The 70's

The 70's Crochet Blanket by Gleeful Crocheting

Project Overview

The 70's is a one-piece crochet blanket pattern designed by Gleeful Crocheting. This intermediate-level project combines classic single crochet with decorative popcorn stitches to create a textured, dimensional throw blanket. The pattern uses a charted design system that allows crafters to follow a visual graph for accurate stitch placement throughout the project.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a complete crochet blanket or throw, constructed as a single continuous piece rather than assembled sections. The blanket features a structured design with alternating rows of different stitch types, creating visual and tactile interest. The pattern is presented on a multi-page chart that requires taping pages together at designated overlap areas for seamless pattern reading.

Crochet Techniques and Construction Method

The blanket is worked using a charted pattern system where each box on the graph represents a specific stitch. The construction method alternates between two primary row types: single crochet rows on odd-numbered rows and popcorn stitch rows on even-numbered rows. This alternating structure creates a consistent rhythm throughout the project.

The pattern accommodates both right-handed and left-handed crocheters by providing directional guidance. Right-handed crocheters read the chart from left to right across each row, while left-handed crocheters read from right to left. All rows begin with a chain-one turning stitch, which is not shown on the chart itself. Work begins at the bottom of the chart after the initial foundation chain is completed.

Stitches Used

• Single Crochet (sc): Represented by white boxes on the chart, single crochet stitches form the foundation rows. Every odd-numbered row consists entirely of single crochet stitches, creating a stable, dense fabric base.
• Popcorn Stitch: Shown as colored or black boxes on the chart, popcorn stitches appear exclusively on even-numbered rows. This decorative stitch is worked with wrong side facing: four single crochet stitches are placed into one stitch, the hook is removed while pulling up a loop, then the hook is inserted from the back into the first of the four stitches to complete the popcorn. This technique creates a three-dimensional bobble that pops forward on the right side of the fabric, adding textural dimension to the blanket.

Color Work and Design

The pattern incorporates color changes throughout the design. The foundation chain and the first row of single crochet are worked in the color indicated on the left side of the chart. The charted design uses colored and black boxes to indicate popcorn stitch placement, allowing crafters to create a multi-colored or contrasting design. Red or shaded boxes on the chart indicate overlapping areas where multiple pages should be taped together for continuous pattern reference.

Materials and Yarn Weight

The 70's pattern is compatible with multiple yarn weights, accommodating 4-ply, DK weight, Aran, and Worsted weight yarns. This flexibility allows crafters to choose their preferred yarn based on desired blanket drape, weight, and finished dimensions. The pattern requires an appropriate crochet hook sized for the selected yarn weight, following standard yarn and hook pairing recommendations.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this pattern assumes familiarity with basic crochet fundamentals including chain stitch, single crochet, and chart reading. The primary skill requirement beyond basics is executing the popcorn stitch correctly, which involves managing multiple stitches within one stitch and manipulating the working loop. The charted format requires comfort with visual pattern interpretation.