The word “afghan” has become a generic term to describe a handmade (usually knitted or crocheted) throw or blanket. The origin of the word is unknown, but is believed to date back to the mid 19th century. The blankets were often made with geometrical patterns in strong colours, similar to those used in traditional crafts from Afghanistan.
Afghans make wonderful gifts and can be created in a number of styles.
Blankets Made up of Squares.
To many people the word afghan conjures up images of crocheted blankets made of squares (sometimes called “granny squares”) which are then sewn together.
Granny Square Pattern (UK terms)
Make 6 chain and join to form a circle.
Row 1: 3ch (in lieu of a tr), 2tr, 2ch, 3tr, 2ch, 3tr, 2ch, 3tr, 2ch, join (using a slip stitch) to the 3rd ch of the 1st 3ch at the beginning of the row.
Row 2: 3ch (in lieu of a tr), 2tr in the gap formed by the 2ch in the row below, 2ch, (3tr, 2ch, 3tr, 2ch in the next gap formed by 2ch in the row below) 3 times, 3tr in the gap you worked the start of the row into, 2ch, join to the 3rd ch of the 1st 3ch at the beginning of the row.
You have now established the corners of your square.
Row 3: 3ch (in lieu of a tr), 2tr in the gap formed by the 2ch in the row below, 2ch, (3 tr into the next gap, 2ch, 3tr, 2ch, 3tr, 2ch in the corner gap) 3 times, 3tr into the next gap, 2ch, 3tr in the gap you worked the start of the row into, 2ch, join to the 3rd ch of the 1st 3ch at the beginning of the row.
Continue in this way, increasing each side of the square by one block of 3 trebles until you have worked the square to your desired size. Working each row in a different colour is a great way to use your oddments of yarn.
Part of the beauty of this type of blanket comes from the variety of colours used. However, should you require a more structured pattern, work the first and last rows of each square in the same colour to give a more unified look.
This is just one pattern for a square, which has been handed down for generations; there are many available, such as those contained in the books 200 Knitted Blocks and 200 Crochet Blocks by Jan Eaton (both published by David and Charles).
All-in-one Afghans.
It is, of course, possible to make your afghan from one large square, using the pattern above.
Large, all in one, afghans are easier to work if made using crochet, rather than knitting. If using a straightforward pattern (just trebles, for example), simply make a chain as long as the width of your desired afghan and start crocheting.
Simple patterns such as chevrons can make attractive large scale blankets without too much complexity.
Modular Afghans.
It is also possible to make up afghans using modular techniques, where one square of the blanket is worked from the next. Log cabin patterns can make beautiful blankets and domino knitting can be used to great effect.
You can work your afghan to the size of your choosing. Small ones are great gifts for babies and larger pieces make cosy blankets, throws for a sofa, or bed covers.
By using up your oddments of yarn it is possible to create beautiful items for your loved ones or for your home through using a few simple techniques.
Lesley Arnold-Hopkins - Lesley Arnold-Hopkins is a freelance writer whose work and hobbies have given her areas of expertise in a number of fields. She has an ...
Join the Conversation