Retro Zag Final Week 8 CAL

November 6, 2025Free Pattern, Retro Zag CALjulieyeagerdesigns

Ch-3 or Ch-2 at the beginning of a round counts as a dc. “Standing dc” can be substituted for the chain start.

Week 8: Assembly and Border

Attach filler triangles to Chevron Strip.

The beginning chain is a little flimsy so I added a row of sc across to help the filler triangles fit in.

SC Row: You are working into the same chains that formed the base of Row 1. Join MC with sc in base of beg ch-3,* [sc in 3-dc group, (sc in next chain) twice] three times, 3 sc in base of (3 dc,ch-3, 3 dc) group, [(sc in next chain) twice, sc in 3-dc group] three times, 3 sc in 4-ch sp.** Repeat * to ** eight times, omitting last 2 sc.

Fit the triangles and half-triangles into the chevron strips.

I used a slip stitch through the front loops join in one piece. Each triangle will fit into 24 st. The half triangles will take 14 st. Use the chain spaces if necessary.
When fillers are all joined together, add one row of sc in MC across the top edge that has 9 triangles. In order to fit perfectly with our 48 motifs, we will need about 17 st per triangle for a total of 153 st. The 6 motifs have 24 st per motif, plus about 1 st between motifs and at the edges, for a total of 151 st, so you can easily make it fit.

Join main body to Chevron panels.

I used slip stitch through the front loops for a little ridge. Other people have successfully used a granny join, single crochet, or whip stitch.

Border

Round 1: One round of sc in MC around entire afghan. 192 st on long sides, 159 on short sides, including 3 sc in corners.

For the following rounds, use whatever colors you have left.

Round 2: With Color B, {(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner sc, (sk 2 st, 3 dc in next st) across row, sk 2 st} four times, sl st to beg st, fasten off. (63 groups on long sides; 52 on short, with 3dc/ch2/3dc corners)

Round 3: With Color D, {(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner sc, (sk 2 st, 3 dc in next st) across row, sk 2 st} four times, sl st to beg st, fasten off. (64/53)

Round 4: With Color A, {(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner sc, (sk 2 st, 3 dc in next st) across row, sk 2 st} four times, sl st to beg st, fasten off. (65/54)

Round 5: With Color B, sc in each st around, with 3 sc in corner ch-3 sp. Fasten off. Weave in ends, enjoy!

Week 7 Retro Zag Afghan Mystery CAL

October 23, 2025Free Pattern, Retro Zag CALjulieyeagerdesigns

Ch-3 or Ch-2 at the beginning of a round counts as a dc. “Standing dc” can be substituted for the chain start.

Week 7

Continuous Granny Join as You Go

Lay out your 30 squares and join with Continuous Granny Join as You Go using your MC. This join adds a round to each motif as well as joining all the squares, with only one strand of yarn. There are many You-Tube videos explaining the join, and we used it a little bit earlier in Week Four. Our style of granny has “no” chains between groups and a “ch-2” in the corners. Some tutorials you see will have a “ch-1” between groups and a “ch-3” in corners but the principal is the same. (I used no chain and ch-2.) I like to use this diagram from Sandra Petit to guide me in what direction I am working:

My Arrangement

This is the arrangement I used, using Motif Numbers:

51234
12345
23451
34512
45123
51234

Alternate Arrangement

I also thought this looked good, but play around with it and choose your favorite. I usually lay them out on the floor and take a photo, then study the photo for best view. (Hint: The Chevron Strips will go to the left and right of this diagram.)

23451
23451
23451
23451
23451
23451

Week 7: Chevron fill-ins

Filler Triangle (Make 34)

These filler triangles are the only grannies where I add a ch-1 between granny groups, just for a little stretch when fitting in.

Round 1: Ch 4, join to first ch with slip st to form ring, ch 4 (counts as dc and ch-1), 3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc, ch 1, dc in ring, turn.

Round 2: Ch 4, 3 dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp, turn.

Round 3: Ch 4, [(3 dc, ch 1) in ch-1 sp] twice, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next sp, [(ch 1, 3 dc) in next sp] twice, ch 1, dc in 3rd ch of turning ch-4, fasten off.

Half Triangle (Make 4)

Round 1: Ch 4, join to first ch with slip st to form ring, ch 4 (counts as dc and ch-1), (3 dc, ch 1, dc) in ring, turn.

Round 2: Ch 4, 3 dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 1, dc) in next sp, turn.

Round 3: Ch 4, [(3 dc, ch 1) in next ch-1 sp] three times, dc in 3rd ch of turning ch-4, fasten off.

Copyright 2025 Julie Yeager Designs.
See all at www.julieyeagerdesigns.com, or my Ravelry store. Contact me via e-mail at julieyeagerdesigns@ gmail.com

Retro Zag Mystery Afghan CAL Week 6

October 18, 2025Free Pattern, Retro Zag CALjulieyeagerdesigns

Ch-3 or Ch-2 at the beginning of a round counts as a dc. “Standing dc” can be substituted for the chain start.

CL – Cluster: (dc to last step) three times, YO, pull through all 4 loops on hook

Week 6: Granny Chevron strips (make 2)

With MC, ch 210. (Chain a couple of extra for miscounts, then pick off later..)

Row 1: 3 dc in 4th st from hook, (sk 2 ch, 3 dc in next ch) twice, sk 2 ch, [(3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next ch (sk 2 ch, 3 dc in next ch) twice, sk 2 ch, Cl in next ch, sk 4 ch, Cl in next ch, (sk 2 ch, 3 dc in next ch) twice] 8 times, sk 2 ch, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next ch (sk 2 ch, 3 dc in next ch) three times, sk 2 ch, dc in last ch, changing to next color with last YO, turn.

Row 2: Ch 3, (3 dc in sp between dc groups) three times, [(3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in ch-3 sp, (3 dc in next sp) twice, (Cl in next sp) twice (skipping sp between CL), (3 dc in next sp) twice] eight times, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in ch-3 sp (3 dc in next sp) three times, dc in turning ch-3, changing to next color with last YO.

Rows 3 – 8: Repeat Row 2.

Color sequence:
Starting chain and Row 1: MC
Row 2: D
Row 3: A
Row 4: MC
Row 5: MC
Row 6: C
Row 7: B
Row 8: MC

Retro Zag Mystery CAL Week 5

October 16, 2025Free Pattern, Retro Zag CALjulieyeagerdesigns

Retro Zag Afghan By Julie Yeager Designs
Loops and Threads Impeccable (#4 yarn with 4.5 ounce/127.5g skeins with 285 yards/260 m) Hook Size H ( 5.0 mm)
MC (Main Color): Aran 5 skeins Color A: Grass 2 skeins
Color B: Deep Forest 2 skeins Color C: Forest 2 skeins
Color D: Sphagnum 2 skeins Color E: Vanna’s Choice Espresso (discontinued) or Red Heart Super Saver Coffee 1 skein
Abbreviations and Special Stitches
beg – beginning BegPC – beginning popcorn Ch – chain dc – double crochet PC – popcorn sl- slip stitch sc – single crochet st – stitch sts – stitches sp – space
Beginning Popcorn: (Ch 3, 4 dc in designated st or sp.) Remove hook from 5th st. Place hook into the top of the beginning ch-3 from front to back, then into the working loop that was left hanging on the fourth dc, and pull that loop through the first st. The ch-2 that follows includes a ch-1 to tighten the popcorn.
Popcorn: (5 dc in designated st or sp.) Remove hook from 5th st. Place hook under the two loops of the first of 5 dc from front to back, then into the working loop that was left hanging on the fifth dc, and pull that loop through the first st. The ch-2 that follows includes a ch-1 to tighten the popcorn.

Space between groups: The 3-dc granny group is almost square, so when I say “space between groups” it either means a group of 3 dc whether they are lying vertically or horizontally. So we can work along the edge of rows in the same ratio as working in rows or rounds.

Ch-3 or Ch-2 at the beginning of a round counts as a dc. “Standing dc” can be substituted for the chain start.

Motif 5: Round Flower Rectangle Granny (Make 6)

Round 1: With E, ch 4, join with sl st to form a ring. Ch 3, (dc in ring) fifteen times, sl st to top of beg ch-3. Fasten off.(16 dc)

Round 2: Join A with sl st between 2 dc, Beg PC in same sp, [ch 2, sk 2 dc, PC in next sp between dc] seven times, ch 2, sl st to Beg PC, fasten off. (8 PC, 8 ch-2 sp)

Round 3: Join B with sl st in any ch-2 sp, ch 3, (dc, ch 1, 2 dc, ch 1) in same sp. [(2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc, ch 1) in next ch-2 sp] seven times, sl st to top of beg ch-3, fasten off. (32 dc, 16 ch-1 sp)

Round 4: Join C with sl st in any ch-1 sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp. (3 dc in next ch-1 sp) fifteen times, sl st to top of beg ch-3, fasten off. (48 dc)

Round 5: (Sp refers to a space between groups of 3-dc.) Join MC with sl st in any sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp. [3 hdc in next sp, 3 sc in next sp, 3 hdc in next sp, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next sp] three times, 3 hdc in next sp, 3 sc in next sp, 3 hdc in next sp, 3 dc in same sp as beginning, join to top of beg ch-3 with an hdc (counts as a ch-2 sp). Do not fasten off. (60 dc, 4 ch-2 sp)

Row 6 (Right Side): Ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, (3 dc in next sp between groups) five times, turn. (18 dc)

Row 7 (Wrong Side): Ch 2 or 3 (counts as dc), (3 dc in next sp between groups) five times, dc in top of beg ch-3, turn. (17 dc)

Row 8 (RS): Repeat Row 6. (18 dc)

Row 9 (WS): Repeat Row 7, fasten off. (17 dc)

Row 10 (RS): Rotate piece so flower is on the right side. Join Color D with sl st in upper right space (corner ch-2 sp of Round 5.) Ch 3, 2 dc in ch-2 sp, (3 dc in next sp between groups) seven times, turn. (24 dc)

Row 11 (WS): Ch 2 or 3 (counts as dc), (3 dc in next sp between groups) seven times, dc in top of beg ch-3, turn. (23 dc)

Row 12 (RS): Ch 3, 2 dc in sp between dc and next 3-dc group, (3 dc in next sp between groups) seven times, turn. (24 dc)

Rows 13 (WS): Repeat Row 11, fasten off D. (23 dc)

* After a number of motifs are finished, they will be joined together using a Continuous Granny Join as you Go which is described in many You tube videos. More Info Later. If you do not wish to use the Continuous Granny Join as you Go, you can add a final round here to the motif, and then join later with whipstitch, slip stitch, single crochet, or any preferred method. I recommend slip stitch through the front loops OR Flat Slip Stitch Join.

Final Round (If Desired):

Join MC with sl st in any corner sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp. [(3 dc in next sp between groups) six times, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next sp for corner] three times, (3 dc in next sp between groups) six times, 3 dc in same sp as beg, hdc join to top of beg ch-3, fasten off. (96 dc, 4 ch-2 sp)

Retro Zag Mystery CAL Week 4

October 9, 2025Free Pattern, Retro Zag CALjulieyeagerdesigns

Retro Zag Afghan By Julie Yeager Designs

Loops and Threads Impeccable (#4 yarn with 4.5 ounce/127.5g skeins with 285 yards/260 m) Hook Size H ( 5.0 mm)
MC (Main Color): Aran 5 skeins Color A: Grass 2 skeins
Color B: Deep Forest 2 skeins Color C: Forest 2 skeins
Color D: Sphagnum 2 skeins Color E: Vanna’s Choice Espresso (discontinued) or Red Heart Super Saver Coffee 1 skein

Abbreviations and Special Stitches
beg – beginning BegPC – beginning popcorn Ch – chain dc – double crochet PC – popcorn sl- slip stitch sc – single crochet st – stitch sts – stitches sp – space
Beginning Popcorn: (Ch 3, 4 dc in designated st or sp.) Remove hook from 5th st. Place hook into the top of the beginning ch-3 from front to back, then into the working loop that was left hanging on the fourth dc, and pull that loop through the first st. The ch-2 that follows includes a ch-1 to tighten the popcorn.
Popcorn: (5 dc in designated st or sp.) Remove hook from 5th st. Place hook under the two loops of the first of 5 dc from front to back, then into the working loop that was left hanging on the fifth dc, and pull that loop through the first st. The ch-2 that follows includes a ch-1 to tighten the popcorn.

Space between groups: The 3-dc granny group is almost square, so when I say “space between groups” it either means a group of 3 dc whether they are lying vertically or horizontally. So we can work along the edge of rows in the same ratio as working in rows or rounds.

Ch-3 or Ch-2 at the beginning of a round counts as a dc. “Standing dc” can be substituted for the chain start.

Motif 4: Multi-Flowers

(Make 24 minis to be combined into 6 full motifs. Each of the 6 motifs will consist of 4 Mini Motifs, so you need a total of 24. You can start with 4 to practice the next step.)

Round 1: With E, ch 4, join with sl st to form a ring. Ch 3, (dc in ring) fifteen times, sl st to top of beg ch-3. Fasten off.(16 dc)

Round 2: Join A with sl st between 2 dc, Beg PC in same sp, [ch 2, sk 2 dc, PC in next sp between dc] seven times, ch 2, sl st to Beg PC, fasten off. (8 PC, 8 ch-2 sp)

Round 3: Join B with sl st in any ch-2 sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp. [(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp, 3 dc in next ch-2 sp] three times, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp, sl st to top of beg ch-3, fasten off. (36 dc, 4 ch-2 sp)

After you do all 24 squares through the end of Round 3, you have a decision to make. If you are going to do your whole afghan with Continuous Granny Join as you Go, then you need to add a round and join these 4 squares only through the inner corners, in other words, the additional row and join will look like a plus sign “+” and will leave the outer perimeter unworked. Follow the bold highlighted instructions below.

If you are joining using other methods, (not using Continuous Granny Join as you Go,) then proceed with Round 4 around all the 24 squares, following the italics highlighted instructions.

Round 4 (if not doing Continuous Granny Join as you Go): Join MC with sl sp in any corner ch-2 sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, [(3 dc in next sp between groups) twice, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next sp for corner] three times, (3 dc in next sp between groups) twice, 3 dc in same sp as beg, hdc join to top of beg ch-3, fasten off. (32 dc, 4 ch-2 sp) Join 24 squares into 6 motifs of four each using your favorite joining method, for example, whipstitch, slip stitch, single crochet, or any preferred method. I recommend slip stitch through the front loops OR Flat Slip Stitch Join.

Continuous granny join internal only! This Join will look like a “+” sign on the inner margins of the four squares. This join adds a (partial) round while joining the squares. The outer perimeter remains unworked. This is so the four mini-motifs together are equal in size to the other square motifs from Weeks 1-3 and can all be joined together at the end. It’s a little tricky but I will spell it out. There are many You-Tube videos of this technique. Our style of granny has “no” chains between groups and a “ch-2” in the corners. Some tutorials you see will have a “ch-1” between groups and a “ch-3” in corners but the principal is the same.

Line up 4 mini motifs in a square like this. MM1 means mini motif #1, etc. Marked means marked with a symbol. (The 1st motif has a symbol at the upper left corner, the #2 motif has a symbol at the upper right corner, the #3 motif has a symbol at the lower right corner, the #4 motif has a symbol at the lower left corner.
“Sp” can refer to a “space between groups” or a ch-2 corner space.

,4 ‘1
3, 2’

Join MC with sl st in marked corner sp of Mini Motif 1, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, (3 dc in next sp between groups) twice, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next sp for corner, (3 dc in next sp) three times, ch 2.

3 dc in marked corner of Mini Motif 2, (sl st in sp between groups in MM1, 3 dc in next sp between groups in MM2) three times, ch 1, sl st in ch-2 sp of MM1, ch 1, 3 dc in same sp of current MM where you placed last 3-dc. (3 dc in next sp) three times, ch 2.

3 dc in marked corner of Mini Motif 3. (sl st in sp between groups in MM2, 3 dc in next sp between groups in MM3) three times, ch 1, sl st in ch-2 sp of MM 1 (diagonally across) ch 1, 3 dc in same sp of MM3 where you placed last 3-dc, (3 dc in next sp) three times, ch 2.

3 dc in marked corner of Mini Motif 4. (sl st in sp between groups in MM3, 3 dc in next sp between groups) three times, ch 1, sl st in ch-2 sp of MM2 (diagonally across), ch 1, 3 dc in same sp of MM4 where you placed last 3-dc, (sl st in sp between groups in MM1, 3 dc in next sp between groups) three times, join to top of beg ch-3 in MM1 with hdc, fasten off.

Retro Zag Mystery CAL Week 3

October 2, 2025Free Pattern, Retro Zag CALjulieyeagerdesigns

Retro Zag Afghan by Julie Yeager

Motif 3: Flower Rectangle L Granny (Make 6)

Round 1: With E, ch 4, join with sl st to form a ring. Ch 3, (dc in ring) fifteen times, sl st to top of beg ch-3. Fasten off.(16 dc)

Round 2: Join A with sl st between 2 dc, Beg PC in same sp, [ch 2, sk 2 dc, PC in next sp between dc] seven times, ch 2, sl st to Beg PC, fasten off. (8 PC, 8 ch-2 sp)

Round 4: (Just working around 2 sides for this and next 3 rounds.) Tip: For the first granny group of this and each even numbered row, try ch 2, 3 dc. Try both and see which you like better. Join C with sl st in any ch-2 sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, (3 dc in next sp between groups) twice, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in ch-2 sp, (3 dc in next sp between groups) twice, 3 dc in ch-2 sp, turn. (24 dc, one ch-2 sp)

Round 5: Ch 2 or 3 (counts as dc), (3 dc in next sp between groups) three times, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in ch-2 sp, (3 dc in next sp between groups) three times, dc in top of beg ch-3, changing to Color D with last yarnover. Fasten off C. Turn. (26 dc, one ch-2 sp )

Round 6: With Color D, ch 3, 2 dc in sp between the dc and the 3 dc group, (3 dc in next sp between groups) three times, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in ch-2 sp, (3 dc in next sp between groups) three times, 3 dc in sp between 3-dc group and dc, turn. (30 dc, one ch-2 sp)

Round 7: Ch 2 or 3 (counts as dc), (3 dc in next sp between groups) four times, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in ch-2 sp, (3 dc in next sp between groups) four times, dc in top of beg ch-3, changing to MC with last YO, turn. Fasten off D. (32 dc, one ch-2 sp)

Row 8: With MC, ch 3, 2 dc in sp between the dc and the 3-dc group, (3 dc in next sp between groups) four times, 3 dc in sp between 3-dc group and dc, turn. (18 dc)

Row 9: Ch 2 or 3 (counts as dc), (3 dc in next sp between groups) five times, dc in top of beg ch-3, turn. (17 dc)4

Rows 10 & 11: Repeat Rows 8 and 9, fasten off MC.

Turn piece so flower is in right upper corner. Join Color C with sl st in upper right space (corner ch-2 sp of Round 3.)

Row 12: Ch 3, 2 dc in ch-2 sp, (3 dc in next sp between groups) seven times, turn. (24 dc)

Row 13: Ch 2 or 3 (counts as dc), (3 dc in next sp between groups) seven times, dc in top of beg ch-3, turn.(23 dc)

Rows 14 & 15: Repeat Rows 12 and 13, fasten off C.

Final Round (If Desired):

Copyright 2025 Julie Yeager Designs.
See all at www.julieyeagerdesigns.com, or my Ravelry store. Contact me via e-mail at julieyeagerdesigns@ gmail.com

Retro Zag Mystery CAL Week 2

September 25, 2025Free Pattern, Retro Zag CALjulieyeagerdesigns

Retro Zag Afghan By Julie Yeager Designs

Loops and Threads Impeccable (#4 yarn with 4.5 ounce/127.5g skeins with 285 yards/260 m) Hook Size H ( 5.0 mm)

MC (Main Color): Aran 5 skeins Color A: Grass 2 skeins
Color B: Deep Forest 2 skeins Color C: Forest 2 skeins
Color D: Sphagnum 2 skeins Color E: Vanna’s Choice Espresso (discontinued) or Red Heart Super Saver Coffee 1 skein

Beginning Popcorn: (Ch 3, 4 dc in designated st or sp.) Remove hook from 5th st. Place hook into the top of the beginning ch-3 from front to back, then into the working loop that was left hanging on the fourth dc, and pull that loop through the first st. The ch-2 that follows includes a ch-1 to tighten the popcorn.

Popcorn: (5 dc in designated st or sp.) Remove hook from 5th st. Place hook under the two loops of the first of 5 dc from front to back, then into the working loop that was left hanging on the fifth dc, and pull that loop through the first st. The ch-2 that follows includes a ch-1 to tighten the popcorn.

Space between groups: The 3-dc granny group is almost square, so when I say “space between groups” it either means a group of 3 dc whether they are lying vertically or horizontally. So we can work along the edge of rows in the same ratio as working in rows or rounds.

Ch-3 or Ch-2 at the beginning of a round counts as a dc. “Standing dc” can be substituted for the chain start.

Motif 2: Round Flower Offset Granny (Make 6)

Round 1: With E, ch 4, join with sl st to form a ring. Ch 3, (dc in ring) fifteen times, sl st to top of beg ch-3. Fasten off.(16 dc)

Round 2: Join A with sl st between 2 dc, Beg PC in same sp, [ch 2, sk 2 dc, PC in next sp between dc] seven times, ch 2, sl st to Beg PC, fasten off. (8 PC, 8 ch-2 sp)

Round 3: Join B with sl st in any ch-2 sp, ch 3, (dc, ch 1, 2 dc, ch 1) in same sp. [(2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc, ch 1) in next ch-2 sp] seven times, sl st to top of beg ch-3, fasten off. (32 dc, 16 ch-1 sp)

Round 4: Join C with sl st in any ch-1 sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp. (3 dc in next ch-1 sp) fifteen times, sl st to top of beg ch-3, fasten off. (48 dc)

Round 5: (Sp refers to a space between groups of 3-dc.) Join MC with sl st in any sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp. [3 hdc in next sp, 3 sc in next sp, 3 hdc in next sp, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next sp] three times, 3 hdc in next sp, 3 sc in next sp, 3 hdc in next sp, 3 dc in same sp as beginning, then join to top of beg ch-3 with an hdc (counts as a ch-2 sp). Do Not fasten off. (60 st, 4 ch-2 sp)

Round 6: (Just working around 2 sides for this and next 3 rounds.) Tip: For the first granny group of this and each even numbered round, try (ch 2, 3 dc) instead of (ch 3, 2 dc) and leave the ch-2 unworked on the next row. Try both and see which you like better. With MC, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, (3 dc in next sp between groups) four times, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in ch-2 sp, (3 dc in next sp between groups) four times, 3 dc in ch-2 sp, turn. (36 dc, one ch-2 sp)

Round 7: Ch 2 or 3 (counts as dc), (3 dc in next sp between groups) five times, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in ch-2 sp, (3 dc in next sp between groups) five times, dc in top of beg ch-3. Turn. (38 dc, one ch-2 sp )

Round 8: Ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, (3 dc in next sp between groups) five times, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in ch-2 sp, (3 dc in next sp between groups) five times, 3 dc in ch-2 sp, turn. (42 dc, one ch-2 sp)

Round 9: Ch 2 or 3 (counts as dc), (3 dc in next sp between groups) six times, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in ch-2 sp, (3 dc in next sp between groups) six times, dc in top of beg ch-3. Fasten off MC OR add finishing Round. (44 dc, one ch-2 sp )

* After a number of motifs are finished, they will be joined together using a Continuous Granny Join as you Go which adds a final round and is described in many You tube videos. More Info Later. If you do not wish to use the Continuous Granny Join as you Go, you can add a final round here to the motif, and then join later with whipstitch, slip stitch, single crochet, or any preferred method. I recommend slip stitch through the front loops OR Flat Slip Stitch Join.

Final Round (If Desired):

Retro Zag Afghan Mystery CAL – Week 1

September 18, 2025Free Pattern, Retro Zag CALjulieyeagerdesigns

Retro Zag Afghan
By Julie Yeager Designs

For Retro Zag Afghan, I used a Main Color plus five coordinating shades of mostly green. I am using Loops and Threads Impeccable. The finished size is 56” x 72”. If you use dk yarn it will probably be about 48” x 60”. You can use any yarn you like and color it however you’d like..

Loops and Threads Impeccable (#4 yarn with 4.5 ounce/127.5g skeins with 285 yards/260 m) Hook Size H ( 5.0 mm)
MC (Main Color): Aran 5 skeins
Color A: Grass 2 skeins
Color B: Deep Forest 2 skeins
Color C: Forest 2 skeins
Color D: Sphagnum 2 skeins
Color E: Vanna’s Choice Espresso (discontinued) or Red Heart Super Saver Coffee 1 skein

Beginning Popcorn: (Ch 3, 4 dc in designated st or sp.) Remove hook from 5th st. Place hook into the top of the beginning ch-3 from front to back, then into the working loop that was left hanging on the fourth dc, and pull that loop through the first st. The ch-2 that follows includes a ch-1 to tighten the popcorn.

Popcorn: (5 dc in designated st or sp.) Remove hook from 5th st. Place hook under the two loops of the first of 5 dc from front to back, then into the working loop that was left hanging on the fifth dc, and pull that loop through the first st. The ch-2 that follows includes a ch-1 to tighten the popcorn.

Ch-3 or Ch-2 at the beginning of a round counts as a dc. “Standing dc” can be substituted for the chain start.

Motif 1: Flower Rectangle Offset Granny (Make 6) About 8” square. 9” with final round.

Round 1: With E, ch 4, join with sl st to form a ring. Ch 3, (dc in ring) fifteen times, sl st to top of beg ch-3. Fasten off.(16 dc)

Round 2: (In this round, the stitches are placed into the “space” between two stitches, not into the two loops of the dc.) Join A with sl st between 2 dc, Beg PC in same sp, [ch 2, sk 2 dc, PC in next sp between dc] seven times, ch 2, sl st to Beg PC, fasten off. (8 PC, 8 ch-2 sp)

Round 4: (Just working around 2 sides for this and next 3 rounds.) Tip: For the first granny group of this and each even numbered row, try ch 2, 3 dc. The ch-2 would not count as a stitch. Try both and see which you like better. Join C with sl st in any ch-2 sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, (3 dc in next sp between groups) twice, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in ch-2 sp, (3 dc in next sp between groups) twice, 3 dc in ch-2 sp. Turn. (24 dc, one ch-2 sp)

Round 5 (Wrong Side): Ch 2 or 3 (counts as dc), (3 dc in next sp between groups) three times, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in ch-2 sp, (3 dc in next sp between groups) three times, dc in top of beg ch-3, changing to Color D with last yarnover. Fasten off C. Turn. (26 dc, one ch-2 sp )

Round 6: With Color D, ch 3, 2 dc in sp between the dc and the 3 dc group, (3 dc in next sp between groups) three times, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in ch-2 sp, (3 dc in next sp between groups) three times, 3 dc in sp between 3-dc group and dc. Turn. (30 dc, one ch-2 sp)

Round 7 (Wrong Side): Ch 2 or 3 (counts as dc), (3 dc in next sp between groups) four times, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in ch-2 sp, (3 dc in next sp between groups) four times, dc in top of beg ch-3. Turn. (32 dc, one ch-2 sp)

Row 8: Continuing with Color D, ch 3, 2 dc in sp between the dc and the 3 dc group, (3 dc in next sp between groups) four times, 3 dc in sp between 3-dc group and dc. Turn. (18 dc)

Row 9 (Wrong Side): Ch 2 or 3 (counts as dc), (3 dc in next sp between groups) five times, dc in top of beg ch-3. Turn. (17 dc)

Rows 10 & 11: Repeat Rows 8 and 9, fasten off D.

Rotate piece so flower is in left lower corner. Join MC with sl st in upper right space (between first ch-3 of Row 11 and last 3-ch group of Row 10.)

Row 12: (As previously noted, some “sp between groups” are worked normally on the row in between “3 dc” groups. On the sides of the piece, the “sp between groups” is a ch-3. The “ch-3 group” is square so it works out nicely.) Ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, (3 dc in next sp between groups) six times, 3 dc in sp between 3-dc group and dc. Turn. (24 dc)

Row 13 (Wrong side): Ch 2 or 3 (counts as dc), (3 dc in next sp between groups) seven times, dc in top of beg ch-3. Turn. (23 dc)

Rows 14 & 15: Repeat Rows 12 and 13, fasten off MC OR add Final Round.

Final Round (If Desired):
Join MC with sl st in any corner sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp. [(3 dc in next sp between groups) six times, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next sp for corner] three times, (3 dc in next sp between groups) six times, 3 dc in same sp as beg, hdc join to top of beg ch-3, fasten off. (96 dc, 4 ch-2 sp)

Copyright 2025 Julie Yeager Designs.
See all at www.julieyeagerdesigns.com, or my Ravelry store. Contact me via e-mail at julieyeagerdesigns at gmail.com

Welcome back! Newletter problems resolved!

August 22, 2025Retro Zag CALjulieyeagerdesigns

Retro Zag Afghan CAL coming soon beginning September 19, 2025.

Come Crochet Along with JulieAnny as we work through a new design over a period of about nine weeks. Clue will be given as a free Ravelry download updated each Friday at midnight EST during the CAL and also updated here on the blog/website/newletter.

The Ravelry pattern is here.

Chat and share progress on my Ravelry Chat board and/or Facebook Crochet Along Page. Please make a Ravelry project page, chat, share photos, and help spread the word about my designs.

See last week’s post for more details and the sneak peek clue. Hopefully this post will reach all subscribers and thank you for your patience.

New (FREE) CAL Coming Soon – Retro Zag

August 20, 2025Free Pattern, Retro Zag CALcal, crochet, free, free pattern, granny, julieanny, julieyeagerdesignsjulieyeagerdesigns

Retro Zag Afghan
New CAL coming soon beginning September 19, 2025.

Come Crochet Along with JulieAnny as we work through a new design over a period of about nine weeks. Clue will be given as a free Ravelry download updated each Friday at midnight EST during the CAL. I was having problems with my website/blog/newsletter but I think we are back in business so I will update here too if possible.

The Ravelry pattern is here.

Chat and share progress on my Ravelry Chat board and/or Facebook Crochet Along Page. Please make a Ravelry project page, chat, share photos, and help spread the word about my designs.

Retro Zag is a fun floral + graphic design with a Mid-Century Modern feel using familiar relaxing crochet motifs and an easy join. It is not a one-piece design but the pieces fit together perfectly and your finished result will be unique and satisfying. A little similar in feel to one of our previous CALs, Deco’Ghan, but easier.

Check out my previous Mystery Crochet Alongs which have hundreds of finished photos on Ravelry. Now Paid Patterns available on Ravelry, Etsy, and LoveCrafts.

2011: Hexaghan 2012: September Morning
2013: Garden State Afghan 2014: Deco’Ghan
2015: Summer Mosaic Afghan 2016: Sweet Pea Afghan
2017: Midday Mandala 2019: Octa’Ghan
2021: Four Winds Afghan 2023: Bohemian Hexagons

For Retro Zag Afghan, I used a Main Color plus five coordinating shades of mostly green. I am using Loops and Threads Impeccable for the prototype. Impeccable is #4 yarn with 4.5 ounce/127.5g skeins with 285 yards/260 m. If you use dk yarn you can make more motifs with no alteration of the look. You can use any yarn you like and color it however you’d like.

Loops and Threads Impeccable Hook Size H ( 5.0 mm)
MC (Main Color): Aran 4 skeins Color A: Grass 2 skeins
Color B: Deep Forest 2 skeins Color C: Forest 2 skeins
Color D: Sphagnum 2 skeins Color E: Vanna’s Choice Espresso (discontinued) or Red Heart Super Saver Coffee (couldn’t find a deep brown in the Impeccable.) One skein but you can substitute the Deep Forest or any dark or even a bright color. (think center of a flower.)

Abbreviations and Special Stitches
beg – beginning BPC – beginning popcorn Ch – chain dc – double crochet PC – popcorn sl- slip stitch sc – single crochet st – stitch sts – stitches sp – space
Beginning Popcorn: (Ch 3, 4 dc in designated st or sp.) Remove hook from st. Place hook through top of beg ch-3 to back, grab working yarn and pull through.
Popcorn: (5 dc in designated st or sp.) Remove hook from st. Place hook through first of 5 dc to the back, grab working yarn and pull through.

Teaser Clue: Flower Granny Center (You will need a bunch of these. 48 to be exact. 6 each for the first three weeks.)

Round 1: With E, ch 4, join with sl st to form a ring. Ch 3, (dc in ring) 15 times, sl st to top of beg ch-3. Fasten off.(16 dc)

Round 2: Join A with sl st between 2 dc, Beg PC in same sp, [ch 2, sk 2 dc, PC in next sp between dc] 7 times, ch 2, sl st to Beg PC, fasten off. (8 PC, 8 ch-2 sp)

Updated in chat: YAY! Great to see you all joining in. I am still working on the pattern, but just to let you know, it consists of very soothing motifs based on our traditional granny square – so easy and fun, and designed to fit together just right. I am learning quite a bit about granny square construction in squares and in rows, log cabin style, chevron, and continuous join. Just enough repetition to have in your travel bag, and satisfying construction at the end.