Tassel Down Blanket in Caron Simply Soft Tweeds - Downloadable PDF

Tassel Down Blanket in Caron Simply Soft Tweeds – Crochet Pattern Summary

This free, downloadable crochet pattern produces a generously sized striped throw blanket with handmade tassels, designed specifically for beginner crocheters who want a satisfying and visually striking finished project. The completed blanket measures approximately 50 inches by 60 inches (127 x 152.5 cm), making it a practical lap blanket, sofa throw, or cozy bed accent.

What Is Being Made

The pattern creates a large rectangular crochet blanket worked in bold horizontal stripes across three coordinating colorways of Caron Simply Soft Tweeds yarn. The finished piece is decorated with hand-wrapped tassels attached along all four edges, giving the blanket its signature fringe-like finishing detail. The combination of textured tweed yarn and a rhythmic stitch pattern produces a fabric with subtle visual interest and a soft, drapey hand.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Caron Simply Soft Tweeds (5 oz / 141 g; 250 yds / 228 m per ball), an aran-weight yarn, in three colors:
  • Contrast A – Off White Tweeds (23001): 6 balls
  • Contrast B – Gray Heather Tweeds (23002): 4 balls
  • Contrast C – Taupe Tweeds (23003): 3 balls
• Hook: Size U.S. H/8 (5 mm) crochet hook, or the size needed to obtain gauge
• Additional supplies: A 7-inch (18 cm) piece of cardboard for forming the tassels

Gauge

The pattern calls for a gauge of 13 stitches and 12 rows equal 4 inches (10 cm) in the stitch pattern. Achieving this gauge ensures the blanket reaches its intended dimensions, so a gauge swatch is recommended before beginning.

Stitches Used

• Chain (ch) – used to begin the foundation and as a turning chain throughout
• Single crochet (sc) – alternated with double crochet to create the textured stitch pattern
• Double crochet (dc) – alternated with single crochet; the turning chain of 3 counts as a double crochet throughout

The body of the blanket is worked in a simple two-row alternating sc/dc stitch pattern, sometimes called a moss stitch or linen stitch variation. In this construction, stitches are worked into the opposite stitch type from the row below — single crochets are placed into double crochets, and double crochets are placed into single crochets — creating a dense, slightly textured fabric that is both sturdy and attractive. Because only two rows are required to complete one full repeat of the pattern, it is very easy to memorize and ideal for beginner crocheters.

Techniques Used

• Foundation chain: The blanket begins with a chain of 166, resulting in a working row of 164 stitches.
• Stripe pattern: Color changes are made at regular intervals across 178 total rows. The stripe sequence uses Contrast A for the longest sections (26 rows each at the start and end), with Contrast B and Contrast C alternating in 18-row stripes throughout the body of the blanket.
• Color changes: Each new color is introduced at the beginning of a stripe section; yarn is fastened off at the end of each color's rows.
• Tassel making: Tassels are created by wrapping yarn 30 times around a 7-inch piece of cardboard, tying off one end securely, cutting the opposite end, and then wrapping the yarn 6 times around the tassel approximately 1½ inches (4 cm) from the tied end to form the tassel head.
• Tassel placement: A total of 16 tassels are made and attached strategically around the blanket:
  • 8 tassels in Contrast A (