Secret Designer Tip!

Tutorial skill level: Beginner

Today I am going to share with you a Secret Designer Tip! When you want to crochet a blanket (scarf, afghan square, etc.) that is worked in rows and you don’t want to use the same yarn or crochet hook that the original Designer used, you can. Easily.

I use this method when I’m designing blankets, or scarves or anything that is worked in rows.

I decide how big I want my finished blanket (Blanket Size Chart) and I crochet my foundation chain to the width I want for my blanket and then add an additional 2 to 3 inches of extra chain stitches.

EXAMPLE:

Finished Blanket Width: 32 inches

Edging I want to add: 2 inches on each side (so total of 4 inches needed for edging)

Finished Blanket Width Less the Edging Width: 28 inches

Foundation Chain Length: 30-31 inches (28 inches plus 2-3 extra inches of chain stitches)

I don’t have to worry about the stitch multiple or counting my stitches I just crochet to the width plus the extra 2-3 inches of chains.

Once I reach this chain length, I start working the first row of the pattern. I double check my width as I go until I reach approximately 28 inches. When I reach this width I make sure that my row ends in the same place as the written pattern. So I either complete the last repeat of the row, or remove any extra stitches I worked in a partial repeat.

Then I begin Row 2 and leave those unworked chains, unworked.

After I complete Row 2, I just remove those extra chains using this super easy method.

Then just crochet your blanket until you reach the length you want it to be (less the edging), making sure to finish on the same row as the pattern is written (so if there is a repeat of Row 2 and Row 3 that you have to follow, make sure you finish after you have repeated a Row 3).

So to make this easier here are the 1o steps.

Secret Designer Tip!

Choose your yarn and hook.
Choose the blanket size you want to make (Common Blanket Sizes).
Chain your foundation chain until you reach the width of the blanket then add 3 extra inches of chains.
Work the pattern (the rest of Row 1) until you reach the width blanket you want (don’t forget to account for any edging you want to add).
Make sure you finish the repeat in the blanket pattern to end your row in the same spot as the pattern does.
Leave the remaining chains unworked.
Work Row 2.
Remove the extra chain stitches (see how easy it is here).
Follow the pattern until you have the length blanket you want (don’t forget to account for the edging).
Make sure you finish the repeat in the blanket pattern, then add the edging.