MJ's hug lapghan

MJ's Hug Lapghan by ACCROchet

Project Overview

MJ's Hug is a Tunisian crochet throw blanket designed by ACCROchet. This intermediate-level project creates a cozy lapghan measuring 44 inches (110 cm) wide by 28 inches (70 cm) high after blocking. The finished piece is ideal for draping over laps, sofas, or as a decorative throw blanket for any room.

What Is Being Made

This project produces a rectangular throw blanket constructed using the Tunisian crochet technique. The lapghan is worked in a structured square pattern that builds vertically, creating a cohesive fabric with visual interest and dimensional texture. The finished dimensions make it perfectly sized as a lap throw or small blanket.

Craft and Technique

Tunisian Crochet is the primary technique used in this pattern. Tunisian crochet is a hybrid method that combines elements of traditional crochet and knitting. This technique involves working with a crochet hook to create loops that remain active on the hook, similar to knitting needles. The forward pass involves inserting the hook under horizontal bars and picking up loops, while the return pass works off multiple loops at once using yarn overs. This creates a dense, fabric-like texture that is distinct from standard crochet.

The pattern is worked in repeating square units arranged in rows. Each square is constructed by working a forward pass to pick up loops, followed by a return pass to close them off. This modular approach allows crafters to build the blanket systematically while maintaining consistent tension and structure.

Stitches Used

• Chain (Ch) – Used to create the foundation chain of 201 stitches to begin the project
• Horizontal Bar (Hb) – The fundamental stitch in Tunisian crochet; the hook is inserted under these bars to pick up loops during the forward pass
• Half-Double Crochet (Hdc) – Used as part of the stitch construction within the Tunisian technique
• Single Crochet (Sc) – A basic stitch that may be incorporated into the pattern
• Slip Stitch (Slst) – Used for joining and finishing techniques

Materials and Tools

Yarn: Cascade 220 in 100% SuperWash Wool is specified for this project. SuperWash wool has been treated to be machine-washable, making it practical for a frequently-used throw blanket. The yarn comes in 100-gram skeins with 220 yards (200 meters) of yardage per skein.

• Color A: 5 skeins (approximately 1,100 yards total)
• Color B: 1 skein (approximately 220 yards total)

The yarn weight is classified as Aran and Worsted, which are medium-weight yarns suitable for creating fabric with good drape and structure without excessive bulk.

Hook: A 6 mm straight crochet hook is required. The pattern specifically notes that straight hooks (non-ergonomic) should be used, as the Tunisian crochet technique requires the ability to hold multiple active loops on the hook shaft.

Notions: A yarn needle is needed for weaving in ends and finishing. Stitch markers are recommended for tracking pattern repeats and row progression.

Gauge and Sizing

The gauge for this pattern is 2 squares (length) by 3 rows (height) equals 4 inches (10 cm). Checking gauge before beginning is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions. Crocheters should work a gauge swatch in the Tunisian pattern until they can measure against the specified dimensions, then adjust hook size if necessary to match the gauge.

After blocking, the completed lapghan measures 44 inches (110 cm) in width and 28 inches (70 cm) in height, making it an appropriately sized throw for personal use or gifting.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty. While Tunisian crochet requires learning a specialized technique that differs from standard crochet, the repetitive square-based construction makes it accessible to crafters with some crochet experience. The modular nature of the design means that once the technique is mastered in the first square, subsequent squares follow the same sequence, allowing for rhythm and confidence building as the project progresses.