Ben's Favorite Afghan!

Ben's Favorite Afghan by Brenda Bourg

Project Overview

Ben's Favorite Afghan is an intermediate-level crochet blanket and throw designed by Brenda Bourg. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a generous finished square measuring approximately 76 inches wide by 76 inches long, making it an ideal size for a full-sized throw blanket suitable for couches, beds, or decorative display.

What Is Being Made

This project is a large crochet afghan blanket constructed using a straightforward stitch pattern that alternates between single crochet and double crochet stitches. The resulting fabric creates visual texture and interest through the combination of these two fundamental crochet techniques, producing a blanket that is both visually appealing and practical for everyday use.

Crochet Techniques Used

The pattern employs several key crochet techniques to achieve its finished appearance:

• Back Loop Single Crochet (blsc): This technique involves inserting the hook through only the back loop of the stitch below, then yarning over and drawing through both loops on the hook. This creates a distinctive ridged texture on the fabric surface.
• Back Loop Double Crochet (bldc): Similar to back loop single crochet, this stitch works through the back loop only. The crocheter wraps yarn over the hook, inserts through the back loop, yarns over and draws through two loops, then completes the stitch by yarning over and drawing through the remaining two loops on the hook.
• Chain Foundation: The pattern begins with a chain of 202 stitches, which establishes the width of the blanket and serves as the foundation for subsequent rows.
• Alternating Stitch Pattern: The core pattern alternates between single crochet and double crochet stitches in a repeating sequence, creating visual rhythm and texture throughout the piece.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes the following crochet stitches:

• Chain stitch (ch)
• Single crochet (sc)
• Double crochet (dc)
• Back loop single crochet (blsc)
• Back loop double crochet (bldc)

Materials and Yarn Weight

This afghan is worked in worsted weight yarn, specifically Caron Big Cakes Comfort, a 100% acrylic yarn. The project requires 5 skeins of yarn in the colorway Blueberry Scone (color number 26019), with each skein containing 10.5 ounces, 603 yards, and 300 grams of yarn. The total yardage available is approximately 3,015 yards, providing ample material for the large finished blanket.

Tools and Equipment

Crafters will need a Size I/9/5.5mm crochet hook or a hook size adjusted as needed to obtain the desired gauge. The pattern notes that gauge is not critical to the success of this project, and crocheters may need to go up one or two hook sizes depending on their individual tension and crochet style. A tapestry needle is also required for weaving in yarn ends upon completion.

Gauge Information

The pattern specifies a gauge of 11 stitches in pattern equal to 4 inches horizontally, and 10 rows equal to 4 inches vertically. However, the designer explicitly notes that gauge is not important for this particular project. The pattern acknowledges that individual crocheters have varying tension levels—the designer describes herself as a "very relaxed crocheter"—and recommends adjusting hook size upward if necessary to achieve comfortable, consistent stitching rather than strictly matching the stated gauge.

Skill Level and Difficulty

While the product attributes indicate an intermediate difficulty level, the pattern itself is labeled as "Easy" skill level, making it accessible to crocheters with basic stitch knowledge. The straightforward alternating stitch pattern and forgiving gauge requirements make this an excellent project for those looking to create a large, impressive blanket without complex shaping or advanced techniques.