The Empty Chair at Christmas Crochet Throw Pattern

The sound of the hum of the furnace. The silence of the chair beside you. We are introducing a reflective Christmas Throw designed to meditate and remember someone in your life who is missing this Christmas.

Inspired by Red Heart Soft yarn, I wanted to take a personal journey to remember my times with someone who shaped my life. Remembering how they laughed, remembering the items we struggled with, and remembering that they were instrumental to becoming who I am today. This is the Empty Chair at Christmas Crochet Throw Pattern.

This throw is similar, but not the same as the Gingerbread Afghan. Deviation of colouring has happened, and the blanket isn't as big as I limited myself to use 7 colours and only 1 ball for each. I will share that below.

Use 5.5 mm / I/9 Hook

Measurement approx 47” dia.Gauge 14 sc and 17 rows = 4” [10 cm]

This throw has deep textures and easy repetition throughout. It converts to a star early in the journey and continues to brand out to more points as you crochet it.

It has a fresh take on Christmas colours, with the traditional red, green, and white thrown in for good measure.

Abbreviations

• Beg = Beginning
• Beg Popcorn = Beginning Popcorn. Ch 2, 4 dc in beg st. Drop the loop from the hook, insert your hook from front to back under the top 2 loops of the first double crochet of the group, ch1 to close.
• Ch = Chain
• Dc = Double Crochet
• Dc2tog = Double Crochet 2 Together. Yoh and draw up a loop in next stitch, yoh and draw through 2 loops on hook. 2 loops now on hook. Yoh and draw up a loop around the next stitch , yoh and draw through 2 loops on hook. 3 loops on hook. Yoh and draw through all loops on hook. 
• Dc2togfp = Double Crochet 2 Together. Yoh and draw up a loop around next stitch, yoh and draw through 2 loops on hook. 2 loops now on hook. Yoh and draw up a loop around the next stitch , yoh and draw through 2 loops on hook. 3 loops on hook. Yoh and draw through all loops on hook. 
• Dc3tog = Double Crochet 3 Together. [Yoh and draw up a loop in next stitch, yoh and draw through 2 loops on hook.] 3 times. 4 loops on hook. Yoh and draw through all loops on hook. 
• Dc4tog = Double Crochet 4 Together. [Yoh and draw up a loop in next stitch, yoh and draw through 2 loops on hook.] 4 times. 5 loops on hook. Yoh and draw through all loops on hook. 
• Dcbp = Double Crochet Back post. Yoh and draw up a loop around the assigned post at the back, inserting hook from right to left if right-handed or left to right if left-handed. (Yoh and draw through 2 loops on hook) 2 times.
• Dcfp = Double Crochet Front Post. Yoh and draw up a loop around the assigned post at the front, inserting hook from right to left if right-handed or left to right if left-handed. (Yoh and draw through 2 loops on hook) 2 times.
• Ext Popcorn = Work 5 dc into the next st 2 rnds below giving extra slack to wrap around spaces below, drop the loop from the hook, insert your hook from front to back under the top 2 loops of the first double crochet of the group, ch1 to close.
• Ext Sc=  Single crochet extended stitch. Insert hook into assigned stitch, yoh and pull through a loop with providing extra slack to bring the closing of the st back to the top of the row/rnd. Yoh and pull through 2 loops. 
• Scfp = Single crochet front post. Yoh and draw up a loop around post of stitch at front of work, inserting hook from right to left. Yoh and draw through 2 loops on hook.
• Hdc2tog = Half Double Crochet 2 Together. Yoh and draw up a loop around the assigned st and draw up a loop in the next assigned st. Yoh and draw through all 5 loops on hook.
• Popcorn = Popcorn stitch. Work 5 dc into the next st, drop the loop from the hook, insert your hook from front to back under the top 2 loops of the first double crochet of the group, ch1 to close.
• Rep = Repeat
• RS = Right Side
• Sc = Single Crochet
• Sc3tog = Single Crochet 3 Together. [Draw up a loop in next stitch] three times. Yoh and draw through all 4 loops on hook.
• Sc4tog = Single Crochet 4 Together. [Draw up a loop in next stitch] four times. Yoh and draw through all 5 loops on hook.
• Sl st = Slip Stitch
• Sk = Skip 
• Sp(s) = Space(es)
• St(s) = Stitch(es)
• Tr = Treble
• Trfp = Treble Front Post
• WS = Wrong Side

Notes:

• Join means to slip stitch to beg st, For double crochet joins to the top of chain 3 or 3rd chain of a beginning ch 4. For starting of trebles, join to the 4th chain if a beginning ch 5.  
• Joining a new colour will always be on the right side (RS) in a chain 1 point space unless otherwise stated. 
• At the start of the round, the next stitch is the first stitch after the join.
• Stitch counts are given per repeat and full round. Example 5 sts, 20 sts. 5 stitches are per side and 20 stitches are the total round.
• If a middle st like dc2tog exists between two points as shown in the diagram with dc4tog, it’s not counted as part of the tip counts. 
• Ch 4 at beginning of the round counts as 1 double and chain 1 space. 
• Ch 5 at beginning of the round counts as 1 treble and chain 1 space. 
• Break implies changing yarn colours and next rnd of instructions will assign the new colour.

Stitch Counts

You can use the video below to take you to the 41st round. The final few rounds as noted below are not in the video.

With A, ch 4, join with sl st to beg ch to form ring. 

1st rnd: RS. Ch 1, 12 sc in ring. Join. 12 sc.

TIP: The next rnd will create the circle to be split into 8 sections. The counts at the end of an instruction are for each repeat or point going forward. 

2nd rnd: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around. Join. 3 sc.

3rd rnd: Ch 1, 2 sc in same st as join, 1 sc in next 2 sc. *2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in next 2 sc. Rep from * around. Join. Break A. 4 sc.

4th rnd: With B, join to same st as join. Ch 1. *2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next 3 sts. Rep from * around. Join. 5 sts.

5th rnd: Ch 1. *1 sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st. Rep from * around. Join. Break B. 6 sts.

Refer to videos on Surface Overlay if you need help to visualize this concept. 

With G: Surface overlay with st st around between 3rd and 4th rnds. Break G. 

TIP: Next rnd will create the circle to be split into 12 sections. 

6th rnd: With C, sl st to same st as join. Ch 1. *2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next 3 sts. Rep from * around. Join. 5 sts.

7th rnd: Ch 1. *1 sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st. Rep from * around. Join. 6 sts.

TIP: Next rnd will create the circle to be split into 18 sections. 

8th rnd: Ch 6 (counts as 1 dc and ch 3 sp), 1 dc in same beg st. *Sk 3 sts, (1 dc, ch 3, 1 dc) in next st. Rep from * around. Join to the 3rd ch of 6. Break C. Turn. 18 v-st  groups. 

9th rnd: WS. With D, join with sl st to next ch-3 sp. Ch 1, (1 sc, 1 hdc, 1 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc) in each ch 3 sp around. Join. Break D. Turn. 18 petal groups.

10th rnd: RS. With F, attach with sl st to middle dc of a petal group. Ch 1, 1 sc in same beg st. (1 dc, ch 2, 1 dc) in next space bet two groups of petals. *1 sc in next dc in the middle of petal,  (1 dc, ch 2, 1 dc) in next space bet two groups of petals. Rep from * around. Join. 18 v-st groups. 

11th rnd: Ch 1, *1 sc in next sc st, 5 dc in next ch 2 sp. Rep from * around. Break F. 6 sts.

TIP: The Popcorn in the next round will float with the chains between them. The chains will be captured under the stitches in the 13th round. 

12th rnd: Attach A on RS on any sc st. Beg popcorn, ch 6. *Popcorn in next sc st, ch 6. Rep from * around. Join. Break A. 1 popcorn and 1 ch 6 sp. 

For the next round, trap the ch 6 of the 12th round under the stitches to secure into position. 

13th rnd: Attach E on RS to 1st st after popcorn on 11th rnd, trapping the ch 6 under the join. Ch 3, 1 dc in same st as join, 1 dc in next 3 sts, 2 dc in next st, sk next popcorn. *Using rnd 11 as sts, 2 dc in next st, 1 dc in next 3 sts, 2 dc in next st, sk next popcorn. Rep from * around. Join. Break E. Turn. 7 sts. 

14th rnd: With C, attach to any st on WS. Ch 1. *1 sc in next st, 1 tr in next st. Rep from * around. Join. Break C. Turn.

TIP: Transition to a star begins here. 

15th rnd: With G, attach on RS on back loop only. Use back loops only for this rnd. Ch 1, 1 sc in same as st as join. 1 hdc in next st, 1 dc in next st, 2 tr in next st, 1 dc in next st, 1 hdc in next st, 1 sc in next st. *1 sc in next st. 1 hdc in next st, 1 dc in next st, 2 tr in next st, 1 dc in next st, 1 hdc in next st, 1 sc in next st. Rep from * around. Join. 8 sts, 144 sts. 

TIP: You may benefit with stitch markers in the ch 1 sps in points as the stitches can appear tight. Move the stitch markers up for each point as you crochet over it to keep the same point moving. 

16th rnd: Sl st to next st. Ch 1, 1 sc in same st, 1 sc in next 2 sts, ch 1, 1 sc next 3 sts. Sk next 2 sts, *1 sc in next 3 sts, ch 1, 1 sc in next 3 sts, sk next 2 sts. Rep from * around. Join. Break G. 6 sts and 1 ch 1 sp. 

17th rnd: With D, attach. Beg popcorn in same sp, ch 1. 1 sc in next 6 sts, ch 1, *popcorn in next ch 1 sp, ch 1, 1 sc in next 6 sts, ch 1. Rep from * around. Join. Break D. 6 sc, 2 ch 1 sps and 1 popcorn.

TIP: When doing front post crochet, it counts as the stitch it will sit in front of. When you resume back to the regular rnd, you are intentionally skipping 1 st which is directly behind the front post. 

18th rnd: With G, attach on RS to top of popcorn st. Ch 1, *(1 sc, ch 1, 1 sc) in popcorn st. 1 sc in next ch 1 sp, 1 trfp around dc post 3 rnds directly below, 1 sc in next 4 sts, 1 trfp around dc post 3 rnds directly below, 1 sc in next ch 1 sp. Rep from * around. Join. Break G. 8 sc, 2 trfp, 1 ch 1 sp.

19th rnd: With B, join with sl st to next ch 1 sp. Ch 5, 1 tr in same sp. 1 dc in next st, 1 hdc in next 2 sts, sc4tog, 1 hdc in next 2 sts, 1 dc in next st, *(1 tr, ch 1, 1 tr) in next st. 1 dc in next st, 1 hdc in next 2 sts, sc4tog, 1 hdc in next 2 sts, 1 dc in next st. Rep from * around. Join. Break B. Turn. 8 sts and 1 ch 1 sp.

20th rnd: With A, attach on WS to ch 1 of a point. Ch 1, *(1 sc, ch 1, 1 sc) in point sp, 1 tr in next st, [1 sc in next st, 1 tr in next st] 4 times. Rep from * around. Join. Break A. Turn. 6 sc, 5 tr, 1 ch 1 sp.  

21st rnd: With F, attach on RS. Using back loops only for rnd. Ch 4, 1 dc in same sp. 1 dc in next 4 sts, dc3tog, 1 dc in next 4 sts, *(1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) in next sp, 1 dc in next 4 sts, dc3tog, 1 dc in next 4 sts. Rep from * around. Join. Break F. 10 dc and 1 ch 1 sp. 

22nd rnd: With C, attach. Beg popcorn in same sp, ch 1, popcorn in same beg sp. Ch 1, sk next 2 sts, 1 dc in next st, ch 1, popcorn in next st, ch 1, sk next st, 1 dc in next dc3tog st, ch 1, sk next st, popcorn in next st, ch 1, 1 dc in next st, ch 1, sk next 3 sts. *(Popcorn, ch 1, popcorn) Ch 1, sk next 2 sts, 1 dc in next st, ch 1, popcorn in next st, ch 1, sk next st, 1 dc in next dc3tog st, ch 1, sk next st, popcorn in next st, ch 1, 1 dc in next st, ch 1, sk next 3 sts. Rep from * around. Join. Break C. 8 ch 1 sps, 4 popcorn and 2 dc.

23rd rnd: With E, attach. Ch 1, (1 sc, ch 1, 1 sc) in same sp. [1 sc in next st, 1 sc in ch 1 sp] 3 times, sk next st, [1 sc in ch 1 sp, 1 sc in next st] 3 times, (1 sc, ch 1, 1 sc) in next ch 1 point sp. [1 sc in next st, 1 sc in ch 1 sp] 3 times, sk next st, [1 sc in ch 1 sp, 1 sc in next st] 3 times, (1 sc, ch 1, 1 sc) in next ch 1 point sp. Rep from * around. Join. 14 sc and 1 ch 1 sp.

24th rnd: Sl st to next ch 1 sp. Ch 4, 1 dc in same sp. 1 dc in next 2 sc, 1 hdc in next 2 sts, 1 sc in next 2 sc, sk next 2 sc, 1 sc in next 2 sc, 1 hdc in next 2 sc, 1 dc in next 2 sc. *(1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) in ch 1 point sp. 1 dc in next 2 sc, 1 hdc in next 2 sc, 1 sc in next 2 sc, sk next 2 sc, 1 sc in next 2 sc, 1 hdc in next 2 sc, 1 dc in next 2 sc. Rep from * around. Join. Break E. 14 sts and 1 ch 1 sp. 

25th rnd: With D, attach. Ch 4, 1 dc in same sp. [Sk next st, 1 dc in next st, 1 dc in skipped st from behind - cross stitch] 3 times. Dc2tog. Rep [ ] 3 times. *(1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) in next ch 1 point sp. [Sk next st, 1 dc in next st, 1 dc in skipped st from behind] 3 times. Dc2tog. Rep [ ] 3 times. Rep from * around. Join. Break D. 6 cross sts, 2 dc and 1 ch 1 sp. 

26th rnd: With F, attach. Ch 1, *(1 sc, ch 1, 1 sc) in corner point. 1 sc in next 6 dc, sc3tog, 1 sc in next 6 dc. Rep from * around. Join. Break F. 14 sc and 1 ch 1 sp.

27th rnd: With A join with sl st to next ch 1 point sp. Ch 4, 1 dc in same sp. 1 dc in next 6 sc, dc3tog, 1 dc in next 6 sc. *(1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) in next point sp. 1 dc in next 6 sc, dc3tog, 1 dc in next 6 sc. Rep from * around. Join. Break A. 14 dc and 1 ch 1 sp.

TIP: Next rnd will create the circle to be split into 36 points but is still in repeats of 18 around as the points are not balanced yet. Counts are for the repeat of 18. 

28th rnd: With B, join with sl st to next ch 1 point sp. Ch 1, (1 sc, ch 1, 1 sc) in same sp. 1 sc in next 5 dc sts, sk next 2 dc, (3 tr, ch 1, 3 tr) in next dc3tog st, sk next 2 dc, 1 sc in next 5 dc sts. *(1 sc, ch 1, 1 sc) in next point sp. 1 sc in next 5 dc sts, sk next 2 dc, (3 tr, ch 1, 3 tr) in next dc3tog st, sk next 2 dc, 1 sc in next 5 dc sts. Rep from * around. Join. Break B. 12 sc, 6 tr, 2 ch 1 sp corner sps. 

29th rnd: With G, attach. Ch 1, *(1 hdc, ch 1, 1 hdc) in point sp. 1 dcbp around next 3 sc posts, sk next 3 sts, 1 dcbp around next 3 tr posts, (1 hdc, ch 1, 1 hdc) in next point sp. 1 dcbp around next 3 tr posts, sk next 3 sts, 1 dcbp around next 3 sc posts. Rep from * around. Join. Break G. 12 dcbp, 4 hdc, 2 ch 1 sps.

TIP: Last round, we got each of the 36 points back to being in balance. Repeat is now 36 points. 

30th rnd: With E, join with sl st to next ch 1 corner point sp. Using back loops only this rnd. Ch 4, 1 dc in same sp. 1 dc in next 3 sts, sk next 2 sts, 1 dc in next 3 sts. *(1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) in next corner point sp, 1 dc in nextnext 3 sts, sk next 2 sts, 1 dc in next 3 sts. Rep from * around. Join. Break E. 8 dc and 1 ch 1 sp. 

31st rnd: With F, attach. Ch 4, 1 dc in same sp. Ch 1, sk next st, popcorn in next st, ch 1, ext popcorn using both sps of the 2 rnds below together at same time, ch 1, sk next 2 dc, popcorn in next, ch 1. *(1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) in next corner sp. Ch 1, sk next st, popcorn in next st, ch 1, ext popcorn using both sps of the 2 rnds below together at same time, ch 1, sk next 2 dc, popcorn in next, ch 1. Rep from * around. Join. Break F. 2 popcorn, 5 ch 1 sps and 2 dc.

32nd rnd: With G, attach. Ch 1, *(1 sc, ch 1, 1 sc) in corner point. 1 sc in next dc, 1 sc in next ch 1 sp, 1 sc in next popcorn, 1 sc in next ch 1 sp. Sk next ext popcorn, 1 sc in next ch 1 sp, 1 sc in next popcorn, 1 sc in next ch 1 sp, 1 sc in next dc st. Rep from * around. Join. Break G. 10 sc and 1 ch 1 sp.

33rd rnd: With C, attach. Ch 4, 1 dc in same sp. [Sk next st, 1 dc in next st, 1 dc in skipped st from behind - cross stitch] 2 times. Sk next 2 sts. Rep [ ] 2 times. *(1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) in next ch 1 point sp. [Sk next st, 1 dc in next st, 1 dc in skipped st from behind - cross stitch] 2 times. Sk next 2 sts. Rep [ ] 2 times. Rep from * around. Join. Break C. 4 cross sts, 2 dc and 1 ch 1 sp.

34th rnd: With D, attach. Ch 5, 1 tr in same sp. 1 dc in next st, 1 hdc in next 2 sts, 1 sc in next st, sk next 2 sts, 1 sc in next st, 1 hdc in next 2 sts, 1 dc in next st. *(1 tr, ch 1, 1 tr) in ch 1 point sp. 1 dc in next st, 1 hdc in next 2 sts, 1 sc in next st, sk next 2 sts, 1 sc in next st, 1 hdc in next 2 sts, 1 dc in next st. Rep from * around. Join. Break D. 10 sts and 1 ch 1 sp. 

35th rnd: With B, join with sl st to next ch 1 sp on point. Ch 5, 1 tr in same sp. 1 dc in next 2 sts, 1 hdc in next st, 1 sc in next st, sk next 2 sts, 1 sc in next st, 1 hdc in next st, 1 dc in next 2 sts. *(1 tr, ch 1, 1 tr) in ch 1 point sp. 1 dc in next 2 sts, 1 hdc in next st, 1 sc in next st, sk next 2 sts, 1 sc in next st, 1 hdc in next st, 1 dc in next 2 sts. Rep from * around. Join. Break B. 10 sts and 1 ch 1 sp.

36th rnd: With E, attach in any ch 1 sp on point. Beg popcorn, ch 1, popcorn in same point. Ch 1, sk next st, 1 dc in next, ch 1, sk next st, popcorn in next st. Sk 2 sts, popcorn in next st, ch 1, sk next st, 1 dc in next st, ch 1. *(Popcorn, ch 1, popcorn) in next ch 1 sp corner point. Ch 1, sk next st, 1 dc in next, ch 1, sk next st, popcorn in next st. Sk 2 sts, popcorn in next st, ch 1, sk next st, 1 dc in next st, ch 1. Rep from * around. Join. Break E. 5 ch 1 sps, 4 popcorn and 2 dc.

37th rnd:  With C, attach. Ch 1, *(1 sc, ch 1, 1 sc) in point sp. 1 sc in next popcorn, 1  ext sc in skipped st 2 rnds below, 1 sc in next dc, 1 ext sc in skipped st 2 rnds below, sk next 2 popcorn, 1 ext sc in skipped st 2 rnds below, 1 sc in next dc. 1 ext sc in skipped st 2 rnds below, 1 sc in next popcorn. Rep from * around. Join. Break C. 10 sts and 1 ch 1 sp. 

38th rnd: With F, attach in any ch 1 point sp. Ch 4, 1 dc in same sp. 1 dc in next 4 sc sts, sk next 2 sts, 1 dc in next 4 sc. *(1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) in next point sp. 1 dc in next 4 sc sts, sk next 2 sts, 1 dc in next 4 sc. Rep from * around. Join. Break F. 10 dc and 1 ch 1 sp.

39th rnd: With A, attach in any ch 1 point sp. Ch 4, 1 dc in same sp. [Sk next st, 1 dc in next st, 1 dc in skipped st from behind - cross stitch] 2 times. Sk next 2 sts. Rep [ ] 2 times. *(1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) in next ch 1 point sp. [Sk next st, 1 dc in next st, 1 dc in skipped st from behind - cross stitch] 2 times. Sk next 2 sts. Rep [ ] 2 times. Rep from * around. Join. Break A. 4 cross sts, 2 dc and 1 ch 1 sp. 

40th rnd: With C, join with sl st to next ch 1 point sp. Ch 4, 1 dc in same sp. 1 dc in next 4 dc, dc2tog, 1 dc in next 4 dc. *(1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) in next point sp. 1 dc in next 4 dc, dc2tog, 1 dc in next 4 dc. Rep from * around. Join. Break C. 10 dc and 1 ch 1 sp.

41st rnd: With A, attach in any ch 1 point sp . Ch 4, 1 dc in same sp. 1 dcbp around next 3 dc, 1 dcfp around next 2 dc, 1 dcfp around dc2tog st. 1 dcfp around next 2 dc, 1 dcbp around next 3 dc. *(1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) in next point sp. 1 dcbp around next 3 dc, 1 dcfp around next 2 dc, 1 dcfp around dc2tog st. 1 dcfp around next 2 dc, 1 dcbp around next 3 dc. Rep from * around. Join. Break A. 6 dcbp, 4 dcfp, 2 dc and 1 ch 1 sp.

The gingerbread instructions in the video do not use the next four rounds as the yarn would run out if you continue to make it bigger. 

42nd rnd: With B, attach in any ch 1 point sp . Ch 4, 1 dc in same sp. 1 dc in next 6 sts, sk next st, 1 dc in next 6 sts. *(1 dc. Ch 1. 1 dc) in next point sp. 1 dc in next 6 sts, sk next st, 1 dc in next 6 sts. Rep from * around. Join. Break B. 14 dc. 

43rd rnd: With B, attach in any ch 1 point sp . Ch 3 (counts as 1 hdc and ch-1 sp), 1 hdc in same sp. [1 dcfp around next st, 1 dcbp around next st] 3 times. Dc2togfp over next 2 dc sts. [1 dcbp around next st, 1 dcfp around next st] 3 times. *(1 hdc. Ch 1. 1 hdc) in next point sp. [1 dcfp around next st, 1 dcbp around next st] 3 times. Dc2togfp over next 2 dc sts. [1 dcbp around next st, 1 dcfp around next st] 3 times. Rep from * around. Join. Break B. 2 hdc, 6 dcfp and 6 dcbp. 

44th rnd: With G, join to any ch 1 point sp. Ch 3, 2 dc in same sp. 1 dc in next 6 sts. Dc3tog over next three sts, 1 dc in next 6 sts. *3 dc in next ch 1 sp, 1 dc in next 6 sts. Dc3tog over next three sts, 1 dc in next 6 sts. Rep from * around. Join. Break G. 12 dc between top 3 dc and bottom dc3tog. 

45th rnd: With B, join with sl st to middle dc of a point. Ch 1. 1 sc in same st as join. 1 sc in next 7 sts. Sk next dc3tog st. 1 sc in next 7 sts. *1 sc in next 8 st. Sk next dc3tog st. 1 sc in next 7 sts. Rep from * around. Join. Fasten off. 14 sc.