Novel Charm Throw

Novel Charm Throw by Lisa van Klaveren

Project Overview

The Novel Charm Throw is a beautiful, textured crochet blanket designed to provide lovely weight and warmth for cozy moments. This intermediate-level project features a distinctive "cable-like" appearance created through strategic post stitches, resulting in a fabric with visual depth and tactile appeal. The finished sample measures 50" x 70", though the pattern is designed with flexibility to accommodate custom dimensions based on individual preferences.

What Is Being Made

This is a large rectangular throw blanket suitable for draping over furniture or wrapping around yourself while reading or relaxing. The blanket is constructed as a flat piece worked in rows, with the fabric being essentially reversible, making it versatile for display on either side.

Crochet Techniques Used

• Post Stitches: The primary textural element comes from front post double crochet stitches, which create the characteristic "cable-like" appearance by working under the posts of stitches from previous rows rather than into the top loops
• Row-by-Row Construction: The blanket is built using traditional row-based crochet, allowing for straightforward progression and customizable dimensions
• Gauge Flexibility: The pattern accommodates individual gauge preferences, enabling crafters to adjust yarn and hook sizes to achieve desired fabric characteristics

Stitches Used

• Double Crochet (dc): The foundational stitch forming the base fabric structure
• 2 Front Post Double Crochet (2fpdc): A special stitch combining two front post double crochets worked under both posts of the same two double crochets, creating the textured cable-like pattern. This stitch is executed by yarning over, inserting the hook from front to back under both posts of the next two double crochets, yarning over, pulling up a loop, yarning over, pulling through two loops, and yarning over and pulling through the remaining two loops, then repeating this process under both posts of the same two double crochets
• Chain Stitch (ch): Used for foundation and turning chains throughout the pattern

Materials and Specifications

The sample throw was created using Aran worsted weight yarn in a natural color, requiring approximately 3,350 yards total. A size K (6.5mm) crochet hook was used for the sample. The pattern is adaptable to any yarn weight and hook size combination, with the foundation chain calculated as a multiple of 8 plus 1 stitch, allowing customization of the blanket width. The sample blanket began with a foundation chain of 161 stitches, resulting in 160 double crochets across the first row.

Difficulty Level

This project is rated at intermediate skill level, making it suitable for crocheters with foundational knowledge of basic stitches and experience working with post stitches. The repetitive nature of the pattern, combined with the special 2 front post double crochet stitch, provides an engaging challenge without requiring advanced techniques.