Washed by the Sea Afghan

Washed by the Sea Afghan by Megan Gebhard

Project Overview

The Washed by the Sea Afghan is a crocheted blanket and throw designed by Megan Gebhard. This downloadable crochet pattern creates a finished piece measuring 56 x 53 inches, making it an ideal size for a cozy throw blanket or decorative afghan. The design features a ripple stitch construction that creates a dynamic, wave-like visual effect reminiscent of ocean movements.

What is Being Made

This project produces a large rectangular afghan or throw blanket suitable for draping over furniture, using as a bed throw, or gifting as a handmade textile piece. The finished dimensions of 56 x 53 inches provide generous coverage for various applications. The pattern uses a color palette inspired by coastal themes, incorporating four distinct yarn colors that work together to enhance the ripple stitch pattern's dimensional appearance.

Yarn and Materials

The Washed by the Sea Afghan is worked using aran weight yarn in four complementary colors:

• Color A - Toasted Almond: 2 skeins or 406 yards
• Color B - Arctic Blue: 3 skeins or 852 yards
• Color C - Sea Blue: 3 skeins or 933 yards
• Color D - Antique White: 1 skein or 191 yards

The pattern specifies I Love this Yarn brand yarn. Additional materials include a 5 mm or H/8 size crochet hook, a yarn needle for weaving in ends, and scissors for cutting yarn. The total yardage across all colors is approximately 2,382 yards.

Crochet Techniques Used

The Washed by the Sea Afghan employs several fundamental and intermediate crochet techniques to create its distinctive appearance. The primary construction method features ripple stitch sections, which create the undulating wave pattern characteristic of this design. The pattern notes emphasize careful attention to stitch count within ripple sections to maintain the proper wave formation throughout the piece.

The pattern includes specialized row construction methods, such as Row 7, which is worked as an X stitch using yarn overs from behind both stitches. This technique adds textural interest and visual complexity to the blanket. Front post double crochet stitches are also utilized, which are worked around the post of stitches from previous rows rather than into the top loops, creating raised, dimensional effects.

Stitches and Abbreviations

The following crochet stitches and techniques are used throughout the pattern:

• ch - chain stitch, the foundation stitch for crochet
• sl st - slip stitch, used for joining rounds and moving yarn across stitches
• sc - single crochet, the shortest and tightest basic crochet stitch
• dc - double crochet, a taller stitch that creates a more open fabric
• tr - treble crochet, an even taller stitch for creating lacy effects
• FPdc - front post double crochet, worked around the post of stitches to create raised texture
• bobble - a decorative stitch created by repeating yarn over and insert hook sequences in the same stitch, then drawing yarn through all loops to create a popcorn-like raised element
• yo - yarn over, the fundamental action of wrapping yarn around the hook

Gauge and Finished Measurements

The pattern specifies a gauge of 12 stitches and 9 rows per 4 inches when worked with the recommended yarn weight and hook size. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished dimensions of 56 x 53 inches. Crocheters should work a gauge swatch before beginning the full project to ensure their tension matches the pattern specifications.

Pattern Notes and Construction Tips

Several important notes guide the construction of this afghan. The pattern indicates that chaining up at the beginning of each row counts as a stitch, which is a common convention in crochet patterns that affects stitch count calculations. Crocheters must exercise care to avoid adding extra stitches within the ripple stitch sections, as this would distort the wave pattern and alter the final dimensions. The multi-color construction requires attention to color changes and yarn management to create the intended visual effect.