If you love to make blankets, give this colorful, textured crochet afghan block a try with these step-by-step instructions!
Blankets can be worked in a variety of ways, but crochet afghan blocks offer many advantages over the traditional way of working hundreds of stitches over hundreds of rows; these are more portable, customizable, and can be much more fun!
Worked in joined rounds from the center out, this crochet blanket square uses some basic crochet stitches that you are probably already familiar with, and one specialty stitch: the popcorn!
If you’re looking for a technique that adds depth and dimension to your crochet projects, the popcorn stitch is a textured technique that will make your creations stand out.
Whether you’re an experienced crocheter seeking a new challenge, or a beginner eager to learn more, this pattern will guide you step-by-step through the process of creating this captivating afghan block.
- Motifs are worked individually, then joined when you’re done!
- Small motifs are much more portable than other traditional crochet blanket designs!
- Use any yarn you like to make your afghan block (the finished sizes are up to you)!
- You’ll get to practice a lot of crochet skills: joined rounds, color changes, specialty stitches, gauge and size, finishing techniques and more!
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Table of contents
Estimated reading time: 11 minutes
Introduction
What is a crochet afghan block?
A crochet afghan block is a small, usually square-shaped piece of crochet fabric that are commonly used in the creation of blankets.
While granny squares in particular are a classic example, afghan blocks can be made with various stitch patterns, ranging from simple to intricate.
Each block is typically worked in the round, starting from the center and expanding outward to form your motif shape.
Although, afghan blocks can also be worked in rows of crochet, creating any desired shape.
Traditional crochet blankets are worked by first creating the total width then adding length by working back and forth in rows, but afghan blocks have quite a few differences:
Crochet afghan blocks are modular
Afghan blocks are designed to be worked individually, allowing you to create multiple blocks separately and then join them together to form a larger project, like a blanket.
Crochet afghan blocks are portable
Because they are small and portable, you can easily take your crochet afghan block project with you wherever you go.
This makes them a convenient choice for crochet on the go.
Crochet afghan blocks are versatile
These blocks can be used for various projects beyond just afghans, including pillows, scarves, bags, sweaters, and more.
In addition, the size of your individual blocks and finished project can be customized as you work; just measure your work as you go, and make as many blocks as you want to create the exact size you need.
What is a popcorn stitch in crochet?
The popcorn stitch is a decorative crochet stitch that creates a raised, bumpy texture on your fabric.
I often use this stitch to add a three-dimensional element to my crochet projects, and create an eye-catching element.
Even though it looks complicated, this is a relatively simple crochet stitch to create, especially when you follow our steps in this tutorial, right here:
It is essential to follow your specific pattern’s instructions for the popcorn stitch as the number of double crochets and the placement of the stitch can vary from one pattern to another.
Selecting the Perfect Yarn
What yarn should I use?
I initially designed this afghan block for the 2017 Moogly CAL, and one of the criteria for each block was that it should be created using Lion Brand Yarn Vanna’s Choice.
This is an exceptional yarn for crochet blankets because it is made of a soft yet dense strand of worsted weight yarn that is easy to care for, economically priced, and available in so many places where yarn is so.
Vanna’s Choice is 100% acrylic, which make soft, durable, and machine washable projects.
You’ll get 170 yards per skein, and the choice of dozens of colors, making this a really inexpensive yarn with lots of options.
How can I choose a yarn substitute?
Yes, you can absolutely substitute yarn fort his crochet afghan block, and I have a few suggestions to help you make the best choice.
Start by choosing a yarn that is in the same weight category if you are looking to stay within the size range that this motif creates.
If you choose a lighter weight yarn, you’ll create a smaller project that is also lighter in actual weight.
If you choose a heavier weight yarn, you’ll create a larger project that is also heavier in actual weight.
YarnSub.com has a list of Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice yarn alternatives that you can review, right here.
You can read more about how to substitute yarn right here: Understanding Yarn Substitution – An Easy Reference For Crocheters
Other yarns I recommend you use for this crochet afghan block pattern are:
Sizing Options
Can I change the size of my afghan block?
The size of the crochet afghan block, and your final finished project, are very easy to adjust.
First, the size of the yarn and hook you choose will determine the finished size of your individual blocks, so be sure to measure each one as you go to get your desired size.
Next, each finished afghan block will be joined together to create the width and height, so it is important to decide the best size to crochet based on the motif sizes you crochet.
Popular Crochet Blanket Sizes
If you’re wondering what size blanket you should make, here are 8 of the most popular measurements for you to use as a guide, right here:
Helpful resources when crocheting this afghan block
Project Inspiration
To view dozens of other finished Danyel’s Square projects, click on over to Ravelry to take a look, right here: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/danyels-square
Check out other finished projects, here:
How to change colors in rounds
Using a few different colors can really make a huge difference when crocheting this motif, and that means changing colors more than once.
If you need help changing colors in rounds of crochet, check out this quick video tutorial, right here:
How to join motifs together
There are many ways crochet can be joined together, and we have 9 video tutorials to show you some of the most popular techniques:
Crochet Pieces Together As You Work (JAYGO): Removable Loop Join, Sc Join, Sl St Join
Crochet Pieces Together When Done: Sl St join, Sc join, Mesh Combo join
Sew Crochet Pieces Together: Whip, Blanket, Mattress
You can learn more about each of these popular joining techniques, right here:
What size blanket should I make?
There is a huge range of blanket sizes you can work up, and we’ve put a list of the most common ranges together in a cheat sheet, right here:
Blocking your motif
I suggest blocking each afghan square as you complete them, before you join them all together. For tips about how to block, and the best tools to use to block these crochet motifs, read more right here:
Other crochet motif blocks
If you like the idea of making blankets and other projects with crochet afghan blocks, we have a few more patterns for you to review.
Other crochet motif patterns can be viewed for free on our site right here, including these popular designs:
Policy for Individual Use
This crochet pattern was created by Salena Baca Crochet for the American Crochet Association. These pattern instructions are protected by copyright laws. Users must acknowledge and respect the intellectual property rights of pattern creators and designers as follows:
- This pattern is for personal use only. Pattern instructions may be accessed and used by individuals for personal, non-commercial purposes only. Users may create finished products based on the pattern instructions for personal use or gifting.
- Users may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works of pattern instructions without explicit permission from the copyright holder.
- Selling or commercially exploiting products made from pattern instructions will require additional permissions or licensing from the copyright holder.
- It is unlawful to share or distribute pattern instructions in any way, including but not limited to: print, digital, video.
- It is unlawful to create derivative works based on pattern instructions, including but not limited to translations, adaptations, or variations.
- Users should provide proper attribution when sharing or displaying finished products made using these pattern instructions, giving credit to the original pattern creator and source.
- Users are expected to conduct themselves in an ethical and respectful manner when using pattern instructions. Users should not engage in plagiarism, claim others’ work as their own, or misrepresent the origin of pattern instructions.
By accessing and using pattern instructions, individuals agree to abide by the usage policy herein. Users may be held responsible for any damages or legal liabilities resulting from their non-compliance with this policy.
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Making Danyel’s Motif Pattern
Yarn
Lion Brand Yarn Vanna’s Choice, aran weight #4 yarn (100% Acrylic; 170 yards / 155 meters per 3.53 ounce / 100 gram skein). No more than 50 yards were used per color.
- Color A: Dusty Purple
- Color B: Purple
- Color C: Burgundy
- Color D: Kelly Green
Tools
- US Size (I/9) 5.5 mm crochet hook
- measuring tape
- scissors
Gauge
- 15 pattern Sts = 4″
- 6 pattern rows = 4”
Size
One crochet afghan block measures 12” x 12”
Stitch Guide
- Ch(s) – chain(s)
- Sc – single crochet
- Dc – double crochet
- Sl St – slip stitch
- St(s) – stitch(es)
Specialty Stitches and Techniques
- Popcorn: Work 6 Dc Sts into same place, remove hook from loop, insert hook into top of first Dc in group, insert hook into empty loop, pull loop through to close so that popcorn is apparent on right side.
Notes
Change colors as desired when crocheting your afghan squares. To follow the example, change colors as follows:
- Rounds 1-2: Color A
- Rounds 3-4: Color B
- Rounds 5-6: Color C
- Rounds 7-10: Color D
Step-by-Step Instructions: Danyel’s Afghan Motif
Motif
Form an adjustable loop
Round 1 (Right Side): Ch 3 (first Dc), work 11 Dc into loop, Sl St to join —12 Dc
Round 2: Ch 2 (does not count as a St, now and throughout), (Popcorn, Ch 3) into each St around, Sl St into first ch-3 space to join – 12 Popcorn, 12 Ch-3 spaces
Round 3: Ch 2, [(Popcorn, Ch 3, Popcorn, Ch 3) into Ch-3 space, (Popcorn, Ch 3) into next 2 Ch-3 spaces] repeat 4 times, Sl St into first ch-3 space join – 16 Popcorn, 16 Ch-3 spaces
Round 4: Ch 2, [(Popcorn, Ch 3, Popcorn, Ch 3) into Ch-3 space, (Popcorn, Ch 3) into next 3 Ch-3 spaces] repeat 4 times, Sl St into first ch-3 space join – 20 Popcorn, 20 Ch-3 spaces
Round 5: Ch 2, [(Popcorn, Ch 3, Popcorn, Ch 3) into Ch-3 space, (Popcorn, Ch 3) into next 4 Ch-3 spaces] repeat 4 times, Sl St into first ch-3 space join – 24 Popcorn, 24 Ch-3 spaces
Round 6: Ch 2, [(Popcorn, Ch 3, Popcorn, Ch 3) into Ch-3 space, (Popcorn, Ch 3) into next 5 Ch-3 spaces] repeat 4 times, Sl St into first ch-3 space join – 28 Popcorn, 28 Ch-3 spaces
Round 7: Ch 1 (does not count as a St, now and throughout), [(Sc, Ch 3, Sc, Ch 3) into Ch-3 space, (Sc, Ch 3) into next 6 Ch-3 spaces] repeat 4 times, Sl St around first Sc to join – 32 Ch-3 spaces
Round 8: Ch 2 (first Dc), (2 Dc, Ch 3, 3 Dc) into Ch-3 space, [(Ch 1, (3 Dc, Ch 1) into next 7 Ch-3 spaces, (3 Dc, Ch 3, 3 Dc] repeat 3 times, Ch 1, (3 Dc, Ch 1) into next 7 Ch-3 spaces, Sl St into top of first Dc to join – 108 Dc, 4 Ch-3 spaces
Round 9: Sl St over to Ch-3 space, Ch 1, [Sc, Ch 3, Sc, Ch 3) into Ch-3 space, (Sc, Ch 3) into next 8 Ch-1 spaces] repeat 4 times, Sl St around first Sc to join – 40 Ch-3 spaces
Round 10: Ch 2 (first Dc), (2 Dc, Ch 3, 3 Dc) into Ch-3 space, [(Ch 1, (3 Dc, Ch 1) into next 7 Ch-3 spaces, (3 Dc, Ch 3, 3 Dc] repeat 3 times, Ch 1, (3 Dc, Ch 1) into next 7 Ch-3 spaces, Sl St into top of first Dc to join, fasten off- 108 Dc, 4 Ch-3 spaces
Video Chat
For more details on this crochet pattern, and all the parts of this article, come watch my chat right here:
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Peace + Love + Crochet
Salena
This is a very interesting granny square! I like it a lot!
This might be my new favorite square! The texture is amazing and the colors you chose are beautiful. Amazing work!
This motif looks like it would make warm and cozy cold winter blanket!
This qranny square looks so pretty.
And, it’s fun to work up 🙂