Let’s get this CAL up and running shall we! It’s time for block 1 and I’m very excited to get started – how about you? However don’t worry if this is the first you are hearing about this CAL you can find the full schedule and yarn amounts here and a link to the crochet along page here. Would you like to see photos and specification all at once? Then click here for the Pinterest Board!

Pattern:

This pattern will be free here on the blog but it’s also available in an e-book on Ravelry.  There is a small charge for the downloadable 46 page PDF e-book (payable once) and the booklet will be released in instalments along with the CAL so as not to spoil anyone’s fun. This PDF has the full pattern descriptions, charts and information all in one place without adverts (as requested).

Through the course of this crochet-along I will provide you with patterns to make twelve different blocks, each in two different sizes. Which one you make is totally up to you! Make all one size or mix and match, whatever takes your fancy!  However to give you a helping hand I have included some schematics which you can see on this post here.

Support:

• The KCACO-UK Community Facebook Group  is a great source of support and helpful tips from fellow Crochet-a-longers.
• A Dutch translation is available by Iris from Een Mooi Gebaar – you can read part 1 here. (and a Dutch e-book will be coming soon to Ravelry). Link to Part 1 here.
• Accompanying CAL videos are being created by Esther from It’s All in a Nutshell. Link to Part 1 is below:

Social Media Links:

The hashtag for this years CAL is #SSCAL18 for Twitter and Instagram. Though you you can join in with any progress photos by linking your projects on your favourite social media sites: Ravelry, Facebook pageor Facebook group and Pinterest.

Right let’s get started!

Design 1: Gauge Swatch

Hook: 4 mm / US size G or size needed to obtain 15cm/6” or 30cm / 12” square 

Abbreviations (same for both blocks):

• Chain (Ch)
• UK Double Crochet/US Single Crochet (dc/sc)
• UK Half Double Treble / US Half Double Crochet (htr/hdc)
• UK Alternating Half Double Treble / US Alternating Half Double Crochet (Alt htr/Alt hdc)

Stitch Guidance (same for both blocks):

• Slip Stitch (sl st): Insert hook in st indicated, yarn over and pull through all loops.
• UK Double Crochet/US Single Crochet (dc/sc): Insert hook in st indicated and pull up a loop (two loops on hook), yarn over, pull through both loops on hook.
• UK Half Double Treble / US Half Double Crochet (htr/hdc): Yarn over, insert hook in next st and pull up a loop (three loops on hook), yarn over, pull through all three loops on hook.
• Alternating Half Double Treble / Alternating Half Double Crochet (Alt htr/Alt hdc): This stitch is worked exactly like a normal htr/hdc but you work the stitches in the back and front loops; alternating from one to the other as you work. When you start the next row your first st should be the SAME as your last st e.g. if you have worked in the BLO, you will start in the BLO

15cm / 6 inch block:

Note: Ch1 doesn’t count as a st

Row 1: Ch26, 1htr/hdc in 2nd ch from the hook and in each st along, turn (25sts)

Row 2: Ch1, starting in the front loop; 1 Alt htr/Alt hdc in the same st as the ch 1 and in each st along until end, turn.

Row 3-18:  repeat row 2 for the pattern until end, finish off and weave in ends.

30cm / 12 inch block:

Note: Ch1 doesn’t count as a st

Row 1: Ch51, 1htr/hdc in 2nd ch from the hook and in each st along, turn (50sts)

Row 2: Ch1, starting in the front loop; 1 Alt htr/Alt hdc in the same st as the ch 1 and in each st along until end (ending in the back loop), turn.

Row 3: Ch1, starting in the back loop; 1 Alt htr/Alt hdc in the same st as the ch 1 and in each st along until end, turn.

Row 4-36:  repeat rows 2 and 3 for the pattern until end, finish off and weave in ends.

Edging for all blocks: 

On the right side of your work evenly work dc/sc along each side of your block working 3 dc/sc in each corner (25sts for smaller block / 50sts for larger block).  Fasten off and weave in ends.

You do not need to use the same number of stitches I have for each square, you just need to evenly spread the single crochet border along the rows and edges.  Whatever number edging you use just keep the same number of stitches for ALL of your blocks – with the same count of single crochet border on each edge then they will line-up when its time to turn them into a finished blanket.

And that’s it!

Until next time; keep calm and crochet on my friends xx