Catch the Wave Afghan in Lion Brand Homespun - 60684

Catch the Wave Afghan in Lion Brand Homespun – Free Knitting Pattern (60684)

The Catch the Wave Afghan (Pattern Number 60684) is a free, downloadable knitting pattern from Lion Brand Yarn that produces a generously sized, cozy blanket measuring 45 x 65 inches (114.5 x 165 cm). Rated as an Easy skill level, this project is an excellent choice for knitters who are comfortable with basic techniques and ready to explore a simple but visually striking textured stitch. The finished throw makes a beautiful home accent or a thoughtful handmade gift.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a single-size knitted afghan, or throw blanket, worked in a repeating Wave Stitch pattern that produces gentle, undulating ridges across the fabric. The design is worked in three coordinating colorways of Lion Brand Homespun® yarn, giving the finished piece a warm, richly layered palette with a classic, timeless appeal. The wave motif adds subtle visual texture without requiring complex techniques, making it accessible to confident beginner and intermediate knitters alike.

Materials Used

• Lion Brand Homespun® in Russet (color 790-397) – 3 balls (Color A)
• Lion Brand Homespun® in Barley (color 790-381) – 2 balls (Color B)
• Lion Brand Homespun® in Antique (color 790-307) – 2 balls (Color C)
• Lion Brand Knitting Needles, Size 9 (5.5 mm)
• Large-Eye Blunt Needles (set of 6, for finishing and weaving in ends)

Lion Brand Homespun® is a beloved bulky-weight yarn known for its soft, textured, chenille-like feel and its rich, heathered colorways. It knits up quickly on larger needles and produces a plush, warm fabric that is ideal for afghans and throws. The three colors selected — Russet, Barley, and Antique — work together to create an earthy, autumnal palette that suits a wide range of home décor styles.

Techniques Used

• Striped colorwork – Colors A, B, and C are worked in sequence, with color changes creating horizontal stripe sections that frame the wave pattern.
• Casting on – The afghan begins with 136 stitches cast on with Color A.
• Color changing – Yarn is changed between colors at designated row intervals, requiring basic yarn management and neat joining.
• Finishing – Large-eye blunt needles are used to weave in ends cleanly after completing the project.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (k) – The foundation of the entire pattern; used extensively in both the flat rows and the wave shaping rows.
• Purl stitch (p) – Used on wrong-side rows within the Wave Stitch repeat to create smooth fabric between the textured right-side rows.
• K2tog (knit two together) – A basic right-leaning decrease used to shape the wave motif by reducing stitches at specific points in the repeat.
• Inc 1 (increase 1) – A paired increase worked into the next two stitches to compensate for the decreases and maintain the wave silhouette.
• Wave Stitch – The signature stitch pattern of this afghan, worked over a multiple of 11 + 4 stitches. It combines knit rows, a structured right-side shaping row using decreases and increases, and wrong-side purl rows to produce a flowing, rippled texture. The 12-row repeat is straightforward and easy to memorize.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 12 stitches and 16 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in the Wave Stitch pattern using Size 9 (5.5 mm) needles. Checking gauge before beginning is strongly recommended to ensure the finished afghan reaches its intended dimensions of 45 x 65 inches.