60 Isn’t She Lovely

60 Isn't She Lovely Crochet Blanket by Tricia Crow

Project Overview

60 Isn't She Lovely is an intermediate-level crochet blanket design created by Tricia Crow. This finished throw measures 46 inches by 52 inches, making it an ideal size for a cozy lap blanket or decorative throw. The project uses a charted pattern that combines basic single crochet stitches with decorative bobble stitches to create visual texture and interest throughout the piece.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a rectangular crochet blanket with a finished dimension of 46 x 52 inches. The design features a combination of single crochet and bobble stitch elements arranged according to a printed chart. Once the main body is complete, the blanket is finished with a single crochet edging worked evenly around all four sides, with increased stitches at each corner for proper shaping.

Crochet Techniques Used

The blanket incorporates several fundamental crochet techniques suitable for intermediate crafters:

• Chart Reading: The pattern uses a visual chart system where each square represents one stitch. Crafters must read the chart from right to left on even-numbered rows and follow the chart from bottom to top, building the blanket upward row by row.
• Single Crochet Foundation: The blanket begins with a foundation chain of 172 stitches, with single crochet worked into the second chain from the hook and each remaining chain, creating 171 stitches across.
• Bobble Stitch Placement: Bobble stitches are strategically placed according to the chart pattern and are worked into the back of the fabric, creating a textured, dimensional effect on the front surface.
• Edging Technique: Upon completion of the main body, single crochet is worked evenly around the entire perimeter, with three single crochets placed in each corner stitch to maintain proper shaping and prevent curling.

Stitches Used

This pattern uses two primary crochet stitches:

• Single Crochet (sc): The foundation stitch used for the majority of the blanket. Single crochet creates a tight, dense fabric ideal for blankets and throws. All rows begin with a chain-1 turning stitch before working single crochet across.
• Bobble Stitch: A decorative stitch created by working multiple yarn overs and loops within a single stitch. The bobble stitch technique involves: yarn over, insert hook in the next stitch, yarn over, draw up a loop, yarn over, draw through two loops, and repeat this sequence three additional times in the same stitch. Finally, yarn over and draw through all five loops remaining on the hook. These bobbles are worked into the back of the fabric, creating raised texture on the front.

Materials Required

Yarn: The pattern calls for Caron One Pound yarn, which provides 3500 yards of yardage. This aran-weight yarn is substantial enough to create a dense, warm blanket while working up at a moderate pace suitable for intermediate crocheters.

Hook: A size G crochet hook is used throughout this project. This hook size pairs appropriately with aran-weight yarn to create the correct gauge and fabric density for the finished blanket dimensions.

Pattern Structure

The blanket is constructed over 215 total rows. The first row establishes the foundation with 171 stitches across. Rows 2 through 214 follow the provided chart pattern, with each row beginning with a chain-1 turning stitch. The final row (Row 215) is worked entirely in single crochet across all stitches, creating a finished edge before the perimeter edging is added. The completed blanket contains 171 stitches across in each row, maintaining consistent width throughout the project.

Finishing

After the main body is complete, the blanket is finished by working single crochet evenly around the entire perimeter. Three single crochets are placed in each corner stitch to ensure the corners lay flat and the blanket maintains its rectangular shape. The pattern is completed by joining with a slip stitch and fastening off.