The Buckley Blanket

The Buckley Blanket by Colleen Webster

Project Overview

The Buckley Blanket is a versatile crochet blanket pattern available in seven different sizes, ranging from a compact 40"x40" receiving blanket to a spacious 108"x108" king-sized throw. This intermediate-level crochet project offers flexibility for crafters looking to create a personalized blanket suitable for various purposes and spaces.

What Is Being Made

The Buckley Blanket is a crocheted throw blanket available in multiple sizing options to suit different needs and preferences. The pattern includes seven distinct size variations:

• Receiving Blanket: 40"x40" (1,310 yards of yarn)
• Afghan Throw: 52"x60" (2,570 yards of yarn)
• Man-ghan: 52"x70" (3,033 yards of yarn)
• Twin: 60"x90" (4,466 yards of yarn)
• Double: 90"x108" (8,050 yards of yarn)
• Queen: 96"x108" (8,586 yards of yarn)
• King: 108"x108" (9,760 yards of yarn)

Crochet Techniques Used

The Buckley Blanket employs several fundamental and intermediate crochet techniques to create its structure and texture. The pattern utilizes the back bumps method, which involves working into the bumps found on the back of a yarn over foundation chain—a technique that creates a polished, finished edge without requiring a separate border application. This approach is particularly useful for crafters seeking a clean, professional appearance.

The pattern also incorporates the double crochet cluster (DCC) stitch, a more advanced technique that adds visual interest and texture to the blanket. This stitch is created by performing multiple yarn overs and insertions into the same or adjacent stitches, then pulling all loops through together to form a cohesive cluster.

Stitches and Stitch Abbreviations

The Buckley Blanket pattern uses the following crochet stitches and techniques:

• YO (Yarn Over): A fundamental technique where yarn is wrapped around the hook
• Sl St (Slip Stitch): Used for joining rounds and creating invisible seams
• SC (Single Crochet): A basic, tight stitch that creates dense fabric
• DC (Double Crochet): A taller stitch that creates a more open, draping fabric
• DCC (Double Crochet Cluster): A textured stitch combining multiple yarn overs and insertions
• BLO (Back Loop Only): Working through only the back loop of a stitch for textural variation
• FLO (Front Loop Only): Working through only the front loop of a stitch for different fabric effects

Gauge and Pattern Specifications

The pattern specifies a gauge of 8 double crochet clusters by 6 rows over 4 inches, which is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions. Crafters should always swatch and measure their gauge before beginning the full project to ensure proper sizing.

Materials: Yarn and Hooks

The Buckley Blanket is designed to be worked with aran weight or heavy worsted weight yarn, which provides a balanced fabric weight suitable for blankets. The yarn requirements vary significantly based on the chosen size, ranging from 1,310 yards for the smallest receiving blanket to 9,760 yards for the king-sized version. While the pattern does not specify exact hook size within the provided content, the aran and heavy worsted yarn weights typically pair well with size H/8 (5mm) to I/9 (5.5mm) crochet hooks, though crafters should verify hook recommendations based on their specific yarn choice and desired gauge.

Finishing Techniques

The pattern incorporates the whip stitch, a simple sewing technique used to seam crocheted pieces together. This finishing method creates invisible or nearly invisible seams, providing a professional appearance to the completed blanket. The whip stitch is particularly effective for joining sections of crocheted fabric with minimal visible stitching.