How Do I Crochet? 13 Basic Crochet Stitches and Free Beginner Crochet Afghan Patterns

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Foolproof Afghan

By: Mary Ann Frits for redheart.com

23 Comments

Updated February 20, 2023

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Foolproof Afghan

This image courtesy of redheart.com

This Foolproof Afghan is so easy, anyone could make it! If you're looking for easy crochet patterns that you can mindlessly work on while watching TV, then this is the perfect pattern for you. Using front post double crochet and the crochet cluster stitch, this afghan has a nice, comfy texture.

You'll love having this burgundy beauty in your home, especially when it starts getting chilly outside. Get started on this simple but beautiful project today. Because this crochet pattern is so easy to follow, this may be your new favorite crochet project.

Easy

Crochet HookL/11 or 8 mm hook

Yarn Weight(4) Medium Weight/Worsted Weight and Aran (16-20 stitches to 4 inches)

Crochet Gauge2 repeats (two cluster groups and two FPdc) = 3"; 4 rows = 3" in pattern. CHECK YOUR GAUGE. Use any size hook to obtain the gauge.

Finished Size32" x 37"

Materials List

RED HEART® "Super Saver®" Jumbo: 2 Skeins 0378 Claret
Crochet Hook: 8 mm [US L-11]
Yarn needle

Find even more throw patterns to crochet with this collection of 17 Favorite Throw Patterns to Crochet

Abbreviations

CL (Cluster): [Yarn over and draw up a loop, yarn over and draw through 2 loops] twice all in specified stitch, yarn over and draw through all 3 loops on hook.
FPdc (front post double crochet): Yarn over, insert hook from front to back to front around the post of indicated stitch and draw yarn through, [yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook] twice.
BPdc (back post double crochet): Yarn over, insert hook from back to front to back around the post of indicated stitch and draw yarn through, [yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook] twice.

Instructions:

Ch 83.

Row 1 (Wrong Side): (CL, ch 2, CL) all in 5th ch from hook, skip next ch, dc in next ch, * skip next ch, (CL, ch 2, CL) all in next ch, skip next ch, dc in next ch; repeat from * across; turn – 20 cluster groups.
Row 2 (Right Side): Ch 3, (CL, ch 2, CL) all in next ch-2 space, * FPdc around next dc, (CL, ch 2, CL) all in next ch-2 space; repeat from * to last st; dc in top of beginning ch; turn.
Row 3: Ch 3, (CL, ch 2, CL) all in next ch-2 space, * BPdc around next st, (CL, ch 2, CL) all in next ch-2 space; repeat from * to last st; dc in top of ch-3; turn.
Rows 4-49: Repeat Rows 2 and 3 twenty three (23) times.
Border-Rnd 1: Ch 1, work sc evenly around all 4 sides, working 3 sc in each corner; join with a slip st in first sc.
Rnd 2: Ch 1, working from LEFT TO RIGHT, sc in each sc around (Reverse sc); join. Fasten off. Weave in ends.

BONUS! More free easy crochet patterns that you'll love:

This downloadable eBook has full tutorials for crochet projects that anyone would love. Get your free copy by clicking here:

8 Crochet Ideas for Crochet Throws, Simple Crochet Patterns, and Crochet Blanket Patterns free eBook

8 Crochet Ideas for Crochet Throws, Simple Crochet Patterns, and Crochet Blanket Patterns free eBook

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Lgeorgetx 2637939

Jul 22, 2019

Could you please post multiples? Id like to make this, but want a larger afghan. Thanks!,

Cheryl Y

Nov 26, 2018

It's that time of year for me to start making afghans for gifts for Christmas and this Foolproof Afghan is so nice looking it will be just right. It looks hard, but after reading the pattern is sounds easy enough to whip up while watching tv. I love the color and will have to pick different colors for different people. Thank you so much for sharing this free crochet pattern and the bonus patterns as well. I've saved them all!

Zeemer

Aug 20, 2018

I like the shade of maroon used in this Foolproof Afghan whatever it is called. I think this is also called burgundy. I like the simplicity of this afghan but with a lot of impact.

KLC

Mar 05, 2018

This is such a pretty and simple afghan to make. I enjoy making these for loved ones for gifts on any occasion, really.

bjspiekermann 6114 934

Dec 02, 2017

Why are people so ugly about this? New or not who cares. We are not the crochet police.

drmallery 0249738

Jan 20, 2018

I agree. When people leave one star for a reason other than the mechanics, etc of the pattern, it unfairly gives a lower rating. Many people look at the amount of stars and don't necessarily check the comments.

pjeannette6 154342 7

May 18, 2017

I would like to know a multiple, also. Would like to make a bigger afghan for my son and his wife.

Neffendi

Dec 08, 2016

This afghan looks really lovely. I can't wait to try it out. Too bad I have to wait till Christmas is over and I have finished make all my Christmas gifts for my family and friends. My be this can be my year round gift to me. Has any one tried to make this in a wool or wool blend yarn? And if so how did it work up, was it still as pretty and inviting or did you find any problems with it keeping it's shape and size?

Amharris1962

Sep 19, 2016

I would like to try this but the link to the video for the CL stitch is broken. Is this the same as crocheting two dc together? Also, I've not seen where you answer the questions about stitch multiples in this pattern. That would be very helpful in making a larger afghan or in using different thickness of yarns. Please help!

Cheryl Y

Jun 19, 2016

I love this Foolproof Afghan pattern. It reads so well and the video will really help the people who are new to crocheting. The color is lovely and I can't wait to make one. I can see the beautiful pattern it will make using a variegated yarn. So many ideas that can be done with this easy pattern. Thank you for this free pattern.

mulberrygalprinces s

May 11, 2016

I love this pattern and don't care what you say about it. If you are generous enough to offer it for free you can call me what ever! And to add a hint, if you make it out of variegated or ombr yarn it will look really special and will self stripe without you having to do anything extra.thanks again for sharing!

8987717ne

Oct 12, 2015

And could you add the size that this one skein made? Multiples would help so it could be made larger. Also noticed it's not new. Thanks.

Denver Silver

Aug 19, 2015

THIS is NOT a new pattern, have seen it many times on this site. And, the comments go back to 2013....how is that NEW???

Sherry in PA

Aug 15, 2015

I would not call anyone an idiot. that is very rude. I am not a beginner but there are times that I can't make heads or tails of some printed instructions. I often ask my husband for some help with the pattern and he is glad to work it out for me. So I hope I never see the word "idiot" on this comment section again.

rockettgirl1111 37 36282

Jan 01, 2015

Oh good grief...this is an easy pattern...if you're unsure of the cluster stitch just youtube a tutorial. Lighten up girls!

silviadecastillo 8 428256

Oct 11, 2014

Hi, Id like to make this afghan a different size with thinner yarns. What is this stitch multiple of?

glinda2u 1686644

Jun 27, 2014

I am not a fan of your "idiot" comment either. You could have phrased it this way : "This "Foolproof Afghan" is so very easy and would be a great project for a beginner." You're saying the same thing, just in a nicer way without offending anyone. I DO like your pattern though.

tarabhalo 0236570

Jun 11, 2014

yeah, how about saving the "idiot" comment

hellokittygirl1963 9320733

Dec 19, 2013

I also must be worse than an idiot, I do not think this is an easy pattern!

herfamilyfriends 3 886261

Dec 09, 2013

This is not a beginner or easy pattern - kind of mean to write that.

meach05 2937606

Sep 28, 2013

I'm not overly thrilled with the idiot comment either. Because I can't follow this pattern at all. I guess I'm worse than an idiot

terrielynnp 844045 1

Sep 08, 2013

very offensive comment in your introduction..." This Foolproof Afghan is so easy, even an idiot could make it "

sherryg9218

Feb 13, 2013

I'm a beginner & enjoying crocheting but need a visual to pick up easier. Is it possible to get a video tuturiol on this?

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How Do I Crochet? 13 Basic Crochet Stitches and Free Beginner Crochet Afghan Patterns

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Foolproof Afghan

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How Do I Crochet? 13 Basic Crochet Stitches and Free Beginner Crochet Afghan Patterns

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Foolproof Afghan

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