Cross Fade: Crochet blanket pattern with asymmetric stripes

The Cross Fade crochet blanket pattern is a simple, beginner friendly blanket project, which uses basic crochet stitches and asymmetric stripes to create a pleasing cross fade of colour.

The crochet afghan has a minimalist, elegant border and an easy textured stitch pattern, which makes it cosy to cuddle under whilst retaining a soft drape.

You can purchase the PDF, printable crochet pattern from Etsy, Ravelry or Love crafts, or read on for the ad-supported version.

Pattern Notes

General Notes

• Please read through the pattern and all associated notes before starting your project
• This pattern uses standard US crochet terminology (UK equivalents are given in brackets in the abbreviations list where applicable)
• Turning chains do not count as stitches
• The first stitch of each row should be worked into the top of the last stitch from the previous row
• Instructions written after an *asterisk should be repeated as indicated
• Instructions in (round brackets) should be worked in the same stitch

Construction

• The pattern is worked in rows, using the same stitch pattern throughout, changing colours on assigned rows to create the cross fade stripes
• A slip stitch border is added at the end
• The pattern uses a stitch multiple of 2+1

Skills Used

• Knowledge of basic crochet stitches, techniques and terminology is assumed
• This pattern uses simple stitches throughout
• Working in rows and changing colours
• Working into rows and row-ends for border using yarn over slip stitch (see special stitches)

Materials

Crochet Hook

• 5mm crochet hook, or size needed to obtain gauge. 
• I used my clover amour hook.

Yarn Substitution Options

Any similar yarn will create a similar result. A wool or acrylic yarn will work well for this pattern. Different fibres and yarns will produce a different finished result. You may find this post useful when choosing yarn.

Other Materials & Notions

• Yarn needle, scissors and a tape measure
• I used a steamer for blocking. Learn more about blocking here.

How to purchase a Dora Does crochet pattern:

I sell my PDF crochet patterns in my Etsy, Ravelry and Love Crafts stores. You can purchase this pattern on any of these platforms, depending on your preference. Simply click the relevant links throughout this pattern page to be taken to the listing, or visit the store homepages in the links at the start of this paragraph.

Measurements & Finished Size

The finished blanket measures approximately 75cm wide by 90cm long after a gentle steam block

Note that the PDF version of the pattern (available on Etsy, Ravelry or Love Crafts) includes suggestions for stitch counts and colour arrangements for a  medium (90x130cm) and large (130x60cm) size blanket.

Gauge

15 sts and 15 rows in 10cm of gently blocked pattern repeat (See Row 2 for pattern repeat) using a 5mm crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge.

Note that matching exact gauge is not essential for this pattern, but variation in your gauge will lead to variations in the finished size of your project. 

Learn how to make and measure a gauge swatch here

Stitches & Abbreviations: US terms 

(UK Equivalent in Brackets)

• ch = chain
• dc = double crochet (UK treble crochet)
• rep = repeat
• RS = right side
• sc = single crochet (UK double crochet)
• sk = skip (UK miss)
• ss = slip stitch
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• WS = wrong side
• yo = yarn over
• yoss = yarn over slip stitch used for the border only (see special stitches)

Special Stitches 

Yarn Over Slip Stitch – yoss

Yo, insert hook, yo, pull a loop through the stitch/loop you inserted your hook into and continue to pull it through the other 2 loops on the hook to complete the stitch.

It may help you to hold the base of the stitch when working the yoss. It may also help you to work it in two parts; first, pull your yarn through the stitch you inserted your hook into, second, pull it through the remaining loops.

In Yarn A, ch112;

Row 1: 1sc in second ch from hook and each ch to end, turn. 111 sts (st count does not change throughout)

Rows 3-141: Rep Row 2 using the colour change schedule below

Row 142: Ch1, 1sc in each st to end

Do not fasten off, but sew in ends from colour changes then continue to border

Colour change schedule

• Rows 1-12: Yarn A (12 rows)
• Rows 13-14: Yarn B (2 rows)
• Rows 15-24: Yarn A (10 rows)
• Rows 25-28: Yarn B (4 rows)
• Rows 29-36: Yarn A (8 rows)
• Rows 37-42: Yarn B (6 rows)
• Rows 43-48: Yarn A (6 rows)
• Rows 49-56: Yarn B 8 rows)
• Rows 57-60: Yarn A (4 rows)
• Rows 61-70: Yarn B (10 rows)
• Rows 71-72: Yarn A (2 rows)
• Rows 73-82: Yarn B (10 rows)
• Rows 83-86: Yarn A (4 rows)
• Rows 87-94: Yarn B (8 rows)
• Rows 95-100: Yarn A (6 rows)
• Rows 101-106: Yarn B (6 rows)
• Rows 107-114: Yarn A (8 rows)
• Rows 115-118: Yarn B (4 rows)
• Rows 119-128: Yarn A (10 rows)
• Rows 129-130: Yarn B (2 rows)
• Rows 131-142: Yarn A (12 rows)
• Remember to work the final row in sc only

Border

Turn your work 90 degrees at the end of the final row of sc so the long side of row-ends is facing you;

Round 1 (RS): 

• First side: Ch1, 2yoss (see special stitches) in first row-end, yoss down the row-ends to the last row-end (I worked one yoss in each row-end but you can change this to suit your tension), 2yoss in the final row-end, 
• Bottom edge: turn 90 degrees, 2yoss in the back of the first starting ch, 1yoss in each ch along the base to the final ch, 2yoss in the final ch, 
• Second side: turn 90degrees, 2yoss in first row-end, yoss down the row-ends (using the same cadence as the other side), to last row-end, 2yoss in last row-end, 
• Top edge: turn 90 degrees,  2yoss in first st of final blanket row, 1yoss in each st to last st, 2yoss in last st, ss to top of first st, turn

Round 2 (WS): Ch1, 1ss in each st around, ss to top of first st

Fasten off, sew in remaining ends and block as needed