Ocean Bubbles Throw

Ocean Bubbles Throw by Lisa van Klaveren

What is Being Made

The Ocean Bubbles Throw is a reversible crochet blanket designed by independent designer Lisa van Klaveren. This versatile throw can be customized to any desired dimensions, with the sample sized large enough to cover a queen-size bed at approximately 70" x 110". The blanket features a distinctive bubbled texture that appears on both sides, making it completely reversible with identical appearance whether viewed from front or back.

Techniques and Construction

This crochet blanket uses an innovative foundation technique that differs from standard crochet methods. Rather than beginning with a traditional foundation chain, the Ocean Bubbles Throw is constructed by creating a row of loops as the foundation base. This unique starting method contributes to the blanket's reversible quality and textured appearance.

The pattern features a 1-row repeat structure, making it straightforward to memorize and execute. The simplicity of the repeat pattern allows crafters to work efficiently while creating a visually complex and textured final product. The blanket can be made to any desired finished dimensions by adjusting the foundation row length and the number of rows worked.

Stitches Used

The Ocean Bubbles Throw uses only basic crochet stitches, making it accessible to intermediate-level crocheters:

• Chain stitch (ch) – used for foundation and stitch construction
• Half double crochet (hdc) – foundational stitch in the pattern
• Double crochet (dc) – primary stitch throughout the blanket
• Treble crochet (tr) – used in the pattern structure
• Triple Shell (tr shell) – special stitch defined as (3 tr, ch 2, 3 tr) all in the same space, creating the distinctive bubble texture

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Ocean Bubbles Throw is designed with flexibility in yarn and hook selection. Crafters may use yarn and crochet hooks of their choice to customize the blanket to personal preferences.

For the sample queen-size blanket (70" x 110"):

• Yarn: DK or worsted weight yarn, approximately 7,950 yards total
• Specific yarn used: 10 skeins of 250-gram Caron Skinny Cakes in Pop Rock colorway
• Crochet hook: Size H (5.0 mm)

The generous yardage requirement reflects the blanket's substantial finished size and the textured construction method. Crafters selecting different yarn weights or hook sizes should adjust yardage estimates accordingly and test gauge before beginning the project.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for crocheters with foundational skills who are ready to work with stitch variations and texture techniques. The 1-row repeat and use of only basic stitches keep the pattern manageable, while the special triple shell stitch and reversible construction add moderate complexity.