OctaCal Blanket

OctaCal Blanket by Agrarian Artisan

Project Overview

The OctaCal Blanket is a crochet throw blanket designed by Agrarian Artisan and created for the 2021 crochet-along (CAL) event. The name derives from the octagonal motifs that form the foundation of the design combined with the CAL format. This intermediate-level project is worked in chunky yarn, allowing it to be completed relatively quickly while still offering engaging construction techniques and visual interest through color work.

What Is Being Made

This is a blanket or throw featuring octagonal motifs as the primary design element. The blanket incorporates multiple octagonal shapes throughout its structure, with a coordinating border that frames the completed piece. The finished project creates a striking geometric design suitable for home décor or personal use.

Crochet Techniques and Stitches

The OctaCal Blanket employs several crochet techniques to achieve its octagonal motif construction:

• Octagonal Motifs: The pattern features three different octagonal motifs, with the final round of each motif being identical across all variations. This allows for visual variety while maintaining design cohesion.
• Color Work: The blanket uses strategic color changes throughout the construction, with each round incorporating different colors from the yarn palette. The pattern includes charts that alternate between black and blue coloring to indicate which colors are used in each round.
• Standing Stitches: The pattern offers flexibility in construction method, allowing crocheters to either use traditional chain stitches to begin rounds (such as 1ch or 3ch) or substitute standing stitches for a cleaner appearance.
• Joining Methods: Crocheters can choose between traditional yarn joins or needle joins (sewing the last stitch) to complete each round, with the pattern recommending sewing ends as you go to minimize finishing work.
• Border Construction: A coordinating border frames the octagonal motifs, with the pattern providing detailed charts for border placement and execution.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The OctaCal Blanket is worked in Stylecraft Special Chunky, a 100% acrylic yarn. Each ball contains 100 grams and yields 144 meters of yardage. The yarn weight classification is chunky (also called bulky), which contributes to the quick completion time of the project.

Yarn Color Requirements:

• 1 ball each of Cornish Blue (1841), Teal (1062), Empire (1829), Storm Blue (1722), and Sage (1725)
• 3 balls each of Duck Egg (1820) and Silver (1203)

Tools: The pattern requires a 6.0mm crochet hook (US size K/10½) and a yarn needle for sewing seams and weaving in ends.

Pattern Features and Recommendations

The pattern includes comprehensive charts for all motifs and the border, making it accessible for visual learners and those who prefer chart-based instructions. The designer recommends sewing in ends as you progress through the project rather than waiting until completion, which streamlines the finishing process significantly. The chunky yarn weight ensures that the blanket works up quickly despite its geometric complexity, making it an excellent intermediate project for crocheters seeking to expand their skills without an extensive time commitment.