Garden Path Throw in Caron Simply Soft Paints & Simply Soft Collection - Downloadable PDF

Garden Path Throw in Caron Simply Soft Paints & Simply Soft — Crochet Pattern Summary

About This Pattern

The Garden Path Throw is a beautifully detailed crochet blanket designed by Darla J. Fanton and published by Caron. Available as a free downloadable PDF, this intermediate-level crochet pattern produces a large, elegant throw that is as functional as it is decorative. The finished piece measures approximately 45 inches wide by 63 inches long (114.5 cm x 160 cm), making it a generous wrap-sized throw ideal for draping over a sofa, gifting, or snuggling under on cool evenings.

Design Overview

What makes the Garden Path Throw distinctive is its two-stage construction. The background fabric is crocheted first, incorporating deliberate chain-spaces throughout. Once the background is complete, a surface slip stitch lattice is worked directly through those chain-spaces, creating an intricate, woven-looking overlay that gives the throw its signature garden-path aesthetic. This technique adds visual depth and texture without requiring complex colorwork mid-row, making it an approachable yet impressive project for intermediate crocheters.

Techniques Used

• Surface slip stitch lattice — worked through chain-spaces of the completed background to create a decorative overlay pattern
• Two-color construction — background and lattice worked in separate contrast colors for striking visual contrast
• Foundation chain setup — the throw begins with a chain of 137, with the beginning chain counting as a double crochet and chain-1 space
• Gauge-based sizing — the pattern specifies a precise gauge to ensure the finished dimensions are achieved consistently

Stitches Used

• Double crochet (dc) — the primary stitch forming the background fabric
• Half double crochet (hdc) — used for shaping and transitional areas
• Single crochet (sc) — used for finishing and detail work
• Slip stitch (sl st) — used specifically for the surface lattice overlay technique
• Chain stitches (ch) — integral to creating the open chain-spaces through which the lattice is later worked

Materials Required

This pattern calls for two yarns from the Caron family, both at worsted weight, ensuring a warm, substantial fabric with excellent drape.

• Caron Simply Soft Paints (113 g / 4 oz; 190 m / 208 yds per skein) in Rose Garden (0002) — Contrast A, used for the main background; 7 skeins required
• Caron Simply Soft (170 g / 6 oz; 288 m / 315 yds per skein) in Pistachio (0003) — Contrast B, used for the surface slip stitch lattice; 2 skeins required

The multicolored, variegated nature of Simply Soft Paints in Rose Garden creates a soft, painterly background, while the solid Simply Soft Pistachio provides a clean, crisp lattice that pops against the shifting tones of the background.

Hook and Additional Materials

• Crochet hook: US size I-9 (5.5 mm), or the size needed to achieve gauge
• Gauge: 12 stitches and 6½ rows in double crochet = 4 inches (10 cm)
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends and finishing

Who Is This Pattern For?

Rated intermediate, the Garden Path Throw is well-suited for crocheters who are comfortable with standard stitches like double crochet and single crochet and are ready to explore more decorative finishing techniques such as surface slip stitch work. The two-phase construction — background first, lattice second —