Lava and Aurora Blankets

Lava and Aurora Blankets by Crafty Creations

Project Overview

The Lava and Aurora Blankets are a pair of intermediate-level crochet designs created by Kirstin Campbell-Harris of Crafty Creations. These downloadable PDF patterns offer flexibility in yarn selection, allowing crafters to work with either self-striping rainbow-coloured DK yarn or four separate solid-coloured yarns to create striking geometric color-blocked blankets.

What Is Being Made

Two distinct blanket designs are featured in this pattern collection: the Lava Blanket and the Aurora Blanket. Each blanket is constructed using a modular square-based approach, with color changes creating bold visual patterns. The Lava Blanket features warm tones in red, orange, gold, and yellow, while the Aurora Blanket showcases cool tones in rose, purple, blue, and green. Both blankets are substantial projects requiring approximately 4000 to 4500 meters of yarn.

Crochet Techniques and Construction

These blankets employ a structured color-blocking technique where yarn colors are strategically changed throughout the project to build geometric patterns. The pattern uses a grid-based system with rows numbered 1 through 9, indicating a methodical, row-by-row construction method. Color changes are executed using slip stitch attachment before the chain-3 stitch at the beginning of each new color row, a technique that ensures secure transitions between colors and maintains the integrity of the color-blocked design.

Stitches Used

• Slip stitch (sl st) – used for attaching new yarn colors at the beginning of color-change rows
• Chain stitch (ch) – foundational stitch used in the construction, with chain-3 appearing at the beginning of rows

Yarn and Materials

The pattern accommodates two yarn approaches. Crafters can use self-striping rainbow-coloured DK weight yarn, with the pattern specifically referencing Kismet's 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day DK in colour 11/Candy Crush as an example. Alternatively, four separate solid-coloured DK weight yarns can be substituted: red, orange, gold, and yellow for the Lava Blanket, or rose, purple, blue, and green for the Aurora Blanket. The total yardage requirement is 4000 to 4500 meters, equivalent to approximately 6 skeins of 300 grams each. DK weight yarn is a versatile mid-weight option that creates fabric with excellent drape and definition, making it ideal for blanket projects where stitch detail is important.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, these blankets are suitable for crocheters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle color-work and more involved projects. The systematic color-change technique and multi-row construction require attention to pattern details and yarn management, but the repetitive nature of the grid-based design makes it accessible for experienced beginners advancing their skills.