Crochetabunga Blanket

Crochetabunga Blanket by Melissa Leapman

What Is Being Made

The Crochetabunga Blanket is a sampler-style crochet throw blanket designed by Melissa Leapman. This project features 14 unique crochet block designs that can be combined in various ways to create a finished blanket measuring approximately 45½ x 52 inches, not including edging. Crafters have the flexibility to make 4 of each block design for a comprehensive sampler blanket, or focus on one or two favorite designs to personalize the project. This approach makes it an excellent choice for stashbusting, allowing makers to use up yarn from their existing collections while exploring multiple stitch techniques.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level crochet project incorporates a variety of techniques that help improve overall crochet skills. The blanket employs modular block construction, where individual 6-inch square blocks are created separately and then assembled together. This technique is ideal for managing a larger project in smaller, portable sections. The design includes cluster stitches as a featured technique, with both 2-double crochet clusters and 3-double crochet clusters used throughout the blocks. The sampler approach exposes crocheters to diverse stitch patterns and construction methods across the 14 different block designs, making this an educational and skill-building project.

Stitches Used

The Crochetabunga Blanket utilizes fundamental and intermediate crochet stitches. Double crochet stitches form the foundation of the designs, with the chain-3 serving as a turning chain that counts as a double crochet throughout the pattern. Cluster stitches are a primary feature, specifically 2-double crochet clusters and 3-double crochet clusters, which create textured and visually interesting surfaces. These cluster variations involve multiple yarn overs and loops worked into the same stitch or area, then drawn together at the top to form a cohesive cluster. The combination of these stitches across the 14 block variations provides comprehensive practice in stitch execution and pattern reading.

Materials

The Crochetabunga Blanket pattern calls for Universal Yarn's Deluxe Worsted Superwash yarn in a carefully curated color palette of 6 colors. The specific yarn quantities and colors are: 2 balls of Pulp #728, 2 balls of Oatmeal Heather #748, 3 balls of Cavern #761, 2 balls of Ice Rustic #772, 2 balls of Dusty Blue #718, and 2 balls of Indigo #760. The yarn weight is worsted and aran, appropriate for the intermediate skill level and the size of the finished blocks. A size I/9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook is required to work the yarn at the correct gauge. Each individual block is blocked to a finished size of 6 inches square, ensuring consistent sizing for assembly. The superwash properties of the chosen yarn make this blanket practical and easy to care for after completion.