Vortex Afghan & Pillows in Caron Simply Soft and Simply Soft Collection - Downloadable PDF

Vortex Afghan & Pillows in Caron Simply Soft — Crochet Pattern by Lisa Gentry

This free downloadable PDF crochet pattern by designer Lisa Gentry features a striking Vortex Afghan and two coordinating throw pillows, all worked in Caron Simply Soft and Caron Simply Soft Collection yarns. The bold two-color spiral motif gives each piece its dramatic vortex effect, making this an eye-catching intermediate-level project for crocheters ready to explore colorwork and modular construction.

What Is Being Made

• Vortex Afghan: A large throw blanket measuring approximately 52½ inches wide by 70 inches long (133.5 x 178 cm), constructed from individual spiral squares sewn or joined together.
• Pillow #1: An 18 x 18 inch (45.5 x 45.5 cm) square cushion cover worked in a two-color spiral design.
• Pillow #2: A second 18 x 18 inch (45.5 x 45.5 cm) square cushion cover in a complementary colorway.

Design Overview and Construction

The defining feature of this pattern is its two-color spiral square construction. Each square is worked in the round without joining and without turning, so the right side always faces the crocheter. Two color spirals run simultaneously — one worked in double crochet and the other in single crochet — creating the swirling vortex visual effect. The contrast between stitch heights in the two spirals is what produces the dimensional, spinning appearance.

Two stitch markers are placed at the start of Round 2 to divide each round into its two colored halves, and these markers are moved up with every completed round. When switching colors, the working loop of the old color is simply dropped and extended or pinned to prevent unraveling, then picked up again when that color's half of the round returns. This technique keeps both yarn strands live throughout the work without cutting and rejoining.

Once the spiral rounds are complete, short rows are worked over a section of the spiral to square off the corners, transforming the naturally rounded spiral into a neat, flat square suitable for joining into the finished afghan or pillow.

Techniques Used

• Two-color spiral crochet worked continuously in the round (no joining, no turning)
• Colorwork with carried/dropped loops — colors are alternated each half-round without fastening off
• Short-row corner shaping to square the spiral motifs
• Modular / motif-based construction — the afghan is assembled from multiple individual squares
• Use of stitch markers to track color changes and round beginnings

Stitches Used

• Single crochet (sc) — used for one of the two color spirals throughout each square
• Double crochet (dc) — used for the contrasting color spiral, creating the height difference that defines the vortex look
• Chain stitch (ch) — used to start each square (beginning chain of 2)
• Short rows of single and/or double crochet for corner squaring

Gauge

The pattern calls for a gauge of 18 stitches and 10 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in pattern. Each finished square measures approximately 17½ x 17½ inches (44.5 x 44.5 cm). Achieving accurate gauge is important for ensuring the squares join neatly and the finished afghan reaches its intended dimensions.

Materials — Yarn

All pieces are worked in Caron Simply Soft, an aran/worsted weight smooth yarn available in 170 g / 6 oz skeins (288 m / 315 yds each). The following colorways are specified:

• Afghan: Pistachio (0003) — 3 skeins; Forest Floor (9758