Valley Yarns WEBS Lace Motif Afghan Crochet Pattern

Valley Yarns WEBS Lace Motif Afghan by Doris Chan

What Is Being Made

This is a square-shaped decorative throw or shawl-sized afghan constructed from two related lace motifs: a square motif and an octagon motif. Designed by Doris Chan as part of the Designer in Residence Series, the finished blocked measurements are approximately 52" by 52". The afghan is crafted to be lightweight, pretty, and wearable, making it suitable as both a decorative throw and a functional shawl. The modular construction allows for customization—crafters can add more motifs and rows of motifs to create a larger afghan if desired.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level crochet project employs lace techniques and is worked flat. The afghan uses a motif-based construction method where individual square and octagon motifs are created separately and then joined together. The joining technique involves connecting motifs at the chain-4 spaces of the last round using a specialized JOIN method: instead of chaining 4 stitches, the crocheter chains 2, inserts the hook from front to back into the corresponding chain-4 space of the previous motif, slip stitches, and chains 2 again before continuing on the working motif. This creates a seamless integration between adjacent pieces.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes the following crochet stitches and techniques:

• Chain (ch) – the foundation stitch
• Chain space (ch-sp) – openings created by chains that form part of the lace design
• Single crochet (sc) – a basic short stitch
• Slip stitch (sl st) – used for joining rounds and connecting motifs
• Yarn over (YO) – the fundamental action of wrapping yarn around the hook
• CL (dc3tog cluster) – a specialized stitch definition where double crochet stitches are worked together in the same space, creating a decorative cluster element. This stitch is executed by repeating [yarn over, insert hook in space, yarn over and draw up a loop, yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook] three times, then yarn over and draw through all 4 loops on hook to complete the cluster.

The pattern includes checkpoint measurements following each round of the basic motif instructions, allowing crafters to verify their progress and compare their work as they proceed.

Materials

The afghan is worked in Valley Yarns Valley Superwash DK, a yarn composed of 100% extra fine merino wool. The yarn is available in 50-gram balls with approximately 137 yards per ball. The sample shown uses a three-color palette: 7 balls in #15 Blue Mist (Color A), 5 balls in #14 Teal (Color B), and 3 balls in #21 Silver (Color C), totaling approximately 650 grams or 1800 yards of DK weight yarn.

The recommended crochet hook is a US size H/8 (5.00mm) hook, or the size needed to obtain proper gauge. Additional materials include a fine tapestry needle for weaving in ends. The gauge for the motifs is: Square Motif measures 4½" square, and Octagon Motif measures 9½" in diameter when blocked.