When we were growing up our mom always had several knitting or crochet projects on the go. In her project stash was a lovely crochet square with a diamond pattern in the middle made using a popcorn stitch. She had seen an afghan made by a friend using a similar design and always wanted to make one for herself, as a keepsake bed-cover for her bedroom.
When we received an order of beautiful, light gray 100% Canadian wool yarn from Topsy Farms in Ontario, this project quickly came to mind. We’ve recently written about eight benefits of wool and appreciate that the wool from Topsy Farms is chemical-free and washable. From their online shop they also sell wool roving which is great for felting projects as well as finished wool blankets, bedding and even sheep skins, all at great prices. Moreover their focus on sustainable and ethical practices in wool production is impressive: their sheep are raised as naturally as possible, without growth hormones and on pesticide-free lands.
If you are in the central Ontario area, consider a road trip to Topsy Farms in the spring: from mid-May to early June they invite the public to to cuddle and bottle-feed their foster lambs, who have been rescued as their moms can’t raise them.
Sand Pebbles Free Crochet Afghan Patterns
Once we made one square it dawned on us that the colour looked like sand, and the popcorn stitch reminded us of pebbles, and hence the name!
Supplies to make one crochet afghan square (approximately 10 inches x 10 inches)
- approximately 50g of medium or worsted weight pure wool yarn. We used Topsy Farms Grey Light 2-ply fine wool which comes in generous 100g skeins (double the size of usual wool skeins you may find in the store).
- Crochet hook (USN/9.0mm)
- Darning needle
Free Crochet Afghan Pattern Legend:
ch, chain; dc, double crochet; pc, popcorn stitch; sl st, slip stitch; sts, stitches
This pattern is worked in joined rounds. The first ch2 of each round counts as a dc.
To create a popcorn stitch (pc), make 4 dc in the same space. Remove the hook and re-insert it from the front to back into the top of the first dc. Hook the dropped stitch and pull it through, then ch1 to finish. There’s a helpful video tutorial to make the popcorn stitch on the Moogly Blog.
Round 1: dc magic ch 12, sl st to starting ch2. (12 sts)
Round 2: (ch2, 3dc in same sp to make 4dc then finish as a pc including the starting ch2), (2dc in next 2 sts, pc in next st) 3 times, 2dc in next 2 sts, sl st to first dc of pc. (20 sts)
Round 3: (ch2, 3dc in same sp to make 4dc then finish as a pc), skip next st (top ch1 of Round 2 pc), pc in next st, [sk next st, 4dc in next st, skip next st, pc in next st, sk next st (top ch1 of Round 2 pc), pc in next st] 3 times, skip next st, 4dc in next st, sl st to first dc of pc. (27 sts)
Round 4: (ch2, 3dc in same sp to make 4dc then finish as a pc), skip next st (top ch1 of Round 3 pc), pc in next st, skip next st (top ch1 of Round 3 pc), pc in next st, [skip next st, 6dc in next st, skip next st, pc in next st, skip next st (top ch1 of Round 3 pc), pc in next st, skip next st (top ch1 of Round 3 pc), pc in next st] 3 times, skip next st, 6dc in next st, sl st to first dc of pc. (46 sts)
Round 5: ch2, 2dc in same sp, skip next st (top ch1 of Round 4 pc), pc in next st, skip next st (top ch1 of Round 4 pc), pc in next st, [skip next st (top ch1 of Round 4 pc), 3dc in next st, skip next 2 sts, 6dc in next st, skip next 2 sts, 3dc in next st, skip next st (top ch1 of Round 4 pc), pc in next st, skip next st (top ch1 of Round 4 pc), pc in next st] 3 times, skip next st (top ch1 of Round 4 pc), 3dc in next st, skip next 2 sts, 6dc in next st, sl st to top of starting ch2.
Round 6: ch2, 2dc in same sp, skip next 2 sts, 3dc in next st, skip next st (top ch1 of Round 5 pc), pc in next st, [skip next st (top ch1 of Round 5 pc), 3dc in next st, skip next 2 sts, 3dc in next st, skip next 2 sts, 6dc in next st, skip next 2 sts, 3dc in next st, skip next 2 sts, 3dc in next st, skip next st (top ch1 of Round 5 pc), pc in next st] 3 times, skip next st (top ch1 of Round 5 pc), 3dc in next st, skip next 2 sts, 3dc in next st, skip next 2 sts, 6dc in next st, sl st to top of starting ch2.
Round 7: ch2, 2dc in same sp, skip next 2 sts, 3dc in next st, skip next 2 sts, 3dc in next st (top of ch1 of Round 6 pc), skip next 3 sts, 3dc in next st, skip next 2 sts, 3dc in next st, skip next 2 sts, 6dc in next st, repeat around, sl st to top of starting ch2.
Round 8: ch2, 2dc in same sp, [skip next 2 sts, 3dc in next st] 5 times, skip next 2 sts, 6dc in next st, [skip next 2 sts, 3dc in next st] 6 times, skip next 2 sts, 6dc in next st, [skip next 2 sts, 3dc in next st] 6 times, skip next 2 sts, 6dc in next st, [skip next 2 sts, 3dc in next st] 6 times, skip next 2 sts, 6dc in next st, sl st to top of starting ch2.
Round 9: ch2, 2dc in same sp, [skip next 2 sts, 3dc in next st] 5 times, skip next 2 sts, 6dc in next st, [skip next 2 sts, 3dc in next st] 6 times, skip next 2 sts, 6dc in next st, [skip next 2 sts, 3dc in next st] 6 times, skip next 2 sts, 6dc in next st, [skip next 2 sts, 3dc in next st] 6 times, skip next 2 sts, 6dc in next st, sl st to top of starting ch2. Fasten off.
Joining the crochet afghan squares
To assemble the afghan start by placing two squares together, facing each other. Then slip stitch the sides of the squares together.
Like it? Pin it for later!
We’re so happy to share this free afghan crochet pattern with you. Moreover, we’re happy to have finally started this special wool afghan which we look forward to enjoying for many years to come. If you’re looking for more free crochet patterns check out our crochet coaster pattern for beginners and our Sand Dollar crochet pillow cover pattern.
Do you have any handmade keepsake pieces in your home?
I’m so impressed with people who can do this! It’s gorgeous! Congrats on a beautiful project!
You are so sweet Heather! The great thing is that there are so many free tutorials and videos out there now that make crochet and knitting really accessible for those who would like to learn. We’re trying to pick up new techniques and tricks all the time. Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment.
That gives it such a unique look. It’s just gorgeous!
Thank you so much Angela. We quite love the texture of it. We’re so happy you stopped by.
That afghan is absolutely beautiful! What a treasure.
Thank you Rachael. Now that I have little ones, the idea of making quality keepsake pieces such as this one, that I can pass on to them feels so great. There’s nothing quite like handmade, is there?
Lovely!! Just placed an order. 🙂 Thank you for sharing this beautiful pattern.
Julie
Oh, we’re so happy that you like it Julie. We’re sure you’ll enjoy working with the Topsy Farms yarn and would love to see a photo of your project when you’re finished. You can email it to us, or post it on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/sustainmycrafthabit/).
Lovely project with excellent instructions! Pinning for later!
Thank you so much Thea. We’d love to see your version of the square if you make it. We’re actually working on one as a throw pillow as well.
I love everything about this blanket! What a great yarn and texture. I enjoy seeing blankets that are just one colour. It really does bring out the beauty of the stitches and yarn. I need to make one in a child’s size, and one for me 🙂
Thank you, Michelle! We really loved the light grey coloured Topsy Farms yarn as soon as we saw it. It definitely brings out the texture of the stitches. Have fun making your own blanket!