Log cabin blankets and quilts are both traditional and modern – it’s an old idea, that never goes out of style! Crocheted versions are wonderful, but usually require lots of color changes – and lots of ends to weave in. By using a self-striping yarn, it’s all fun and minimal fuss – introducing the Easy Log Cabin Afghan!
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links.
I’ve knitted log cabin style blankets before, but I hadn’t crocheted one – the new Lion Brand Textures yarn changed that! It’s the perfect pairing. Textures has a lot going on – color changes, a tight twist with a solid thread running throughout. I knew I needed to keep the stitches simple to show off the yarn itself. With the Easy Log Cabin Afghan, you can show off the yarn, and the pattern, without having to change skeins until you run out of yarn!
I made the Easy Log Cabin Blanket in a lap blanket/throw size, but you can stop at a baby size, or keep going as big as you like. I’ve given some estimates of yardage for other sizes below. Be sure to read through the whole blog post before you begin – it’s a very simple pattern, but there is a lot of information here!
Easy Log Cabin Afghan
Add this pattern to your Ravelry Queue and Favorites
- US – J, 6.0mm hook (Furls Fiberarts used)
- 1040 yds/ 7 skeins Lion Brand Textures (Aran weight; acrylic blend; 149 yds/136 m; 3.0 oz; Colorway: Meadow Flowers)
This yarn is discontinued – please use any 4-Medium weight yarn of your choice! - Finished Size as Shown: 45″ x 45″ (alternate sizes listed below)
- Gauge: 12 sts x 7 rows = 5″ in dc
- Click here for the video tutorial!
LAYOUT AND YARDAGE ESTIMATE FOR ALTERNATE SIZES:
Please remember that these are only estimates, you may wish to purchase an extra skein when planning your project. And you can print it out for a coloring sheet to plan a multi-colored project!
The pattern for this blanket is almost better explained in words rather than pattern speak – so I’ve included both a summary of how it works *and* the standard written instructions below. If you have questions on one, consult the other!
SUMMARY:
Start with a square of 12 dc and 7 rows. Then after row 7, instead of turning the piece over as usual, turn the square clockwise to work along the edges. Work 12 dc along the 7 rows – 2 dc in the side of each of the first 2 rows, 1 dc in the side of the next row, 2 dc in the side of each of the next 2 rows, 1 dc in the side of the next row, and 2 dc in the side of the last row.
Then, work 6 more rows (for 7 total) of 12 sts each. At the end of this seventh row, turn clockwise again. Work 12 stitches in the sides of these rows, just as before, plus 12 more stitches along the bottom of the original square (1 in each stitch). So now you have 24 sts.
Work 6 more rows (for 7 total) of 24 sts each, and then it’s time to turn again! And it’s going to be the same each time. At the 4th clockwise turn, you’ll end up working the 12 stitches in the side, plus 12 stitches in the top of the original square, plus 12 more stitches in the side of the second section.
So just keep going like this! Every 2 sections, you’ll go up by another 12 stitches total. Work 7 rows every time, and just keep turning. Stop whenever you’ve got the size you like! To complete the square, you can stop after 5 sections (the first full square), or after any multiple of 4 sections (one complete turn around the blanket) after that.
WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS:
Row 1: Ch 14, skip the 2 chs closest to the hook (do NOT count these as a st), dc in the remaining 12 chs; turn. (12 sts)
Row 2 – 6: Ch 2, dc in each st across; turn. (12 sts)
Row 7: Ch 2, dc in each st across; do not turn work as usual, but turn clockwise to work along the sides of the last 7 rows. (12 sts)
Row 8: Ch 2, 2 dc in the side of each of the first 2 rows, 1 dc in the side of the next row, 2 dc in the side of each of the next 2 rows, 1 dc in the side of the next row, and 2 dc in the side of the last row; turn. (12 sts)
Row 9 – 14: Repeat Rows 2 – 7.
Row 15: Repeat Row 8, then dc in each remaining st across; turn. (24 sts)
Row 16 – 21: Repeat Rows 2 – 7.
Row 22: Repeat 8 twice. (24 sts)
Row 23 – 28: Repeat Rows 2 – 7.
Row 29: Repeat Row 8, then dc in each of the next 12 sts, then repeat Row 8 again. (36 sts)
Row 30 – 35: Repeat Rows 2 – 7.
Continue in established stitch pattern as above, with the stitch counts for each section of 7 rows as follows. Asterisks mark the points where you can stop the pattern, if you’ve reached the size desired. Note the patterns – you increase by 12 sts every 2 sections, and you complete a square every 4 sections. See the graphic above for more info.
Row 36 – 42: 36 sts
Row 43 – 49: 48 sts
Row 50 – 56: 48 sts
Row 57 – 63: 60 sts*
Row 64 – 70: 60 sts
Row 71 – 77: 72 sts
Row 78 – 84: 72 sts
Row 85 – 91: 84 sts*
Row 92 – 98: 84 sts
Row 99 – 105: 96 sts
Row 106 – 112: 96 sts
Row 113 – 119: 108 sts*
After 119 rows, or when you’ve reached the size desired, go to the Edging.
Edging: (do NOT turn after last row)
Ch 2, dc evenly along side as before, working 3 dc in each corner, and continuing around blanket; join and break yarn, weave in ends.
And that’s that! Stop early, keep going, this yarn does all the heavy lifting so you can relax and crochet the evening away. I hope you enjoy crocheting it as much as I did – it was hard to stop!
Written pattern copyright Tamara Kelly 2015, all rights reserved. Please do not reprint or repost this pattern, but please do link to this page to share this pattern with others. To print this pattern for personal use, please use the green Print Friendly button at the bottom of the pattern. If you wish to make items for sale from this pattern, please visit the About page for details. Thank you to Lion Brand for providing the yarn for this pattern!
megan
This is a perfect blanket for Christmas gifts. I can’t wait to get started using some of my stash! Thanks for another perfect pattern.
Tamara Kelly
😀 Thank you so much megan!!
Margaret Buzzanca
I’m not very good at patterns even though I have won a few prizes at our Fair in the past. I really don’t get how to do this. I’m one who needs not only the explanation, but pictures. Not only that, I have to look at patterns and reverse directions because they are done incorrectly for a right-handed person.
Ellen
Margaret, I think you may be a little confused. This pattern *is* written for a right-handed person.
Gail
Love it. Not so hard to figure out. Start with the first square and build on it from the sides
Mary Doukakis
Thank you so much Tamara! Another winning pattern…looks so fast & easy & I’ve got some RH Unforgettable that I can use. Yay!
Marci Ellsworth
I love this pattern and your blog! Thank you so much!
paula
I now know what to do with all my yarn that Ihave.
Tamara Kelly
🙂 I’m glad you like it Paula!
Valerie
I love it! Is this yarn easier to crochet with than Homespun? I was trying to do a blanket with that but have a hard time finding the stitches. Thanks!
Tamara Kelly
I think so! The twist is much tighter, and the yarn doesn’t fuzz up nearly as much.
Tamara Kelly
You can try crocheting through the stitch rather than around it. 🙂
Karen
Hi! Love that this pattern looks easy! I need it! 😉
Just one question:
Edging: (do NOT turn after last row)
Ch 2, dc evenly along side as before, working 3 dc in each corner, and continuing around blanket; join and break yarn, weave in ends.
Does the Ch2 count as a stitch? Do I dc into that space too? Or do I dc into the next and all around, and then join into the ch2?
Peace,
Karen
suzanprincess
Karen, that chain 2 at the start of the row counts as your first double crochet, so do NOT do a DC in that space.
Tamara Kelly
No, in this pattern the ch 2 does *not* count as the first stitch, you should do a dc in the first stitch.
kAREN
Thank you to both of you for your caring replies. xo
Tara~Are you able to do a video on this? Even if it is a shorter one to get the pattern going?
Or even a full one if you feel inspired. 😉
No pressure, just hugs. xo
Tamara Kelly
Hi Karen! I hadn’t planned on it, but if I get enough requests I will. 🙂
Marie
Love the design of this blanket. It looks like it would hold its shape/drape better than a simple double crochet back and forth design. I saved the pattern, but have so many others ahead of it I don’t know when I might get to it!
Love your blog BTW.
Tamara Kelly
😀 Thank you so much Marie!
Laurie
This is just the perfect thing to start on when the weather starts turning cooler. Thank you!
Tamara Kelly
Thank you Laurie!
Jen
This pattern looked a little intimidating, but after reading through your explanation and the pattern itself, couldn’t be more easy! What a great way to showcase any variegated yarn, this is a pattern I will be using on my next baby blanket!
Tamara Kelly
😀 Thank you Jen! Yes, it’s easier than it looks!
Anita Sweet
What a great looking blanket! I can’t wait to make one for myself and maybe a few more as gifts….right on time for Christmas! Thanks so much for sharing your talents and patterns. I have learned so much from watching your video tutorials!
Tamara Kelly
😀 Thank you so much Anita!
Stephanie
This is my next afghan!! Wonderful to use up my stash and then try Textures. Thanks for another great pattern.
Tamara Kelly
😀 Thank you Stephanie!
Chris Neisser
I do this in single crochet. It takes longer but it makes a tighter weave. My family uses them as blankets because they are so warm. 🙂
NoemiCrochet
love the design.. so colorful!
Tamara Kelly
Thank you so much Noemi!
Cynthia
This reminds me of the knitted 10 stitch blanket. Can’t wait to try it. It will be great for my next Linus Project blanket.
Tamara Kelly
🙂 Thank you Cynthia!
Linda lemcke
Love this design and hope I can work it up quickly. My 90-yr old father in law gets cold so easily even in the hot New Jersey weather. You suggest Aran weight. Could I use a Dk? He has trouble lifting anything too bulky. Thank you for so many wonderful patterns and fab video tutorials. Best, Linda
Tamara Kelly
Hi Linda! You can use any weight of yarn you like. 🙂 It will take more sections to get to the same size, and you’ll want to adjust the hook size down a bit, but that’s easy enough. Thank you!
Sara
Ahhh, I think I’ve FINALLY found the right pattern for a wedding gift for a wedding I couldn’t go to, um, three months ago. Oops! But thank you Tamara! I love this.
Tamara Kelly
Thank you Sara! Etiquette says you have up to a year to send the gift, so you’re fine! 😉
alison middleton
Hi Tamara, thanks for the gorgeous pattern. Just one question…….The number of skeins to use per size is a great idea but for a UK resident , could you translate SKEIN to either yardage or weight of yarn skein.
i:e – 50 gram or 100 gram ? Looking forward to crocheting the afghan 🙂
alison middleton
OOPS ! Just re-read the instructions and found the information I needed…..Cheers !
Amanda Sullivan
This is a page to use, I think I need to make sure and make the pattern just for me…..and I have not crochet in years but I think you have a winner….thanks for your help..
Tamara Kelly
😀 Thank you Amanda!
Jo-Lyn W
Hey Ms. Tamera,
First off might u say i love this pattern to pieces as i have just been given 6000 yards of striping yarn and am making my mom a blanket. I have a question though, row 22 you have row 8 repeated twice do you need to do this every 22nd row? or every beginning row of a fourth panel?
Tamara Kelly
Hi Jo-Lyn, and thank you! Basically, it’s telling you to work along the side in the same fashion as before – work 12 stitches into the sides of each set of 7 rows, and one stitch into the top of each stitch you come to. This is how you start every new panel. 🙂 Since Row 22 has 2 sets of 7 rows to work into, you work Row 8 twice. Later on, you’ll have a set of 7 rows, and then some stitches, and then 7 more rows.
Cassie
Hi Tamera… thank you soooooo much for taking the instructions step by step! It was A LOT easier to follow…I was scared to start at first! My friend and I are making ours at the same time (like a mini CAL) And we are having fun so far!
Is the 175 rows (65×65) measured like almost a queen bed? I want to go HUGE since I’m having so much fun with it 🙂 I was just wondering because 105×105 (287 rows) is HUGE haha
Tamara Kelly
Hi Cassie! Thank you so much! A queen blanket is usually about 90″ x 100″, but the 65″ x 65″ might make a nice topper! 🙂
Margaret Buzzanca
Didn’t think you would print my prior comment because it wasn’t complimentary and am sure you won’t post this one either. No matter, I had my say.
Tamara Kelly
Hi Margaret! I had to go back and find your previous comment, it seems to have gone to the spam file. I’m confused though, this is written for a right handed person. In addition, there is a graphic, to add to the two different ways I’ve written it out. I’m sorry you don’t feel this is enough.
Geeta
Hi Tamara,
This is such a colourful Afghan. It is sure to drive the blues away. Thank you for this lovely idea.
Tamara Kelly
🙂 Thank you Geeta!
Barbara Ricigliano
Hi Tamara,
This looks absolutely gorgeous and I love the yarn! But I’ve only crocheted a couple of easy afghans and this looks a bit intimidating to me. So I’m putting in my request for a video too if possible. Thanks so much!
Tamara Kelly
Ok, I’ll add it to the list! 🙂 Thanks Barbara!
Barbara Ricigliano
Thanks, Tamara!
MARIE MCHONE
ordered the yarn..unable to use this lovely yarn. to fine for my vision..can you suggest another that be as lovely…
Tamara Kelly
Hello Marie! I’m sorry the yarn is giving you trouble! One that might work is Lion Brand Scarfie – it’s a bigger Bulky yarn with some fun gradient color changes!
Louisa
I used a #5 bulky yarn by Loops & Threads called Charisma. They have some beautiful long repeat colors and easy to use.
Sue Danzl
Love this pattern!! I just finished it using my stash of yarn. It’s beautiful and I’d really like to make another one! When I started I was only going to do a couple of sections to see how it went. But I was so fascinated by the way it all fit together, I couldn’t stop!!! Did it all in a couple of days! I’m thinking I might make the next one using only five rows of each. This would make it smaller but you could just do more sections. Thanks for the great pattern and instructions.
Tamara Kelly
😀 Thank you so much Sue! Yes, the key is just to do an odd number of rows, so that you end up on the right side for the turn. I’m so glad you enjoy it!
Katharine
I am having such a challenging time with the fourth ‘square’ I am just not understanding how to join that one to the first one. Am I just stupid? I really love this pattern and so want to make it, I have the perfect yarn for it and want to make it for my hubby for Christmas. It’s so frustrating LOL. Arrrghghg! Thanks in advance for the help!
Tamara Kelly
When you turn the corner, you work all the way across – the side of the square you just made, and the side of the first square as well. Does that help?
Katharine
Thank you so much for the video, it got through my ‘block’ and I was able to understand! Now this is the next project in the list!!!
Tamara Kelly
😀 I’m so glad to hear it, thank you Katharine!
Katharine
Tamara, Thank you again for such a lovely pattern. I finally was able to pick up and start this again and you’re right… it *is* easy!!! I certainly wish I had read the pattern right the first time and saw that you went across the two blocks at the end of the second block.. LOL, “some” people just need to learn to ready LOL. Now I’m moving merrily along, but really, really need to get Christmas presents done instead. This is too fun and easy though, but it’s MINE when it’s done!
Tamara Kelly
Thank you! I’m so glad it worked out for you. And I hope you enjoy the finished blanket! 😀
KC
Hi, Katharine,
Which yarn did you find helpful? xo
Katharine
KC, I just found some real pretty variegated yarn (Red Heart Sunrise) and wanted to use it to make my hubby an afghan out of it (well an afghan that would be on our bed :).. I’d say it was his, but the yarn is pretty!) Anyhow, I’ll find some more pretties to work this up in or hark, use the stash pile!
BJM
Has anyone made this longer in direction so it is not square? I’d Love to make it.
Tamara Kelly
You can do that by adding more stitches to the initial “square” but not more rows. 🙂
Cathy Larkin-Richards
I am just another one hooked on this amazing afghan. I am also a visual learner and would greatly benefit from a tutorial. Do you have one on this project?
I am making afghans for Veterans and they will love the blasts of color.
Be Safe,
Cathy
Tamara Kelly
Thank you Cathy! I hope to get a video up for this pattern this week!
Joy vera
I have just finished two of these using 5 skeins of scarfie for each, one in creme and grey, the other in camel and navy. They are gorgeous! Thank you!
Tamara Kelly
😀 Ooo, I bet! Thank you Joy! I’m so glad to hear it!
Carole
I am about half way through. The yarn is a dream to work with, the pattern is so much easier than it seems at first. I am going to use this pattern many times over!
I am doing mine in”ocean” colour way. And LOVE it!
Tamara Kelly
Thank you so much Carole!
kristen
I love the pattern. I made an afghan for my 4 year old grandson using plain bright colors…. bright green, dark green, red, blue, yellow, orange, dark turquoise. I used bright green for the border which I did in single crochets instead of double crochets. I am very pleased with the pattern and how fun and easy it was to make this afghan. Thank you so much for sharing your pattern!
Tamara Kelly
Thank you Kristen!
kristen
Made an afghan for my 4 year old grandson with this Log Cabin pattern. Used solid colors, bright green, blue, red, dark green, yellow, orange, dark turquoise. it’s nice and bright, am very pleased how it turned out! Thank you so much for sharing the pattern. 🙂
Tamara Kelly
🙂 Thank you!
JUDY
Hi Tamara
I love the afghan & would like to make it. The colors are beautiful & would brighten up anyone’s dreary day! I Also am hoping you will make a video. Have a great day!
Tamara Kelly
Thank you Judy! I have made a video, but forgot to add the link to the pattern! I’m updating it now. 🙂
Viji Rao
i had pinned this pattern for use later and it kind of slipped my mind. Yesterday evening my friend showed me a picture of the afghan she had made using this pattern …and I couldn’t wait to get home to start my afghan….and I sat up late working on it!! I just wanted to let you know how much I loved your instructions. Thank you!
Tamara Kelly
😀 Thank you so much Viji! I really appreciate you saying so!
Linda L.
This is just brilliant! I’ve seen crochetted Log Cabin covers before but they either involved changing your wool after each block or making the blocks individually and then sewing them together – either of which is insanity!!
This is one of Lion Brand’s 9 Top Blogger Patterns for 2015 – congratulations on that. I’m not sure how I missed it on your blog – probably because it was early August and I was in denial of the cold and snow represented by the need for an afghan 🙂 I do like your description in words of how this rolls out – very helpful to my visualizing process.
Tamara Kelly
😀 Thank you so much Linda!
Maureen
Could you please tell me the color you used in the Textures for the Log Cabin Afghan. I just love the colors.
Thanks,
Maureen
Tamara Kelly
Sure! It’s listed in the pattern – Meadow Flowers. 🙂 Thank you!
Susan
First of all let me say, “I LOVE Moogly blog!” However I don’t know why I’m so stumped on this particular afghan. When we ch 2 and turn, that ch 2 is not considered a stich, right? So for four sets of twelve sts would be 48 sts but really the turning ch makes it seem like 49. Do we crochet in the turning ch from the previous row? I don’t know why Im so stumped on this. Thank you!
Tamara Kelly
Hi Susan! Thank you so much! 😀 The ch 2 does not count – if you did count it, then you’d have 49, but you don’t, so you get 48. So then you do NOT work into it in the next row. You ignore it, like you would a ch1 before a sc. 🙂
Sandra Fisher
Hello Tamara, love this throw and have just started, im just checking the row 22 part about repeat row 8 twice does this mean im basically doing 3 sides before building the 3rd side up instead of 2 sides, in effect am I going all the way round the work so far except the 4th side? Hooe this makes sence to you, ha ha. I’ll do it the wsy im reading it anywsy while I await your reply.
Tamara Kelly
Hi Sandra, thank you! In Row 22 you are working across the “sides” of 2 blocks – so you need to do the spacing of 12 sts along 7 rows twice. Does that help?
Mary
I love this pattern. Best one I’ve seen and I’ve been looking at a lot of them lately (although mostly baby blanks). I will be making this one for myself.
Tamara Kelly
🙂 Thank you so much Mary!
BOnita
I have been searching for a quilt inspired pattern, but dreading piecing together individually crocheted sections. I absolutely LOVE this pattern. It really speeds along! My mother was a quilter and I’m making my first log cabin blanket for her. I’m using Stitch Studio Bordeaux in “Sundae” its a lovely self striping yarn and costs 11.99 for 612 yards (7.99 on sale) at A.C. Moore. I really think this is one of the prettiest blankets I’ve ever seen. I look forward to making many more of these, including a King Size for my bed.
The only difficulty I have experienced is trying to convince the puppy that she shouldn’t snatch my yarn and run and that she can’t sit on the blanket while I’m trying to crochet!
Tamara Kelly
😀 Thank you so much Bonita! I have a mother that quilts too – and a puppy that doesn’t understand that every blanket isn’t for him haha!
Connie
I love this afghan and just received the Textures yarn yesterday — I had to order it online as I’m outside the US. Anyway, I’m having a terrible time seeing where to put my hook and counting stitches because of the twist in the yarn. I’ve made a start, but I’m not sure how it will turn out. I’m basically just working along and hoping for the best. Any suggestions?
Tamara Kelly
Hi Connie! Textured yarn can make it hard to see where to put your stitches – what I find helps is putting a light colored sheet or fabric, or even paper on my lap, and using a nice bright lamp. You also might want to try a larger hook – that will open up the stitch and let you see where to go too. 🙂
Connie
Thank you so much for your quick reply, Tamara. I just thought I’d tell you that I did exactly as you suggested — before I received your reply! I have a bright clip-on light which I clipped to a clipboard with a piece of white paper on it. I didn’t use a larger hook, but I kept the tension really loose on the foundation chain. It’s resulted in rather large “holes” in that row, but it was that or give up in frustration! I also found that I could feel the stitches with my thumb and finger (once I got past the chain) to help me figure out where to put the hook. When I’m using smooth yarn I tend to count the loops at the top, but I found with this yarn that I can count the vertical “posts.” I’m a beginner and don’t know all of the correct terminology, so I hope this makes sense. I hope this might help someone else who is struggling.
Tamara Kelly
That makes all the sense! 😀 Sounds like you’re off to a great start!
ABaird
Hi, The afghan is beautiful and I was very excited to crochet it for my niece. However, i have had to rip it out 3 times and am struggling with the pattern. My one question now is row 35 seems to be row 7 repeat and then row 36 is row 2 repeat. Shouldn’t row 26 be a repeat of row 8? I have crocheted a number of items before. Not sure why i’m struggling so much with this pattern. Thank you!
Tamara Kelly
Hello! I’m so sorry you’re having trouble. Have you watched the tutorial video?
Rows 8, 29, 36, etc, are all basically the same idea – work in the sides of the rows, then across the top of the stitches, then across the sides of the rows.
Alice Baird
Sorry. There was a typo in my original post. … My one question now is row 35 seems to be row 7 repeat and then row 36 is row 2 repeat. Shouldn’t row 36 (not 26 as originally typed) be a repeat of row 8? According to the directions, row 36 is a repeat of row 2, so the pattern goes from row 7 back to row 2. This is the only part where row 8 is not repeated.
Thank yo u
Alice
I apologize for my typo in original post. I meant row 36, not 26. In the written pattern row 35 ends on row 7 and row 36 begins with row 2. It seems to me that row 36 should be a repeat of a row 8. thank you
Tamara Kelly
Row 36 is on of the Row 8 repeats. Did you read the paragraph before Row 36?
Carol
Oh my goodness,!!!!!!!!! Another excellent tutorial and pattern I cannot live without. I have been on a Moogly binge forever lol. Just taking a break from current charity project and found this one. Just ordered the yarn for your log cabin pattern and copied your colors, just loved the colors.
Thanks again for all your time and effort that you put into this. It is greatly appreciated.
Tamara Kelly
😀 Thank you so very much Carol!!
Elaine
Is self striping yarn a different yarn than varigated?
Tamara Kelly
Yes! Self striping has long sections of color before it changes, where as variegated has much shorter lengths of each color. 🙂
Lorna Elgie
I am loving this pattern. I am using all my variegated yarns in different colour patterns and am going as huge as possible. I am hoping to make it fit my queen bed with over hang since I have a blanket thief lol. Thanks for your awesomeness.
Tamara Kelly
😀 That sounds like an amazing blanket! Thank you Lorna!!
Sara
I can’t tell you how excited I am to find this pattern this morning. I started making this probably a year ago and you know how it goes – I put it aside and just last weekend pulled it back out. I had organized my yarn/crochet spot and was so sad to realize that I couldn’t find the pattern for this project. I don’t know how in the world I found this again!
I really appreciate your talent. I can follow directions, but to think up patterns is far beyond me. Thank you so much for sharing your creativity!! I look forward to finishing this up now.
Tamara Kelly
😀 Thank you so much Sara! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the pattern – now that you found it again! 😉 Have a great weekend!
Michelle
Love the pattern and want to make for my daughter’s bed. Is there an easy pattern change to make this more rectangular, as opposed to square? Thanks for any advice.
Tamara Kelly
Hi Michelle! You can make it a rectangle for sure – just start with a rectangle in the middle, and then crochet however many stitches needed to make each side work. It’s a pretty simple process once you get going, so you can have fun with it! 🙂
Michelle
Thanks 🙂
Finishing an afghan for a friend and then definitely starting this.
To the commenter below: I’m going to use the Sweet Roll cakes for this. I’m not sure if you can leave photo comments here, but if it turns out well, I’ll try to post.
Stayathomemother04
Would the new “cake” yarns that are available work well for this pattern?
Thank you
Tamara Kelly
I haven’t had a chance to try them out personally, but from what I’ve seen I think they’d be perfect! 😀 I really hope to get to try Mandala myself, one of these days!
Jessi smith
Hi! I love your pattern! So exciting. I’ve started making with Caron Cakes. I decided to go down to an I hook rather than J because it feels sturdier with this yarn. One thing that’s kinda bugging me are the holes left after I turn and stitch across the side of the previous square. I think it’s because the edges of the rows are not straight but have a kind of zigzag to them, and then there is a mix of 2dc and 1 dc on that part of the ziggyzaggy turned row. Are the holes normal? (Did it with my J hook too before I switched.) I suppose over time the holes will become part of the overall design, but I’d rather not have them. Am I doing something wrong or is there a fix? Thanks much! 🙂
Tamara Kelly
Hi Jessi! If the holes bother you, you could use linked dc sts there instead! 🙂
Jessi Smith
Thank you Tamara! I might give it a try. Love learning a different stitch. I appreciate the suggestion!
Tamara Kelly
Thank you, I hope you like it! It’s a handy trick for those little holes! 🙂
Jessi Smith
Gotta say I like your yarn choice better than mine. It really looks better with variegated, quicker color change striping yarn. The caron cakes colors give big blocks of solid color and so you can see more of the edge joins. Might try again with the suggested yarn. Thanks again!!
Susan Osborn
I love the patterns you provided on this post. I am def going to try several of them . the one above I will attempt to do with a combo of the latest Sweet Rolls and solid colors for a gift for my 5th GreatGrandson !! Thank You Again for sharing and especially for making them ALL Print Friendly too !!
Tamara Kelly
😀 Thank you Susan!
Anita Wolfe
Tamara, I am new to your blog and am enjoying it. Just got back into crocheting after many, many absent so I’m only into granny squares and straight back and forth across stitches. I’m so excited about this cute log cabin afgan! I look forward to perusing your past patterns. Thank you! What fun!
Anita
Tamara Kelly
😀 Thank you so much Anita!
Donna
I love working with this pattern!!!! It is my favorite go to to use! I am on my 4th one now!!!!
Tamara Kelly
Oh wow, thank you so much Donna!
Laci Fiala
Could this be done (I assume) with a bulky yarn? Obviously it would be larger and work up faster. The very first block probably wouldn’t be a square though.
Tamara Kelly
It could, and it should still be a square! 🙂
Laci Fiala
I will do a practice piece with some scrap yarn to see how many rows and stitches gets me a square. I can adjust the stitch count from there and still follow the basic pattern!
Alice Neilson
I love this pattern. Glad the video tutorial had you changing colors. I like the blick look. Do the chain 2 at the beginning of each row count as the first dc of the row?
Tamara Kelly
Thank you Alice! No, the ch 2 does not count as a stitch here. 🙂
Scott
This is a terrific pattern to use up scraps of yarn. I made my first one in this pattern a …..scrap-afghan..and my wife would not let me give it away!! Yes I am a male who crickets. My grandmother taught me when I was 8. Now that I am 55 and have bad back issues this craft has helped me past many hours away doing something worth while instead of feeling sorry for myself. Thank you for this pattern .
Tamara Kelly
I’m so glad you like it Scott – Happy Crocheting! 😀
Renee M
I really enjoyed this pattern! It’s so easy and fast, and I appreciate you providing the pattern for free. I opted for an ombre yarn knowing it would have a different look, and it came out pretty neat! I will definitely use this pattern again. 🙂
Tamara Kelly
😀 I’m so glad to hear it, thank you Renee!
eMMA
Ms. Kelly,
I have never been on Moogly before nor read your blog, and I’ve only been crocheting for a year or two, but I stumbled upon this pattern while looking for inspiration online — I saw the beautiful pictures of this afghan and decided I’m in love! I’ll be moving out of my parents’ house to go to university in a year, and this blanket will be just the thing to brighten up my new living space, plus give me a reminder of home. I printed the page to PDF for future reference and I’ll spend my spring break finding the perfect yarn and my summer break working on it. If I like it enough, I may even make more for friends or family.
Thank you for giving me something beautiful to occupy my mind and hands!
Best,
Emma
Tamara Kelly
Hi Emma! Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy it. And good luck with your new adventure, it’s a big and exciting step!
Sharon
I made a blanket using the video tutorial on this page and it turned out wonderful, however, the blanket pictured appears to only have two rows of double crochet per square to start whereas the video says to do 7 rows of 12. I want to make one similar to the one pictures vs. the block one that is shown in the video. Is there a video for the two row one that is shown or am I missing something big here? Thank you! ~Sharon
Tamara Kelly
The first section has 7 – I think there’s just a color change in the yarn that makes it appear otherwise!
Sharon
I realized that after I posted this! I looked at this, made the pic larger, counted double crochets, frogged my work, and rolled w/ the video anyway. Thank you for replying though!!!!! I finally got it but it took a while. 🙂
Lisa
I love this pattern and have used it a few times. Most recently, I used Lion Brand’s Scarfie Yarn, and the effect was amazing. I’d share a photo if I could, as the pattern was perfect for the yarn.
Tamara Kelly
I’m so glad to hear it Lisa! You are welcome to share photos on the Moogly Facebook page, or email them to me at [email protected]! 🙂
Renee Russell
This is perfect! I have some beautiful variegated yarn in peacock colors and I’ve been wondering how best to use it. This will be the perfect gift for my best friend; she’s always cold. Thank you very much for sharing your patterns. I’ll see what I can do about posting a pic on the Facebook page when it’s done.
Tamara Kelly
Thank you so much Renee, I look forward to seeing it! 😀
Jeanise
Thank you so much for this pattern. I was looking for a graduation project for my daughter. I used a bunch of colors of sweet roll yarn by premier. It did most of the work with stripes. This was very quick and easy to work up once you figure out the way it works.
Tamara Kelly
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, thank you Jeanise! ♥
Tiffany Rodriguez
Is there a way to make this rectangular?? I was just wondering
Tamara Kelly
Yes, by starting with a rectangle! I’m thinking I might need to do a rectangular version this winter. 🙂
Amy Culver
I’ve used this for a blanket and it’s lots of fun. But this Christmas I’m making dishcloths. I found some self striping cotton balls and it works well with that! I stitch in BLO to add texture and shorten the last couple rounds to 5 rows to adjust to fit the ball of yarn.
Tamara Kelly
Love that idea! ♥
Amy Culver
Just did your leaping stripes pattern with the same yarn. Self striping cotton… No yarn changes! Looks awesome!