Magic Decanter Crochet-A-Long
Interlocking Crochet:
Yardage and Foundation Rows
June 2023 CAL
This is the first time I’m hosting a CAL (Crochet-A-Long) using an older pattern instead of something brand new.
Magic Decanter was originally published in May 2021. This throw blanket can be done using the interlocking crochet or overlay mosaic crochet technique.
Interlocking Crochet
This page is the introduction for the interlocking crochet version of Magic Decanter.
Free Written Pattern
I like it when everyone can join in a CAL, so I’m putting the full line-by-line written pattern here on my website for free viewing.
Paid Option
You can purchase an ad-free, printable PDF that includes the full written pattern and charts for both techniques, or you can follow along with the free written pattern here on my website!
CAL Discount
Save 40% on Magic Decanter for the duration of the CAL. No code needed, just add it to your cart to see the discount applied; offer valid on Ravelry and Etsy. Expires 11:59 pm CST August 8, 2023.
Magic Decanter Crochet-A-Long
Interlocking Crochet:
Yardage and Foundation Rows
June 2023 CAL
This is the first time I’m hosting a CAL (Crochet-A-Long) using an older pattern instead of something brand new.
Magic Decanter was originally published in May 2021. This throw blanket can be done using the interlocking crochet or overlay mosaic crochet technique.
Interlocking Crochet
This page is the introduction for the interlocking crochet version of Magic Decanter.
Free Written Pattern
I like it when everyone can join in a CAL, so I’m putting the full line-by-line written pattern here on my website for free viewing.
Paid Option
You can purchase an ad-free, printable PDF that includes the full written pattern and charts for both techniques, or you can follow along with the free written pattern here on my website!
CAL Discount
Save 40% on Magic Decanter for the duration of the CAL. No code needed, just add it to your cart to see the discount applied; offer valid on Ravelry and Etsy. Expires 11:59 pm CST August 8, 2023.
Background Image Credit: ESA/Hubble
The image is from the European Space Agency. It is listed as the LH 95 star forming region of the Large Magellanic Cloud. The image was taken using the Hubble Space Telescope.
Title: Starsinthesky.jpg
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Magic Decanter CAL Schedule
To follow along with the free written pattern you’ll need to complete about 36 rows per week. I know this is completely unattainable for some people but we don’t mind if you take longer to get it done! You can show off your progress at any stage and at any date!!
If you share on Instagram, tag me @AshleesLint so I can see your pretty projects!
If you are in Facebook groups that allow it, share your progress and let others know they can come join in the fun!
If you’re in my Facebook group, share your progress at any time and upload the photo(s) of your finished blanket in the album!
Free Release Schedule
(click here to go back to the main landing page with the links to each section)
June 27, 2023: Yardage and Foundation Rows
July 4: Rows 4 – 40
July 11: Rows 41 – 77
July 18: Rows 78 – 114
July 25: Rows 115 – 151
August 1: Rows 152 – 181
Introduction
If you’re unfamiliar with the interlocking crochet technique, I suggest you start with some smaller tutorials and practice squares first.
Magic Decanter
This throw blanket was designed to be made with worsted weight yarn (4 – medium) and a 4.5 mm hook.
You can use any weight yarn and an appropriate hook and you’ll still end up with a square that shows the design!
If you use bulky yarn you’ll get a slightly larger blanket and if you use fingering weight yarn you will get a square that could hang on the wall.
Yardage amounts will be different if you use a different weight yarn. A gauge swatch will be your friend. 😉
Why Yards?
A common question asked is ‘why do you give yardage amounts, why not tell us how many skeins we need?’
The simple answer: it depends on which yarn you use.
For example, 100 grams of cotton yarn is a lot less yardage than 100 grams of acrylic yarn.
However, the length of cotton yarn compared to acrylic yarn will be nearly the same.
But, even if I specified acrylic yarn only, I can’t tell you how many balls you’ll need because some brands sell larger balls than other brands.
Ravelry lists almost every yarn out there with information on its yarn weight (thickness), fiber, yardage/meterage, and how much a single skein weighs.
You can use this information to figure out how many skeins you will need in your chosen yarn.
Yarn Choice
You’ll notice I don’t have a specific yarn brand or color listed for this pattern. I am not sponsored by any yarn companies, so I don’t need to advertise for any of them.
Some people prefer natural fibres like cotton and wool, whereas others prefer the more cost-effective acrylic yarns. The design will work with any type of yarn.
I do suggest a darker yarn (such as black, dark blue, or deep purple) for the Main Color / MC and a lighter color or multi-colored yarn for the Accent Color / AC. But, even that is just a recommendation and not a rule.
Look at these sample images below to help you decide which colors to use.
Keep in mind, if you use a gradiant yarn or a multi-colored yarn you’ll need to make sure ALL the colors in it contrast well with your other yarn.
Sample image above uses black as the MC (the first color used, the outer border line) and a purple gradient for the AC.
This sample image above uses light blue as the MC (the first color used, the outer border line) and a darker blue for the AC.
Quick reminder (probably telling the people that don’t need to know): copyright status applies to free patterns as well.
You can see my copyright statement here: https://ashleeslint.com/2021/03/23/copyright/
Ashlee’s Yarn Choices
I’ve decided to use two different brands of yarn (gasp! the horror!).
I’m using Scheepjes ColourCrafter in colorway “Oostende” for my Main Color (MC). It’s basically a navy blue.
And I’m going to use Hobbii Horizon yarn for my Accent Color (AC) in colorway “14”. I don’t see a name for this color anywhere on the label, but Ravelry says it’s called “Rainforest”. It’s a pretty self-striping rainbow.
They are both dk (3 – light worsted weight).
Yes, that’s right, I’m using the “wrong” yarn weight. It’s ok!
Ashlee’s Hook
I’m going to be using my 4.5 mm hook still. My favorite hook is this rubber-handled knockoff.
Interlocking Crochet Details
- US crochet terminology
- Chart 181 x 181
- Gauge: 8 (dc, ch) x 8 rows = 4”
- Finished square 45″ / 115cm
- 4.5 mm (US7) crochet hook
- Worsted weight yarn (2300 – 2400 yards total)
- Main color (MC) – 1150 yards
- Accent color (AC) – 1150 yards
- Optional border – 100 yards
Key (US terminology)
AC = accent color (light color suggested)
ACB = put AC yarn to the side facing away from you
ACF = bring the AC yarn to the side facing you
B = double crochet (dc) behind, and chain 1
Back = the side not facing you
ch = chain
dc = double crochet: yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, *yarn over, pull through two loops* twice
EB = end stitch in back: using AC, dc into the last AC window, working behind MC
EF = end stitch in front: using AC, dc into the last AC window, working in front of MC
ES = end stitch: dc into the last window space
F = double crochet (dc) in front, and chain 1
Front = the side currently facing you
MC = main color (black or dark color suggested)
RS = right side: the side of your work that will show the finished design
sk = skip a stitch
sc = single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through both loops
tr = treble crochet: yarn over twice, insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, *yarn over, pull through two loops* three times
WS = wrong side: the back of your project
Tips
- Remember, each color is worked into itself only and there is a chain space between each double crochet.
- Don’t confuse RS / WS with Front / Back.
- The final piece will have a pretty side (the RS, the one with the image on it) and a wrong side.
- When you’re crocheting, it doesn’t matter which side is facing you, a Front stitch means you work your double crochet in front of the other layer and a Back stitch means you work the double crochet behind the other layer.
- For an explanation of the brackets: https://ashleeslint.com/2020/08/29/brackets-in-crochet-patterns/
Foundation Rows
Every MC row will have 91 double crochets (if you count the first chain-3 as a double crochet). Every AC row will have 90 double crochets.
1. Using MC (I suggest black or a dark colored yarn) create 90 windows:
a. I prefer the chainless technique (chain 5, dc into first stitch, chain 1, tr into same space, *chain 1, tr into 2nd part of the previous tr* repeat as many times as needed).
b. Alternatively, you can Ch 183, then DC in 5th chain from your hook. *Ch1, Sk 1, DC* repeat until the end. Place stitch marker so your work doesn’t unravel.
Video above shows the foundation rows of a different pattern.
2. With your AC (background color) chain 181.
Place MC windows on top of this chain (make sure the end with the stitch marker is at your left) then pull the tail of your AC through the window on the right end (see picture).
Double crochet through the back of the next window into the 5th chain from your hook.
Watch the video for the Small Blossom Square (linked above with step 1) if you need to see this process in action.
Image above shows a short foundation row where the gold yarn is the AC. You can see the tail of the AC has been pulled from the back to the front through the MC window.
3. *Ch 1, Sk 1, DC through the back* repeat to end.
Place stitch marker so your work doesn’t unravel. Both stitch markers should be on the same end.
Next Week
Next week we will continue at row 4. These foundation rows count as the first 3 rows of the design.
Wait, 3?
If you lay your foundation rows down so that the MC is at the bottom, and then there’s a row of AC, and then you can see a row of MC again and at the top we have another row of AC… shouldn’t that mean we have done 4 rows?
For some weird reason, we count the very bottom MC row as row 0. Every time we are crocheting with the MC it will be an even-numbered row.
Right Side / Wrong Side
It’s difficult to tell with such a small piece, but the right side of your project is the one where you can see the straight lines going horizontal.
The wrong side looks like a bunch of short vertical lines meshing together.
Top section is the wrong side, bottom shows the right side.
