The Fireside Throw – a free crochet along

Join me to make the gorgeous Fireside Throw Blanket in a free crochet along.

There is nothing cozier than a big handmade blanket to cuddle up under when the weather outside is cold. I’ve crocheted a couple of blankets this season and I love how they keep me warm while I work on them. It’s especially comfy when there’s a fire roaring in the fireplace!

The Fireside Throw free crochet along blanket was created with that sentiment in mind. I wanted a crochet blanket that looks as cozy as it feels. And, because it’s always fun to crochet with friends, the blanket is a free crochet along for everybody to join in.

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

Join the Facebook group

Don’t miss any of the fun! In the group you can ask questions, share your progress and enjoy all of the other projects.

The Blanket Design

The blanket is made of 6 different square designs for a total of 35 squares to complete the blanket. (You’ll only make 5 of one of the squares.) Each square measures approx. 8-8.5″.

The squares are seamed together using a provided assembly chart, then a simple 1″ border is added.

Each square will be released as a separate pattern on the blog, followed by the seaming method and the border.

Finished size: Approx. 44.5″ x 61.5″ based on 8.5″ squares and a 1″ border. Your finished blanket may be a different size based on how big your squares are.

Stitches you’ll be working

I chose stitches and stitch patterns for the blanket that I felt created an overall textured look. I also wanted stitches and techniques that even the advanced beginner could work.

Here’s an overview of what stitches and techniques you’ll be using:

• The basic stitches: chain, slip stitch, single crochet, double crochet
• Other stitches: Alpine (front post double crochet), Cluster, Crossed double crochet, Popcorn, Star
• Techniques: Working in rounds, working in rows, changing colors

Don’t let this list intimidate you. Each of the 6 squares features one stitch/technique so you’ll have a chance to master one before moving on to the next. Plus, with each new pattern section, you’ll get everything you need to be successful, including charts and tutorials where necessary.

The Yarn

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Let’s get down to business!

It’s time to gather all the yarn you’ll need for your blanket.

You’ll need 3 coordinating colors – a main color used in the squares and for the seaming and border plus 2 other colors for some of the squares.

Here’s what I used, along with the approximate amounts:

Main color (MC)

Lion Brand “Pound of Love” 100% premium acrylic worsted weight (16 oz/1020 yd; 454 g/932 m)

Color #99 – Antique White – 2 skeins (1 full skein + 3 oz of the second or approx. 1200 yds total)

Color A (CA)

Paintbox Yarns “Simply Aran” 100% acrylic worsted weight (3.5 oz/201 yd; 100 g/184 m)

Color #240 – Royal Blue – 4 skeins or approx. 710 yds total

Color B (CB)

Paintbox Yarns “Simply Aran” 100% acrylic worsted weight (3.5 oz/201 yd; 100 g/184 m)

Color #235 – Duck Egg Blue – 5 skeins or approx. 850 yds total

Keep in mind that these are approximate amounts. Your blanket may take more or less, depending on your tension and hook size.

The Hook

You’ll need at least 2 hooks for this free crochet along. Some of the squares benefit from a slightly larger hook to ensure the square is the correct size. Here’s what I used:

US size H-8 (5mm) and I-9 (5.5mm) (You will need both sizes)

Choose your favorite hooks, ones that are comfortable to use.

Where to purchase the PDF

You can purchase the full pattern PDF during the CAL for just $12.

What you’ll get in the PDF:

• Everything you’ll need to crochet the throw blanket from start to finish
• Pattern for each of the 6 square designs
• Complete Assembly and Border instructions
• Crochet charts and photo tutorials where needed
• A beautifully formatted, easy-to-read ad-free document you can upload to any mobile device

Get the full pattern PDF in my shops. Just click the button to your favorite shop.

You can also get a copy by clicking on the button below!

The Fireside Throw pattern

This is where you’ll find links to each part of the pattern as it’s released. Check back Monday, January 16th, 9am EST, when the first part of the pattern is added to the blog.

Reminder: You can get updates sent directly to your inbox by filling out the form above. Or, you can join the Facebook group. Either way, you’ll be in the know.

Go grab your yarn and hooks and get ready for some fun!

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Let’s get started!

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It’s time to put your Fireside Throw together!

How to assemble the blanket

Lay out the squares according to the chart below. When you look at the laid out squares, they should all be right side showing with the stitch patterns oriented in the correct direction so you’re looking at them top to bottom. Using a slip stitch seam (see the next page), begin where indicated in the chart above.

To get the look of the sample, use a slip stitch seam to connect all of the squares. That means you’ll be working slip stitches to connect the squares to each other.

If you’ve never worked a slip stitch join, this tutorial by Maisie and Ruth will help.

Use the Main Color (MC) to slip stitch join (see yarn list above).

• The slip stitch seam is worked on the right side of the fabric which creates a decorative ridge on the right side.
• The squares are held wrong sides together during joining.
• Work through both loops of both squares. (Some tutorials will have you work through only one loop on each square. That is not the case here.)
• Begin where indicated in the assembly chart above, joining the horizontal seam there.
• Finish all of the horizontal seams before starting on the vertical seams. It will be a bit awkward at first because all of the squares are literally hanging by a thread. However, once you complete at least one of the vertical seams, the blanket will be easier to handle.

Do not weave in the ends. They can be carried under the Border and subsequently secured once the Border is complete.

Blanket border

Abbreviations for this section

• beg – beginning
• ch – chain
• rnd – round
• sc – single crochet
• sc BLO – single crochet back loop only
• st – stitch

With right side of the blanket facing you, attach MC to top right corner st (the middle st of the 3 sc in the corner).

Rnd 1: Ch 1, sc in same st and in each st across to middle st of next corner, [3 sc in middle st, sc in next st and in each st across to middle st of next corner] 3 times, 2 sc in the same st as the beg sc to complete the 1st corner, join with slip st to beg st, do not turn.

Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc BLO in next st and in each st across to middle st of next corner, 3 sc BLO in middle st of next corner, [sc BLO in next st and in each st across to middle st of next corner, 3 sc BLO in middle st of corner] 3 times, join with slip st to beg st.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Your blanket is done!!!

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