What I learned While Making a Blanket

What I learned While Making a Blanket

I Learned More Than I Expected While Taking on This Large Personal Project

Crocheting is something that has always been a part of my life. Most of the woman in my family participate in this handicraft, and I first learned the ropes from my great grandmother when I was twelve years old. I still remember sitting on her soft couch with yarn twisted around my fingers and she explained to me how to do my first chain stitch. Since then crocheting has become a meditative activity for me, one that brings back good memories and helps me organize my thoughts.

Previously I had taken a hiatus from crocheting, but about a year ago I wanted to start up again. Instead of starting small I decided to jump into the deep end and tackle a blanket project. I was motivated to create something I could enjoy for a long time and use every day.

Of course, I knew this was going to be a long project, but at the time I honestly didn’t think it would take me a year to complete. Part of the reason it took so long was mainly my pace. I worked a little on the blanket every week, and sometimes almost every day, but usually I would spend a relatively short amount of time on each session, only completing one or two rows at a time.

The most important thing I learned while making a blanket is to have patience with my production, and that big project are completed one stitch at a time. Great things take time. Whatever you’re trying to achieve whether it’s changing your body, launching a website, or crocheting a blanket it will take dedication and persistence.

Great things take time. Whatever you're trying to achieve— whether it's changing your body, launching a website, or crocheting a blanket— it will take dedication and persistence.
Instead of Following a Complex Pattern I Decided to Make My Own

I didn’t follow a pattern for the blanket but instead developed my own and then repeated until conclusion. The pattern was very simple. I alternated between two stitch modules, which consisted of a what I called a “Solid Band” and a “Checkered Band”. The latter referring to the square spaces created by skipping two stitches starting on every third stitch. I wanted to keep this very simple so I could follow the pattern while also listening to audiobooks or Japanese listening comprehension materials.

Solid Band
  • Row 1Sc Entire Row
  • Row 2Dc Entire Row
  • Repeat row 2, 2 more times, for rows 3 & 4Repeat 2 More Times
Checkered Band
  • Row 1Sc Entire Row
  • Row 2TC x 2ST; CH2, SK 2ST; Repeat to until row is complete
  • Row 3Sc Entire Row
  • Row 4 is the same as row 2TC x 2ST; CH2, SK 2ST; Repeat to until row is complete
Using Yarn in Triple Ply

I fell in love with the texture and feel of a Red Heart brand of yarn called"It's a Wrap", but I felt that it was too thin to make the kind of blanket I had in mind. Before this project I didn't know that you could make a thin yarn thicker by using a triple ply technique. I researched online and fond an easy solution in the video below.

It's a Marathon Not a Sprint

I think it is easy to get excited when you start a big project. It is easy for you mind to jump ahead and image the final product. It's important not to get swept up in the flood of good feelings when you think of the pending accomplishment. Remember that reality doesn't move at the speed of thought. Completing a large project like crocheting a blanket takes time and consistent dedication.

Now That The Blanket Is Complete Everyone Gets to Enjoy It