Brighton Blanket

Brighton Blanket by Susan Carlson

Project Overview

The Brighton Blanket is an advanced crochet throw blanket designed by independent designer Susan Carlson. This colorful, vibrant blanket features a carefully planned color rotation sequence that creates visual interest through strategic yarn changes. The finished sample measures 36 inches by 48 inches, making it an ideal size for a lap throw or decorative blanket for a bed or sofa.

Craft and Construction Method

This project is executed entirely in crochet, classified as an advanced-level design. The blanket is constructed using a structured pattern that works in multiples of 41 stitches plus 3 additional chains, allowing crafters to customize the blanket dimensions by adjusting the foundation chain length and working additional pattern repeats to reach desired height and width. The pattern employs color changes throughout, with the crocheter fastening off yarn at each color transition and joining the new color using a single crochet join technique.

Stitches and Techniques

The Brighton Blanket utilizes fundamental crochet stitches combined with strategic color-work techniques. The primary stitch construction method involves working in multiples to create the blanket's structured pattern. Key techniques include:

• Single crochet joins for seamlessly introducing new yarn colors
• Fastening off between color changes to manage yarn transitions
• Foundation chain work sized in multiples of 41 plus 3 chains to establish the blanket width
• Pattern repeat rows worked to the desired finished height
• Color sequencing following an A-K color rotation pattern

Yarn and Materials

The Brighton Blanket is crafted using I Love This Cotton by Hobby Lobby, a 100% cotton yarn available in 11 distinct colors. Each color skein contains 3.5 ounces (100 grams) and yields 180 yards (165 meters). The complete color palette includes Hot Orchid (A), Mulberry (B), Amethyst (C), Purple (D), Royalty (E), Turquoise (F), Deep Turquoise (G), Pistache (H), Bright Teal (I), Apple Green (J), and Bright Green (K)—one skein of each color. The sample blanket requires approximately 1650 to 1700 yards (1510 to 1555 meters) of total yarn across all colors.

The project calls for a G (4mm) crochet hook and a tapestry or yarn needle for weaving in ends and finishing. The cotton yarn weight falls within the aran and worsted weight categories, providing excellent stitch definition and drape suitable for blanket applications.

Gauge and Sizing Notes

Notably, gauge is not critical to this blanket project, offering flexibility for crafters with varying tension and hook preferences. The sample blanket finished at 36 inches by 48 inches. Crafters may adjust dimensions by modifying the foundation chain length in multiples of 41 (plus the 3 base chains) to achieve desired width, then working additional color pattern repeats to reach preferred height.