Moonstone Throw

Moonstone Throw by Evelyn and Peter

What Is Being Made

The Moonstone Throw is a beginner-friendly crochet blanket designed to create a modern striped aesthetic that complements any home decor. This finished blanket measures 50 inches by 64 inches, making it an ideal size for draping over furniture or using as a decorative throw. The project uses a straightforward color and stitch repeat pattern that allows crafters to build confidence while creating a visually striking finished piece.

Difficulty Level and Suitability

Rated as Level 2 - Easy, the Moonstone Throw is perfect for beginners who have basic crochet knowledge and are ready to tackle their first blanket project. The pattern's simple stitch and color repeats make it accessible for newer crocheters while still producing professional-looking results. The structured approach to color placement and stitch selection removes guesswork from the construction process.

Crochet Techniques Used

This throw employs fundamental crochet techniques that build foundational skills. The pattern utilizes front loop only (FLO) stitching, which creates texture by working through only the front loop of stitches rather than under both loops. This technique adds visual interest and dimension to the finished blanket. The systematic color changes throughout the project teach proper yarn management and weaving in of ends, essential skills for any crochet crafter.

Stitches Used

• Chain (Ch) - Used to create the foundation and turning chains throughout the pattern
• Single Crochet (Sc) - A basic short stitch used in the Taupe color sections
• Half Double Crochet (Hdc) - A medium-height stitch used in Antique White throughout the pattern
• Half Double Crochet Front Loop Only (Hdc FLO) - The Antique White Hdc stitches worked through the front loop only to create textural variation
• Double Crochet (Dc) - A taller stitch used exclusively in the Succulent color sections

The pattern notes specify that Chain 1 and Chain 2 turning chains do not count as stitches, which is important for maintaining accurate stitch counts throughout the project. Each color is assigned to specific stitches: Antique White handles all Hdc and Hdc (FLO) work, Taupe is used for Single Crochet stitches, and Succulent yarn is reserved for Double Crochet stitches. This color-to-stitch organization creates the modern striped effect while simplifying the construction process.

Materials Required

The Moonstone Throw uses Lion Brand Pound Of Love worsted weight yarn in three coordinating colors. Worsted weight yarn (also called weight 4) is ideal for blanket projects as it works up quickly while maintaining good drape and warmth. The specific yardage requirements are:

• Antique White - 2 skeins, totaling 1550 yards
• Succulent - 1 skein, totaling 470 yards
• Taupe - 1 skein, totaling 400 yards

A 6.00mm crochet hook is used throughout the project. The gauge is measured at 12.5 Double Crochet stitches by 6 rows over a 4 inch by 4 inch swatch, which helps ensure the finished blanket reaches the intended 50 by 64 inch dimensions. Additional supplies include a yarn needle for weaving in the color-change tails and scissors for cutting yarn between color sections. Crafters should leave adequately long tails when cutting yarn after each color change to facilitate secure weaving in of ends.

Pattern Organization and Construction

The pattern follows a systematic approach to color changes and stitch selection that makes it easy to follow even for beginners. By assigning each color to specific stitches throughout the entire project, the Moonstone Throw eliminates the need to track complex color-change instructions row by row. Instead, crafters simply follow the stitch abbreviations and know which color to use based on which stitch is called for in the pattern.