Amour Blanket - Free Crochet Pattern For Home in Paintbox Yarns Wool Mix Aran

Amour Blanket: Free Crochet Pattern for a Striped Afghan in Paintbox Yarns Wool Mix Aran

The Amour Afghan is a beautifully designed crochet blanket pattern available as a free downloadable PDF from Paintbox Yarns. Worked in rich, romantic colorways, this intermediate-level project produces a generously sized throw that makes a striking addition to any home. The pattern offers two finished size options, making it adaptable for different needs — whether you want a smaller accent blanket or a larger, more enveloping throw.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a striped crochet afghan — also referred to as a blanket or throw — in two size options:

• Small Blanket: approximately 45¼in/115cm wide by 69in/175cm long
• Large Blanket: approximately 57in/145cm wide by 80¾in/205cm long

The finished piece is a classic, cozy home textile suitable for sofas, beds, or as a decorative throw. The Amour name and the warm, romantic color palette — featuring deep purples, rich reds, and soft pinks — give this blanket a distinctly heartfelt, gift-worthy character.

Techniques Used

The Amour Afghan employs a combination of techniques that make it an excellent project for crocheters who have moved beyond the basics and are ready to explore more structured construction methods:

• Worked flat: The blanket is constructed by working back and forth in rows, creating a flat fabric with a clear right side and wrong side.
• Worked in the round: Certain elements of the construction also incorporate working in the round, adding structural or decorative detail.
• Seamless construction: The pattern is designed to minimize or eliminate seaming, resulting in a cleaner, more polished finished object without the need for extensive joining.
• Stripes: The colorwork is achieved through stripe sequences, alternating between the specified yarn colors to create the blanket's signature banded appearance. Stripe-based colorwork is one of the most accessible ways to introduce multiple colors into crochet without the complexity of intarsia or tapestry techniques.

Stitches Used

The pattern is written using UK crochet terminology, with US equivalents provided in italics within round brackets throughout the instructions. Key stitches and construction elements include:

• Chain (ch): Used for foundation chains and turning chains throughout the pattern.
• Double crochet / Single crochet (dc / sc): The UK double crochet — known in the US as single crochet — forms the primary stitch fabric of the blanket. This stitch creates a dense, sturdy, and warm textile that is ideal for blankets and throws.
• Repeat sequences: Figures within round brackets are repeated the number of times stated, a standard crochet instruction format that helps build the stripe and stitch pattern rhythmically across rows.

The relatively straightforward stitch dictionary makes this pattern approachable for intermediate crocheters, while the stripe sequencing and construction method provide enough interest to keep the project engaging throughout.

Materials: Yarn and Hook

The recommended yarn is Paintbox Yarns Wool Mix Aran, a wool-blend yarn sold in 3½oz/100g balls. The pattern specifies the following colors and quantities:

• Pansy Purple (B): 2 balls for the small blanket, 4 balls for the large blanket
• Red Wine (C): 2 balls for the small blanket, 4 balls for the large blanket
• Bubblegum Pink (D): 2 balls for the small blanket, 4 balls for the large blanket

Paintbox Yarns notes that yarn quantities are based on average requirements and are therefore approximate. The brand also advises that they cannot accept responsibility for the finished item if any yarn other than the recommended Paintbox Yarns Wool Mix Aran is used, as gauge and drape may vary with substitute yarns. The aran weight of this yarn means it works up relatively quickly compared to lighter weights, making it a satisfying choice for a larger project like a blanket. A crochet hook appropriate for aran weight yarn