Many knitters and crocheters will spend I Love Yarn Day on charity projects, which is why we asked Evie Rosen, founder of Warm Up America and noted teacher, and Dixie Berryman, another extraordinary teacher, to share their ideas for three new afghan 7” by 9” blocks. Help us Warm Up America! (Learn more about Warm Up America!)
Almost Argyle Block
By Evie Rosen
What You Will Need
• 1 ball or skein of medium weight yarn in the color of your choice
• Size 5mm/8 needles or size to obtain gauge
• Yarn needle for finishing
Finished block should measure 7" by 9"
Pattern: Multiple of 5 + 1
Abbreviations
K = knit
P = purl
wyif = with yarn in front
wyib = with yarn in back
Cast on 36 sts.
Row 1: P
Row 2: * (K1, wyif sl 5) * Repeat across row, k1.
Row 3: P
Row 4: K
Row 5: P
Row 6: K3 * with right needle go under strand slipped in Row 2, k1 and slip the strand over the k1, K5* repeat across row, k3.
Row 7: P
Row 8: WYIF sl 3, * wyib k1, wyif, sl 5* repeat across row k1, wyif sl 3.
Row 9: P
Row 10: K
Row 11: P
Row 12: With right needle go under the 1st strand from Row 8, k1, * k5, go under the 5 slipped strands, k1* across row.
Row 13: P
Row 14: Repeat pattern starting with Row 2 until block measures 9". Bind off
Crossed Doubles Stripe
Designed by Dixie Berryman.
• 2 skeins of contrasting colors medium-weight yarn (noted A and B in directions).
• Size hook recommended for the yarn.
• Yarn needle for finishing ends.
Pattern: This pattern stitch requires an even number of stitches.
Finished measurements: 7" by 9"
Tips:
Colors are changed at the end of the 2nd rows of each color.
Do not cut yarn when changing, just drop and pick up the previous one.
Yarns may be twisted around each other for a neater edge but will be in the seam or edging.
With A chain 29 sts for the foundation row.
Row 1: Single crochet in 2nd chain from hook, and in every chain for 28 stitches, chain 1, turn.
Row 2: Single crochet in each stitch until last stitch, pull yarn through last stitch (2 loops on hook) pick up
yarn B and complete the last stitch, chain 3, turn.
Row 3: Double crochet in 3rd stitch in the row below, double crochet into the 2nd stitch (the skipped stitch),
*skip the next stitch, double crochet in the next stitch, double crochet in the skipped stitch (should form an
X)*, repeat from *, end with double crochet in top of the chain 3 turn chain, chain 3, turn.
Row 4: Repeat Row 3 to the last double crochet, in the top of the turn chain, yarn around hook, pull up a
loop (3 loops on hook), work off 1/2 of stitch, drop yarn B, pick up yarn A, complete the stitch, chain 1,
turn.
Row 5: Single crochet in each stitch to the end of the row, chain 3, turn.
Repeat Rows 2-5 until piece measures nearly 9" from foundation row, repeat Row 5, end yarn when
completed.
Fasten off yarns.
Skipped Chain Pattern
By Dixie Berryman
• 2 contrasting colors medium-weight yarn (noted A and B in directions
• Size hook recommended for the yarn.
• Yarn needle for finishing ends.
Pattern: This pattern stitch requires an even number of stitches.
Finished measurements: 7" by 9"
Tips:
Colors are changed at the end of the 2nd rows of each color.
Do not cut yarn when changing, just drop and pick up the previous one.
Yarns may be twisted around each other for a neater edge but will be in the seam or edging.
With yarn A chain 32 for foundation chain.
Row 1: Single crochet in the 2nd chain from hook, *chain 1, skip 1 stitch, single crochet in the next stitch*,
repeat from * to the end of the chain for 31 stitches, chain 1, turn.
Row 2: Single crochet in first single crochet in the row below, *chain 1, skip 1 stitch, single crochet in the next stitch*, repeat from * to the last single crochet, pull a loop through the last stitch, work off with yarn B, chain 1, turn.
Row 3: Repeat Row 2, but end with single crochet in same color, turn and repeat Row 2 once more for 2 rows of yarn B. Change colors at the end of the row and work 2 rows of yarn A. Repeat making 2 rows of each color or adding more colors.
Repeat pattern stripes until piece measures 9" from foundation row. Fasten off yarns.
