Josef Blanket

Josef Blanket by Helda Panagary

What is Being Made

The Josef Blanket is a crochet throw blanket inspired by Josef Albers' iconic "Homage to the Square" series of paintings. This design celebrates color through twelve rows of crocheted squares arranged in a grid pattern, creating a finished blanket measuring 92.5 x 92.5cm (36½ x 36½ inches). The blanket showcases multiple color variations through the use of fifty different shades of yarn, allowing crafters to explore a rich palette of hues in a single project.

Techniques Used

The Josef Blanket employs fundamental crochet techniques suitable for beginners. Each individual square is worked in the round, with a stitch marker used to denote the start of each round and moved as work progresses. The squares are constructed to measure approximately 7 x 7cm (2¾ x 2¾ inches) when worked to the specified tension. Crafters have flexibility in assembly: squares can be joined "on-the-go" during Round 6 of construction, or alternatively, all squares can be completed first before joining using their preferred joining method. This design also incorporates pom-pom embellishments, created using a 5cm (2 inch) pom-pom maker.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes basic crochet stitches including:

• Chain (ch) – the foundation stitch for creating the base of each square
• Double crochet (dc) – the primary stitch building each square
• Slip stitch (sl st) – used for joining rounds and connecting squares together
• Chain space (ch-sp) – gaps created by chains that form structural elements within the pattern

Materials

The Josef Blanket is worked using Scheepjes Stone Washed and River Washed yarn from the Colour Pack. This yarn blend consists of 78% cotton and 22% acrylic, offering a practical combination of natural fiber breathability with acrylic durability. The project requires fifty 10g balls in different shades, with Yarn A being Larimar 828 (requiring 2 balls). The yarn is worked on a 3.5mm crochet hook to achieve the specified tension of each square measuring 7 x 7cm (2¾ x 2¾ inches). Additional materials include a stitch marker for tracking round starts and a 5cm (2 inch) pom-pom maker for finishing details.

Difficulty Level

This project is classified as beginner level, making it accessible to crocheters new to the craft while remaining engaging for experienced makers. The straightforward stitch combination and repetitive square-based construction provide an excellent foundation for developing consistent tension and technique.