2dccl 2dc cluster: (yoh, insert hook in st/sp, yoh, pull up lp, yoh, draw yarn through 2 lps) 2 times, yoh, draw yarn through 3 lps
beg beginning
beg 2dccl beginning 2dc cluster: (beg dc, dc) in st/sp – dc counts as top of st when joining round
beg dc (sc, ch1) – counts as 1 dc
chN chain N number of times
dc double crochet
lp loop
MR make ring: slip knot, ch3, ss in third ch from hook
sc single crochet
skN skip N number of sts
sp space (chain space)
ss slip stitch
st stitch
yoh yarn over hook
Video Instruction
This video tutorial includes information on how to:
Make the beg dc and join rounds neatly
Make a cluster stitch
Weave ends as you go
Charted Instruction
Written Instruction
Rnd 1 MR, beg dc, 11dc, ss in beg dc. [12 dc]
Rnd 2 Beg 2dccl, (ch2, 2dccl) 11 times, ch2, ss in beg 2dccl. [12 2dccl, 12 sp]
Rnd 3 Beg 2dccl in sp, (ch2, 2dccl in same sp, ch2, 2dccl in next sp) 12 times omitting final 2dccl, ss in beg 2dccl. [24 2dccl, 24 sp]
Rnd 4 * 2sc in next sp, 3sc in next sp, 2sc in next sp, 2dc in next sp, (2tr, ch3, 2tr) in next sp, 2dc in next sp, rep from * 3 times, ss in first sc. [16 tr, 16 dc, 28 sc, 4 sp]
Rnd 5 Ss in next st, beg 2dccl in next st, * (ch1, sk1, 2dccl) 4 times, ch1, (2dccl, ch3, 2dccl) in sp, ch1, (2dccl, ch1, sk1) 2 times, 2dccl, rep from * 3 times omitting final 2dccl, ss in beg 2dccl. [40 2dccl, 40 sp]
Rnd 6 (Sc in next sp, 2sc in next 4 sps, 5sc in next sp, 2sc in next 4 sps) 4 times, ss in first sc, cut yarn. [88 sc]
2dccl 2dc cluster: (yoh, insert hook in st/sp, yoh, pull up lp, yoh, draw yarn through 2 lps) 2 times, yoh, draw yarn through 3 lps
4dccl 4dc cluster: (yoh, insert hook in st/sp, yoh, pull up lp, yoh, draw yarn through 2 lps) 4 times, yoh, draw yarn through 5 lps
beg beginning
beg 2dccl beginning 2dc cluster: (beg dc, dc) in st/sp – dc counts as top of st when joining round
beg 4dccl beginning 4dc cluster: beg dc, (yoh, insert hook in st/sp, yoh, pull up lp, yoh, draw yarn through 2 lps) 3 times, yoh, draw yarn through 4 lps
beg dc (sc, ch1) – counts as 1 dc
chN chain N number of times
dc double crochet
lp loop
MR make ring: slip knot, ch3, ss in third ch from hook
sc single crochet
skN skip N number of sts
sp space (chain space)
ss slip stitch
st stitch
yoh yarn over hook
Video Instruction
This video tutorial includes information on how to:
Make the beg dc and join rounds neatly
Make a cluster stitch
Weave ends as you go
Charted Instruction
Written Instruction
Rnd 1 MR, beg dc, 12dc, ss in beg dc. [12 dc]
Rnd 2 Beg dc in next st, (3dc in same st, ch3, sk2, dc in next st) 4 times omitting final st, ss in beg dc. [16 dc, 4 sp]
Rnd 3 Beg 4dccl in next st, (ch3, 4dccl in next st, ch3, sc in sp, ch3, sk1, 4dccl) 4 times omitting final 4dccl, ss in beg 4dccl. [8 4dccl, 4 sc, 12 sp]
Rnd 4 Beg 2dccl in sp, * (ch2, 2dccl) 5 times in same sp, sc in next sp, ch3, sc in next sp, 2dccl in next sp, rep from * 3 times omitting final 2dccl, ss in beg 2dccl. [24 2dccl, 8 sc, 24 sp]
Rnd 5 * (Sc in next sp, ch2) 3 times, sc in same st as previous, (ch2, sc in next sp) 2 times, ch2, 3dc in next sp, ch2, rep from * 3 times, ss in first sc. [12 dc, 24 sc, 28 sp]
Rnd 6 (2sc in next 2 sps, 5sc in next sp, 2sc in next 3 sps, sc in next 3 dc, 2sc in next sp) 4 times, ss in first sc. [80 sc]
Rnd 7 (Sc in all sts to corner, 3sc in corner) 4 times, sc in all sts to first sc, ss in first st, cut yarn. [88 sc]
The humble granny square. I’ve often said it is the mashed potatoes and gravy of the crochet world. It’s the ultimate comfort crochet, and there are a zillion ways out there to make it. Here’s just one of the ways that I make mine.
MR make ring: slip knot, ch3, ss in third ch from hook
sc single crochet
sp space (chain space)
ss slip stitch
st stitch
Video Instruction
This video tutorial includes information on how to:
Make the beg dc and join rounds neatly
Weave ends as you go
Charted Instruction
Written Instruction
Rnd 1 MR, beg dc, (ch1, 3dc) 3 times, ch1, 2dc, ss in beg dc. [12 dc, 4 sp]
Rnd 2 Beg dc in sp, (ch1, 3dc in same sp, 3dc in next sp) 4 times omitting final st, ss in beg dc. [24 dc, 4 sp]
Rnds 3-5 Beg dc in sp, (ch1, 3dc in same sp, 3dc between all 3-dc groups to next sp, 3dc in next sp) 4 times omitting final st, ss in beg dc. [60 dc, 4 sp]
Rnd 6 Beg dc in sp, (ch2, 2dc in same sp, 15dc, 2dc in next sp) 4 times omitting final st, ss in beg dc. [76 dc, 4 sp]
Rnd 7 (3sc in sp, 19sc) 4 times, ss in first sc, cut yarn. [88 sc]
Hello! Today I wanted to share with you that I have recently updated my best selling crochet pattern of all time. Modern Patchwork Blanket!
First, here is a photo of Modern Patchwork Blanket if you haven’t seen her before. She is a simple make with basic geometric shapes, and a super-fun granny stitch border. I chose soft colors for a baby blanket, nursery vibe.
Modern Patchwork Blanket is so versatile, you can think of it as a crafting adventure. Whether you create a blanket with different variations on the same square, or mix up your square patterns, this guide gives you three extremely versatile blocks to choose from. And, as long as you use squares that make 20-21 stitches per side, you can add in any square design you like!
I follow hashtags: #ModernPatchworkBlanket and #CypressTextiles
Eep – I couldn’t resist a pic of the blanket all folded up – reverse single crochet makes for the best final edging!
Lastly, this blanket is so versatile that I want to share some of the ways you can change it up and make it your own!
4 Ways to Customize Your Modern Patchwork Blanket
Side note: The photo above is viral on Pinterest, which has led to Modern Patchwork being my most sold crochet pattern ever. Thank you for sharing my posts and photos! It really helps support CypressTextiles and lets me grow and continue to produce content for you.
1) Granny Stitch Border Tip/Trick
Work every round of the granny square border at once.
I know this sounds crazy, but it’s almost like the difference between a regular join-as-you-go (where you cut yarn after joining each motif), and continuous join-as-you-go (where you join all motifs in a continuous path, only cutting yarn after all motifs are joined). So to me, working every round at once gives me the illusion that it’s moving faster.
How to do it:
Step 1: Join new yarn in the corner to begin, then start your first side, and work one side completely to the next corner.
Step 2: Then join new yarn in the first corner again, and work one side. Repeat until all rows are started, and first side is complete.
Step 3: Then one by one, advance each row a complete side to the next corner. Repeat until all sides of the blanket are finished, and voila, you have a whole border worked, instead of having to go around and around, seeing slow growth after each round.
2) Add a PomPom Edging
Use a novelty yarn to add that little something extra to your Modern Patchwork Blanket.
If you’re like me, you may have some of this novelty pompom yarn stowed away in the bottom of your yarn stash. You have seen blankets made with this yarn, but it seems like you just might never make one… Well ther is hope! You can use small amounts of this yarn at a time – depending on the size of your blanket – by adding a fun floofy edging.
For the little “floofs” in the edging on the blanket above, use a pompom yarn like Sirdar Sweetie (affiliate).
How to do it:
Add 2 rounds to your border as follows:
hold your pompom yarn along the top edge of your blanket. Working over the actual yarn portion of your pompom yarn, make a single crochet round, putting 3 sc in each corner. So you will be encasing the novelty yarn in the sc stitches. Make sure to keep the pompoms at the front side of the work, so that they can be seen when the blanket lies face up.
I like to add one more round to the blanket, using a hook 1 size smaller to make sure the border is not ruffling or floppy looking. Reverse single crochet will work great, or another round of single crochet will be okay too.
3) Incorporate a fun Kitty Square!
Add in any square with the same final stitch count.
Mix and match squares to create a more patchwork feel. I love the “Hello Kitty inspired” square – a freebie that you can find on the Internet. But I find you can even make small adjustments to any block you like so that the final stitch count is the same. Then, go wild!
How to do it:
If you google “hello kitty granny square” you will come up on an abundance of charts and written patterns. I have made this square many times and I even created a hexagon motif for the cat that will fit in with my Geometric Lace Pattern! Find that kitty hexagon here. (You will love that one!)
4) Change up your Modern Patchwork Blanket color palette!
Make it match your nursery style.
This may be the most fun way to make Modern Patchwork Blanket your own. Pick fresh new colors to make your blanket stand out. It’s so fun scrolling the projects people have made and seeing the colors chosen. I love it when you guys interpret my patterns in a new way! I think of a pattern like a recipe. You ought to make small changes to get it just the way you want it.
How to do it:
Take your wall art or bedding, and pull colors from it. Make the shades slightly darker or lighter to change up the feel so it’s not so matchy-matchy. If you don’t have something to pull colors from, you can certainly use a program like Design Seeds to help you choose a lovely palette.
I hope you enjoy making a Modern Patchwork Blanket! You may have seen it on Pinterest or on Bluprint, and now that I’ve updated it for clarity, it’s easier to create – even for a beginner.
If you’re looking for that perfect little something to add around the border of your latest crochet creation, you’ve come to the right place. Cherry Blossom Edging is so cute and reminds me of those gold leaf trees that we had in the 80s. lol, but in a good way. 🙂
Looking for something new to crochet? Scheepjes Yarns has released their latest issue of YARN bookazine, and it is so lush.
Find this issue here at > WoolWarehouse < for speedy delivery.
The theme for this issue is “WOMAN” and as a beautiful celebration of the pride and love that goes into being a woman. An expression of pride is present in every photograph.
Hi, y’all! This is the page for the 2018 VVCAL reboot – Of course the CAL is long over, but all of the patterns will live forever on my website – just scroll for all the links!
This pattern includes 35 unique squares, plus a few joining options, and the border.
Find this entire pattern (35 squares, join, and border) in a convenient PDF – 20 pages – on Etsy – Click here!
Social media note: We still use the old #VVCAL hashtag, to keep growing it. Please just use #VVCAL and/or #cypresstextiles to tag your social media WIP/FO pics.
VVCAL Reboot Quick Links
Ravelry ebook – motifs link back to their blog posts. Favorite the square, add it to your Ravelry queue, leave a comment, see others’ projects, and more!
Vibrant Vintage CAL (Official) Facebook Group All the CAL action! Post WIP/FO pics, ask questions, make comments, post anything VVCAL related, even your FO pic of the old 2016 VVCAL blanket that you just got around to finishing. 🙂
CypressTextiles Tree Huggers Facebook Group – This is my main FB group (join!). Share your VVCAL progress pics in this group if you like, and I will share CAL highlights here, but the weekly action will be in the other group linked above.
YouTube Channel (Subscribe!) – Here I will be posting CAL pattern videos weekly for the duration of the CAL – and I have loads of other tutorial videos too.
2016 CAL Info page – Just in case you want to use some of those patterns in your blanket. The squares all have the same final st count. Note: Find nice and neat 20-page PDF of all 33 VVCAL squares from 2016, plus wide lace border – all updated for clarity – includes written instruction and charts, small fee of $5 –Craftsy / Etsy.
Looking for Dutch Translation? All of these squares will be translated as we go! Get Dutch Translation of this post by clicking here. Many of my other patterns have been generously translated as well – by Iris of Een Mooi Gebaar – scroll down her page to see more!
Please order your yarn from one of the following links. I am affiliated with these shops, so by clicking the link below and buying any item, you will help support CypressTextiles and all of the content I produce – at no additional cost to you 🙂 Thank you for your support!
To make the VVCAL 62x74in blanket that following the pattern will produce, you will need 1200g of DK weight yarn. I do have the list of Scheepjes Softfun colors that I am using for the sample demo blanket in Warm Neutrals, and also the list for the alternate suggested colorway, Pastel Chic. These color numbers are listed at the end of this post. Of course, you can make the blanket any size, colors, or yarn weight that you like! So just click a link below and start browsing for your favorite yarns.
This is the list of colors and quantity of each that I will be using for the sample demo VVCAL blanket.
Scheepjes Softfun
2426 (Main Color used for joining and border) x 5 balls
2510 x 1 balls
2431 x 2 balls
2470 x 2 balls
2612 x 1 balls
2618 x 1 balls
2620 x 2 balls
2619 x 1 balls
Scheepjes Softfun Denim
502 x 1 balls
507 x 2 balls
511 x 2 balls
Scheepjes Softfun Aquarel
804 x 2 balls
806 x 2 balls
Pastel Chic Yarn List
Pastel Chic VVCAL reboot palette
This is a list of yarn colors and quantities for my alternate recommended VVCAL palette. I am giving away a pack of this palette! Read giveaway details above. So easy to enter! Just subscribe to my blog, and you’re in.
Scheepjes Softfun
2426 (Main Color) x 5 balls
2618 x 1 ball
2519 x 2 balls
2512 x 2 balls
2480 x 2 balls
2603 x 2 balls
2609 x 2 balls
Scheepjes Softfun Denim509 x 2 balls
511 x 2 balls
504 x 2 balls
507 x 2 balls
VVCAL Reboot Patterns
Make 63 squares. These squares are the ones for the 2018 VVCAL, but you can mix in some 2016 VVCAL squares as well – they are all the same size and final stitch count.
Make 1 of each of all these squares, except the plain granny square linked at the end of the list.
For the demo blanket, I edged the squares as the pattern suggests, but all of the extra squares I made are going into a baby blanket, and I will not be edging those squares. For this project, you can do as many squares as you like, and you can choose whether or not you want to edge them. The border (releasing October 5) is written for any size blanket, so it can be added to any blanket body. Many crafters added the 2016 VVCAL Border to their baby blankets and those photos brought me such joy! I believe a crochet pattern is like a recipe… You follow it the first time, then you adapt it to your tastes.
Just some of the squares, selected randomly and laid out:
And all of my extra squares that didn’t go into the demo blanket. The original 2018 VVCAL calls for whip st join for the squares, but these 30 will be joined with a continuous PLT join – using single crochet. You can see I’ve started at the top right already!
Make it your own!
To have some fun on your next square blanket – next baby blanket perhaps? – group a certain selection of squares however you like, using motifs that have complementary characteristics. I thought these four squares had a kind of similar “structure” to them, and they would look great in a blanket together.
List of squares: Crepe Myrtle, Rowan Tree, Ghost Gum, and Magnolia
Then I picked out just the squares that have bobbles in them. This way, there is still some visual variety, but they all have that shared element.
List of squares: Douglas Fir, Rowan Tree, Dogwood, Lilly Pilly, Gingko, and Crabapple
For the next set I took all of the squares that contain “petals” – don’t they look lovely together?
List of squares: Ghost Gum, Pecan Tree, Birch, Redbud, and Ponderosa
And for this final gathering, I took some floral beauties.
List of squares: Arbutus Tree, Australian Gum, Crepe Myrtle, Plumeria, Wisteria, Cherry Blossom
Have fun with your blankets, y’all – and remember you can even just take your absolute favorite square and just make a blanket with the one. Gorgeous!
Your lovely VVCAL makes
Now for the icing on the cake! It was so tough to choose a few, so again I really suggest checking out the VVCAL Facebook group, and my regular Tree Huggers Crochet group to see more inspiration.
First up, we have the lovely Heidi Ebel and her colorful squares. I love how she has the same colors for the plain grannies, then a mix of shades for the rest. Beautiful!
Next up, this stunning palette by Nicola McAree. Absolutely gorgeous squares, and I love how some are multi-color and some are solid. Nicola also chose to make all of her plain grannies identical. Lovely!
Next I have this superbly antique looking palette by Jasmine Ford. Jasmine made all of her grannies multi color and her design squares solid. The best part of running these CALs for me is the variety. Amazing!
Check out this incredible vintage look by Shân Powell Murley. I just adore how the colors come together, and the ornate way that each square looks different from the next. Phenomenal!
For a soft palette of inspirational color, check out this spread of squares by Linda Hill. Aren’t these beauties just cotton candy delicious? Fantastic!
Finally, I wanted to share from the group a lovely mix of squares by Tanya Cheek. The way these colors go together is just wonderful! My favorite part is the pairing of a mint green and an olive green – the best combo in my opinion! Super!
And you just know I couldn’t resist pulling some pics from the Instagram #VVCAL hashtag!
This sweet-as-candy combo by @madebyfraulitzi, paired with the Celtic Lace Mini join is just the best thing ever. Precious!
This piece by @m.ellehandmade may be a blanket of the squares from the 2016 VVCAL, but I couldn’t resist showing it off. Tropicaltastic!
Remember when I mentioned it would be great to pick out your favorite square and make a whole blanket of it? Well that’s just what @liefgehaakt did, and it came out so, so pretty. Elegant!
Last but not least, a complete beauty by @alicecloseknit that combines the 2018 and 2016 VVCALs. Stunner!
Remember we are using hashtag #VVCAL – so tag ’em if you got ’em!
Here are a few examples of how your blanket will look if you edge, vs. if you don’t. In my opinion, there are three options:
Edge your squares using all different colors.
Edge your squares using the same color throughout.
Don’t edge your squares at all.
And you can see an example here of how it looks on the individual square.
Note: If you are using one of the two suggested color palettes in the VVCAL – the Warm Neutrals palette, or the Pastel Chic palette, then simply edge your squares with a different color than the square itself, being sure to save the 5 main color balls for the joining and border.
VVCAL Square Edging
Rnd 1 Using edging color, ss in any corner st, beg dc in same st, (ch2, 2dc in same st, dc in all sts to next corner, dc in corner st) 4 times omitting final st, ss in beg dc. [100 dc, 4 sp]
Rnd 2 (3sc in corner sp, sc in all sts across to next corner) 4 times, ss in first sc, cut yarn. [112 sc]
Now available in the 2018 VVCAL PDF – the entire 2018 VVCAL pattern (35 squares, join, and this border) all together in one place! Get it today: ETSY or CRAFTSY
VVCAL Reboot Quick Links
Ravelry ebook – motifs link back to their blog posts. Favorite the square, add it to your Ravelry queue, leave a comment, see others’ projects, and more!
Vibrant Vintage CAL (Official) Facebook Group All the CAL action! Post WIP/FO pics, ask questions, make comments, post anything VVCAL related, even your FO pic of the old 2016 VVCAL blanket that you just got around to finishing. 🙂
CypressTextiles Tree Huggers Facebook Group – This is my main FB group (join!). Share your VVCAL progress pics in this group if you like, and I will share CAL highlights here, but the weekly action will be in the other group linked above.
YouTube Channel (Subscribe!) – Here I will be posting CAL pattern videos weekly for the duration of the CAL – and I have loads of other tutorial videos too.
2016 CAL Info page – Just in case you want to use some of those patterns in your blanket. The squares all have the same final st count. Note: Find nice and neat 20-page PDF of all 33 VVCAL squares from 2016, plus wide lace border – all updated for clarity – includes written instruction and charts, small fee of $5 –Craftsy / Etsy.
Looking for Dutch Translation? All of these squares will be translated as we go! Get Dutch Translation of this post by clicking here. Many of my other patterns have been generously translated as well – by Iris of Een Mooi Gebaar – scroll down her page to see more!
Welcome to my latest free crochet pattern, y’all! Carefree is finally here, and if fire comes out of your fingertips, you can make a lapghan for your ma, just in time for Mothers’ Day. Give mom some Carefree vibes!
Just wanted to drop a quick note to tell you some great news: I have decided to slowly update my older patterns in an effort to make them clearer to understand. Over time my pattern-writing skills have definitely improved! So, one by one, I’ll be making updates on my first designs. Next on my list is the Modern Patchwork Blanket!
Threaded Colors Chevron is definitely an oldie, but I think still a goodie.
Hi, y’all! Hope y’all had a beautiful Easter weekend, and are refreshed and ready to take on the world. We had an eventful weekend here at the Carmona house, and had loads of fun! But to get to the business at hand: I have something special for everyone today.
Yay! It’s all done! The first of 6 free crochet blankets in my Relaxghan series. Look forward to a new free crochet blanket pattern on the last day of the month, every month through July 2018.
In January, I decided to create a series of blanket patterns that were designed with an air of peacefulness and tranquility. Patterns that you can work on whenever you like, without stressing over any element. I’ve been saying lately: Crochet is meant to de-stress you, not re-stress you. The high strung and tightly wound among you will undoubtedly want to meticulously plan layouts, bypass stash to buy fresh new yarn, or frustratedly obsess over every pattern quirk.
This includes me. I am not a laid back person, and I’m as tightly wound as they come, but I’m trying to get better at relaxing. While constant tension does play a factor in CypressTextiles upward motion and in my own personal continuous improvement (pressure makes diamonds, or what-have-you), I’ve recently begun to appreciate letting the light in a bit more.
Maybe you also need to let some light in? Join me as I release a new free blanket pattern on the last day of every month from February to July. (Yes! The first pattern releases tomorrow, Feb 28!) Stash busters, remnant eaters, squares, hexagons, whip stitch, join as you go… it’s all in there.
Find all six condensed easy-print, ad free versions in PDF format, you can find them as a full ebook on Ravelry.
And here is a small taste of the six projects! Yippee!
Unbothered
Made of five simply casual square motifs which are worked in random blocks of color, Unbothered is a join-as-you-go piece that’s edged with a plain Jane no-waste border. Heart eyes.
A pretty circle motif with an adorable flower center, which is magically turned into a hexagon?? And with a lacy join built in? I’m there! Also: PINK background.
Sweet as candy, this design will keep you smiling as you work the large hexie motifs. They are easy as pie, and still manage to look intricate. Choose and mix bright colors without a care, channeling and indulging your inner bohemian spirit along the way.
Linen stitch is my all time favorite, and it’s perfect for dazing out and letting muscle memory take over. But this design doesn’t just stop at the unassuming linen st triangle shown below… there is much more in store to give good vibes! ❤️
A fresh new spin on the traditional granny square pattern, Let it Go is the perfect project for your Scheepjes Stone Washed and River Washed XL Cutie Pie Colour Pack. It uses every ball from the pack, and with the no-waste border, you can feel good about your pattern choice.
Yes! It’s the Stone Washed and River Washed cutie pie Colour Pack! I cannot wait to reveal more about these designs (the motifs are cuuute!) but I’m going to do my best to wait. On the blog it’ll be easy! Social media… yeaaaahhhh I’ll be sharing a bit 🙂
Thanks for taking the Relaxghans tour with me! I’m looking forward to sharing these patterns with you! For now, Happy Crafting, y’all 😁
Note: The links in this post are affiliate links. Shopping through them will help support CypressTextiles and allow me to continue to bring you loads of content. Plus, it doesn’t cost you any extra! ❤️
