Hugs and Kisses Blanket in Caron One Pound - Downloadable PDF

Hugs and Kisses Blanket in Caron One Pound

What Is Being Made

The Hugs and Kisses Blanket is a charted crochet throw blanket designed by Lorna Miser. This intermediate-level project creates a finished square blanket measuring 44 inches by 44 inches (112 centimeters by 112 centimeters), making it an ideal size for a decorative throw or cozy lap blanket. The design features a pattern worked from a chart, allowing crafters to create a sophisticated colorwork piece using two contrasting yarn colors.

Techniques Used

This crochet blanket employs charted colorwork as its primary technique. The pattern uses a chart where each square represents one double crochet stitch, providing a visual guide for color placement throughout the project. The blanket is worked in rows across the width, with crafters reading the chart from right to left on right-side rows and from left to right on wrong-side rows. The color-holding technique is used to manage unused yarn colors during colorwork: the inactive color is held on top of the row and worked over, hiding it inside the stitches for a neat finish. Color changes are executed by completing the final two loops of the first color with the new color, ensuring the new stitch is entirely in the new color for clean transitions between shades.

Stitches Used

• Chain stitch (ch) – Used to create the foundation chain of 146 stitches that begins the blanket
• Double crochet (dc) – The primary stitch throughout the entire blanket, forming the fabric and creating the charted pattern
• Slip stitch (sl st) – Used for joining and finishing techniques

Materials and Tools

The Hugs and Kisses Blanket is designed to be worked with Caron One Pound yarn, an aran-weight yarn. The project requires one skein of Caron One Pound in Lilac (color 0577) for Contrast A and two skeins in White (color 0501) for Contrast B. One pound of yarn contains 454 grams (16 ounces) and yields approximately 742 to 812 yards of yarn. A Size US H-8 (5 mm) crochet hook is used, or a size adjusted to obtain the correct gauge. A yarn needle is needed for weaving in ends upon completion. The recommended gauge for this project is 13 double crochets and 7 rows measured over 4 inches (10 centimeters), ensuring the finished blanket reaches the intended dimensions.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate, making it suitable for crocheters with some experience. The intermediate classification reflects the colorwork charting technique and the need to manage multiple yarn colors while maintaining consistent tension and stitch quality throughout a large project.