Just a week ago we were shivering with cold in India, caused by a sudden change in weather. But today feels like the peak of summer, which doesn’t seem to go away for another three to four months.
So following the typical routine, when summer barges in, without even knocking at the door, I started stacking and sealing up all the woollen clothes, jackets, blankets and even woollen crochet and knitting projects.
But I cannot just stop it right away. There is a huge list of unfinished project that I have decided to finish it before moving on to any new.
So, I will continue to work with woollen yarn, while sipping cold drinks and juices kept on the sides. Dear God! let the wind blow this heat wave blow across India and the Indian ocean to my fellow crafters, in the west giving them some relief from the cold and snow, and bring back some cold breeze towards me.
I am happy that I was able to complete the expressive bears at last. The high spirits of these animate creatures are inspiring me to be happy and motivated too.
Process:
Collect the colours that you plan to use for the blanket. Start C2C crocheting and then C2C decreasing crocheting to complete the graph. Once c2c square consumes 0.75″ – 1″ depending on the crochet hook and yarn used.
For this blanket, I have created 25 grids pixel graph for each expression of the bear. It should give 18″X18″ quarter or more.
This pattern requires proper counting and marking after completion of each square to avoid any mistakes.
Caution Section:-
- Print the coloured graph ( or black and white graph and mark the colours) and number all the rows and columns. Here, it is 25×25. The C2C stitch grows diagonally.
- If you have the black and white printer then print the graph and colour the blocks using colour pencils or mark B for Blue, Y for Yellow, Br for Brown, R for Red etc. so that you do not miss out the shape.
- Mark each row and column so that you know at which row you are while working.
- Also, count the number of blocks use 1 colour in that working row. Remember we work diagonally in C2C.
- Starting with ¹Increasing C2C Crochet Stitch ( focusing on the colour change) increase diagonally for 25 rows.
- Start ²Decreasing C2C Crochet Stitch (focusing on the colour change as per the graph) decrease till the count reaches 1.
Edging:-
If you want to increase the size or if you like defining an edge then you can go with SC or DC row or below.
R1: Ch 1, Single Crochet (SC) around each post. 3 SC at the corners.
R2: Ch 2, Double Crochet on each SC. 3 DC at the corners or at the corner 3SC – 3DC on the middle 3 SC group.
R3: Ch 2, Half-Herringbone Double Crochet (HHDC) around each DC. 3 HHDC at the corner DC or 3 HHDC in the middle of the 3 DC group.
¹C2C crochet stitch / Increasing C2C Crochet Stitch:
- [Chain 6.
- R1: Double Crochet (DC) in 4th chain from the hook. 2 DC in next 2 chains. [ 1st corner block is made]
- R2: turn the work, chain 6. DC in 4th chain from the hook. 2 DC in next 2 chains. Slip stitch on the chain 3. (Chain 3, 3 DC) in the same chain 3 space of the previous row. [2nd row contains 2 blocks]
- R3: Repeat R2 [3rd row will contain 3 blocks. Likewise, the Row-Number will have same number blocks.]
- Continue R2 to increase horizontally and vertically up to the required number on the graph.]
²Decreasing C2C crochet stitch:
- [turn the last row. slip stitch on 1st DC, 2nd DC, 3 DC.
- Slip Stitch(SL ST) chain 3 space. (Chain 3, 3 DC) in same chain 3 space.
- Continue (SL ST, chain 3, 3 DC) in next chain 3 space.
- Repeat till the last 2nd block. SL ST in the last chain 3 space. ]
You can purchase this graph at Bear Spirits C2C Graph. There are more C2C graphs available for purchase too at KMD Store.
Product Specifications:
Defining Dimensions:-
- Grid Graph: 25X25
- Combined: 50X50
- Length: 36″
- Width: 36″
Optional Alterations:-
Different ideas that can be implemented into this blanket to make it your own.
- Single Crochet (SC), Crab Stitch, Slip Stitch, Herringbone Half Double Crochet (HHDC) are all suitable for giving a perfect edge.
- Use fur yarn to bring out the border.
- You can use both the base colours and bear colour around alternatively.
- The border shouldn’t be too broad to pop out. The purpose should be to provide a clean edge.
- Add pom-pom or tassels (matching the colour with the edging or the base colour) at the 4 corners. Link to make pom-pom and tassels.
- Avoid the border and just add tassels/pompoms made of a mixture of the base colours.
- Attach flowers, beads, appliques or a bow made of crochet, plastic, suede leather, fabric etc to make it more interesting.
- Increase the total size of the blanket by adding a few rows of borders.
Remember: do not over accessorise it. This hides the beauty of the pattern itself. Believe in elegant simplicity!!
In case, you have stuck anywhere or have any queries, kindly contact me.
Bear Spirits Baby Blanket
Style Aisle:
- Choose the yarn colour matching with your kids’ room or their choice of animals.
- Go crazy with experimental contrast colours with your furniture to pop out a section. Make sure the interiors contain natural, neutral or earthy colours around.
- Focus on a bright selection of colour palette but not flashy.
- For the stitches or pattern to be visible clearly, choose lighter shades of yarn.
- The graphic-animals can be used for blankets or bags for kids.
- You can use both the base colours and bear body colour alternatively.
- The border shouldn’t be too broad to stand out. The purpose should be to provide a clean edge.
Materials:
- Yarn:
- Vardhman Blue – 6 Balls
- Vardhman Skin – 3 Balls
- Vardhman Red – 1 Ball.
- Leftover yarns
- Crochet Hook: 5mm
- Needles
- Scissors
- Measuring Tape
- Stitch Marker: My stitch markers are the mini safety pins we get from clothing tags.
- Note: you can play around with different branded yarns as far as they give the synchronous flow of the pattern using a constant crochet hook.
- You can either go for the yarns with the same recommended crochet hook OR decide the yarn and change the crochet hooks along with the tightness on the crochet stitches as you proceed with the pattern.
- You can change the pattern to get a continuous flow.
Happy Crocheting!!!
APPENDIX
Care Instructions:
Quality Promise: If washed with care, then the elegant stitch guarantees perfection up to multiple washes. The wool quality might stretch upon multiple uses.
Purchase Here:
For Crochet & Knit patterns or pixel graphs, check out Ravelry and Etsy to purchase the ad-free, comment free, printable PDFs of my designs. Unlike the blog posts, these documents are properly indexed for easy navigation with the detailed photo gallery.
For Crochet or Knit accessories orders (India only), use the below options. I can alter the colour combinations, the designs, the dimensions based on your preference and usage.
- Connect with me through Contact Page.
- Book your order from Custom Creations.
Each and every item (printed or sold) is handmade by me with complete love and care in a pet-free, smoke-free clean crafts room. A lot of consideration goes behind giving you the perfect order. The materials invested are of high-grade quality.
Disclaimer:
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The patterns are free to learn and adapt, for personal consumption. Please provide due credit to #KnotMyDesigns / #knotmydesigns every time you use, sell or share them.
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