Making Spirits Bright Graphgan

Making Spirits Bright Graphgan by Meghan Ballmer

Project Overview

The Making Spirits Bright Graphgan is an intermediate-level crochet blanket designed by Meghan Ballmer. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a decorative throw blanket using a graphgan technique, which allows crocheters to follow a visual graph to create intricate color patterns and designs within their finished piece.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a crochet blanket or throw worked in worsted weight yarn. The graphgan method enables crafters to incorporate detailed imagery or patterns by following a provided graph alongside written instructions, making it an excellent project for those looking to add visual interest and personalization to their home décor.

Crochet Techniques Used

• Corner to corner method: The blanket is constructed using the corner to corner (C2C) technique, a popular approach for graphgan projects that builds the blanket diagonally from one corner to the opposite corner
• Increases and decreases: The pattern incorporates strategic increases and decreases at the beginning of each row to shape the blanket according to the graph
• Slip stitch decreases: Special decrease stitches are worked using slip stitches across the previous tile, providing a clean transition when shaping
• Graph following: Crocheters work from both a visual graph and written row-by-row instructions, giving flexibility in how they prefer to follow the pattern

Stitches Used

• Chain (Ch): Foundation and structural stitch used throughout
• Single crochet (Sc): Primary stitch for creating fabric density
• Double crochet (Dc): Used to build the tiles that form the graphgan pattern
• Slip stitch (Sl st): Used for joining and creating decreases within the pattern

Materials Required

Yarn: Approximately 3,900 yards total of worsted weight yarn in two colors. The pattern specifies Lion Brand Pound of Love yarn, requiring approximately 3,000 yards in color A and approximately 900 yards in color B.

Tools: One crochet hook size H (5.00mm) and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Pattern Specifications

The gauge is established at 5 tiles by 5 tiles, which helps determine the finished size of the blanket. The pattern includes a comprehensive graph for visual reference, making it accessible for crocheters who prefer working from charts, while detailed written instructions support those who follow row-by-row directions.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this pattern is suitable for crocheters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle graphgan techniques and manage color changes and shaping throughout the project.