Natalie's Afghan

Natalie's Afghan can be yours if you follow this simple crochet afghan blanket pattern. Maggie Walker created this pattern in honor of her daughter. Make this blanket for someone you love or who could use some extra comfort.

Skill Level: Easy

Materials:

• Caron Simply Soft (6 oz skein) 6 skeins of color of choice or Caron One Pound 2 skeins
• Crochet Hook: U.S. I or size needed to obtain gauge
• 15 yards matching or contrasting ribbon

Size: approx. 44 inches x 58 inches

Gauge: double crochet mesh = 5/8”; 3 rows single crochet = 1 inch; 5 rows double crochet = 3 inches; Full repeat of pattern (12 rows) = 5 inches; 22 stitches = 4 inches

Instructions:

Ch 152.

Row 1: Dc in 3rd ch from hook, dc across (150 dc)

Row 2, 3, 4, 5: Ch 2, turn, skip first dc, dc across to turning chain, dc in turning chain

**Row 6: Ch 1, turn, sc in first dc and in each dc across, including turning chain

Row 7, 8: Ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across

Row 9: Ch 2, skip first sc, dc in next sc, (ch 1, skip next sc, dc in next sc) across to last sc, dc in last sc (2dc on each end of a mesh row)

Row 10: Ch 1, turn, sc in each dc and over each ch 1 space

Row 11, 12: Ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across

Row 13: Ch 2, turn, skip first sc, dc across in each sc

Row 14, 15, 16, 17: Ch 2, turn, skip first dc, dc across to turning chain, dc in turning chain ***

Repeat (Rows 6 through 17) 9 times, do not cut (the pattern is 5 rows dc, 3 rows sc, 1 row mesh, 3 rows sc, 5 rows dc, 3 rows sc, 1 row mesh, etc.; there will be 10 rows of mesh)

Edge: Ch 1, turn, sc in each dc across to turning ch; 3 sc in turning ch, continuing along side, sc in post of dc on edge only, sc in top of dc for dc rows including mesh row (2 sc along each dc row), sc in each sc row down the edge; 3 sc in corner, sc across the foundation chain loops; 3 sc in corner; 3 sc in turning ch, continuing along side, sc in post of dc on edge only, sc in top of dc for dc rows including mesh row (2 sc along each dc row), sc in each sc row down the edge.

FINISHING:

Weave in ends of yarn.

Cut ribbon into one and a half yard lengths (54 inches). Weave ribbon through the mesh securing with a simple tie on each end. I used washable ribbon as the yarn is washable.