Paintbox Yarns Amour Blanket Crochet Pattern

Paintbox Yarns Amour Blanket

What Is Being Made

The Amour Afghan is a crocheted blanket available in two size options: a Small Blanket measuring 45¼ inches wide by 69 inches long (115cm x 175cm), or a Large Blanket measuring 57 inches wide by 80¾ inches long (145cm x 205cm). This project is classified as easy/intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for crocheters with some foundational experience who are ready to tackle more complex stitch work and pattern repeats.

Techniques Used

The Amour Afghan employs several key crochet techniques to create its finished design:

• Seamless Construction: The blanket is worked without requiring seaming, allowing for a continuous, unified fabric
• Striped Patterning: Multiple colors are incorporated throughout the design in a striped arrangement, creating visual interest and depth
• Worked Flat: The blanket is constructed in a flat panel rather than in the round, making it straightforward to manage and measure as you progress
• Motif-Based Design: Individual motifs measuring 15 centimeters (6 inches) square are worked and combined to form the complete blanket

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The pattern utilizes fundamental and intermediate crochet stitches to build its structure and decorative elements:

• Chain Stitch (ch): Used for foundation chains and spacing throughout the pattern
• Slip Stitch (ss): Applied for joining rounds and connecting sections seamlessly
• Double Crochet/Single Crochet (dc/sc): The primary structural stitch, referred to as double crochet in UK terminology or single crochet in US terminology
• Treble Stitch (tr/dc): A taller stitch used for creating shells and textured elements, called treble in UK terms or double crochet in US terms
• Cluster Stitch: A decorative technique created by working multiple yarn-over-and-draw-through sequences into designated stitches, then drawing all loops together in a single finishing step
• Heart Top Cluster: A specialized cluster variation worked over 5 stitches of a shell formation, incorporating slip stitch, chain, and yarn-over techniques to create heart-shaped embellishments

Materials Required

The Amour Afghan is crafted using Paintbox Yarns Wool Mix Aran yarn, a medium-weight option ideal for blanket projects. The yarn is supplied in 3½ ounce (100 gram) balls. Six coordinated colors are used in varying quantities depending on blanket size:

• Lipstick Pink (A): 4 balls for Small or 5 balls for Large
• Pansy Purple (B): 2 balls for Small or 4 balls for Large
• Red Wine (C): 2 balls for Small or 4 balls for Large
• Bubblegum Pink (D): 2 balls for Small or 4 balls for Large
• Ballet Pink (E): 5 balls for Small or 7 balls for Large
• Champagne White (F): 7 balls for Small or 9 balls for Large

A US H/8 (5mm) crochet hook is specified for this project. Achieving the correct gauge is essential; motifs should measure exactly 15 centimeters (6 inches) square when worked with the recommended hook size. Adjusting hook size may be necessary to match the required tension (gauge) before beginning the full project.

Pattern Notes and Terminology

The pattern instructions are written using UK crochet terminology, with US terminology provided in italics within parentheses for international crocheters. Repeat figures are clearly marked in round brackets to indicate how many times each sequence should be worked. The pattern emphasizes the importance of checking tension before starting, as incorrect gauge will affect the final dimensions and appearance of the finished blanket. Yarn quantities provided are approximate and based on average requirements. Paintbox Yarns recommends using only the specified yarn for best results and cannot guarantee outcomes if alternative yarns are substituted.