I’m excited to have a new pattern to share – this is a 6″ square called Breeze Block, and this week I am the featured designer in Underground Crafter’s CAL, the Melange Blanket. Six-inch squares are easy and manageable and make a great year long CAL. Thanks to Marie Segares of Underground Crafter for organizing this fun CAL and asking me to participate. Links to the rest of the year’s free squares can be found on Marie’s blog: Underground Crafter.

I designed Breeze Block to resemble a decorative concrete block design sometimes called Breeze Blocks. The only tricky stitches are a few FPtr in the last round. Front Post treble crochet – just remember to yarnover 2 times and front post as usual! I think this design will be a fabulous addition to your sampler blanket and also look wonderful on its own repeated in a full blanket (stay tuned.) (I debated whether to use FPtr or FPdtr – 2 yarnovers or 3 yarnovers. I finally decided FPtr would be best but If you are a tight crocheter you can opt to use the 3 yarnover FPdtr instead!)

Breeze Block by Julie Yeager

6” Afghan Block

U.S.Crochet Terms Crochet Hook size J  (6.0 mm) 

Materials: Worsted or Aran weight Acrylic

Color A: Aqua    Color B: Chocolate  

Ch – chain  dc – double crochet   FPtr – front post treble crochet    sk – skip   sl – slip   sp – space   st – stitch  tr – treble crochet   YO – yarn over 

FPtr – Front Post treble crochet:  YO 2 times, insert hook from front to back around post of stitch; YO and draw through (4 loops on hook); YO and draw through 2 loops (3 loops on hook); YO and draw through 2 loops (2 loops on hook), YO and draw through 2 loops (1 loop on hook.)

Notes:  Ch-4 at the beginning of a round counts as a tr. “Standing” tr may be used instead of ch-4 to start a round, but I found the ch-4 worked better used consistently. “Omitting last stitches” means that those stitches were already completed at the beginning of the round.

Round 1: With Color A, ch 4, join with sl st to form ring, ch 4, 3 dc in ring, (tr, 3 dc in ring) three times, sl st to top of beg ch-4. (16 st) 

Round 2: Ch 4, 2 dc in same st as join, [dc in next 3 st, (2 dc, tr, 2 dc) in tr for corner] four times, omitting last 3 st. Sl st to top of beg ch-4, fasten off. (32 st) 

Round 3: Join Color B with sl st in tr of any corner, ch 4. 2 dc in same st. (Dc in next 7 st, (2 dc, tr, 2 dc) in tr for corner] four times, omitting last 3 st. Sl st to top of beg ch-4. Fasten off. (48 st) 

Round 4: Join Color A with sl st in tr of any corner, ch 4. 2 dc in same st. (Dc in next 11 st, (2 dc, tr, 2 dc) in tr for corner] four times, omitting last 3 st. Sl st to top of beg ch-4. Fasten off. (64 st) 

Round 5: Join Color B with sl st in tr of any corner, ch 4. 2 dc in same st. [(Dc in next 12 st, FPtr around dc below in Rd 3 (the 2nd st of the 5-st corner), FPtr around tr below in Rd 3, sk 2 st in current round, dc in next st, (2 dc, tr, 2 dc) in tr for corner, dc in next st, FPtr around tr below in Rd 3 (same tr as used on previous FPtr), FPtr in next st in Rd 3, sk 2 st in current round, dc in next 12 st, (2 dc, tr, 2 dc) in tr for corner] twice, omitting last 3 st. Sl st to top of beg ch-4. (80 st, 20 per side) 

Round 6:  Ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in same st as join, [sc in next 19 st, (sc, ch 2, sc) in next st] four times, omitting last 4 st, sl st to first sc, fasten off. (84 sc, 4 ch-2 sp, 21 per side with ch-2 at corner)

Copyright 2023 Julie Yeager Designs.  See all at  www.julieyeagerdesigns.com, or my Ravelry store. Contact me via e-mail at julieyeagerdesigns at gmail.com

I have been seeing oversized chunky knit throws in all the home decorating department stores – some are done with arm-knitting or large needles – here is your quick and easy crocheted version!  Two stripes a day (12 rows!) for a 7-Day project.  Quick work with multiple strands and a huge hook. I used three strands of Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca and a Q hook for a soft and cushy blanket, perfect for sitting under on the couch on these cold New York winter days.

The pattern calls for 18 skeins (3600 yards) of #4 yarn. I’m publishing it here free of charge for fans of the blog, but if you would like an ad-free version it is available on Ravelry and Etsy at a low introductory price of $2.99. If you would like a Print-Friendly version, click on the post.

7-Day Blanket by Julie Yeager Designs

Pattern uses U.S. Crochet Terms

Materials 

Yarn:  Medium Weight #4  –  Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca (90% Acrylic, 10% Alpaca), 3.5 oz/100g – 207 yd/190 m per skein.  Used a total of 18 skeins for 40” x 70”  size, holding three strands together, for a total of 3600 yards. (Link to Purchase on Lion Brand)

MC – Taupe: 7 skeins A – Cream: 3 skeins B – Blue: 1 skein

C – Blush: 3 skeins D – Oxford Grey: 1 skein E – Olive: 1 skein

F – Dusty Blue: 1 skein G – Charcoal: 1 skein 

Hook: Size Q (15.75 mm) (Link to Purchase on Amazon)

Gauge: 6 st and 5 rows per 4”

Size: 40” x 70” 

Abbreviations and Notes

Ch – chain dc – double crochet sc – single crochet st – stitch

Tips when working rows back and forth:  This is simple and basic but I sometimes need a reminder especially if I have been working granny squares and continuous round blankets where I never turn my work.  When turning after every row, you are working into the two strands to the left of your stitch.  With single crochet, your first chain does not count as a stitch so you start right in the first stitch.  With double crochet, your beginning ch-3 counts as a stitch so you skip that first stitch.  In this pattern, every row starts with a single crochet so you chain 1, then single crochet in that first stitch, the two strands to the left of your single crochet, the last single crochet in the previous round.  Just remember in this stitch pattern, every row starts and ends with a single crochet, and you work single crochet into single crochet and double crochet into double crochet.

Carrying 3 strands:  At least 1 strand of MC is carried throughout the blanket, so you can keep changing skeins normally when you run out of MC.  With each color “chunk” you need 2 strands of a contrast color so I worked one strand from the center of the skein and one strand from the outside of the skein.  A few rows call for one strand each of 3 colors for blending and to adhere to yarn requirements..

Row 1: With 3 strands of MC, ch 60, sc in second ch from hook, (dc in next ch, sc in next ch) to end, ending with an sc, turn. (59 st)

Row 2:  Ch 1, sc in sc, (dc in dc, sc in sc) across, ending with an sc, turn. (59 st)

Repeat Row 2 for pattern.

Color changes.  Blanket starts and ends with a 5 row chunk of 3 strands of MC.  One strand of MC is carried along with 2 strands of another color for most sections.  There is a transition row with 3 colors between some sections.

Rows 1 – 5:  3 strands MC

Row 6: 2 strands MC, 1 strand  A

Rows 7 – 11:  1 strand MC, 2 strands A

Rows 12 – 16:  1 strand MC, 2 strands B

Row 17: 1 strand MC, 1 strand B, 1 strand C

Rows 18 – 22:  1 strand MC, 2 strands C

Rows 23 – 27:  1 strand MC, 2 strands D

Row 28:  1 strand MC, 1 strand D, 1 strand A

Rows 29 – 33:  1 strand MC, 2 strands A

Rows 34 – 38:  1 strand MC, 2 strands E

Row 39:  1 strand MC, 1 strand E, 1 strand C

Rows 40 – 44:  1 strand MC, 2 strands C

Rows 45 – 49:  1 strand MC, 2 strands F

Row 50:  1 strand MC, 1 strand F, 1 strand A

Rows 51 – 55:  1 strand MC, 2 strands A

Rows 56 – 60:  1 strand MC, 2 strands G

Row 61: 1 strand MC, 1 strand G, 1 strand C

Rows 62 – 66: 1 strand MC, 2 strands C

Rows 67 – 72:  3 strands MC.

Finish off, weave in ends.  

Add tassels:  Need 60 tassels, 30 for each short side.  For each tassel, cut 11 strands about 12” long.  I wrap them around my cell phone lengthwise to measure and cut.  Sometimes I use a CD case (if you still have one!)   (6 strands MC, 2 strands A, 2 strands C, 1 strand another color).  Loop into every other st on the short sides.

(Hold 11 strands together, being as precise with length as you would like! Fold in half, forming a loop.  Place hook through the stitch, pull loop partially through, about 2 inches.  Place hook or your finger in the loop, pull through the doubled tassel, now consisting of 22 strands.  Pull firmly to tighten.  Make sure you pull through on the same side of the fabric each time because the back and front of the tassel look different.)

Copyright 2022 Julie Yeager Designs See all at  www.julieyeagerdesigns.com, or my Ravelry store. Contact me via e-mail at [email protected]

And just a reminder, if you are planning to pre-order or order the 100 Crochet Tiles book on Amazon, please use my link here on the blog so I get credit! Thank you!

Here is a full photo:

Buffalo Plaid Square by Julie Yeager Designs

Materials
Yarn: A: Bright Blue B: Aqua C: Cream , I used Scheepjes Stone Washed and River Washed. (Choose a dark color for A, a light color for C, and a mixture of the two for B. For example, a classic buffalo plaid of A. Black, B. Maroon, and C. Red)

Hook: I (5.5 mm) crochet hook, recommend 1 size larger than usual for your yarn.

Size: 12” Square, Final Round Stitch Count 41 st per side.

Pattern uses U.S. crochet terms. Ch-3 counts as dc.

Abbreviations: beg – beginning ch – chain dc – double crochet sc –
single crochet sk – skip sl – slip st – stitch sp – space tr – treble crochet

Instructions:
In Round 2 and all subsequent rounds, corners are worked in two stitches with (2 dc, tr) in one stitch and (tr, 2 dc) in the next st. “Magic Ring”, standing stitches and other matters of technique are “crocheter’s choice.”

Round 1: With A, ch 4, join with sl st to form ring, ch 1, 12 dc in ring, sl st to first dc. (12 dc)

Round 2: Ch 3, (dc, tr) in same st, [(tr, 2 dc) in next st, dc in next st, (2 dc, tr) in next st] three times, (tr, 2 dc) in next st, dc in next st, sl st to top of beg ch-3, fasten off. (8 tr, 20 dc)

Rounds 3 – 10 are worked in a double-crochet tapestry technique. Color changes are made by pulling new color through on the last yarn-over of the old color, and crocheting over the strand of color not in use. For Rounds 3 and 4 I will write out the directions in full.

Round 3: Join C with sl st in 6th st of any corner, ch 3, dc in next 2 st, changing to B with last yarn-over. (Working over the strand of Color C, dc in next st, 2 dc in next st, changing to C with last yarn-over. Working over the strand of Color B, tr in same st as last 2 dc, tr in next st, changing to B with last yarn-over. Working over the strand of Color C, 2 dc in same st as tr, dc
in next st, changing to C with last yarn-over. Working over the strand of Color B, dc in next 3 st, changing to B with last yarn-over) three times. Working over the strand of Color C, dc in next st, 2 dc in next st, changing to C with last yarn-over. Working over the strand of Color B, tr in same
st as last 2 dc, tr in next st, changing to B with last yarn-over. Working over the strand of Color C, 2 dc in same st as tr, dc in next st. Do not change colors, sl st to top of beg ch-3 with B. (44 st, 11 per side)’

Round 4: With B, ch 3, dc in next 2 st, changing to A with last yarn-over. [Working over the strand of Color B, dc in next 3 st, changing to B with last yarn-over. Working over the strand of Color A, (2 dc, tr) in next st, (tr, 2 dc) in next st, changing to A with last yarn-over. Working over the strand of Color B, dc in next 3 st, changing to B with last yarn-over] three times. Working over the strand of Color B, dc in next 3 st, changing to B with last yarn-over. Working over the strand of Color A, (2 dc, tr) in next st, (tr, 2 dc) in next st, changing to A with last yarn-over. Working over the strand of Color B, dc in next 3 st, changing to Color C with last yarn-over.
Using Color C, sl st to top of first ch-3. (60 st, 15 per side)

Continue changing colors with last yarn-over and working over color not in use. Color changes in corners vary by stitch count – use photo to confirm.

Round 5: With Color C, ch 3, dc in next 2 st. [With B, dc in next 3 st. With C, dc in next 3 st. With B, (dc, tr) in same st as last dc, (tr, dc) in next st. With C, dc in same as last st, dc in next 2 st. With B, dc in next 3 st. With C, dc in next 3 st] three times. With B, dc in next 3 st. With C, dc in next 3 st. With B, (dc, tr) in same st as last dc, (tr, dc) in next st. With C, dc in same as
last st, dc in next 2 st. With B, dc in next 3 st. Do not change colors, sl st to top of beg ch-3. (76st, 19 per side)

Round 6: With B, ch 3, dc in next 2 st. [With A, dc in next 3 st. With B, dc in next 3 st. With A, dc in next st, 2 dc in next st. With B, tr in same st as last dc, tr in next st. With A, 2 dc in same st as last tr, dc in next st. With B, dc in next 3 st. With A, dc in next 3 st. With B, dc in next 3 st] three times. With A, dc in next 3 st. With B, dc in next 3 st. With A, dc in next 2 st. With B, tr in
same st as last dc, tr in next st. With A, 2 dc in same st as last tr, dc in next st. With B, dc in next 3 st. With A, dc in next 3 st, changing to C with last yarn-over. Using Color C, sl st to top of first ch-3. (92 st, 23 per side)

Round 7: With Color C, ch 3, dc in next 2 st. [With B, dc in next 3 st. With C, dc in next 3 st. With B, dc in next 3 st. With C, (2dc, tr) in next st, (tr, 2dc) in next st. With B, dc in next 3 st. With C, dc in next 3 st. With B, dc in next 3 st. With C, dc in next 3 st] three times. With B, dc in next 3 st. With C, dc in next 3 st. With B, dc in next 3 st. With C, (2dc, tr) in next st, (tr, 2dc) in next st. With B, dc in next 3 st. With C, dc in next 3 st. With B, dc in next 3 st. Do not change colors, sl st to top of beg ch-3. (108 st, 27 per side)

Round 8: With B, ch 3, dc in next 2 st. [With A, dc in next 3 st. With B, dc in next 3 st. With A, dc in next 3 st. With B, dc in next 3 st. With A, (dc, tr) in same st as last dc, (tr, dc) in next st. With B, dc in same st as last sts. With B, dc in next 2 st. With A, dc in next 3 st. With B, dc in next 3 st. With A, dc in next 3 st. With B, dc in next 3 st] three times. With A, dc in next 3 st.
With B, dc in next 3 st. With A, dc in next 3 st. With B, dc in next 3 st. With A, (dc, tr) in same st as last dc, (tr, dc) in next st. With B, dc in same st as last sts. With B, dc in next 2 st. With A, dc in next 3 st. With B, dc in next 3 st. With A, dc in next 3 st, changing to C with last yarn-over. Using Color C, sl st to top of first ch-3. Fasten off Color A. (124 st, 31 per side)

Round 9: With Color C, ch 3, dc in next 2 st. [With B, dc in next 3 st. With C, dc in next 3 st. With B, dc in next 3 st. With C, dc in next 3 st. With B, dc in next st, 2 dc in next st. With C, tr in same st as last dc, tr in next st. With B, 2 dc in same st as last st, dc in next st. With C, dc in next 3 st. With B, dc in next 3 st. With C, dc in next 3 st. With B, dc in next 3 st. With C, dc in
next 3 st] three times. With B, dc in next 3 st. With C, dc in next 3 st. With B, dc in next 3 st. With C, dc in next 3 st. With B, dc in next st, 2 dc in next st. With C, tr in same st as last dc, tr in next st. With B, 2 dc in same st as last st, dc in next st. With C, dc in next 3 st. With B, dc in next 3 st. With C, dc in next 3 st. With B, dc in next 3 st, sl st to top of beg ch-3, fasten off Color
A and Color B. (140 st, 35 per side)

Round 10: Join Color A with sl st in 1st tr of any corner, ch 3 (dc, tr) in same st, [(tr, 2 dc) in next st, dc in next 33 st, (2 dc, tr) in next st] three times, (tr, 2 dc) in next st, dc in next 33 st, sl st to top of beg ch-3, fasten off or continue if needed for size. (39 st per side)

Round 11: Add a round of single crochet with (2 sc, 2 sc) in corners. (41 st per side).

Copyright 2019 Julie Yeager Designs Please do not post this pattern on the internet. Posting a link to my website –
www.julieyeagerdesigns.com, or to my Ravelry store – where you can see all my patterns –
http://www.ravelry.com/stores/Julie-yeager-designs, is appreciated. Contact me via e-mail at julieyeagerdesigns at gmail.com

I am honored this week to be featured in the Moogly Block CAL 2020. My contribution is a fun floral block with a little bit of everything – popcorn stitch, post stitches, crocodile stitch, clusters, and more post stitches! I thought we could all use a little serenity now, and I thought the round mandala rhythms would be soothing. I hope you enjoy combining your colors as you put your own spin on my design.

Thank you to Tamara for featuring my work this week, and thank you to Yarnspirations for providing me with the beautiful Red Heart With Love yarn.

Check out all the designs in this years Moogly 2020 CAL, and thank you to all the generous and talented designers who contribute.

Please add a Ravelry project page, and share your creations on social media! #julieyeagerdesigns #serenitynowafghanblock

Serenity Now Afghan Block

By Julie Yeager

12” Afghan Block

U.S.Crochet Terms 

Materials: Red Heart with Love (100% Acrylic, #4, 7 oz/198 g; 370 yds/338 m)

Color A: Aran (40 g) B: Dusty Purple (10 g) C: Cameo (20 g) D: Lettuce (20 g)

Crochet Hook size J (6.0 mm)

Special Stitches and abbreviations: 

Beg – beginning  BLO – back loop only  Ch – chain dc – double crochet FLO – front loop only hdc – half double crochet  sc – single crochet  sk – skip   sl – slip   sp – space   tr – treble crochet 

BCl – beginning double crochet cluster: ch 2 (counts as dc), (dc until last step leaving one loop on hook) twice, yo and pull through all three loops on hook

BegPC – beginning popcorn, see Popcorn below.  Substitute ch-3 for first dc.

BPsc – back post single crochet – insert hook from back to front around post of designated stitch; yo and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yo and draw through 2 loops (1 loop on hook)

BPdc – back post double crochet – Yarn over,  insert hook from back to front around post of designated stitch; yo and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), (yo and draw through 2 loops) twice 

Cl – double crochet cluster – (dc until last step leaving one loop on hook) three times, yo and pull through all four loops on hook 

FPsc – front post single crochet – insert hook behind post of stitch (from front to back), yo, pull through, bring up even with last stitch completed, yo, pull through 2 loops (1 loop on hook) 

Join with sc – (Standing stitch) With slip knot on hook, insert hook into designated stitch, grab yarn, pull through, (two loops on hook,) yarn over, pull through two loops

PC – Popcorn –  5 dc in one st or sp, remove hook, insert hook from front to back in first dc, grab working yarn and pull through, ch 1 to tighten. Ch 1 does not count as a stitch.

Picot –  Ch 3, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, ch 1

Notes:  Ch-3 at the beginning of a round counts as a dc.  “Omitting last stitches” means that those stitches were already completed at the beginning of the Round.

Instructions: 

Round 1: With Color A, ch 4, join with sl st to form ring, ch 3, 11 dc in ring, sl st to top of beg ch-3. (12 dc)

Round 2: Ch 3, dc in BLO in same st as join, (dc in FLO in next st, dc in BLO in same st) eleven times, sl st to top of beg ch-3, fasten off. (24 dc)

Round 3: Join Color B with sl st in any st, Beg PC in same st, (2 dc in next st, PC in next st) eleven times, 2 dc in next st, sl st to top of Beg PC, fasten off. (24 dc, 12 PC)

Round 4: (When working into PC, work into the loops of the ch that closes the PC.) Join Color A with sl st in FLO of any PC, ch 3, dc in BLO in same st as join, [dc in FLO in next st, dc in BLO in next st, (dc in FLO next st, dc in BLO in same st)] eleven times, dc in FLO in next st, dc in BLO in next st, sl st to top of beg ch-3. (48 dc)

Round 5: Ch 1, sc in same and next st, [(sc, ch 3, sc) in next st, sc in next 3 st] twelve times, omitting last 2 st, sl st to first sc, fasten off. (60 sc, 12 ch-3 sp)

Round 6:  Join Color C with sl st in any ch-3 sp, ch 3, (4 dc, picot, 5 dc) in same sp, [sk 5 sc, (5 dc, picot, 5 dc) in ch-3 sp] eleven times, sk 5 sc, sl st to top of beg ch-3. (120 dc, 12 picot)

Round 7: Ch 1, skip first dc, (BPsc in next 4 st, ch 1, sk picot, BPsc in next 4 st, sk last dc of this petal and first dc of next petal) twelve times, sl st to first BPsc, fasten off.  (96 BPsc,  12 ch-1 sp)

Round 8: Join Color A with sc in any ch-1 sp, ch 1, sk 2 st, sc in next st, ch 1, sk 1 st, [(tr, ch 2, tr)  in next st, ch 1, sk 1 st, sc in next st, ch 1, sk 1 st, (sc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, sk 2 st, sc in next st, ch 1, sk 1 st, sc in next st, ch 1, sk 1 st, sc in next st, ch 1, sk 1 st) twice, sc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, sk 2 st, sc in next st, ch 1, sk 1 st] four times, omitting last 2 st, sl st to first st. (13 st, 12 ch-1 sp, 1 ch-2 sp per side)   

Round 9: (All stitches in this round are worked into the chain spaces.) Sl st in ch-1 sp, ch 2 (counts as hdc), hdc in same sp, 2 dc in next ch-1 sp, [(2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in ch-2 sp for corner, 2 dc in next sp, 2 hdc in next sp, (2 sc in next sp, sc in next sp) twice,  (sc in next sp, 2 sc in next sp) twice, 2 hdc in next sp, 2 dc in next sp] four times, omitting last 4 st, sl st to top of beg ch-2. (24 st plus ch-1 sp per side)

Round 10: Sl st in next 3 st,  (BCl, ch 3, Cl) in same st (the 2nd of 2-dc), sk 2 st,{ [(Cl, ch 3) twice, Cl] in ch-1 corner sp, sk 2 st, (Cl, ch 3, Cl) in next dc, sk 2 st.  Tr in next st, picking up point of picot from Round 6, tr in next 6 st.  Tr in next st, picking up picot, tr in next 5 st.  Tr in next st, picking up picot. Sk 2 st, (Cl, ch 3, Cl) in next st, sk 2 st} four times, omitting last 2 Cl, sl st to top of first Cl. (7 Cl, 14 tr, 4 ch-3 sp per side)

Round 11: Ch 1, FPsc in same Cl, [3 sc in ch-3 sp, (FPsc in next Cl) twice, 3 sc in ch-3 sp, FPsc in next Cl, 3 sc in ch-3 sp, (FPsc in next Cl) twice, 3 sc in ch-3 sp, FPsc in next Cl, FPsc in next 14 st, FPsc in next Cl] four times, omitting last Cl, sl st to first FPsc, fasten off. (33 st per side)

Round 12: Working behind Round 11 into the stitches of Round 10, join Color D with sl st to first tr of any side, ch 3, dc in next 13 st.  [Returning to the stitches of Round 11, ch 1, sk 1 st (the FPsc around Cl), BPdc in next 3 st, ch 2, sk 2 st, BPdc in next 3 st, ch 2 for corner, sk next st, BPdc in next 3 st, ch 2, sk 2 st, BPdc in next 3 st, ch 1, sk next st, dc next 14 st of  Round 10] four times, omitting last 14 st, sl st to top of beg ch-3. (26 dc, 3 ch-2 sp, 2 ch-1 sp per side) 

Round 13: Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in next 13 st, [sc in ch-1 sp, sc in next 3 st, 2 sc in ch-2 sp, sc in next 3 st, 3 sc in ch-2 sp for corner, sc in next 3 st, 2 sc in ch-2 sp, sc in next 3 st, sc in ch-1 sp, sc in next 14 st] four times, omitting last 14 st, sl st to first sc.  (35 st per side)  
Round 14: Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in next 23 st, 3 sc in next st for corner, sc in next 34 st) four times, omitting last 24 st, sl st to first sc, fasten off. (37 st per side)

Copyright 2020  Julie Yeager Designs Please do not post this pattern on the internet. Posting a link to my website – www.julieyeagerdesigns.com, or to my Ravelry store – where you can see all my patterns – http://www.ravelry.com/stores/Julie-yeager-designs, is appreciated. Contact me via e-mail at [email protected]  

Just want to apologize for posting an advertising post yesterday with no valuable content. To make up for that, want to remind you of the free patterns and free coupon codes that are currently available from Julie Yeager Designs. 

As an independent designer, I rely on sales of my patterns to keep my business going. My patterns are available for sale on Ravelry, Etsy, and Love Crafts. To give you a taste of my pattern-writing style and to participate with special events, I offer several free patterns.  Permanently free on this blog are Fantastic, Sweet and Fair, Gretchen, Gentle Waves Hat, and Strawberry Blossom. Free on Ravelry with Coupon Code until 12/31/2021 are Clusters (code is BAWJ), Buffalo Plaid (code is Plaid), Candice Head Wrap ( code is candiceheadwrap), and Star Gingham (code is FFF.)  Also, all 4.99 afghan square patterns are Buy One, Get One Free, just put two in cart. Also, 20% off each purchase with JULIE20.  

So that’s the rundown on current promotions. Thank you to all who purchase my patterns and buy yarn through my affiliate links! I really appreciate you!

photo credits to: marianapaula, cuddlycritter, primrosejill, chitweed, Starbaby, and louisewh.

This week I am excited to have my re-designed Strawberry Blossom Afghan Square featured in the Moogly CAL 2019.

Tamara Kelly does a great job every year running her CAL and exposing us to the work of so many talented designers. Check out past CALs on her blog for more afghan square inspiration! Thanks for having me, Tamara! And thanks to Red Heart for the yarn support. Red Heart with Love is soft but sturdy and a pleasure to work with.

Strawberry Blossom Afghan Square by Julie Yeager Designs

12” Afghan Block

U.S.Crochet Terms

Materials: Red Heart with Love (100% Acrylic, #4, 7 oz/198 g; 370 yds/338 m)

Color A: Aran (50 yards) Color B: Taupe (30 yards)    Color C: Tan (70 yards)

Crochet Hook size J (6.0 mm); Stitch marker

Special Stitches and abbreviations:

BLO – back loop only Ch – chain dc– double crochet FLO – front loop only hdc– half double crochet sc– single crochet sk – skip tr– treble crochet

BCL – beginning double crochet cluster: ch 3 (counts as dc), (dc until last step leaving one loop on hook) three times, yo and pull through all four loops on hook

BPsc– back post single crochet – insert hook from back to front around post of designated stitch; yo and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yo and draw through 2 loops (1 loop on hook)

CL – double crochet cluster: (dc until last step leaving one loop on hook) four times, yo and pull through all five loops on hook

crab stitch (backwards single crochet) – single crochet worked from left to right instead of right to left. (Insert hook into next stitch to the right of the stitch just completed, draw up a loop, yo, and pull through both loops.)

FPsc– front post single crochet – insert hook behind post of stitch (from front to back), yo, pull through, bring up even with last stitch completed, yo, pull through 2 loops (1 loop on hook)

FPtr– front post treble crochet – yo twice, insert hook from front to back around post of stitch; yo and pull up a loop (4 loops on hook), yo and draw through 2 loops (3 loops on hook); yo and draw through 2 loops (2 loops on hook); yo and draw through 2 loops (1 loop on hook)

htr– half treble crochet – yo twice, insert hook in next st and draw up a loop (4 loops on hook), yo and draw through two loops (3 loops on hook), yo and draw through remaining loops (1 loop on hook)

lhdc– long half double crochet (spike st) – Yarn over, insert hook in the row indicated; work a half double crochet as usual bringing stitch up to same height as current row.

Instructions:

Round 1: With A, ch 4, join with sl st to form ring. BCL, (ch 1, tr, ch 1, CL) in ring four times, ch 1, tr, ch 1, sl st to top of beg CL. Fasten off A. (5 CL, 5 tr, 10 ch)

Round 2: With B, join with FPsc around any tr. (2 sc in ch-1 sp, FPsc around CL, 2 sc in ch-1 sp, FPsc around tr) four times, 2 sc in ch-1 sp, FPsc around CL, 2 sc in ch-1 sp. Sl st to first sc. (20 sc, 10 FPsc)

Round 3: Ch 1, sc in same st as join. [Sk 2 st, (2 dc, htr, tr, ch 2, tr, htr, 2 dc) in next sc, sk 2 st, sc in next st] five times, omitting last sc. Sl st to beg sc. Fasten off B. (45 st, 5 ch-2 sp)

Round 4: Join A with sl st to first tr of any set, ch 3. 2 dc in same st. (Place marker in BLO of last st made once.)  [(2 dc, ch 2 , 2 dc) in ch-2 sp. 3 dc in next st, hdc in next st, sc in next st. Sk next st, FPtr around tr below in Rnd 1. Sk 2 more st on Rnd 3, sc in next st, hdc in next st, 3 dc in next st] five times, omitting last 3 dc. Sl st to FLO of top of beg ch-3. (75 st, 5 ch-2 sp)

Round 5: Ch 1, sc in FLO of same st as join. Sc in FLO of next st, [hdc in FLO of next 2 st. 3 dc in FLO of next st, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch-2 sp, 3 dc in FLO of next st, hdc in FLO of next 2 st, sc in FLO of next 2 st, sk 2 st, FPsc around FPtr, sk 2 st, sc in FLO of next 2 st] five times, omitting last 2 st, sl st to to beg sc. Fasten off A. (95 st, 5 ch-2 sp)

Round 6: Join B with sc in any ch-2 sp. Work a round of crab stitch (backwards sc.) Skip post stitches in the valleys and put 2 st in each ch-2 sp. Fasten off. (100 crab st, number not crucial)

Round 7: This round will be worked into the back loops and skipped stitches of Rnd 4. Join C with sl in BLO of marked st on Rnd 4. Ch 2 (counts as hdc), hdc in BLO of next st, [sc in BLO in next st. Ch 1, sk ch-2 sp,  sc in BLO of next st, hdc in BLO of next 2 st, ch 1, sk 3 st, tr in next 3 st (the second will be the tr from Round 3), ch 1, sk 3 st, hdc in BLO next 2 st] five times, omitting last 2 st.  Sl to top of beg ch-2. (20 hdc, 10 sc, 15 ch-1 sp, 15 tr, total 60 st including chains.)

Round 8:  Work into each stitch of Rd 7 including chains. Ch 3, dc in same st as join. (Dc in next 4 st, 2 dc in next st) eleven times, dc in next 4 st. Sl st to top of beg ch-3. (72 st)

Round 9: Ch 3, (3 tr in next st, dc in next 2 st, hdc in next 3 st, sc in next 7 st, hdc in next 3 st, dc in next 2 dc) four  times, omitting last dc. Sl st to top of beg ch-3. (80 st.)

Round 10: Tip for picking up petal:  I worked into one strand of the crab stitch, but you can also work into a strand in the round prior to the crab stitch.  I separated and underlined the following instructions for clarity because each side is different.  The (2 dc, tr, 2 dc) form the corners.

Ch 3, dc in next st.

(2 dc, tr, 2 dc) in next st, dc in next 3 st, hdc in next 2 st, hdc in next st picking up tip of petal below in Rnd 6 and working st as usual. Sc in next 7 st, hdc in next 3 st, dc in next 3 st.

(2 dc, tr, 2 dc) in next st, dc in next st, dc in next st picking up tip of petal below in Rnd 6 and working st as usual, dc in next st, hdc in next 3 st, sc in next 7 st, hdc in next 3 st, dc in next st, dc in next st picking up tip of petal below in Rnd 6 and working st as usual, dc in next st.

(2 dc, tr, 2 dc) in next st, dc in next 3 st, hdc in next 3 st, sc in next 7 st, hdc in next st picking up tip of petal below in Rnd 6 and working st as usual, hdc in next 2 st, dc in next 3 st.

(2 dc, tr, 2 dc) in next st, dc in next 3 st, hdc in next 3 st, sc in next 3 st, sc in next st picking up tip of petal below in Rnd 6 and working st as usual, sc in next 3 st, hdc in next 3 st, dc in next st, sl st to top of beg ch-3. (96 st)

Round 11: Ch 3, dc in next 3 st, [(2 dc, tr, 2 dc) in next st, dc in next 23 st] four times, omitting last 4 st, sl st to top of beg ch-3. Fasten off C. (112 st)

Round 12: Join B with sc in any corner tr, 2 sc in same st. (Sc in next 27 st, 3 sc in next st) four times, omitting last 3 st, sl st to first sc. Fasten off B (or hold behind.) (120 st)

Round 13: Join A with sl in any corner sc (the second of 3 sc), ch 2. ( Hdc, ch 1, 2 hdc) in same st. [(Ch 1, sk 1 st, hdc in next st) 14 times, ch 1, sk 1 st, (2hdc, ch 1, 2 hdc) in next st for corner] four times, omitting last corner. Sl st to top of beg ch-2. Fasten off A. (72 hdc, 64 ch-1 sp)

Round 14: Join B with sl st in corner ch-1 sp. Working around and enclosing the st of Round 13, 2 lhdc in corner sc in Round 12 below (the second of 3 sc), [(lhdc in next skipped st in Rnd 12, ch 1, sk 1 st) 14 times, lhdc in next st in Rnd 12, (2 lhdc, ch 1, 2 lhdc) in corner sc in Round 12]  four times, omitting last 2 st, sl st to first lhdc. (76 lhdc, 60 ch-1 sp)

Round 15: Ch 1, [BPsc around next 2 lhdc, (ch 1, BPsc around next st)15 times, ch 1, BPsc around next 2 lhdc, ch 2] four times, sl st to first BPsc. Fasten off B. (76 BPsc, 64 ch-1 sp, 4 ch-2 sp)

Round 16: Join C with sl st in any ch-2 sp, ch 3. 2 dc in same sp. [Dc in next BPsc. (sk BPsc, 2 dc in next ch-1 sp)16 times, sk BPsc, dc in next BPsc, 5 dc in ch-2 sp] four times, omitting last 3 st. Sl st to top of beg ch-3, fasten off C. (156 st, 39 per side)

Weave in ends, block lightly.  

Copyright 2019 Julie Yeager Designs. Please do not post this pattern on the internet. Posting a link to my website – www.julieyeagerdesigns.com, or to my Ravelry store – where you can see all my patterns – http://www.ravelry.com/stores/Julie-yeager-designs, is appreciated. Contact me via e-mail at [email protected]