotton yarns held together in similar but varying shades to create a heathered look. The pattern will be (shocker!) hexagons! Tiny flowers with a fun continuous granny stitch join for your learning pleasure. And it’s going to be a freebie! A little gift for all the love y’all have shown me on my new YouTube channel – if you visit, be sure to subscribe. There are more videos for y’all every week ❤️
*Support free content on CypressTextiles.net by shopping via affiliate links marked with an asterisk. It costs nothing extra! Or consider becoming a Patron for awesome rewards – starting October 1, 2017. My mission for an ad-free website continues!
Welcome to my newest Joinjng Method Tutorial “CJAYG for Triangles (SC with PLT)”. There are so few good patterns for triangles out there, I am determined to get out of my hexagon obsession for a while to show some love to the 3 sided shape.
Often, the sides of triangle motifs bow out, making them difficult to join together without causing puckering and warping. This join can be adjusted for triangles whose points are very pointy (hardly any bow on the sides) or very rounded (heavily bowed sides). You would simply adjust the length of the chain loop in the corners. For extreme cases, more modification may be required, but this is a great springboard.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
The video is in 3 parts, portion 1 demonstrates parts 1-3 shown in the graphic below, portion 2 demonstrates parts 4 and the repeat of parts 2 and 3 as shown below in the diagram. The third video shows the third row of triangles added on and at that point more rows of triangles could be added by repeating the instructions, but the video shows you how to end the blanket and complete the join.
The CJAYG method for triangles is best learned through video, so you can really see what’s going on in real time, but I’m happy to clarify anything in the comments section or via email (scroll down to footer).
I used Scheepjes | Cotton 8 for this pattern. Find Cotton 8 at WoolWarehouse (aff), and more Scheepjes Retailers – ❤️ The triangle motif shown in the tutorial is coming soon, in a special collection of patterns I am releasing in the Fall called ShadeTree. Exciting!
Hope you enjoy the first parts! Looking forward to a couple more quiet hours in a row to shoot and edit footage for part 3 ❤️
This week, my city experienced the worst tropical storm to hit the US since the 1950s with catastrophic flooding and destruction. The days felt so long, at one point I thought the flash flooding and tornado weather would never end.
My family is somehow fortunate enough that we had zero damage to our home, but tens of thousands of others have lost everything, and some their lives as the death toll rises.
The relieving stories of last-minute rescue and the heartbreaking ones of lives lost are making for emotional news reading. My aunt, Emily Wax is a journalist who writes for the Washington Post and she and my uncle had been in town visiting when Harvey came in. Reporting from Katy, TX, a Houston suburb, she drafted up some articles on the storm and how it has brought everyone together in the rescue efforts, even from across state lines in Louisiana. The warming tales of The Cajun Navy and so many other rescue teams looking to pay it forward since Hurricane Katrina flooded Louisiana more than a decade agoI’m so proud of these articles! You can find her on the Washington Post site here. Check out her Facebook page for her recommended Hurricane Harvey reads.
We are exhausted and truly basking in the sun and fresh air today after being trapped indoors for the past 4 days. I wanted to accomplish a monumentous amount of hooky while I was confined to my art-space, but with four kiddoes asking about the tornado warnings and my husband offshore on an oil rig for the entire storm, I could not stay focused. So, welcome to the tour of some bits and bobs that were born out of the Hurricane Harvey tragedy.
I worked on my green blanket – VVCAL blanket pattern – and began joining granny squares using my new technique Row by Row JAYG, or the “boomerang join” – which I documented as my first YouTube video tutorial. Read the latest update here to see all the deets and pics!
As I had a lot of time on my hands and was looking for something I could control, I decided to tackle the task of finishing off my Cotton 8 yarn pegs. Now they’re all neatly tied off and ready to be used. I did leave the ends about 1.5in long because I like them better slightly messy!
Organize by color for your viewing pleasure.
In organizing my yarn pegs I started putting a palette together for an upcoming blanket.
And I also made some headway on a few designs for my upcoming hexie projects. September is Hexagon Month here at CypressTextiles! Here’s one of the hexies I have in store – “Callie”
Below, you’ll find the Catona palette I pulled for my IG Live Session last week.
And the motif I’m working up for a blanket named “Shep”
I’m seriously giving thought to making these two blankets part of a paired pattern. A 2 for 1! I’ll be using some Scheepjes Stone Washed, Catona, and Cotton 8 for my hexie surprises. I can’t wait to share it all!ll
Scheepjes is having its annual Bloggers’ Days in the Netherlands, and I am deeply saddened that I will not make it due to airport closures and high waters. I really looked forward to meeting the other bloggers that I interact with on a daily basis in my yarny Internet hijinks. There’s always next year, and I’ve asked my Scheepjes friends to fondle lots of yarn for me at HQ. Including these new 10g Catona “Cutie Pies” 🙂
Photo by Simy of @SimysStudio – clicken for instagrammen 😁❤️
While we have had a somber end to August, I’m committed to making it a bright and productive September, with the help of the comfort of my yarn and a zillion granny squares lol.
Hi, y’all! I’ve developed a new joining method called “Row by Row Join as you go” – or the “boomerang join” as I’ve nicknamed it. This was also my very first YouTube video tutorial on my new channel! If you enjoy it, like and subscribe as I will be uploading a new tutorial video on Thursday of each week.
PDF on Ravelry
If you’d like a printable PDF of the join, head to the Ravelry page. (4 pages, with photos)
Description
Row by Row JAYG is a method for joining granny squares for a blanket. It is a simplified alternative to the continuous join-as-you-go, worked in horizontal rows, then in vertical rows, until the entire blanket is joined, much like if you were to Slip St join or SC your squares together.
Because the joins are worked to and fro, I have nicknamed this the “Boomerang Join.” I hope you guys enjoy it as much as I enjoyed putting it together! Grab a stack of squares and a cuppa, and dive right in. I used KnitPicks Palette Yarn (affiliate) from my stash for this demonstration, and I only joined 4 squares, but you can use any number of squares for your desired size blanket. Instead of stopping after just 2 squares in the row, you will just continue down the row to the end.
I enjoyed making this tutorial, and I already have a stack of squares waiting to be joined! When I finish the rest of these Vibrant Vintage CAL squares, I’ll be sure to take progress pics and show y’all how it turned out. Doesn’t this join look just like a normal JAYG? And its so fun to just cruise back and forth rather than having to break yarn after every square.
These squares are my favorite thing… I took advantage of being able to make any type of square for this project and I designed some new granny squares! The bottom two in the photo above are totally new – that bottom left hand one has my heart <3
Stay tuned for new square patterns that will go very nicely with your VVCAL squares. Zing!
It all started with the idea to update all of my older written patterns, slowly, one at a time, in 2017… Wildflower has been a “wildly” popular pattern and I had a fantastic idea to update it using Scheepjes Stone Washed. And include a drumroll here…..
I converted it to a FREE pattern for your enjoyment!
Find Stonewashed at LoveKnitting* (US), WoolWarehouse* (UK), and KnottyHouse* (CA), and other Scheepjes retailers. Trust me, you can put 10 random colors in your shopping cart and it’ll make a smashing palette. Remember the time I had the biggest pile of yarn on my breakfast nook table? Let me show you just in case…
Well I started pulling random sets out of this pile, and I fell in love with this fresh, vibrant palette. I like it because it goes through a sort of tropical rainbow range of colors. I tried to keep it fresh while still adding in some more muted colors like the olive greens to keep it grounded.
But I couldn’t decide… 12 colors? 14? 16? The beautiful thing about this yarn is the wide color range available. Check out my review of this yarn for lots more info!
I finally decided on 12 colors and here is the final palette. More than a little in love with this one! Nice and bold, without too many pastels. I like how these colors have a similar “strength” of instensity, with exception maybe for the light orange at the bottom left, but I couldn’t live without it 🙂
Grey is my new favorite neutral, so yay! I had enough to make it the background for this piece.
More info on these colors as the project progresses!
And lookie at what the lovely Tester Tribe member, Teresa Davis, is testing! A reboot of the Wildflower Blanket ❤️❤️❤️
Stay tuned, y’all!
*This post has affiliate links – shopping through them is no extra cost to you and will help me keep posting great content on CypressTextiles ❤️
Look out world, Wildflower is finished and she is a stunner! Teresa Davis (Facebook) sent me the results of a beautifully styled photo shoot of her finished piece. She has graciously provided all of the photos for this upcoming pattern and all of the related social media and blog posts. Wow!
I gave my Wildflower blanket pattern a serious facelift in a whole new yarn: Scheepjes Stone Washed. Read more about the yarn and where to find it (as well as some yummy progress pics!) in the previous post. Or see my full review of this luscious yarn!
The new Wildflower pattern update will be coming next week as I wrap it up for y’all, but for now you can enjoy Teresa’s photos as they are a feast for the eyes.
A wild flower in its natural habitat ❤️❤️
I am so excited to share this pattern update with you all! My popular Wildflower Blanket is getting a makeover! I promised myself that in 2017 I would begin updating all of my patterns, starting first with the most popular ones from my Ravelry Store. So now I present Wildflower!
It’s a work in progress as the lovely Tester Tribe member, Teresa Davis is busy testing the pattern and has provided all of the beautiful photographs for this post, and for this I am ever so grateful ❤️ She is also the lucky one playing with all the that Scheepjes Stone Washed color!
I can’t wait to show you more photos, but for now you’ll have to wait for the blanket to block until I can show off the FO Reveal 🙂 If you haven’t seen this piece before, I suggest you head over to the Wildflower Ravelry Pattern and check it out. These circles are about to be transformed into a unique shape. I always get comments that it looks like an optical illusion.. like the blanket has been folded to look that way! Go see for yourself ❤️
An updated pattern will be released soon, so get your hooks ready – it’s a fun one!
*Affilate links help CypressTextiles continue providing content and costs you nothing extra! Woohoo!
Description
Island Wildflower is a simple design using elements of crochet that you have probably used in the past, such as sunburst squares and granny stitch, and combining them in a new way. The result is a unique and opulent piece that will garner endless compliments. Use any favorite color combination as this beauty will make your stash yarn look great! Included are joining and border instruction, and feel free to use the motifs in a blanket or bag. Browse hashtag #IslandWildflowerBlanket on social media for color palette ideas!
Pattern is written by Rachele Carmona and was tested by the lovely Teresa Davis, who has also provided the gorgeous photographs for this pattern and all related blog posts at CypressTextiles.net.
Find an ad-free, easy print PDF version for a small $2 fee on Etsy//Ravelry//LoveCrochet.com or see below for the free pattern.
Materials
Yarn Scheepjes Stone Washed (78% Cotton, 22% Acrylic; 130m/50g)
Yarn A: 814 x 10 balls
1 ball each of the following:
Yarn B: 805
Yarn C: 826
Yarn D: 825
Yarn E: 816
Yarn F: 824
Yarn G: 808
Yarn H: 827
Yarn I: 823
Yarn J: 835
Yarn K: 834
Yarn L: 811
Yarn M: 806 x 2 balls
Notions
US Size 5mm hook, US Size 4.25mm hook (for final rnd of border only), Tapestry needle for weaving ends
Gauge: Motif 1, worked through Rnd 4, measures 4.75in; Finished blanket measures about 40x60in
Abbreviations – US Terminology
as folls as follows
beg beginning
bet between
ch(s) chain(s)
ch-sp(s) chain space(s)
ch-1 sp(s) chain 1 space(s): number denotes number of chains in chain space
corner-sp corner space
dc double crochet
dc2tog double crochet 2 together: (yoh, insert hook in next st/sp, yoh, pull up loop, yoh, draw through 2 loops) twice, yoh, draw through all loops
dc3tog double crochet 3 together: (yoh, insert hook in next st/sp, yoh, pull up loop, yoh, draw through 2 loops) 3 times, yoh, draw through all loops
dec decrease
dtr double treble crochet
hdc half double crochet
incl including
lp(s) loop(s)
rep(s) repeat(s)
RS right side
sc single crochet
sc2tog single crochet 2 together: (insert hook in next st/sp, yoh, pull up loop) twice, yoh, draw through all loops
ss slip stitch(es)
st(s) stitch(es)
tog together
tr treble crochet
WS wrong side
yoh yarn over hook
Special Abbreviations
beg cl beginning cluster: beg dc, (yoh, insert hook in st/sp indicated, yoh, pull up loop, yoh, draw yarn through 2 loops on hook) 3 times, yoh, draw yarn through all 4 loops on hook (beg dc does not count as a st in this case)
beg dc beginning double crochet: sc, ch 1 (counts as 1 dc)
beg dc3tog beg dc, dc2tog – beg dc does not count as a st in this case
beg dtr beginning double treble crochet: sc, ch 3 (counts as 1 dtr)
beg puff st Elongate the working loop slightly until it is the height of a normal puff st, then work puff st as normal
beg tr beginning treble crochet: sc, ch 2 (counts as 1 tr)
cl cluster: (yoh, insert hook in st/sp indicated, yoh, pull up loop, yoh, draw yarn through 2 loops on hook) 4 times, yoh, draw yarn through all 5 loops on hook
picot ch 2, sc in top side bars of previous stitch
puff st yoh, (insert hook in st/sp indicated, yoh, pull up loop) 3 times, yoh, draw yarn through all loops on hook
Instructions
Notes: All motifs are made using larger hook and joined as-you-go to create center panel, then zig-zag sides are straightened by working back and forth until tringle gap is filled. A simple border completes the piece.
Motif 1 (Make 50)
Color Distribution
There are 12 colors and 50 motifs. Using Yarns B-K, make 4 centers each, and using Yarns L and M, make 5 centers each. Then, using Yarns B and C, add rnd 2 onto 5 centers each, and using Yarns D-M, add rnd 2 onto 4 centers each. Use Yarns D and E to add rnd 3 onto 5 motifs each, and use Yarns B and C, and F-M to add rnd 3 to 4 motifs each. Use Yarns F and G to add rnd 4 to 5 motifs each, and Yarns B-E and H-M to add rnd 4 to 4 motifs each. Be sure not to repeat colors on a single motif.
Rnd 1 Using first color of motif, make a sl knot, ch 4 and ss in fourth ch from hook to make ring. All in ring: Beg dc, 19 dc, cut yarn and finish off. [20 dc]
Rnd 2 Join next color with ss in any st, and beg tr in same st. (Ch 1, tr) in all rem sts, ch 1, ss in beg tr, cut yarn and finish off. [20 tr, 20 ch-sp]
Rnd 3 Join next color with ss in any tr. Beg puff st in same st, (ch 2, puff st in next tr) 19 times, ch 2, ss in beg puff st, cut yarn and finish off. [20 puff st, 20 ch-sp]
Rnd 4 Join next color with ss in any ch-sp. Beg cl in same space. (ch 2, cl in next ch-sp) 19 times, ch 2, ss in beg cl, cut yarn and finish off. [20 cl, 20 ch-sp]
Note: Rnd 5 (Joining/squaring round) will be worked in the joining section. You can work all of Motifs 1 and 2 through Rnd/Row 4 for the perfect on-the-go project.
Motif 2 (Make 20)
Row 1 (RS) Using first color of motif, make a sl knot, ch 3, and ss in third ch from hook to make ring. All in ring: Beg dc, 10 dc, cut yarn and finish off, turn. [11 dc]
Row 2 Join next color in first st, and beg tr in same st. (Ch 1, tr in next st) 10 times, cut yarn and finish off, turn. [11 tr, 10 ch-sp]
Row 3 Join next color with ss in first st. In same st: (Beg dc, ch 1, puff st). (Ch 2, puff st in next tr) 10 times, ch 1, dc in same st as final puff st, cut yarn and finish off. Do not turn. [11 puff st, 10 ch-2 sp, 2 ch-1 sp]
Row 4 With RS still facing, join next color in first st. Beg dc in same st, dc bet first dc and puff st, (ch 2, cl in next ch-sp) 10 times, ch 2, dc bet puff st and final st, dc in final st, cut yarn and finish off. [4 dc, 10 cl, 11 ch-sp]
Join motifs to make center panel
Note: Motifs will be joined with RS facing, using a “join as you go” method worked in 10 rows from top to bottom of blanket. Each row of motifs is made of 5 of Motif 1 and 2 of Motif 2, as seen in Schematic. Color placement is random.
Lay out all 70 motifs in a zig-zag formation using Schematic as a guide.
Top row of motifs
First motif (Located in upper left corner) Join Yarn A with ss in first st. Beg tr in same st, ch 2, 3 tr in ch-sp, * 3 dc in next ch-sp, 3 sc in next 2 ch-sps, 3 dc in next ch-sp, ** (3 tr, ch 3, 3 tr) – corner made in next ch-sp, work from * to ** 1 time, 3 tr in ch-sp, ch 2, tr in first st, cut yarn and finish off.
Second motif (The second motif in the top row of the blanket) Join Yarn A with ss in any ch-sp, (beg tr, ch 3, 3 tr) in same ch-sp – note: this corner will be the bottom right corner of the motif, work from * to **, make corner, work from * to **, (3 tr, ch 1, ss in adjacent ch-sp on completed motif, ch 1, 3 tr) in next ch-sp, ss bet 3-tr group and 3-dc group on completed motif, 3 dc in next ch-sp on motif in progress, ss bet 3-dc group and 3-sc group on completed motif, (3 sc in next ch-sp on motif in progress, ss after 3-sc group) twice, 3 dc in next ch-sp, ss after 3-dc group, (3 tr, ch 1, ss in adjacent ch-sp, ch 1, 3 tr) in next ch-sp, work from * to **, 2 tr in first corner to complete it, ss in beg tr, cut yarn and finish off.
Continue to join in this manner across the row, joining one side to the adjacent completed motif, ending with a Motif 2.
Next row of motifs
First motif Work as for first motif of previous row, but join 1 side to adjacent motif above.
Second motif Work as for previous row of squares, but work the third corner as follows: (3 tr, ss in top adjacent corner ch-sp, and ss in left hand side adjacent corner ch-sp, 3 tr) in corner ch-sp, join next side as before, work remainder of motif without joining as before.
Join all remaining rows of squares in this manner until bottom of blanket is reached and all motifs are joined on. When fourth motif joins onto 3 others, always work the corner join as indicated above – 2 slip sts, 1 in the top motif’s corner, and one in the left hand side motif’s corner. When all motifs are joined, triangle gaps are ready to be filled in so that blanket is a complete rectangle.
Full Triangle Gap (Work four times)
Note: On first occurrence of a new st, please refer to Special Abbreviations section on p 2.
Row 1 With RS facing, join Yarn A with ss in first ch of ch-3 corner-sp before triangle gap, sc in same ch, sc 53 evenly across to center, sc 54 evenly up the other side, placing final sc in the ch-3 corner-sp at the end of the row, turn. [108 sc]
Row 2 Beg dc3tog over first 3 sts, * (ch 1, sk 1, dc) 24 times, ch 1, skip 1,* dc2tog over next st and fourth st, skipping over center 2 sts as folls: YO, insert hook in next st, pull up lp, YO, draw yarn through 2 lps on hook, YO, sk 2 sts, insert hook in next st, YO, pull up lp, YO, draw yarn through 2 lps on hook, YO, draw yarn through all 3 lps on hook, rep from * to *, dc3tog over final 3 sts, turn. [2 dc3tog, 1 dc2tog, 48 dc, 50 ch-sp]
Row 3 Beg dc3tog over first 3 sts – Note: “first 3 sts” here means dec st, ch-sp, and dc, * (ch 2, sc in next dc st) 22 times, ch 2 * dc2tog over next 2 dc sts skipping over 2 ch-sps and center dec, rep from * to *, dc3tog over final 3 sts, turn. [2 dc3tog, 1 dc2tog, 44 sc, 46 ch-sp]
Row 4 Sc2tog over first 2 sts – Note: these first 2 sts are the dc3tog and ch-2 sp. * (ch 2, sc in next ch-sp) 21 times, ch 2 * sc2tog over next 2 ch-sps skipping over center dec, rep from * to *, sc2tog over final 2 sts, turn. [3 sc2tog, 42 sc, 44 ch-sp]
Row 5 Beg dc3tog over first 3 sts, * (ch 2, sc in next ch-sp) 20 times, ch 2 * dc2tog over next 2 ch-sps, rep from * to *, dc3tog over final 3 sts, turn. [2 dc3tog, 1 dc2tog, 40 sc, 42 ch-sp]
Row 6 Sc2tog over first 2 sts, * (ch 2, sc in next ch-sp) 19 times, ch 2 * sc2tog over next 2 ch-sps, rep from * to *, sc2tog over final 2 sts, turn. [3 sc2tog, 38 sc, 40 ch-sp]
Row 7 Beg dc3tog over first 3 sts, * (ch 1, sk 1, dc) 18 times, ch 1, sk 1,* dc2tog over next 2 ch-sps, rep from * to *, dc3tog over final 3 sts, turn. [2 dc3tog, 1 dc2tog, 36 dc, 38 ch-sp]
Row 8 Sc2tog, * sc in 34 sts across side *, sc2tog over next 2 dc sts, rep from * to * across next side, sc2tog in final 2 sts, turn, cut yarn and finish off. [3 sc2tog, 68 sc]
Row 9 (RS) Join leftover of Yarn B-M with ss in first st, beg dc3tog over first 3 sts, * dc in 30 sts *, dc5tog over next 5 sts incl center dec, rep from * to *, dc3tog over final 3 sts, turn. [2 dc3tog, 1 dc5tog, 60 dc]
Row 10 Beg tr4tog over first 4 sts, * (ch 1, sk 1, tr) 12 times, ch 1, sk 1 *, tr2tog over next st and fifth st as before skipping over center 3 sts, rep from * to *, tr4tog over final 4 sts, cut yarn and finish off, turn. [2 tr4tog, 1 tr2tog, 24 tr, 26 ch-sp]
Row 11 Join leftover of yarn B-M with ss in first st, beg dc3tog over first 3 sts, * (ch 1, puff st in tr) 10 times, ch 1 *, puff st in next tr. Without making any chs, puff st in next tr, rep from * to *, dc3tog over final 3 sts, cut yarn and finish off, do not turn. [2 dc3tog, 22 puff st, 22 ch-sp]
Row 12 (RS) Join leftover of Yarn B-M with ss in first st, beg dc3tog over first 3 sts, * (ch 1, cl in ch-1 sp 9 times, ch 1 *, cl in next ch-sp, without making any chs, cl in next ch-sp, rep from * to *, dc3tog over final 3 sts, cut yarn and finish off, do not turn. [2 dc3tog, 20 cl, 20 ch-sp]
Row 13 (RS) Join Yarn A with ss in first st, sc2tog over first 2 sts, * sc in 17 chs/cls across, * sc2tog over next 2 ch-sps, rep from * to *, sc2tog over final 2 sts, turn. [3 sc2tog, 34 sc]
Row 14 Beg dc3tog over first 3 sts, * (ch 1, sk 1, dc) 6 times, ch 1, sk 1,* dc2tog over next st and fourth st skipping over center 3 sts, rep from * to *, dc3tog over final 3 sts, turn. [2 dc3tog, 1 dc2tog, 12 dc, 14 ch-sp]
Row 15 Beg dc3tog over first 3 sts, * (ch 2, sc in next dc st) 4 times, ch 2 * dc2tog over next 2 dc sts, rep from * to *, dc3tog over final 3 sts, turn. [2 dc3tog, 1 dc2tog, 8 sc, 10 ch-sp]
Row 16 Sc2tog over first 2 sts, * (ch 2, sc in next ch-sp) 3 times, ch 2 * sc2tog over next 2 ch-sps, rep from * to *, sc2tog over final 2 sts, turn. [3 sc2tog, 6 sc, 8 ch-sp]
Row 17 Beg dc3tog over first 3 sts, * (ch 2, sc in next dc st) 2 times, ch 2 * dc2tog over next 2 ch-sps, rep from * to *, dc3tog over final 3 sts, turn. [2 dc3tog, 1 dc2tog, 4 sc, 6 ch-sp]
Row 18 Sc2tog over first 2 sts, * ch 2, sc in next ch-sp, ch 2 * sc2tog over next 2 ch-sps, rep from * to *, sc2tog over final 2 sts, turn. [3 sc2tog, 2 sc, 4 ch-sp]
Row 19 Work a Beg dc6tog as folls: Beg dc, make dc5tog by working a dc up to the final step (leaving 1 lp on the hook) in all 4 chain-2 spaces, and in final st, making 6 “legs” total for the decrease, cut yarn and finish off. [1 dc6tog]
Half Triangle Gap (Work twice)
Row 1 With RS facing, join Yarn A with ss in first ch of ch-3 corner-sp before triangle gap, sc in same ch, sc 53 evenly across row, turn. [54 sc]
Row 2 Beg dc3tog over first 3 sts, (ch 1, sk 1, dc) 24 times, ch 1, skip 1, dc3tog over final 3 sts, turn. [2 dc3tog, 24 dc, 25 ch-sp]
Row 3 Beg dc3tog over first 3 sts, (ch 2, sc in next dc st) 22 times, ch 2, dc3tog over final 3 sts, turn. [2 dc3tog, 22 sc, 23 ch-sp]
Row 4 Sc2tog over first 2 sts, (ch 2, sc in next ch-sp) 21 times, ch 2, sc2to over final 2 sts, turn. [2 sc2tog, 21 sc, 23 ch-sp]
Row 5 Beg dc3tog over first 3 sts, (ch 2, sc in next ch-sp) 20 times, ch 2, dc3tog over final 3 sts, turn. [2 dc3tog, 20 sc, 21 ch-sp]
Row 6 Sc2tog over first 2 sts, (ch 2, sc in next ch-sp) 19 times, ch 2, sc2tog over final 2 sts, turn. [2 sc2tog, 19 sc, 20 ch-sp]
Row 7 Beg dc3tog over first 3 sts, (ch 1, sk 1, dc) 18 times, ch 1, sk 1, dc3tog over final 3 sts, turn. [2 dc3tog, 18 dc, 19 ch-sp]
Row 8 Sc2tog, sc in 34 sts across side, sc2tog in final 2 sts, turn, cut yarn and finish off. [2 sc2tog, 34 sc]
Row 9 (RS) Join leftover of yarn B-M with ss in first st, beg dc3tog over first 3 sts, dc in 30 sts, dc3tog over final 3 sts, turn. [2 dc3tog, 30 dc]
Row 10 Beg tr4tog over first 4 sts, (ch 1, sk 1, tr) 12 times, ch 1, sk 1, tr4tog over final 4 sts, cut yarn and finish off, turn. [2 tr4tog, 12 tr, 13 ch-sp]
Row 11 Join leftover of yarn B-M with ss in first st, beg dc3tog over first 3 sts, (ch 1, puff st in tr) 10 times, ch 1, dc3tog over final 3 sts, cut yarn and finish off, do not turn. [2 dc3tog, 10 puff st, 11 ch-sp]
Row 12 (RS) Join leftover of yarn B-M with ss in first st, beg dc3tog over first 3 sts, (ch 1, cl in ch-1 sp) 9 times, ch 1, dc3tog over final 3 sts, cut yarn and finish off, do not turn. [2 dc3tog, 9 cl, 10 ch-sp]
Row 13 (RS) Join Yarn A with ss in first st, sc2tog over first 2 sts, sc in 17 chs/cls across, sc2tog over final 2 sts, turn. [2 sc2tog, 17 sc]
Row 14 Beg dc3tog over first 3 sts, (ch 1, sk 1, dc) 6 times, ch 1, sk 1, dc3tog over final 3 sts, turn. [2 dc3tog, 6 dc, 7 ch-sp]
Row 15 Beg dc3tog over first 3 sts, (ch 2, sc in next dc st) 4 times, ch 2, dc3tog over final 3 sts, turn. [2 dc3tog, 4 sc, 5 ch-sp]
Row 16 Sc2tog over first 2 sts, (ch 2, sc in next ch-sp) 3 times, ch 2, sc2to over final 2 sts, turn. [2 sc2tog, 3 sc, 4 ch-sp]
Row 17 Beg dc3tog over first 3 sts, (ch 2, sc in next dc st) 2 times, ch 2, dc3tog over final 3 sts, turn. [2 dc3tog, 2 sc, 3 ch-sp]
Row 18 Sc2tog over first 2 sts, ch 2, sc in next ch-sp, ch 2, sc2tog over final 2 sts, turn. [2 sc2tog, 1 sc, 2 ch-sp]
Row 19 Beg dc4tog as folls: Beg dc, make dc3tog, cut yarn and finish off. [1 dc4tog]
Border
Rnd 1(sc rnd) Join Yarn A with ss in upper right corner of blanket, * 3 sc in corner st, work 114 sc evenly across short side, 3 sc in corner, 157 SC evenly across long side, rep from * 1 time, ss in first st.
Rnd 2(eyelet rnd) (Beg dc, ch 3, dc) in corner-sp * (ch 1, sk 1, dc) across, ch 1, sk 1, (dc, ch 3, dc) in corner-sp, rep from * 3 times omitting final corner on third rep, ch 1, sk 1, ss in beg dc.
Rnd 3(sc rnd) * 3 dc in corner st, sc in all sts/chs across side, rep from * 3 times omitting corner on third rep, ss in first st.
Rnd 4 (dc/picot rnd) Change to smaller hook for this rnd. All in corner st: (Beg dc, 3 dc, ch 2, sc in previous dc – picot made, 4 dc), * sk 1, (2 dc, picot, 2 dc) in next st, ** sk 2, (2 dc, picot, 2 dc) in next st, rep from ** across, to corner, sk 1, (4 dc, picot, 4 dc) in corner st, rep from * 3 times omitting corner on final repeat, ss in beg dc, cut yarn and finish off.
Charts Written instruction Some Photos (I have been working on shortening the length of my patterns, and trying to get better at explaining with words versus step by step photos.) Included is a “Variations” section with resizing options and alternate layout/palette options
Seaglass is a unique piece that takes two classic elements of crochet, the granny squares in sea glass colors wrapped in corals, and a nautical chevron ripple, and combines them with breezy ocean colors for a beachy summer look. The combo of different stitches will keep your interest, and you may learn some new techniques along the way! Change up the color palette for a whole new look. I can imagine this in pastels with a grey and white chevron – yum!
Pattern is written by Rachele Carmona, and tested by the lovely Kaelyn Guerin. Find her across social media as @iiirdwind and enjoy her fresh style. Kaelyn has graciously provided all of the photos for this pattern and blog post. Aren’t they lovely!!
Buy this yarn – HERE*
_________________________
This is my first time using my KnitPicks* Brava yarn that I bought eons ago during an email sale promo – gotta love some discount stash enhancement!
I chose this palette for kind of a coral + sea glass vibe with navy added in to throw the whole thing off (in a good way).
For curious crafters, here are these colors (front to back in the photo above):
When I got this yarn I was pretty sure it would be like all the other acrylic yarns out there. But it’s so much smoother! If you’re looking for great stitch definition, be sure to use a smaller hook because this yarn is flooooppppy 🙂 It’s very loosey-goosey. But this means the hand is so creamy soft it’s a great trade off.
Since it is sport weight, you can see it’s a touch thinner than the DK, but I would use them all together. That’s just me! I’m a huge fan of mixing brands because it adds to the artsy feel and greatly expands color palette possibilities.
Very soon I’ll be putting a link and photo here of what I make with this gorgeous yarn! In the meantime, check out these patterns from KnitPicks:
Hue Shift Afghan – 11 colors of Brava Sport come together to create this opulent piece – See more HERE*
Sideways Throw – what a sophisticated and clean stripe design! I love the colors too – Check it out HERE*
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission if you make a purchase using the links marked with an asterisk*. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, and it helps keep CypressTextiles going!
Check out the beginnings of this blanket in the WIP post! Wanna make one??
Notions
US Size 4.25mm hook, US Size 3.75mm hook, Tapestry needle for weaving ends
Gauge: Motifs measure 10in across using 4.25mm hook, Final measurements: about 41x41in
Maybe my favorite pic by Kaelyn of her sample blanket – we have a lot in common lol – Head to Kaelyn’s Instagram for more beauty.
Welcome to the CypressTextiles continuous JAYG tutorial for hexagons using PLT and SC. This sounds scary, and it can take a moment for it to “click” but I promise it’s easy. Nearly any JAYG can convert to be worked continuously.
So this is a mouthful… Let’s break it down:
Continuous: The join will flow from one motif to the next, without breaking the yarn, tracing around the motifs following a special path. Think of making a drawing without picking up your pencil. We’ll start and stop at the same place. (I have a Continuous JAYG – or CJAYG – masterpost!)
JAYG: This means the motifs will be crocheted together as their final round, instead of being seamed with crochet stitches or with a tapestry needle. Since we are joining continuously, the Hexagons will look like they’re joined on the final round as normal, but this is the illusion of the “special path” I talked about. (I have some JAYG tutorials!)
PLT: The “Pull Loop Through” technique is where you join a stitch to its corresponding stitch on the adjacent motif using a method that I will explain in the joining instructions. (I have a separate PLT tutorial!)
…with SC: For this blanket, we will be using US single crochet. You can substitute HDC in for a wider join, and you don’t have to change anything. If you want to use DC to get an even wider border, you may have to do some fancy footwork at the corners.
Materials
A pile of hexagons, with the same stitch count around. It doesn’t matter what the pattern is. For these Hexagons I used a mix of different 4ply Yarns from my stash.
If you’ll be filling in the half-hexagons on the sides, set those to the side for now. They’ll be added in once all of the full hexies are joined together.
Joining yarn – you’ll want to have full balls of this, as one of the joys of joining continuously is that you eliminate having to weave all those ends. If you have a bunch of shorter lengths of your joining yarn, you’ll cancel that fun part out. Boo!
Abbreviations (US Terms)
ch-n chain n number of times
PLT Pull loop through
RS right side of motif/blanket
sc single crochet
sp space
ss slip stitch
Setup
Before you begin, choose your motif layout. For my hexagon blankets I like to square the edges off by adding in half-hexagon motifs, and then filling in the “zig-zag” sides to make a perfect rectangle. You can choose either hexie orientation from the diagram below, but be sure your opposite sides start and end with a half-hexagon as shown. This will help when you’re filling in the zig-zag sides. If you don’t want to fill these sides in, you can easily start and end these rows with a full hexagon instead, and adjust the join path to accommodate.
For this blanket the orientation is with the half-hexies along the sides; however, when joining, the blanket will be rotated like the photo below. The green spot indicates where the join will start and stop.
Here is the diagram you will follow for this tutorial. The start/end point is labeled, and the special path is drawn in using colors to represent the steps. Along the way there will be “Close-ups” (areas circled in blue) where detailed explanation is needed.
Part 1
Work down the first column of hexies (Red portion of path)
Using joining yarn, ss in center st/sp of the corner located at the start/end point, (3 sc in the corner st/sp, sc in all sts to next corner) 4 times, 2 sc in corner.
Make 2 sc in the top right corner of the second hexagon in the column.
Close-up A
PLT performing these 3 steps:
Remove loop from hook as shown in photo above.
Insert hook in the stitch shown in the photo above. When these motifs are placed adjacent to one another, this stitch is the corresponding st to the one that just been worked on the motif-in-progress.
Grab loop as shown in photo below.
Finally, Pull Loop Through to front of work. This is the actual maneuver which joins the motifs – the PLT.
Work the next sc st, remove loop from hook insert hook front to back through next st on adjacent motif, grab loop, and Pull Loop Through. In the photo below, the loop is ready to be pulled through.
Now do the same PLT in all sc sts across to the next corner, sc in corner, PLT, 2 sc in same corner.
Work around 3 more sides of hexagon as normal, and make 2 sc in the next corner as shown in photo below.
Repeat for the next motif in this column, joining the top side again.
And once more, but this time, stop short so only 3 sides of last motif in column are worked as shown in photo below, and also shown in main diagram. This concludes Part 1.
Part 2
Work up sides of motifs on next column, joining only the far right sides to the piece (Orange portion of path)
Join across side as before, ending with 1 sc in the corner as shown in the photo below.
Close-up B
Ch 1, sc in the corner on the next motif located above this one. (Solid grey in the photo above.) PLT in the stitch marked with an arrow below.
The photo below shows the hook pointing to the skipped corner st on the motif to the right.
Join the side across to the next corner as normal. Place 1 sc in the corner.
Close-up C
Remove loop from hook, insert hook front to back in center sc on upper right motif, then from back to front on lower right motif as shown in photo below. Grab loop and pull through both corner sts to join all 3 corners together. Sc in corner to complete it.
Use these methods to join the remainder of the motifs in this column
When the top is reached, Part 2 is complete. I call this the “flag” stage because the motifs look like little flags to me!
Part 3
Work down the left side of this column of motifs, completing their join to the piece (Yellow portion of path)
First, work around 5 sides of the motif, placing 2 sc in the next corner as shown in the photo below.
Close-up D
Remove loop from hook, insert hook front to back in the center st that was previously skipped on part 2. Make sure to put the hook under the ch-1 sp as well. Grab loop as shown in photo below, and PLT.
2 sc in next motif corner, and PLT as shown below.
Complete join of this side, and work 3 sides around motif, repeat corner join as in Close-up D.
Continue to join down left side of motifs to end, but stop short working only 2 sides of final motif as shown in main diagram. Part 3 is now complete.
Working across the blanket, join the remainder of the motifs in columns, working Part 2 and Part 3 as shown in main diagram. All remaining motifs can be joined with the methods discussed so far, working all the way up to Part 4 (green portion of path).
Below is a photo of the third column of motifs in the “flag phase.”
If there are any questions at this point, please leave a comment!
Part 4 coming shortly!
Cant wait to join your hexies? Use a partial CJAYG!
Joining motifs has got to be the main reason why people are led to my websites. I cannot sew to save my life, so I have learned to get creative with the way that I join my motif pieces.
On social media venues, the most frequent question I get asked is what is my favorite way to join. Well, I like joins that use the fewest cuts as possible. If I can join continuously, I do it and if I can’t, then I do a traditional JAYG. I learned to JAYG originally from traditional designer, Priscilla Hewitt (my crochet idol!) – many of her lacy square motif blanket patterns use a flat braid JAYG, and then I reinforced my skills through the contemporary granny JAYG by Lucy @ Attic24.
Okay, so let’s talk about a partial continuous JAYG that I am using for this hexagon blanket.
When can I use this method??
To work this method, you’ll already need to know how to JAYG and Continuous JAYG. The actual join I am using is from my Geometric Lace Pattern.
If you’re making a hex blanket where your motifs are joined using a single color (white, grey, it doesn’t matter the color) like in the examples in this mini-gallery of beautiful work by talented crochet artists, then you can use the method that I describe in this post. In my case, I am joining with KnitPicks Chroma, which is a yarn that changes color, so technically my join is multi-color, but it’s the same yarn strand, so I can still use this method.
If your hexagon motifs are joined with the final color of each hex, then you won’t be able to do this particular Partial Continuous JAYG method. I still recommend a regular JAYG on the final round because aren’t you tired of whip stitching? 😉
Here are some examples of blankets that couldn’t use my Partial Continuous JAYG method:
Okay, got that? Now that you understand when you can use it, here’s the method…
Partial Continuous JAYG: Hexagon Edition
This join takes up to 3 hexagons at a time and joins them together. For example, the pink yarn circles the next 3 hexes that I’m going to join continuously.
Below is a rudimentary illustration of the path that you will follow as you continuously JAYG, starting where the very end of the pink yarn is, and following around until you get back to the center after joining all 3 hexes in a “clover” type formation. Where the yarn crosses over onto itself is the end of your join… The yarn leads off the page but that area should be ignored. Once you have all 3 joined, cut yarn, pull yarn tail through to the back, and weave tail. Of course, I won’t be explaining the whole C-JAYG process here. See the Related Links above for more info on that.
In the photo below, I have joined the first (darker olive green) hex, I made it back to the center, and I started joining that pale sea foam hex to the right. In the photo, I have finished one side of the pale hex and I am working on joining it to the existing blanket on the second side.
In the next photo, I have finished joining on the second hexagon of the 3, and I am back to the center again.
Now, the third hex is joined in, and I am heading to the center of the 3 hexes to finish up.
Here, I have pulled the tail through to the back and I’m ready to cut it and weave. This is a view from the back of the blanket.
Okay, now that those 3 hexes are joined, I’ll pick my next couple of motifs. These two circled in pink below are what I’ll be working on. There aren’t 3 together there, but I still want to avoid weaving as many ends as possible, and I figure the more I join continuously, the less likely my blanket is to fall apart somehow.
here is the path I’ll follow. Starting near the top where the yarn end touches, follow around the half-hex and then around the full hex until it’s all joined up. The “raw edge” of my half-hex will be bordered by the edging of the blanket, so here it will mot be worked over.
I’ve finished the half-hex including joining the edge where it touches the existing blanket, and now I’m ready to go around the full hex.
My blanket, in its current state. I know it looks curious with the mismatch half-hex bits and the diagonal slant on the right hand side… I’m using the techniques from my Cottage Quilt pattern to make this design. Been working on this in stolen spare moments so it isn’t complete, but I still wanted to share my joining method in case anyone wants to use it. 🙂
You can do a partial join for squares too!
Quick tip for my Gelato pattern or any blanket you are making that has different size granny square motifs.
You’ve heard of the Continuous JAYG – a great way to make a sturdy join that saves you from weaving in hundreds of ends – but it would be difficult to join this random placement of multi-size squares with that completely continuous join. So what I did was to locate the areas where several same-size squares are lined up in my reference blanket (a Gelato I made in the past – see below).
I made 2 identical Gelato blankets for a custom order, so as you can see in the photo above, I joined adjacent same-size squares continuously. Then, I joined the larger squares in, picking up and joining in the sides of the already connected pieces as I went, so as to incorporate all squares of the blanket.
Essentially, this blanket was made with one part Continuous JAYG, and one part regular JAYG. I saved over 100 ends between the two blankets with this method. Comment with questions and I’ll clarify anything I can!
If you’ve followed me for any length of time, then you probably know that I have an obsession with a certain six-sided shape. I love creating them, and then coming up with the half-motif to fill the sides, and deciding how I’ll fill in the zig-zag sides to square it all off. The whole process is so much fun to me. And hexies are just tops!
Over the years, I’ve designed several hexagon blankets, and then made some joining methods to go along with them. Browse my website with a search for the word “Hexagon” and you’ll see it all!
Painted Hexagons (Rav link) remains one of my favorite hexie patterns. I dug it out of the vault and grabbed the leftover cotton basket that I used for the original. I used RICO Creative Cotton, Patons Grace, and some Annie’s size 3 thread. Basically all the stash cotton I had at the time (in 2014)!
Then *dun-dun duuunnnnn* I pulled out the border and the join.. Why?!? Because I want to demo a hex join and I don’t have any spare hexies laying around 🙂 Plus it’s also the perfect time to make this blanket bigger! I’ve had a really fun time over the past week making some comforting granny hexies after wrapping up a huge deadline.
Granny squares are like the mashed potatoes of crochet. They’re like the let’s watch Grease in our PJs of crochet… The hug from ma.. The early AM cuppa when the house is still asleep.. I think you get the idea. And for me, even more comforting than the granny square is the granny hexagon. True love! ❤️
The original hexies change color each round, but to save time I’m doing multiple rounds in one color, and even adding in some solid ones. I only have 2 half-hex motifs because I can’t find the others, so those extras will be solid as well.
Keep your eyes on this blanket because I’m writing up a new join tutorial for it! I’ll post the updates down below with FO pics when it’s all done, plus links to the join and updated Painted Hexagons pattern (coming soon!)
Painted Hexagons is a beautifully constructed piece that will have you feeling like an artist every time you make it. If mobility is a priority, you can crank out all of the motifs on the go, then join them (either with the continuous join-as-you-go in the pattern (it’s best to have already practiced with a continuous JAYG), or with your preferred method)! Then add the simple border and marvel at your updated granny hexagon blanket. Truly a masterpiece!
For my sample blanket, I used light weight stash mercerized cotton yarn in a variety of colors and a G (4.25mm) hook. I crochet tighter than the average bird. You could use any weight yarn with your favorite hook. My finished blanket in this pattern with this yarn and hook is about 32×42”.
For this blanket the orientation is with the half-hexies along the sides; however, when joining, the blanket will be rotated like the photo below. The green spot indicates where the join will start and stop.
