Retro Squares Afghan - UK terms

Retro Squares Afghan by Rosina Plane

What is Being Made

The Retro Squares Afghan is a crocheted blanket and throw designed by Rosina Plane using UK crochet terminology. This project creates a finished afghan measuring approximately 120 cm x 120 cm (roughly 47 inches square), making it a substantial decorative throw suitable for sofas, beds, or as a cozy wrap. The design features a collection of retro-inspired squares worked in a harmonious palette of warm and cool tones.

Craft and Primary Technique

This is a crochet project classified as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for crafters with some prior crochet experience. The afghan is constructed using the square-by-square method, a popular technique in crochet blanket design that allows for modular construction and color variation. The pattern uses UK crochet terminology throughout, with a US conversion chart provided for international crocheters.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The pattern employs double crochet (dc) as the primary stitch, as indicated by the tension measurement of 18 stitches and 18 rows to 10 cm worked over double crochet. The design incorporates several specialized techniques to enhance the finished appearance:

• Standing stitches for joining new colors, which the designer prefers as this method creates a neater finish compared to traditional color joins
• Chain spaces that are tracked separately in stitch counts
• Picots for decorative edging details
• Slip stitches for joining rounds and securing stitches

The pattern provides detailed stitch counts at the end of each round (excluding chain spaces, picots, and slip stitches) to help crafters maintain accuracy throughout construction.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Retro Squares Afghan is designed using Stylecraft Special DK, a 100% acrylic yarn with a yardage of 295 meters per 100g ball. The DK (double knit) weight yarn creates a fabric with good drape and structure suitable for a throw blanket. A total of 12 balls are required in the following color distribution:

• 5 balls in Parchment (Main Color/MC)
• 2 balls in Cream (Contrast Color 1/CC1)
• 1 ball each in Pistachio (CC2), Meadow (CC3), Khaki (CC4), Walnut (CC5), Claret (CC6), Tomato (CC7), and Spice (CC8)

This color selection creates a retro aesthetic with a neutral parchment base complemented by vintage-inspired accent colors ranging from soft greens and warm earth tones to deeper jewel tones.

Tools and Equipment

The project requires a 4mm crochet hook, which is the standard size for working with DK weight yarn and produces the specified tension of 18 stitches and 18 rows per 10 cm.

Tension and Customization Notes

While tension is noted as not critical for this particular project, achieving consistent tension ensures that individual squares remain uniform in size. The pattern acknowledges that if squares are worked larger than the designer's specifications, additional yarn may be required. This flexibility makes the pattern adaptable to individual crochet styles while maintaining the overall aesthetic of the finished afghan.