A unique, dazzling crochet blanket: The Memories Blanket CAL
A crochet blanket where granny squares meet texture, the ultimate in cozy and elegance. The Memories Blanket free crochet along begins here.
The Memories Blanket Free Crochet Along
It’s time for another crochet blanket CAL. This time, I’ve partnered with one of my favorite people, Biz of Bizzy Crochet, to create a truly unique crochet blanket that will have heads turning and people talking.
This crochet blanket combines our two VERY different design styles into one project for an experience that will keep you ooh-ing and aah-ing through the whole process. It’s the crochet blanket where granny squares meet texture.
The Memories Blanket is a one-of-a-kind creation, a crochet blanket that will quickly become a treasured heirloom and a cozy companion. I hope you’ll join us as we present this beautiful work as a free crochet along!
What is a free crochet along?
Participating in a free crochet along is such a special experience. If you’ve never been a part of one, here’s what you can expect when you join a free crochet along.
- Everyone crochets the same project at the same time.
- Each part of the project is released one at a time. That way all of the participants can work at the same pace.
- The fun part comes when everyone is sharing progress photos with the group. It’s so motivating!
How this crochet along works
Because Biz and I have designed the crochet blanket together, we will be hosting the CAL in both of our Facebook groups and on each of our blogs. The information is the same; choose where you’d like to join in the fun!
Join the Facebook Group
Don’t miss any of the fun! In the MadameStitch Crochet Corner group you can ask questions, share your progress, and enjoy all the other makers’ projects.
Sign up for CAL email notifications
Get updates sent directly to your inbox by clicking on the graphic below and filling out your information.
The Memories Blanket Design
The Memories crochet blanket was conceived when Biz and I started talking about running a CAL together. What if we were to design a blanket that recalled some of our favorite designs from the past year? We could use worsted weight scraps left over from past projects and make a truly unique blanket.
Our design styles are on opposite ends of the spectrum. Biz loves to experiment with textures. And, I love to keep it simple, most of the time with a good old granny square. How were we going to design something that blended our different styles without looking ridiculous?
Well, we did it! The Memories Blanket is an homage to what Biz and I love most. And now, you’ll get to experience our diverse styles in one project.
For this crochet blanket, I designed 4 different squares, each reflecting techniques from my 2023 designs or using a technique I’d always wanted to try.
Biz designed 5 sections for the crochet blanket that incorporate techniques and color work from her favorite blanket designs. These sections are loaded with texture and color. They blend seamlessly with the strips of squares I designed.
We decided to keep it simple for the border. A basic moss stitch (aka the linen stitch) finishes the whole thing off.
The best part about this crochet blanket is that you can either make one exactly like one of the samples. Or, you can choose your own adventure, mixing and matching squares and sections to your liking.
The blanket is designed with interchangeable squares and sections, each square measuring 5” across and each section worked over 135 sts. That means you can create your own unique Memories Blanket!
Skill Level – Intermediate
This is NOT a beginner crochet pattern. The Memories Blanket includes numerous stitches and techniques so experience with crochet is a MUST.
An intermediate level pattern includes involved stitch patterns, color work and techniques beyond the basics. Every square and every section features a different stitch pattern or technique.
Be sure you’re adept at reading crochet patterns. While we have included crochet charts for the squares and a few general video tutorials, you must be able to read the pattern and understand it.
Finished Size and Gauge for this crochet blanket
My sample blanket is approx. 43″ x 60″ after gentle blocking.
The size of Biz blanket is approx.
However, keep in mind that, depending on the yarn you choose and the tension you achieve while crocheting, your finished blanket may be slightly larger or smaller than our blankets.
Gauge
- Each square measures 5″ across.
- 14 sc x 17 rows = 4″ for the sections.
Gather your materials
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Yarn
The Memories blanket is made with any worsted weight yarn you like. Its construction allows you the chance to use up extra worsted weight yarn in your stash.
You can use your stash and supplement with purchased yarn as you go. Or, you can purchase ALL of the yarn before you begin.
Total yardage needed: Approx. 3200-3400 yards
Note: The amount of yarn you use may be different from what we used. It all depends on the thickness of the yarn you choose and your tension while you crochet.
Below is a list of yarn needed for each of the sample blankets.
Deb’s Sample Blanket
Paintbox Yarns “Wool Mix Aran” 50% wool, 50% acrylic worsted weight (3.5 oz/196 yd; 100g/180m) – I purchased 2 packs of 10 skeins in the colorway “Gelato Dream” here and bought a few extra individual skeins here.
Main colors:
- Champagne White (802) – 3 skeins
- Stormy Grey (804) – 1 skein + 1.5oz of the 2nd
Contrasting colors:
- Spearmint green (825) – 1 skein + 0.5oz of the 2nd
- Daffodil yellow (821) – 1 skein
- Peach orange (854) – 2 skeins
- Washed teal (832) – 2 skeins
- Seafoam blue (831) – 1 skein + 2oz of the 2nd
- Dusty rose (841) – 1 skein + 2oz of the 2nd
- Light caramel (808) – 2 skeins
- Banana cream (820) – 1 skein
Biz’s Sample Blanket
Hobby Lobby I Love This Yarn, 100% Acrylic, (7oz/ gm, 355yds/ m)
Main color:
- #20 Ivory – 2 skeins
Contrasting colors:
- 1 skein of each of the following colors
- #50 Cranberry, #110 Turquoise, #130 Dark Olive, #150 Toasted Almond, #156 Sungold, #160 Brown, #200 Gray Mist, #260 Light Sage, #356 Desert Glaze
Hook
US size H-8 (5mm)
Other Tools
- Removable stitch markers
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle
Will I be able to purchase the full pattern PDF?
Yes, you will!
The full pattern PDF includes absolutely everything you’ll need to make your very own unique Memories Blanket. It also includes crochet charts for the squares, links to helpful videos, guidance about how to customize your blanket, and loads of pictures to help you with each part.
You’ll be able to select either US or UK terms when you purchase.
Note: Each version is sold separately. There are no refunds or exchanges so be sure you purchase the version you want.
Choose the version that best suits your needs.
The Memories Blanket Free Crochet Along Starts Here
Abbreviations and Special Stitches will be listed on each individual post.
To access the pattern for each square or section during the crochet along, click on the title or image.
Monday, February 19th
The Mitered Square designed by MadameStitch
Make 8 squares in any 3-color combination you like. Block the squares, then join them together in a strip using any method you prefer.
Thursday, February 22nd
Section 1 designed by Bizzy Crochet
- This section is added to the strip of Mitered Squares.
- You’ll need a main color and 4 contrasting colors for Section 1.
- Before you begin crocheting Section 1, add the edging rows to the top and bottom of the strip (instructions in the Section 1 post).
Colors I used for Section 1: MC – White, CC1 – Caramel, CC2 – Spearmint, CC3 – Peach, CC4 – Daffodil
Monday, February 26th
The Cordelia Square designed by MadameStitch
Make 8 squares all in the same color or choose a different color for each square. Join them together in a strip using any method you prefer.
Thursday, February 29th
Section 2 designed by Bizzy Crochet
- This section is added to the strip of Cordelia Squares.
- You’ll need a main color and 5 contrasting colors for Section 2.
- Before you begin crocheting Section 2, add the edging rows to the top and bottom of the Cordelia strip (instructions in the Section 2 post).
Colors I used for Section 2: MC – Grey, CC1 – Peach, CC2 – Rose, CC3 – Seafoam, CC4 – Teal, CC5 – Spearmint
Monday, March 4th
The Rustic Square designed by MadameStitch
Make 8 squares in any 3-color combination you like. Join them together in a strip using any method you prefer.
Thursday, March 7th
Section 3 designed by Bizzy Crochet
- This section is added to the strip of Rustic Squares.
- You’ll need a main color and 5 contrasting colors for Section 3.
- Before you begin crocheting Section 3, add the edging rows to the top and bottom of the Rustic strip (instructions in the Section 3 post).
Colors I used for Section 3: MC – White, CC1 – Caramel, CC2 – Banana, CC3 – Seafoam, CC4 – Peach, CC5 – Spearmint
Monday, March 11th
The Front Post Square designed by MadameStitch
Make 8 squares all in the same color or choose a different color for each square. Join them together in a strip using any method you prefer.
Thursday, March 14th
Section 4 designed by Bizzy Crochet
- This section is added to the strip of Front Post Squares.
- You’ll need a main color and 2 contrasting colors for Section 4.
- Before you begin crocheting Section 4, add the edging rows to the top and bottom of the Front Post strip (instructions in the Section 4 post).
Colors I used for Section 4: MC – Grey, CC1 – Rose, CC2 – Seafoam
Monday, March 18th
Section 5 designed by Bizzy Crochet
- Section 5 is worked on the opposite end of the blanket from Section 4. Add it to the bottom of the Mitered Square strip.
- You’ll need a main color and 5 contrasting colors for Section 5.
Colors I used for Section 5: MC – White, CC1 – Teal, CC2 – Peach, CC3 – Caramel, CC4 – Spearmint, CC5 – Daffodil
Lightly block your blanket before adding the border. This will give you a straighter edge on which to crochet the border rounds.
Pin out the blanket to the size you want, then spray with water or lightly steam block. Use caution with steam blocking if your blanket contains acrylic which can melt with excessive heat. Allow the blanket to completely dry before removing the pins.
Thursday, March 21st
The Border designed by Bizzy Crochet
You’ll need a main color and 3 contrasting colors to work the Border as instructed in the pattern. However, you can use any color combination you like.
Colors I used for the Border: Rnd 1 – White, Rnd 2 – White, Rnd 3 – Seafoam, Rnd 4 – Peach, Rnd 5 – Caramel, Rnd 6 – Banana, Rnd 7 – Rose, Rnd 8 – White
Love this pattern but not ready to start a crochet-a-long just yet. in the middle of Colorways Scrunptious which is too complicated to have another WIP. I will keep this in mind
, however.
Michele,
I completely understand. But, I do hope you’ll come back and give this gorgeous blanket a try!
Best,
Debbie
I have ordered my yarn. This is will be my first CAL! So I am Excited!!
Yay, Amber! So glad to have you!
-Debbie
excited for the cal!
That’s what I like to hear!
Biz’s sample blanket picture isn’t showing above. Can you please fix it? I would like to see her colorways. Thanks.
Robin,
I’m sorry you aren’t seeing Biz’s picture. I assure you it’s working.
Try refreshing your page…that might help.
Best,
Debbie
Question: I do not read charts, is this a written pattern or chart? It’s beautiful & I think I’d like to participate as long as it’s not just the picture chart. Thanks!
Sam,
The charts will only be included in the premium PDF as a supplement for those who like to read them. The entire pattern for the blanket will be written.
Best,
Debbie
Thanks so much, I’m IN!!
I like this idea. Something different!
This will be my first CAL. Can’t wait! I will be using some yarn scraps that I believe was my grandmother’s who taught me to crochet when I was younger.
Annette
I am excited for this CAL. I have so much yarn. Off to my craft room to choose comparable colors. I will disown myself if I purchase any more yarn til I make a dent. Thanks for all the hard work creating this CAL.
Margaret,
No need for drastic action! I’m so glad you’ll find what you need in your stash.
We’re thrilled to have you here. I hope you have a fabulous time!
-Debbie
Wendy Barton says
February 17th 2024 at 23:
Love the pattern… looking forward to starting
Love this afghan.
YAY! I’m so glad you like it.
-Debbie
Is the border in a separate article? This week’s instructions state Section 5 and Border, but there were no border instructions. Please advise.
The border instructions will be released Thursday.