Snuggling under your hobby

Right I am just going to say it – sometimes I just like making for making. Sometimes I have no intention of making a project into a published pattern and then it just becomes such a joyful make that I can’t help sharing it with you.

This is true of the Cosy Croknit blanket. Like many of my most favourite designs, the idea came following a few conversations and a little bit of necessity. I had received some Aran weight yarn in the post and I began making a few garter stitch squares to see how it behaved. There is something so tactile about aran and garter stitch knitting. So satisfying and joyful. I am not eloquent enough to explain. But if you know – you know.

Then I remembered a conversation with my Granny. She often collaborates with friends to create blankets for charity. They work on different squares, some crocheted and some knitted. Due to tension and style, the squares can be a bit challenging to align and sew together. It got me thinking…. could I write a pattern which combined both crafts? Could I create a pattern with an easy size guide, a basic colour scheme and plan which would include both crafts?

My mind began to whir… And that is how I began to work on the Croknit pattern. I have used the juicy Highland Heathers Aran from Stylecraft. If you are a knitter…you can just knit all the squares… if you are solely a crocheter why not just have a blanket full of granny squares. I have enjoyed combining both skills. I flitted between both crafts as my whim took me.

It wasn’t easy for me to decide how to join the squares. I had several aborted attempts. Then I landed on a zig-zag slip stich join. The crisscross motion allows for just the right amount of ease between the differing drape of the knitted and crochet squares. I also went for a linen stitch edging which is just intricate enough for interest but doesn’t detract from the beautiful jewel like colours of the squares.

The finished item has a pleasing amount of heft. So much so, that it is being argued over most evenings! Stanley is winning.

So whilst the pattern is very simple I have written it up for you with hints and tips on how to collaborate to get your squares to match. You also get the colour schematic and the edging stitch pattern.

Whilst it is important to give yarn suggestions for published patterns. In my mind, this pattern was always intended for stash busting and the pattern has stitch suggestions for DK yarn too.

Well I hope you like it. The Cosy Croknit Blanket will not be leaving our house I am afraid it is far to snuggly for that.

What do you think about patterns that combine knitting and crochet? There don’t seem to be many about. When you are working as a team…or a yarn bee, what are your handy hints or tips to make sure your blanket squares fit together? I would love to know.

**** I am hosting an instagram live about the blanket at 11am GMT on Sat 14 Jan 2023 if you would like to join me ***