Paintbox Yarns Sleep Under the Stars Blanket Crochet Pattern

Paintbox Yarns Sleep Under the Stars Blanket

What is Being Made

The Sleep Under the Stars Blanket is a large circular crochet throw measuring 162 cm (63¾ inches) in diameter, excluding pompoms. This intermediate-level project creates a substantial blanket suitable for snuggling or decorative display, worked entirely in the round using a structured striping technique with multiple coordinating colors.

Techniques Used

This blanket is constructed using stripes and worked in the round as primary techniques. The circular construction method begins from the center and expands outward through successive rounds, allowing the striped color pattern to radiate from the center point. This approach creates a mandala-like effect where each color band forms complete rings around the blanket's diameter. The pattern uses UK crochet terminology with US equivalents provided, making it accessible to crocheters familiar with either naming convention.

Stitches and Construction Details

The pattern employs fundamental crochet stitches including chain stitches (ch), treble stitches (tr) also known as double crochet (dc) in US terminology, and slip stitches (ss) for joining rounds. The blanket's structure relies on repeating stitch sequences worked across multiple rounds, with pattern instructions using repeat figures in round brackets to indicate how many times each sequence should be worked. The first 6 rounds of the pattern establish the foundational diameter of 18 cm (7 inches), which serves as the tension checkpoint before continuing with the full project.

Color Palette and Yarn Requirements

The Sleep Under the Stars Blanket features a carefully coordinated six-color scheme using Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky yarn:

• A – Champagne White: 3 × 100g balls
• B – Blush Pink: 3 × 100g balls
• C – Washed Teal: 3 × 100g balls
• D – Vanilla Cream: 3 × 100g balls
• E – Buttercup Yellow: 4 × 100g balls
• F – Duck Egg Blue: 5 × 100g balls

The varying quantities reflect the increasing yardage needed as rounds expand outward from the center, with the final colors requiring more yarn to complete the larger outer rounds. Total yarn requirements are approximate and based on average usage patterns.

Tools and Gauge Information

This project requires a 6.00mm crochet hook (UK size 4 / US size J/10). Checking tension is essential before beginning; the first 6 rounds should measure 18 cm (7 inches) in diameter when worked with the recommended hook. If the completed rounds measure smaller than specified, a thicker hook should be used; if larger, a thinner hook is needed. A 5 cm (2 inch) diameter pompom maker is also required to create the decorative pompoms that finish the blanket's edge.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this blanket is suitable for crocheters with foundational skills in basic stitches and round construction. The primary challenge involves managing multiple color changes across numerous rounds while maintaining consistent tension and stitch count as the blanket expands in diameter.