September Morning Afghan

September Morning Afghan by Julie Yeager

What is Being Made

The September Morning Afghan is a crocheted blanket and throw designed by Julie Yeager. This intermediate-level project features a sophisticated color palette inspired by autumn tones, combining warm earth shades to create a visually striking finished piece suitable for home décor or personal use.

Craft and Primary Technique

This project is created using the crochet technique. The design employs a modular construction method, with the pattern built around motifs that are worked individually and then assembled. The afghan is worked primarily on the right side (RS), with the exception of two border rounds that are intentionally worked on the wrong side (WS) for design purposes.

Stitches and Special Techniques Used

The September Morning Afghan incorporates several crochet stitches and techniques:

• Bobble stitches – Special stitches that are worked on the right side and pushed through to the front as needed to create dimensional texture. These are closed with a chain stitch, and subsequent rounds are worked into the "top of bobble" to allow the bobbles to fully pop and become prominent design elements.
• Double crochet (dc) – Used throughout the pattern, with chain-3 (ch-3) at the beginning of rounds and rows counting as a double crochet.
• Treble crochet (tr) – Employed in the pattern, with chain-4 (ch-4) at the beginning of rounds and rows counting as a treble crochet.
• Single crochet (sc) – Basic stitch used in construction; the pattern notes that "sc and ch-2" can be substituted for ch-3 as an alternative technique.
• Chain stitches (ch) – Foundation and connecting stitches throughout.
• Magic Ring – An optional technique for starting motifs; the pattern indicates this is "crocheter's choice," allowing flexibility in construction methods.
• Invisible joins – An optional finishing technique for seamless round closures.
• Air crochet – An optional decorative technique available to the crocheter's discretion.

Motif Structure

The afghan is constructed using Motif 1: Bobble Rings, with a total of 2 motifs required for the complete project. This modular approach allows crafters to work individual units before joining them together to create the finished throw.

Materials and Yarn

The September Morning Afghan is designed to be worked in Vanna's Choice yarn, which is an aran weight yarn. The pattern calls for eight coordinating colors in warm, earthy autumn tones:

• Color A: Brick – 2 skeins
• Color B: Toffee – 2 skeins
• Color C: Terracotta – 3 skeins
• Color D: Beige – 1 skein
• Color E: Mustard – 2 skeins
• Color F: Honey – 2 skeins
• Color G: Chocolate – 3 skeins
• Color H: Rust – 2 skeins

Hook Size and Customization

The pattern suggests using a Size I (5.5 mm) crochet hook. However, the designer encourages customization based on individual preferences and yarn characteristics. Crafters are advised to use whatever hook size produces the desired drape and appearance in the finished afghan, allowing for personal adjustment to achieve optimal results.

Difficulty Level

This project is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for crocheters with some experience who are comfortable working with specialty stitches like bobbles and managing color changes across multiple yarn weights and shades.