I don't know about you, but I and a huge lover for blankets. In my world, there is no such thing as having too many blankets, especially homemade ones! I find whether I'm actually cold or not when I'm watching tv I seem to always end up with a blanket covering me. Half the fun of having the blankets is with making them. I really enjoy making blankets I tend to take a long time to finish one because I work on them in between other patterns I'm playing with, or I find if it's the same stitch for the whole blanket I get bored with it after a while and have to work on something (by something I do mean like 5 other projects) else. Sampler blankets are a great solution to keeping my attention, not only do I cave a better chance of getting it finished, I really enjoy the look of the different sections and stitches. This is a little collection of some Blanket Samplers to try out if you haven't already, play with colours, have fun and happy stitching.
Crochet Sampler Afghan Pattern
I'm loving the calming colours of this Sampler Afghan normally I'm all for bright colours, the brighter the better but I'm really enjoying this sampler.
Where this afghan done in the little squares it really gives you the chance to practice some of these stitches, or like me a great way to learn a couple, I see some I haven't tried yet.
This Crochet Sampler was made using Patons® Decor™ I just noticed the names of the yarn used, I see why I was loving it so much, love the colour choices. There is a chart that is included helping with square placement.
Tutorials are Being Made for This Series
Motif Edging for All Motifs
Pebble Stitch Motif
Shells Motif
All-Over Fans Motifs
Popcorn Diamond Motif
Bobble Florets
Waves and Flowers
Puff Stitch Bands
Cable Bands
Squares and Ladders
Diagonal Slash
Thistle Garden
Wagon Wheel Bobbles
Evening Star
Rose Granny
Final Joining and Border
Crochet Motif Sampler Blanket Pattern
The Crochet Motif Sampler Blanket is a stitch sampler that is rich in ideas. Ten different stitch combinations and 1 motif that can be changed in colour. Designed as an intermediate level, the crocheters can make informed decisions whether they love it enough to continue or do something else. I also loved the stripes so much, I wondered if only doing the stripes would be awesome. We put our thinking caps on and pulled apart the instructions and came up with two different options to pick from if you like.
The alternatives below both axed out the motifs and go directly to the stripes. changing the sizes we found to be impossible by adding or subtracting the number of motifs. However, we did figure out how to do the stripes alone.
Alternative
The colours selected were Red Heart Soft Essentials. A - Minty, B - Peony Pink and C - Seafoam.
This is how we figured it out. We aimed to hit approximately 180 sts to meet up with approximately 60" for a beautiful throw version.
We were unable to figure out how to change the number of motifs in order to maintain the proper stitch counts for the rows. For the motif version, follow instructions as indicated in the pattern. Doing this pattern, as written, with 4 ply #4 Medium Weight Yarn causes the afghan about 6" less in width and height.
Watch Out For Extra Stitches on Edges
- The stitch counts below factor in just doing the repeating of the stitches in between the edges. Ignore the edging stitches unless you are on the edge. Just keep repeating the multiples for each stitch across and then finish the edge as shown in the diagram.
Two Alternatives
Neither of these alternatives requires the motifs to be in place.
Using Chunky #5 Yarn and K / 6.5 mm Hook - 44" Across. The suggested border for the pattern adds 1.5" all around.
- Chain 134.
- Set Up 1st row: (WS) 1 sc 2nd ch from hook. 1 sc in each ch across. Turn.
- Now begin just doing the stripes to finish at row 34.
- Begin next repeat with doing Set up 1st row to ending on row 34.
- Finishing last row: Ch 1, 1 sc in each st across. Turn.
Using Medium #4 Yarn with I / 5.5 mm Hook - 60" Across. The suggested border will add about 1.25" all around.
- Chain 182.
- Set Up 1st row: (WS) 1 sc 2nd ch from hook. 1 sc in each ch across. Turn.
- Now begin just doing the stripes to finish at row 34.
- Begin next repeat with doing Set up 1st row to ending on row 34.
- Finishing last row: Ch 1, 1 sc in each st across. Turn.
Caution
Rows 14 - 18 have a tendency to be tight in stitches. Ensure you are looser on these rows as the row can contract inward. This is also mentioned in the tutorial. Just be loose with the 2 double crochet clusters.
You will want to block your afghan by dampening it and laying it flat to dry. I steamed my sample and it turned out lovely.
Crochet Mandala Sampler Throw Pattern
Mandala's are so much fun to play with almost like a life-like adult colouring book. A large blanket size can sometimes feel like it might be time-consuming when you want something a little quicker to wip up, as rewarding as those are to finish, a smaller one seems like it might be a better option.
The motifs are overlayed with what is referred to as surface overlay techniques to get the designs to show.
This Mandala Sampler Throw is so pretty and really gives you a chance to play with colours. This throw was made using RED HEART® Super Saver® designed by Bendy Carter. You can have a set plan of colours you want to use or use up some of that scrap yarn this is a great throw to play with.
Mikey's Tutorial Worksheet
You can click this picture to save or print my worksheet.
Tutorials
There are 4 different hexagons in this sample. There will be 4 different tutorials to cover each hexagon and 1 tutorial for the joining and final border. This is being filmed in real-time as of Nov 16, 2020.
Each of the videos will be listed by the hexagon labelled in the diagram. We will have Hexagon 1, Hexagon 7, Hexagon 13 and Hexagon 19.
Crochet Sampler Afghan Pattern
This Crochet Sampler Afghan is one I'm pretty excited to try out, it has some fun combinations I have been wanting to try for other projects, but haven't had the chance to actually try doing them yet. This pattern will give me the chance to play before I play, and that border, can we just take a second to appreciate that beautiful border. If you are on the hunt for a new pattern to work on, I recommend this one.
This Sampler was made using RED HEART® Super Saver® designed by Marianne Forrestal. If you have worked this up I would love to see photos of the finished piece.
Pattern Suggestions
- Crochet Sampler Cowl Pattern
- Crochet Wave Granny Squares Pattern
- Crochet Sampler Square Blanket Pattern
Tracey Spires says
Hi there
I just learnt how to crochet a preemie beanie from your lovely video.
You really have a knack in making things easy and understandable. I am loving making them for the babies at a State Hospital here in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.
You will help so many new moms who often leave the hospital with nothing and now baby will sport a new beanie.
Mikey says
Look at you go Tracey! Seems like you are the difference in orders! Well done!
Jean says
Mikey,
The left-handed video for the Mandala Throw isn't shown as left-handed?
Thank you for remembering us left-handers!
Mikey says
Yeah I just noticed that as well. I have redone the video and it will be up on the 21st at 7 am. That's the next hole in my youtube schedule. Thanks for this message as I may not have noticed that.
Jean says
You're welcome! Thank you for everything you do!
billie says
i made the last sampler and mustache pillow...not sure how to post a pic
Mikey says
Sounds fun, you can post it over to the Stitch Social if you want us to see. This site doesn't allow crocheters to upload their own photos to protect our server from any corrupt files that will ruin our site. You can find it here at https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheCrochetCrowdStitchSocial