Noro Marine Mirage Blanket Crochet Pattern

Noro Marine Mirage Blanket

Project Overview

The Noro Marine Mirage Blanket is an intermediate-level crochet project designed to create a finished throw measuring 40½ inches wide by 51½ inches long (103cm x 131cm). This blanket showcases the versatility of colorful yarn through a combination of construction techniques that blend flat and circular crochet methods.

What Is Being Made

This is a decorative blanket or throw, ideal for adding warmth and visual interest to any room. The finished dimensions make it suitable for draping over furniture, using as a bed throw, or displaying as a decorative textile piece. The project is designed to showcase the beautiful color variations inherent in the yarn choice.

Crochet Techniques Used

The Marine Mirage Blanket employs several key crochet construction methods:

• Worked Flat: Portions of the blanket are constructed in flat rows, allowing for straightforward increases and decreases across the width of the piece.
• Worked in the Round: The design incorporates circular crochet sections, which are worked outward from a center point to create dimensional elements.
• Seamed Construction: Individual crochet motifs are joined together using seaming techniques, which allows for modular assembly and precise placement of color elements.
• Striped Pattern: The blanket features striped colorwork, utilizing the multiple colors available in the yarn to create visual rhythm and pattern interest throughout the piece.

Crochet Stitches and Stitch Elements

The pattern incorporates fundamental crochet stitches and techniques essential to the construction:

• Double Crochet (dc): The primary stitch used throughout the blanket, with gauge specified at 15 double crochets and 8 rows equaling 4 inches (10cm) when worked with the size US I-9/5.5mm hook.
• Granny Squares: The blanket is constructed using granny square motifs in two sizes. Small granny squares measure approximately 6½ x 6½ inches (16.5 x 16.5cm) after 6 rounds, while large granny squares measure approximately 11½ x 11½ inches (32 x 32cm) after 12 rounds.
• Slip Stitch: Used to join rounds and connect motifs together seamlessly.
• Chain Stitches: Foundation chains and chain spaces form the structure of the granny square motifs, with notes indicating that chains at the beginning of rounds typically count as a stitch unless otherwise specified.

Materials Required

The Noro Marine Mirage Blanket requires specific materials to achieve the intended finished product:

• Yarn: 6 x 150g kegs of Noro Tabi in colorway #12, providing approximately 900 grams of yarn total. Noro Tabi is known for its beautiful color variations and gradient effects, making it ideal for striped and multicolored crochet projects.
• Crochet Hooks: Two hook sizes are required. A size US H-8/5mm hook is used for certain sections, while a size US I-9/5.5mm hook is the primary hook for the main construction and is the size to obtain the specified gauge.

Gauge and Sizing

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. The specified gauge for the Marine Mirage Blanket is 15 double crochets and 8 rows equaling 4 inches (10cm) when worked with the size US I-9/5.5mm crochet hook. Additionally, the granny square gauges provide reference measurements: small granny squares should measure 6½ x 6½ inches after 6 rounds, and large granny squares should measure 11½ x 11½ inches after 12 rounds. Crocheters are advised to take time to check gauges before beginning the project to ensure the finished blanket meets the intended dimensions.

Skill Level

This blanket is rated as an intermediate project, indicating that crocheters should have foundational knowledge of basic crochet stitches and techniques, including working in the round, seaming, and reading crochet charts or written instructions. The combination of flat and circular construction, along with the color management required for striped sections, makes this an excellent project for developing intermediate crochet skills.