It is cold this time of year making it a great time to curl up in a handmade afghan. Afghans are fun to make whether you crochet or knit. You can plan out something color coordinated or just whip up something as a stash buster project. Like making moffits or trying out new stitches? Afghans are great for that too. I have lots of examples to share so let’s get started.
Loop Knitting – for a super easy afghan . . .
You can make a comfy cozy blanket quickly with no experience using Red Heart Loop-it yarn. This free pattern on their web site will explain how. This yarn can be a bit pricey but is often on sale. The thick fluffy blanket you get in return is well worth the price. Bernat Alize Blanket-EZ Yarn, Big Twist Loopity Loops Yarn, and Lion Brand Off The Hook Yarn are other yarns that can be used for loop knitting.
Here are some other examples of blankets made with this type of yarn.
Free Blanket Pattern from TL Yarn Crafts
Loop Yarn Chevron Blanket from Good Knit Kisses
Loopity Loops Six Color Baby Blanket from JoAnn
Make some Moffits . . .
Afghans made from moffits are a great way to use up scrap yarn. Moffits are also fun to make and easy to make on the go. This could be a traditionally designed pattern or something more free form. A moffit does not need to be the granny square, it can be knit or crochet in many different shapes. There are so many choices, it is hard to decide.
Here are some examples of afghans made in this way.
Crochet Mitered Granny Square Afghan from DIY How-To
Granny Triangles from Daily Crochet
Remember Summer Afghan from Maggie’s Crochet
Crochet is my favorite . . .
I love to crochet afghans, especially in the winter. The bigger it gets, the warmer I stay while I work. My favorite pattern is a simple one that allows me to easily work on the project while I watch television or just contemplate life. I just alternate rows of single and double crochet using multi-strands and my favorite P size hook. It makes a great single size afghan but you can easily adjust the pattern to make it bigger or smaller. You can get a copy of my instructions here.
Since crochet offers numerous stitch options, the patterns available for crochet afghans the plentiful. Here are a few of my favorites.
Celtic Weave Afghan by Meladora’s Creations
Crochet Striped V-Stitch Afghan by How To Crafts
116 Crochet Patterns for Blankets by All Crochet Patterns
Related Source: For more ideas and patterns for afghans, take a look at my Pinterest board.
Knit Away . . .
I know people who knit a lot and are very fast but, that is not me. I tend to pick smaller projects that make up quickly. A popular blanket knitting style right now is arm knitting with extra bulky yarn. The thick fluffy yarn makes this a quicker project that I have been wanting to try. The afghans look very soft and cozy.
If you have more knitting patience than me there are lots of patterns available some that are simple and some with integrate designs. Here are some of my favorites.
Easy Striped Blanket from Rescued Paw Designs
Ten Stitch Zigzag by Frankie Brown
17 Quick Afghan Knitting Patterns by In The Loop Knitting
However you like to make your afghans, this can be a great way to use up your yarn stash. Design your own pattern by using free form moffits or mixes of colors and textures you have on hand. Learn new stitches by making small sampler pieces and stitching them together. The possibilities are endless.
Related Post: My Yarn Reduction Plan
