It is always surprising for someone as impatient as myself to have the patience to crochet or knit a blanket. Of course, I know a few people who use crocheting or knitting as a way of relaxing, a friend of mine calls her creations her anti-depressant blankets because she always feels a little better when she crochets or knits. For me, crocheting or knitting is almost meditative because it calms me and I really love how ‘brainless’ it is once you are familiar with the pattern. Blankets are NOT my favorite type of projects because of how long they usually take, but it is also the most satisfying when they are complete. I’ve also recently learned about memory t shirt quilts and the results are so amazing that it’s unlike anything I can achieve on my own – send them your old garments if you’re interested in receiving a custom and personal blanket. I mean, who doesn’t like having a custom photo blanket. They are super cute! After browsing through pinterest for some modern blanket patterns, I came across the pattern below and I knew I had to make it. I altered the color to match my living room (the original one is white and grey which is also beautiful), but my sofa is brown so I chose brown and beige instead. This blanket took me 2 months to complete, and a LOT of yarn. If I wanted something quick I could go and Create personalized photo blankets online instead. I didn’t splurge on my yarn (usually not on blankets) and it still costs around $60 on just material alone. That being said, the final product was a 200 cm X 150 cm blanket (so approximately 80″ x 60″), a good size for two to share on a sofa. My husband prefers this one than the other granny square blanket I made several years ago because of the ‘holes’ in the pattern; something about having his toes stuck in the blanket. This blanket mainly utilizes the granite stitch which is super close knit therefore no holes, super warm, but takes SUPER long to make. 
I’ve also included the link to the original pattern below. And for anyone who wants this blanket but doesn’t have the patience to make one yourself, I do offer crocheting services. Please visit my Etsy Store for more information!
Skills Needed:
- Single crochet, chain, skip stitch
- This blanket uses the granite stitch. You can find several helpful YouTube videos on how to make this stitch if you’ve never done it or refer to this LINK from Fiber Flux. You will be working single crochet stitches into the chain stitch below to create this look.
Abbreviations:
ch – chain
sc – single crochet
sk st – skip stitch
MC – Main Color
CC – Contrast Color
Size:
Blanket – Approximately 60″ wide X 80″ long after blocked
(To make the blanket longer or shorter, simply increase the number of chains in your initial chain, keeping an odd stitch count and follow the pattern. You can add rows or repeat sections from the center to make the blanket longer)
Gauge:
Approximately 3 1/3 stitches per inch and just over 2 1/2 rows per inch
Notes:
When starting a new skein, begin using the skein at the start of the row for best results.
You’ll Need:
- 3 (possibly 4 if you are a loose crocheter!) skeins of Loops & Threads (Impeccable Big size – 14 oz; Needle Size 8 (5mm)) in Aran color #03008 (Main Color – MC) or comparable chunky yarn
- 1 skeins of Lion Brand Yarn (Fishermen’s Wool, Needle Size 8 (5mm)) in Brown Color #126 (Contrast Color – CC)
- US Size 8; 5.0 mm crochet hook
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle to weave in ends
Pattern:
Ch 121
Row 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook, *ch 1, sk st, sc in next stitch. Repeat from * across, sc in last stitch. Ch 1, turn. (See the video from Fiber Flux HERE for help with this stitch)
Row 2 – 6 Repeat row 1 (You will sc into first sc of row, *ch1, sk st, sc in next stitch and repeat from * across. Ch 1, turn. You will be placing the single crochet stitches into the chain stitch below)
Change to CC
Row 7 Sc in 2nd st from hook (in the first sc of row), *sk st, 2 sc in next stitch. Repeat from * across, sc in last stitch. Ch 1, turn.
Row 8 – 9 Repeat row 7
Change to MC
Row 10 – 11 Repeat row 1
Row 12 Change to CC, repeat row 1
Row 13 – 17 Change to MC, repeat row 1
Row 18 Change to CC, repeat row 1
Row 19 – 23 Change to MC, repeat row 1
Row 24 Change to CC, repeat row 1
Row 25 – 26 Change to MC, repeat row 1
Row 27 – 29 Change to CC, repeat row 7
Row 30 – 47 Change to MC, repeat row 1 (18 rows)
Row 48 Change to CC, repeat row 1
Row 49 – 86 Repeat rows 30 – 48, 2 times
Row 87 Change to CC, repeat row 1
Row 88 – 124 Change to MC, repeat row 1 (36 rows)
Row 125 Change to CC, repeat row 1
Row 126 -183 Repeat rows 30 – 48, 3 times
Final Stripe Section:
Row 184- 186 Change to CC, repeat row 7
Row 187 – 188 Change to MC, repeat row 6
Row 189 – Change to CC, repeat row 1
Row 190 – 194 Change to MC, repeat row 1
Row 195 – Change to CC, repeat row 1
Row 196 – 200 MC repeat row 1
Row 201 CC repeat row 1
Row 202 – 203 MC repeat row 1
Row 204 – 206 CC repeat row 7
Row 207 – 212 MC repeat row 1
Tie off, weave in ends
Border:
Evenly single crochet around entire blanket for three rounds.
Finishing:
Block to shape.
Now cuddle up with your blanket!
