Cedar Springs Afghan in Lion Brand New Basic 175 - L60265 - Downloadable PDF

Cedar Springs Afghan in Lion Brand New Basic 175 – Free Crochet Pattern L60265

The Cedar Springs Afghan is a stunning, colorful crochet blanket designed by Teresa Chorzepa and published by Lion Brand Yarn Company. Available as a free downloadable PDF (Pattern Number L60265), this project is an excellent choice for crocheters who are ready to move just beyond the basics. The finished throw measures approximately 42 x 60 inches (106.5 x 152.5 cm), making it a generous lap blanket or a cozy full-length throw ideal for sofas, beds, or gifting.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a large, richly striped crochet afghan worked in a bold, multi-color palette. The design is constructed in three separate panels that are worked individually and then sewn together following a layout diagram to create the complete blanket. The panel-based construction makes the project highly manageable — each panel is a contained unit, which is especially helpful for beginners who may find working a very wide blanket in one piece cumbersome. The finished result is a visually striking throw with a structured, modern stripe arrangement inspired by the warm and natural tones of cedar and spring landscapes.

Techniques Used

• Panel construction: Three panels are crocheted separately and later joined, a classic technique that keeps row counts short and tension consistent throughout.
• Seaming: Completed panels are sewn together using a Lion Brand large-eyed blunt needle, following a provided assembly diagram. This finishing technique is an important skill for any crocheter to develop.
• Color changing: Each panel is worked back and forth in rows with yarn color changes to create the striped pattern. Changing colors at the end of rows is a foundational colorwork technique that keeps floats and yarn management simple.
• Working in rows: The entire afghan is crocheted flat, back and forth in rows, rather than in the round — a straightforward approach well-suited to rectangular blanket construction.
• Gauge checking: The pattern emphasizes the importance of checking gauge before beginning, with a specified gauge of 16 stitches and 10 rows equal to approximately 4 inches over the pattern rows, ensuring the finished dimensions are accurate.

Stitches Used

While the full stitch list continues beyond the excerpt provided, the pattern is rated Easy+ (just above beginner level), suggesting it relies primarily on fundamental crochet stitches. Based on the gauge measurement referencing a repeating row pattern (Rows 2–7), the design likely incorporates a combination of basic stitches worked in a set repeat — typical of textured or lightly patterned afghan constructions. Crocheters comfortable with chain stitches, single crochet, half double crochet, or double crochet will find the skill level accessible and confidence-building.

Materials

The Cedar Springs Afghan is worked in Lion Brand New Basic 175 (Art. #675), an aran weight yarn that offers excellent stitch definition and a smooth, consistent texture ideal for colorwork and striped designs. The pattern calls for twelve colors, each used in a single ball:

• 151 Slate (A)
• 147 Eggplant (B)
• 109 Petrol Blue (C)
• 148 Turquoise (D)
• 174 Olive (E)
• 098 Cream (F)
• 123 Café Au Lait (G)
• 132 Mango (H)
• 133 Pumpkin (I)
• 113 Tomato (J)
• 134 Brick (K)
• 126 Espresso (L)

This rich palette moves through cool blue-greens and purples, warm neutrals, and deep earthy tones, giving the finished afghan a vibrant yet harmonious appearance. The recommended hook is a Lion Brand crochet hook size J-10 (6 mm),