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BB January 2021 Weavetastic Blanket

Weavetastic Blanket

January 2021 BlanketBox

Designed by Lauren Samar for Yarn Bits Shop

Feel free to email for pattern help or questions: help@yarnbitsshop.com

Weaving is generally known as a completely separate technique from crocheting but crocheting can be used to make “woven” fabric by looks. This pattern features two different crochet weaving- Front/Back Post Weave and Strips Weave. The first is worked continuously utilizing the front and back post double crochet stitches and this creates more “solid” squares with the Mandala yarn. The latter is creating strips and literally weaving them. Due to using two different colors in those squares, there are more color changes shown. Between three different colors and two different squares laid out in alternating order, the overall blanket is a dynamic Weavetastic pattern.

In this box, there is: 

  • 9 or 12 skeins of Lion Brand Mandala Yarn in three colors (3 or 4 skeins of each!)- $72 or $96
  • Lion Brand Bamboo Crochet Hooks Size G – $4
  • Meori Pocket Shopper Bag – $15 
  • Exclusive Pattern and Support- $10

Included in your subscription:

  • VIP membership- $15/month
  • Monthly Masterclass- $50-100/month
  • Exclusive Facebook Group- $150+/month (but connections are priceless!)
    • More excitement coming soon! 
  • Yarn Bits Shop Hub access 

Stitches/Abbreviation Guide:

Yarn Over (yo); Space (sp); Stitch (st); Skip (sk); Loop (lp)

Chain (ch): with one lp on hook, yo and pull through the lp on hook

Slip Stitch (sl st): insert hook into target sp, yo and pull through sp AND lp on hook

Single Crochet (sc): insert hook into target sp, yo and pull through sp, yo and pull through both lps on hook

Half Double Crochet (hdc): yo, insert hook into target sp, yo and pull through sp, yo and pull through all three lps on hook

Double Crochet (dc): yo, insert hook into target sp, yo and pull through sp, yo and pull through two lps on hook two times

Front Post Double Crochet (FP dc)

  1. Yo on hook.
  2. Insert hook into hole next to the post of the next stitch, on the “hook side.”
  3. Bring the hook back to the front of the fabric from behind the post, to the hole farther from the hook.
  4. Yo and draw through a lp, bringing it through both sides of the fabric. (3 lps remaining on hook)
  5. Yo and draw through 2 lps on hook. (2 lps remaining on hook)
  6. Yo and draw through remaining 2 lps on hook.

Back Post Double Crochet (BP dc)

  1. Yo on hook.
  2. Insert hook into hole next to the post of the next stitch, on the “hook side” from back to front
  3. Bring the hook back to the back of the fabric around the post, to the hole farther from the hook.
  4. Yo and draw through a loop, bringing it through both sides of the fabric. (3 lps remaining on hook)
  5. Yo and draw through 2 lps on hook. (2 lps remaining on hook)
  6. Yo and draw through remaining 2 lps on hook.

Throw Size Blanket Notes

To give an overview of how the yarn/square combinations were designed, the following will explain the amounts of each square for each color as well as the options! For the THROW size blanket box, there are 3 skeins of each color for a total of 9 skeins and the following are suggested amounts in terms of amounts of each square:

  • One set (one skein of each color) with the Front/Back Posts Weave Square gives 2 squares minus the border so 6 squares would be completed with a set. 
  • One set with the Strips Weave Technique Squares gives 3 HALF (pattern will explain this) of the squares so 9 HALF would be completed with a set. To get to even numbers, some of the second set would need to be used to finish. This would be 4 HALF of each color (12 total) and 6 squares would be completed. The following combinations are suggested and two of each would be made: 
    • Color 1 + Color 2
    • Color 1 + Color 3 
    • Color 2 + Color 3

  • After completing the 12 squares (two plus a bit of the third skein of each color will be used up at this point), the remaining yarn should be utilized for all the borders of the individual squares. 
  • From here, dependent on how much yarn you have left (everyone’s tension and yarn usage is a bit different!), a 3×4 square blanket can be completed OR an additional 4 squares of choice can be made to create a 4×4 blanket.. With the 4×4 blanket, there should be enough yarn for all the squares but not enough yarn for a wide overall border. With all of this said, a 3×4 blanket is the least risky with the yarn amounts and allows for a wider border and therefore is the recommended option. 

Two alternative options are: 

  • Make ALL squares with Back/Front Posts Weave  Technique- 12 (4 of each color) or 16 (5 of two colors and 6 of the other) squares can be made with the yarn included. 
  • Make ALL squares with Stripe Weave Technique- 8 HALF of each color can be made (24 HALF total) then 12 squares will be made with the yarn included. It’s unlikely to have enough for 16 squares. 

Large Throw Size Blanket Notes

To give an overview of how the yarn/square combinations were designed, the following will explain the amounts of each square for each color as well as the options! For the LARGE THROW size blanket box, there are 4 skeins of each color for a total of 12 skeins and the following are suggested amounts in terms of amounts of each square:

  • One set (one skein of each color) with the Front/Back Posts Weave Square gives 2 squares minus the border so 6 squares would be completed with a set. With another set, make 1 more square of each color. There will be 9 squares completed at this point. 
  • Two sets with the Strips Weave Technique Squares gives 6 HALF (pattern will explain this) of the squares per color so 18 HALF would be completed with two sets. This would be 6 HALF of each color (18 total) and 9 squares would be completed. Three of each of the following combinations will be completed: 
    • Color 1 + Color 2
    • Color 1 + Color 3 
    • Color 2 + Color 3
  • After completing the 18 squares (three skeins of each color will be mostly used up at this point), the remaining yarn should be utilized for all the borders of the individual squares. 
  • From here, 2 more squares will need to be made. One of each type of square in colors of your choice would be easiest. 
  • Ensure all individual squares borders are completed then with the 20 squares, attach them in a 4×5 square pattern. 

Two alternative options are: 

  • Make ALL squares with Back/Front Posts Weave Technique- 20 (7 of two colors and 6 of the other color) can be made with the yarn included. 
  • Make ALL squares with Stripe Weave Technique- 10-12 HALF of each color can be made (30-36 HALF total) then 15-18 squares will be made with the yarn included. It’s unlikely to have enough for 16 squares.

Front/Back Posts Weave Technique

Skill Level: Intermediate

Gauge: a “block” is ~1.5 x 1.5”

Dimensions: 12.5” x 12.5”

Ch 62 stitches

Row 1: 

  • hdc in 3rd chain from hook, hdc across, turn

Stitches Count: 60 hdc

Row 2: 

  • ch 2, hdc in each st across, turn 

Stitches Count: 60 hdc

Row 3: 

  • ch 2, hdc in first 2 sp, 
  • *FP dc around next 8 posts from row below, 
  • **BP dc around next 8 posts from row below, 
  • repeat from * across ending at ** (7 sets of 8 sts), 
  • hdc in each of last 2 sp, turn

Stitches Count: 2 hdc at beg and end of row, 7 sets of 8 FP/BP dc in alternating order (56 total dc)

Row 4: 

  • ch 2, hdc in first 2 sp, 
  • *BP dc around next 8 posts from row below, 
  • **FP dc around next 8 posts from row below, 
  • repeat from * across ending at ** (7 sets of 8 sts), 
  • hdc in each of last 2 sp, turn

Stitches Count: 2 hdc at beg and end of row, 7 sets of 8 FP/BP dc in alternating order (56 total dc)

 

Rows 5-8: repeat rows 3-4

Row 9: repeat row 4 (starts next set of blocks in opposite order)

Row 10: repeat row 5 

Rows 11-14: Repeat rows 9-10

 

Repeat rows 3-14 two more times, then repeat rows 3-8 one more time. 

 

Finishing: 

Row 1 (2nd to last row): 

  • ch 2, 
  • hdc in each sp across, turn 

Stitches Count: 60 hdc

 

Row 2 (last row): 

  • ch 2, 
  • hdc in each sp across, 
  • fasten off and weave in ends. 

Stitches Count: 60 hdc

 

The square should look like 7×7 “blocks” within the hdc border. 

 

Border for Square: 

Round 1: 

  • With a different yarn color, sl st into first sp of last row and ch 2. 
  • Top: hdc in each sp across (60 sts), ch 2 for the corner
  • Side: spread out 60 hdc in/between rows down the side. To help with this, put 8 hdc for each of the “blocks” sections and 2 hdc over the first two then for the last two rows. ch 2 for the corner
  • Bottom: hdc in each sp (bottom of beginning ch) across (60 sts), ch 2 for the corner
  • Side: Repeat first Side work. 
  • Sl st to first hdc, do not turn

Stitches Count: 240 hdc and 4 ch-2 sp (60 sts/side)

 

Round 2: 

  • Ch 2, 
  • hdc in same sp and in each sp around with (2 hdc, ch 2, 2 hdc) in each corner sp, 
  • sl to to first hdc, 
  • fasten off. 

Stitches Count: 256 hdc and 4 ch-2 sp (64 sts/side)

Strips Weave Technique

Skill Level: Beginners crocheting and Intermediate construction

Gauge: a strip width is about 1 inch and the length should be about 9 inches relaxed. It should be able to stretch up to 10.5 inches. 

Dimensions: 12.5” x 12.5”

This square is worked very differently than the previous one. The foundation row is created then 10 strips are worked from the Foundation row. This is repeated the same way for both HALFs. For the first half, after all the strips are created, the top row of each strip is connected together. The second half is woven with the first half THEN the top row of each strip is connected together. After the two HALFs are combined, a border is completed to secure corners and get the sizing correct for the overall pattern. An important note about the width/length of the HALFs- it will be a LOT wider than 12.5 inches prior to being woven and finalized. It may be possible that the length of the strip needs to be adjusted due to tension- if your tension is tight and the strip does not have a lot of give length-wise, add 1-2 more rows and fasten off after rows 26-27 instead of 25. 

Strips Set-up and Work- SAME for both HALFs

Ch 63 stitches

Foundation Row: 

  • hdc in 3rd chain from hook, 
  • hdc across, turn

Stitches Count: 61 hdc

 

Strip 1, Row 1: 

  • Sl st in first sp, sl st into 2nd sp, 
  • ch 3, dc in same sp, 
  • dc in next 4 sp, turn

Stitches Count: 5 dc

Strip Row 2-25: 

  • ch 3, 
  • dc in next 5 sp, 
  • turn

Stitches Count: 5 dc

Fasten off after Row 25 of strip after checking stretch of strip. It should stretch to approximately 10.5 inches comfortably. NOT stretched should be about 9 inches long. If not due to your tension, add an extra row or two but you do want some stretch to allow the weaving to sit nicely.

 

Strip 2, Row 1: 

  • Return to Foundation row, sk sp after previous strip
  • Sl st into next sp, ch 3
  • dc in same sp, dc in next 4 sp,
  • Turn

Stitches Count: 5 dc

 

Repeat Strip Rows 2-25, fastening off after row 25. 

 

Repeat Strip 2 and Strip Rows 2-25 for each strip 8 more times (10 strips total). There should be a sp between each strip and at each end of the Foundation Row. 

 

Finishing First HALF

After all the strips are done for the first HALF, the top rows can be connected together to “secure” the strips into an overall rectangular (pre-weaving) shape. 

 

Set-up Chain

With the same yarn, create a slip knot and ch 1. Working from one end to the other with no twists in the strips, 

  • sl st in each sp of strip 1 (5 sl sts)
  • ch 1
  • sl st in each sp of strip 2 (5 sl sts)
  • ch 1
  • sl st in each sp of strip 3 (5 sl sts)
  • ch 1
  • And so forth with all the strips. 
  • Ch 1 and turn after the last strip. 

Stitches Count: 61 ch, all strips are attached. 

 

Last Row:

  • Ch 2, 
  • hdc in 3rd ch from hook, 
  • hdc in each sp of strip and AROUND ch (or in chain if desired, around is easier) between strips across
  • hdc in last ch
  • fasten off

 

Finishing Second HALF and Overall Square

The Set-up Chain and Last Row from the first HALF is the same for the second HALF but it is completed AFTER weaving strips together. 

Weaving

Lay completed first HALF down. 

Take the incomplete second HALF (top rows of strips are still loose) and lay it so the Foundation row is against the first secured strip of the first half. They are perpendicular to each other basically. 

With the strip on one end, weave it (over-under-over-under…) around the FIRST HALF strips. 

Take the strip next to the one just woven on the SECOND HALF and weave it starting with the opposite order- start with under if first woven strip started with over. For example:

  • Second HALF Strip 1: Over first HALF strip 1, Under first HALF strip 2, Over strip 3, Under strip 4….
  • Second HALF Strip 2: Under first HALF strip 1, Over first HALF strip 2, Under strip 3, Over strip 4… 
  • Second HALF Strip 3: Over first HALF strip 1, Under first HALF strip 2, Over strip 3, Under strip 4… 
  • And so forth

After weaving all strips from the second HALF into the first HALF, you will need to stretch the HALFs to accommodate all the strips- this will make the overall square more even on all sides. 

 

Keeping the pattern, repeat the Set-up Chain and Last Row with the second HALF top rows. This secures the strip weaving and the overall shape. 

 

Border for Square: 

Round 1: 

  • With a different yarn color, sl st into the SECOND sp of any side (top or bottom of either HALF)
  • ch 2, hdc in each sp across to last st,
  • *Pick up BOTH the last st and the first st of the next side and complete hdc, 
  • ch 2 for corner,
  • In same sp containing BOTH the last st of previous side and first st of current side, complete hdc
  •  hdc across to last sts
  • Repeat from around following the same pattern for all corners. 
  • After last corner is completed, sl st to first hdc, do not turn

Stitches Count: 244 hdc and 4 ch-2 sp (61 sts/side)

 

Round 2: 

  • Ch 2, 
  • hdc in same sp and in each sp around with (2 hdc, ch 2, hdc) in each corner sp, 
    • This is to add another st to make it the same number of stitches across ALL squares
  • sl to to first hdc, 
  • fasten off. 

Stitches Count: 256 hdc and 4 ch-2 sp (64 sts/side)

Finishing Overall Blanket 

The notes for either size of the pattern outlines the amount needed of each square with the three colors. Complete all squares with individual square borders and choose overall layout. Attach squares one column/row at a time with your preferred method of attaching squares. The sides all should contain the same number of stitches so it can be crocheted together with sl st or sc joins or they can be sewed together. 

 

After all the squares have been attached in the desired layout, the border can be completed depending on the amount of yarn left. The border is simple here to accommodate varying amounts of yarn and desired thicknesses. Work rounds in desired color order. 

 

Round 1 of Border: 

  • Sl st into any sp on the edge, ch 2 or 3
  • work hdc or dc in each sp around with (hdc/dc, ch 2, hdc/dc) in each corner sp
  • Sl st to beg st, do not turn

 

Round 2 of Border:

  • ch 2/3, hdc/dc in same sp, 
  • work hdc or dc in each sp around with (hdc/dc, ch 2, hdc/dc) in each corner sp
  • Sl st to beg st, do not turn

 

Repeat Round 2 until desired thickness is reached or yarn is used up. 

 

Weave in all ends. 

Pattern Declaimer

This is a paid pattern originally designed for a Yarn Bits Shop subscription box. 

You have permission to sell any item made from this pattern. However, you are not allowed to resell, distribute, duplicate, or share this pattern or downloads in any printed or digital form (in full), or to claim the pattern as your own original design. If you want to sell or share a picture of your work from this pattern, please clearly credit the design to me: Lauren Samar of Yarn Bits Shop (with link to the website when applicable). 

Occasionally a mistake or typo falls through, please report them via email (help@yarnbitsshop.com) and the pattern will be updated accordingly.