It Takes All Colors Snowflakes Afghan

It Takes All Colors Snowflakes Afghan by Susan Lowman

Project Overview

This crochet afghan is designed as an eye-catching blanket and throw featuring a vibrant snowflake pattern. The finished piece measures approximately 44 inches wide by 60 inches high, with decorative fringe along both side edges. The innovative design eliminates the need for weaving in yarn ends, as they are incorporated directly into the fringe detail for a polished, finished look.

What Is Being Made

The It Takes All Colors Snowflakes Afghan is a medium-sized crochet blanket ideal for draping over furniture or using as a decorative throw. The design combines a black main color with eight contrasting accent colors—hot pink, holly berry, mango, daffodil, clover, evergreen, blue Hawaii, and violet—to create a striking snowflake motif throughout the piece. The fringe edging on both sides adds texture and visual interest while serving a functional purpose in the construction method.

Techniques and Construction

This intermediate-level project employs efficient crochet techniques that streamline the finishing process. The most notable technique is the integration of yarn ends directly into the fringe, eliminating the traditional step of weaving in loose ends after completion. This method not only saves time but also creates a more cohesive, intentional appearance along the side edges. The use of multiple contrasting colors requires careful color changes and management throughout the project.

Stitches Used

• Single Crochet (sc): The primary stitch used in this afghan, providing a dense, sturdy fabric suitable for a throw blanket
• Chain (ch): Used for foundation chains and stitch construction
• Yarn Over (YO): Essential technique for all crochet stitches

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The afghan requires worsted weight acrylic yarn in 100% acrylic fiber. The total yardage needed is approximately 1,480 yards (1,352 meters). The main color is black, requiring 4 skeins of 7 ounces each (370 yards per skein). Eight contrasting colors are used as accents, with 1 skein of each: hot pink, holly berry, mango, daffodil, clover, evergreen, blue Hawaii, and violet. The pattern was photographed using Red Heart With Love yarn in the specified color numbers.

Tools and Gauge

A size J/9 (6 mm) crochet hook is required for this project, though the pattern notes that hook size may be adjusted as needed to achieve proper gauge. The specified gauge is 16 single crochet stitches and 12 single crochet rows over a 4-inch square. Achieving correct gauge is essential for the finished afghan to reach its intended dimensions of 44 inches wide by 60 inches high.

Skill Level

This project is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for crocheters with some experience beyond basic techniques. The intermediate classification reflects the color work involved, the management of multiple yarn colors, and the understanding of how to incorporate fringe into the construction process rather than as an afterthought.