This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The Crochet April Showers Throw is a cozy, square-based blanket worked in a calm Iced Aqua shade. Its construction offers a satisfying rhythm: make the squares with double crochet and chain stitches, join them into a throw, then finish the edges with border rounds. It’s a lovely project for crocheters who want to practice working in the round and joining motifs, whether you’re making a comforting layer for home or a thoughtful handmade gift.
Why you’ll love this pattern
This throw combines familiar stitches with the rewarding process of building a larger project from individual squares. Double crochet works up at a good pace, while chain spaces help create the open structure of each square. Joining the motifs gives you a chance to practice neat, consistent assembly—a useful skill for many blanket patterns.
The single-color Iced Aqua palette gives the finished throw a coordinated look without requiring frequent color changes. That can make the work feel more relaxing and portable: you can take a square along and focus on its rounds without managing several balls of yarn. Once the squares are joined, the border brings the whole piece together and gives it a more finished edge.
The pattern is suitable for crocheters who know basic stitches and are ready to try a motif-based project. Beginners can also use it to build confidence, especially if they’re comfortable with chain stitches and double crochet. Allow time for both the squares and assembly; joining and finishing are part of the project, not just quick final chores.
A handmade throw works well over a sofa, folded at the foot of a bed, or draped across an armchair. It can also make a useful housewarming or winter-season gift. Its simple color scheme is easy to pair with many home styles.
“I liked being able to work on one square at a time. The rounds were easy to settle into, and joining everything into a throw made the project feel complete.”
Before you begin
You’ll make a throw from squares worked in rounds, then join those squares and crochet border rounds around the assembled piece. The core technique is double crochet, with chain stitches forming spaces as you work. The supplied instructions don’t specify the number of squares, finished measurements, or exact joining method, so refer to the full pattern details for those project-specific points rather than guessing.
This project is a good fit for an advanced beginner or intermediate crocheter. If you’re newer to crochet, it helps to know how to make a foundation chain, work a double crochet, join a chain into a ring, and keep track of rounds. You’ll also need to follow the pattern’s square layout and joining directions when assembling the throw.
The total time depends on your pace, the number of squares required by the complete pattern, and how quickly you work the joining and border. There isn’t enough information here to give a reliable hours-or-days estimate. Plan to complete the motifs in manageable sessions, then set aside separate time for assembly and finishing.
Before starting, check your yarn label and confirm that both listed hook sizes are available. Use the larger 6 mm hook to begin the squares, as directed. The 5 mm hook is also specified for the project; follow the full pattern for where it is used. If your stitches tend to be very tight or loose, make a sample square and check it against the pattern’s gauge guidance if available.
Materials you’ll need
- RED HEART® With Love® (Art. E400): 5 skeins in Iced Aqua
- Crochet hooks: 6 mm and 5 mm
- Yarn needle: For weaving in yarn ends
Use the yarn listed in the pattern if you want the closest match in feel and size. Check the label for fiber content, recommended care, and any other manufacturer details; care and yarn characteristics can vary by product. If you choose a different yarn, select one with a similar weight and construction, and expect the finished throw’s size, drape, texture, or yarn requirement to change. A different yarn may also affect how clearly the square shape holds.
The 6 mm hook is the larger hook and is used to start the pattern. Keep both hooks nearby, since each is included in the materials list. The yarn needle is essential for tidying the ends after the squares are joined and the border is complete.
Optional but helpful tools include stitch markers, scissors, and a tape measure. Use markers to identify the start of a round or help keep track of a repeat. A tape measure can help you compare your squares and check that the assembled throw remains even. These extras are useful, but they don’t replace the specified materials.
Step-by-step instructions
Follow the complete pattern for the exact square count, round-by-round stitch placement, joining method, and border details. The project instructions provided here describe the overall construction but do not include those specifications, so don’t add rounds or stitches based on guesswork.
-
Start with the larger hook. Use the 6 mm hook to make a chain of 4 stitches. Bring the chain ends together and join them to form a ring. Take care not to twist the chain before joining; a twisted foundation can make the first round difficult to work neatly.
-
Work the square in rounds. Follow the pattern’s directions to work rounds of double crochet and chain stitches into and around the ring. The double crochet stitches build the fabric, while chain stitches create spaces in the round. Pay attention to the pattern’s placement instructions so the square develops the intended shape. Use the stated stitch counts and round joins from the full pattern rather than estimating them.
-
Keep each square consistent. As you make the remaining motifs, follow the same round sequence and keep your tension steady. Compare completed squares as you go. Consistent tension helps the squares line up more easily when you join them and reduces the chance of uneven corners or wavy edges.
-
Join the squares. Arrange the motifs according to the layout in the full pattern, then connect them using its suggested joining technique. Match corresponding edges and corners before fastening them together. A neat, even join helps the throw lie flat and keeps the seams from pulling. If you are unsure about the chosen method, test it on two sample motifs or a small section before joining the whole blanket.
-
Work the border rounds. Once the squares are assembled, crochet the specified border rounds around the throw. Follow the full pattern for stitch placement at the edges and corners. Even spacing matters: too many stitches can make an edge ripple, while too few may draw it in. Keep the corners shaped as directed so the border turns cleanly around the blanket.
-
Finish the ends. Cut the yarn as directed by the pattern and use a yarn needle to weave in loose ends securely. Weave ends through the stitches on the wrong side, changing direction to help anchor them. Avoid pulling so tightly that the fabric puckers.
-
Block lightly if desired. If the completed throw needs a little help lying flat, reshape it gently and block it lightly, following the yarn label’s care instructions. Use gentle handling, particularly if the fiber content or recommended blocking method is uncertain. Blocking can help even out small differences, but it won’t correct a significantly uneven square or a join that is too tight.
A small amount of checking during construction can save time later. Measure or compare the squares as you work if the full pattern provides target dimensions. Before completing all the joining, lay the assembled motifs flat and check that the seams aren’t puckering and the overall shape looks even.
Ways to use your finished project
The finished Crochet April Showers Throw can add a soft layer to a sofa or favorite reading chair. Fold it neatly over an arm or drape it across the back of a chair for a simple splash of color. The Iced Aqua shade can also coordinate with neutral bedding, making the throw a comfortable extra layer at the foot of a bed.
It’s a practical handmade gift for a housewarming, birthday, or seasonal celebration. If gifting it, include a small care note based on the yarn label so the recipient knows how to wash and dry it. A handmade throw is also a personal way to mark a new home or offer comfort to someone who enjoys cozy décor.
For styling, pair the throw with cushions in a complementary solid color or a subtle print. Since it is made from joined squares, show off the construction by folding it so part of the motif pattern remains visible. Avoid using the blanket where it may be exposed to rough surfaces, snagging, or frequent dragging, since that can wear the yarn and seams faster.
How to care for your crochet project
Check the care instructions on the RED HEART® With Love® label before washing the finished throw. Yarn care depends on its fiber content and manufacturer guidance, so follow the label rather than assuming that every crochet blanket can be treated the same way. If the label permits machine washing, use the recommended cycle and a gentle approach; otherwise, hand wash carefully in cool or lukewarm water.
Support the blanket while it is wet. Don’t lift it by one corner or wring it out, since the weight of water can stretch the fabric and put strain on the joins. Press out excess water gently, then reshape the throw on a clean, flat surface. Let it dry fully before folding or storing.
If you block the throw, use a light touch and follow the yarn label’s instructions. Avoid stretching the squares or forcing the edges into a shape they don’t naturally hold. Strong heat or unsuitable drying methods may affect the yarn, so use only methods allowed by the care label.
For storage, fold the blanket and keep it in a clean, dry place. Don’t hang it for long periods, as its weight may stretch the fabric. Make sure it is fully dry before storing to help prevent musty odors. Keep it away from rough fasteners, pet claws, and other snag hazards. If the yarn label gives specific advice about pilling or color care, use that guidance to help preserve the throw.
Tips for success
- Avoid twisting the starting chain. Before joining the 4-chain foundation into a ring, check that it lies flat. Twisting can create an awkward start and make the first round harder to manage.
- Mark the start of each round. Place a stitch marker at the beginning of a round if the pattern doesn’t already make the starting point obvious. Move it as you progress so you can check where each round begins and ends.
- Follow the full stitch placement. Double crochet and chain stitches create the square, but their placement determines its shape. Don’t assume that every round is worked identically; refer to each round’s instructions.
- Keep your tension even. Try to make the chain spaces and double crochet stitches consistent from square to square. Very tight chains can make the fabric stiff, while loose stitches may give the squares a different size or a more open drape.
- Compare motifs as you go. Lay a new square beside a completed one. If they differ noticeably, check your stitch counts and tension before making the rest. Consistent squares are easier to join neatly.
- Check joins before continuing. When joining, line up edges carefully and avoid pulling the seam too tight. A tight join can draw the blanket inward; a loose or inconsistent join may look uneven.
- Watch the border edges. Follow the full pattern’s directions for working around sides and corners. If an edge begins to ripple or cup, pause and review stitch placement rather than continuing several rounds and hoping it evens out.
- Secure yarn ends thoughtfully. Weave in ends after finishing the main construction, changing direction through sturdy stitches. Leave enough tail to secure the end without drawing the nearby fabric out of shape.
- Use the correct hook for each step. The instructions call for the larger hook to begin, and both 6 mm and 5 mm hooks are listed. Check the full pattern to confirm when to use each one instead of substituting one size throughout.
Creative variations
The Iced Aqua yarn gives the throw a calm, coordinated look, but you can explore other color palettes if you’re comfortable adjusting the yarn plan. A soft mix of blue, gray, and white can keep a fresh feel, while warm neutrals create a more understated blanket. If you use multiple colors, plan where each shade will appear and secure each change neatly. Color changes may leave more ends to weave in and can affect the amount of each shade required.
A contrasting border can frame the squares and make their outlines more noticeable. Use a yarn with a similar weight and construction to keep the edge from becoming too heavy or tight. A different border color will change the appearance, and using a new yarn not included in the original materials may affect the total yardage and care instructions.
You can also make a smaller or larger throw by changing the number of squares, but first consult the full pattern’s layout and construction details. Adding or removing motifs changes the finished dimensions and yarn requirement. More squares also mean more joining and finishing time. Keep the motifs consistent, and check how the revised layout will fit the border instructions before committing.
For a coordinating home set, make another item in a matching color only if you have a separate pattern suited to that project. The throw’s square motif and joining instructions don’t automatically translate to pillows or other household pieces. If you add embroidery or appliqués, choose lightweight decorations and attach them securely so they don’t pull on the squares or create uncomfortable raised areas.
Textured or heavier yarn can alter the throw’s drape, thickness, and finished size, even if you use the same hooks. Make a sample square before deciding on a substitute. If it comes out substantially larger, smaller, stiffer, or more open than expected, adjust only after checking the complete pattern’s guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Crochet April Showers Throw suitable for beginners?
It can suit an advanced beginner who knows how to chain, work double crochet, and join rounds. The project also involves making multiple squares, joining them, and finishing the edges. New crocheters may want to practice a small square first and follow the full pattern’s round-by-round details carefully.
What yarn is specified for this throw?
The materials list calls for 5 skeins of RED HEART® With Love® (Art. E400) in Iced Aqua. Using the specified yarn is the most straightforward way to follow the pattern. Check the yarn label for fiber and care information, and use the complete pattern to confirm whether the quantity is sufficient for its exact size and construction.
Which crochet hook should I use?
The materials list includes 6 mm and 5 mm hooks. The instructions say to start with the larger hook, so use the 6 mm hook for the starting chain and ring. Check the full pattern for directions on when to use the 5 mm hook. Changing hook size can affect the square dimensions, fabric density, and finished throw size.
How many squares do I need to make?
The instructions provided here do not state the number of squares or their layout. Use the square count and arrangement in the complete pattern. Don’t estimate the number based only on the finished look, since the layout affects the throw’s dimensions and the amount of yarn needed.
How can I make the throw larger or smaller?
If the full pattern allows it, change the number of squares while keeping each motif consistent. More or fewer squares will alter the finished dimensions, yarn use, joining work, and possibly the border placement. Check the original layout and border instructions before changing the project size.
Why are my squares curling or refusing to lie flat?
First, check that your chain spaces and double crochet stitches match the round instructions and that you haven’t missed or added stitches. Uneven tension can also change how a square lies. Compare the work with the full pattern’s construction details and check that the starting chain wasn’t twisted. Light blocking may help with minor unevenness, if permitted by the yarn label, but it won’t fix a major stitch or shaping error.
How do I keep the edges and seams even?
Make the squares with consistent tension and compare them before joining. Match corresponding edges and corners, and avoid pulling the joining yarn too tightly. For the border, follow the pattern’s edge and corner placement rather than adding stitches wherever there seems to be space. Even spacing helps prevent rippling or puckering.
Can I use a different yarn?
A substitute may work if it has a similar weight and construction, but it can change the throw’s size, texture, drape, and yarn requirement. Make a sample square and compare it with the pattern’s gauge or measurements if those are available. Check the new yarn’s care label as well, since care instructions may differ from the specified yarn.
How should I wash the finished throw?
Follow the care instructions on the yarn label. Use the recommended washing method and temperature, handle the blanket gently when wet, and reshape it flat to dry if that is appropriate for the yarn. Avoid wringing or lifting a wet throw by one corner, since that can stretch the squares and seams.
Can I sell a finished throw made from this pattern?
The information provided here doesn’t state the designer’s terms for selling finished items. Check the original pattern or designer’s usage terms before listing or selling a throw made from it.
Print
Crochet April Showers Throw
A cozy, square-based blanket worked in a calm Iced Aqua shade, perfect for beginners to practice working in the round and joining motifs.
Materials
- RED HEART® With Love® (Art. E400): 5 skeins in Iced Aqua
- Crochet hooks: 6 mm and 5 mm
- Yarn needle: For weaving in yarn ends
Instructions
- Start with the larger hook. Use the 6 mm hook to make a chain of 4 stitches. Bring the chain ends together and join them to form a ring.
- Work the square in rounds. Follow the pattern’s directions to work rounds of double crochet and chain stitches into and around the ring.
- Keep each square consistent. As you make the remaining motifs, follow the same round sequence and keep your tension steady.
- Join the squares. Arrange the motifs according to the layout in the full pattern, then connect them using its suggested joining technique.
- Work the border rounds. Once the squares are assembled, crochet the specified border rounds around the throw.
- Finish the ends. Cut the yarn as directed by the pattern and use a yarn needle to weave in loose ends securely.
- Block lightly if desired. If the completed throw needs a little help lying flat, reshape it gently and block it lightly.
Notes
Use markers to identify the start of a round or help keep track of a repeat. If you choose a different yarn, select one with a similar weight and construction.