Ingredients
- 6 skeins of worsted-weight acrylic yarn, 7 ounces each, in a warm cream background color
- 2 skeins of worsted-weight acrylic yarn, 7 ounces each, in fern green
- 1 skein of worsted-weight acrylic yarn, 7 ounces each, in deep olive green
- 1 skein of worsted-weight acrylic yarn, 7 ounces each, in muted gold
- 1 crochet hook, size H-8 or 5.0 millimeters
- 1 printed or handwritten C2C fern chart, about 36 squares by 48 squares
- 1 yarn needle with a blunt tip
- 1 pair of yarn scissors, 4 to 5 inches long
- 12 locking stitch markers
- 1 measuring tape, 60 inches long
- 1 large flat blocking surface, at least 40 inches by 52 inches
- 1 package of rust-resistant blocking pins, about 50 pins
- 2 clean cotton towels, each about 24 by 36 inches
- 1 spray bottle, 8 to 12 fluid ounces, filled with clean water
- 1 zippered project bag, at least 12 by 16 inches
- 1 small notebook and 1 pencil for row notes
Instructions
- Cover the table first with a clean cloth or large towel.
- Set out the chart, notebook, pencil, and every yarn color before you begin.
- Make a gauge swatch with the cream yarn and your 5.0-millimeter hook, aiming for roughly 4 blocks across 4 inches.
- Start at the lower corner with the cream yarn. Chain 6, then make 3 double crochet stitches into the fourth chain from the hook and the next 2 chains.
- Increase across the first section of the blanket by chaining 6 at the beginning of each diagonal row, making 3 double crochet stitches into the fourth chain from the hook.
- Slip stitch into the chain space of the previous block before building the next block.
- Continue until the row reaches 36 blocks wide.
- Read the chart from the lower corner upward, moving one diagonal row at a time.
- Place a locking stitch marker at the beginning of every sixth row.
- Change colors at the last yarn over of the final double crochet in a block.
- Work the middle section without increasing once you reach 36 blocks across.
- Begin decreasing after the blanket reaches 36 blocks wide and 48 blocks long.
- Finish the last block, cut the yarn leaving a 6-inch tail, and pull the tail through the final loop.
- Use the blunt yarn needle to weave every loose end through several nearby stitches.
- Check the finished blanket for gaps, loose tails, and uneven edges.
- Pin the corners and then the long sides, placing pins about 4 inches apart.
- Let the blanket dry flat for 12 to 24 hours before removing the pins.
Notes
This project is suitable for easy intermediate crocheters and allows for flexibility in timing. It encourages a calming and enjoyable crafting experience.
- Cook Time: 1320 minutes
