Hello Pinterest and AllFreeCrochet.com fans!
Thanks for checking out my Northern Lights Memory Blanket pattern. I have a little note for you. I wrote this pattern when I was a much less experienced crocheter. I don’t have a lot of experience writing crochet patterns and I have had a few people contact me about how the set-up rows are written in a confusing manner.
Unfortunately, as I’m a full-time working mom I don’t have the ability to recreate this pattern to check for errors. I based this pattern on the Granny Stripe Scarf from PurlSoho.com, so if you have difficulty following my pattern I recommend you read their instructions. Once the first few rows are set up it crochets very easily – just like a granny square. Instead of working in the round, though, you crochet back and forth.
Back to my original post:
A few weeks ago I tidied up my yarn collection and realized I have a whole lotta yarn. Too much yarn. I have a loose rule that I can’t buy more yarn until I use the last yarn I purchased. That doesn’t always work out, apparently.
I decided to work on a lap blanket to curl up on the couch with. I knew crochet was the way to go. It not only goes by more quickly than knitting but it also uses up yarn faster, which is just what I wanted. Instead of following a striped pattern, I opted to go with the flow. I started with some tripled up DK weight red wool I had used to knit a teeny tiny baby sweater. As soon as I reached the end of a skein I brought in a different skein.
As I crocheted along I was reminded of each project I had bought the yarn for. It was becoming a memory blanket. After I got through purple, the blanket was starting to remind me of the Aurora Borealis. I’ve not had the opportunity to see more than green and white with my own eyes, but the northern lights can be all colors of the spectrum.
I’m overjoyed with the end product. It’s every color I love and perfectly cozy.
So here’s the basic pattern I came up with. Obviously if you choose to follow it your blanket will look quite different from mine and hopefully very personal. Most of the time I crocheted with two strands of worsted yarn at the same time, but sometimes the yarn was sock weight, so I crocheted with three strands.
Oh, and if you don’t mind being a tiny bit sloppy, this knot tying technique was a game changer. It meant that all I had to weave in were the starts and ends of the project. Otherwise I’d be weaving in ends right now instead of typing!
Northern Lights Memory Blanket — A Free Crochet Pattern
Materials:
Tons of lace weight to bulky weight yarn. I can’t possibly give you an exact number of skeins.
Size J crochet hook
darning needle
Abbreviations:
ch = chain stitch
sc = single crochet
dc = double crochet
ch sp = chain space
hdc = half double crochet
Directions:
Ch. 157
Foundation Row: 1 sc into 2nd chain from hook, 1 sc into each chain to end (156 stitches)
Set Up Row: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc into first sc, [skip 2 sc, 3 dc into next sc] to 3st before end, 2dc in last stitch. — Your row should contain a 2dc cluster, 50 clusters and a 2dc cluster. Ch3 turn.
Row 3: 1 dc into very first stitch, [3 dc into next ch sp between dc groups] repeat to last space, 2 dc into last space and then 1 dc into 3rd stitch of ch 3 from previous row. Ch 3, turn.
Continue row 3 until your blanket is the length you prefer.
Final row: Hdc in every stitch across.
Cut yarn and weave in ends with a darning needle.
Alaska Knit Nat 
pretty, pretty, pretty.
I’d make it, IF I crocheted blankets. 🙂 🙂
Jan,
I’m a lifelong knitter and I taught myself to crochet for the sole purpose of making a blanket. No way would I knit one of those — too monotonous and meticulous! I only have the attention span for a lap blanket anyway, so I’m pretty proud of this accomplishment. What do you like to crochet?
Thanks for your comment,
Natasha
Just what I was looking for. I have so much left over skeins. I have bags of left overs in every nook and cranny in my apartment. I knit prayer shawls and baby blankets for my church and always have some left. Thanks
You’re welcome, Claudette. Thanks for your comment!
-Natasha
HI NATASHA I RUN A CHARITY GROUP THAT MAKES ITEMS FOR HOSPICUS AND NURSING HOME SO I UNDERSTAND THE LEFT OVER YARN. THIS WILL BE GREAT FOR MY GROUP TO US UP YARN PEOPLE GIVE US AND A CHANGE FROM SEWING QUILTS. THANKS
It’s beautiful!
Thank you!
I learned to crochet a couple of years ago, but since I have the attention span of a turnip I have never taken on a bigger project like a blanket. This is so beautiful! I just may be under it’s rainbowy spell and hooking my own version soon! Thanks for sharing.
p.s. Loooove that the yarns remind you of all your projects…so special ❤
Hi Barbie,
I usually have the shortest attention span when it comes to crochet projects, but the colors of this blanket kept me going. It was really fun to watch it change. I hope it’s inspiration for you!
Thanks for your kind comment,
Natasha
After a stroke 8 years ago, I was unable to hold or maneuver my crochet hook.. After crocheting for over 50 years I missed it so much, I told myself I will practice until I can do it again, and doggone it I DID IT!
This will be my first big project, I made a lot of hats and fingerless mitts to keep me warm through cold Michigan winters. Love this and have a HUGE stash of yarn to work with. Thank you so much for sharingn
Dear Elaine,
It must be a joy to have regained your crocheting skills. I wish you luck on your blanket project.
Thanks so much for telling me your story,
Natasha
Thank you! I started this afternoon, just finished row 3, I’m on my way! This is easier than I thought it would be. I’m using my favorite fall colors, so I will be naming it Autumn in Michigan, LoL!
Well done, enjoy your creations
Thank you, Tina! I wish I had more time these days to crochet.
Fantastic blanket, and that knot technique will definitely come in handy. I made a rainbow stripe V-stitch stash buster lapghan a couple of months ago, and it is my favorite new thing. I left the knots hanging out where they fell, and they add to the charm, but for everything else, the invisible knot will be fab!
Love all of the pretty colors – I wish I had the patience to knit this myself!
Thanks Kate! I have the shortest attention span for projects like this, but somehow I got really motivated. I guess I wanted to clear out my yarn stash. It went by really fast!
Thanks for your comment,
Natasha
This afghan is so beautiful. Can you tell me the name of the yarn?
Hi Kelly,
This blanket is made with dozens of different yarns ranging from wool sock yarn to acrylic worsted yarn. It uses so many different types and colors I’m unable to tell you exactly what was used. That’s the fun part about this blanket. You just use what you’ve got!
-Natasha
Well Natasha,
You have done such a beautiful job of blending that I thought you had done a special your that transitioned to the next color. Unbelievable!!!
Cant wait to see your work.
Kelly
Thank you Kelly! I was pretty proud of this blanket when I finished it. I love looking at it.
I use a Russian weave technique to avoid weaving. With a yarn needle cross the two yarn ends and with a yarn needle weave the ends back into its own strand. This creates a solid join and no loose strands to work in later.
Dear Doreen,
I’ve heard of this technique but haven’t tried it yet. I’ll have to try it next time!
Thanks for your comment,
Natasha
Natasha/Doreen,
What is the name of this technique? Can you attach a link to where I can fine it?
Thank you!
Kelly
Here it is: http://twistyarnshop.blogspot.com/2009/05/russian-join.html?m=1
Beautiful blanket and I’m happy you found that little knot technique!
Love your colorful blanket 🙂 Could you tell me what the multiple is ? I would like to make it a bit larger so this would be useful…thanks so much.
Hi Barbara,
I’m fairly certain I made this blanket in multiples of three plus one stitch. If it isn’t quite right, it’s pretty adaptable to skip and stitch or two after the foundation chain. I’m sorry I don’t have an exact answer for you. I’m not as experienced in crochet as I am in knitting.
Best of luck,
Natasha
Thank’s Natasha that will help 🙂 Can’t wait to get started.
This is just beautiful!! I would like to make this twin blanket size with Ice City Lights yarn (worsted). Can you tell me the dimensions of your project? Do you think it would be at pretty using just 1 strand of yarn at a time?
Very nice…could you tell me the approx finished size?
I would like to make this in to a rectangular shawl (like a prayer shawl). So I guess the group of 3 plus 1 would work fine.
Reblogged this on The Way Home and commented:
Good idea to use up extra yarn bits.
This is beautiful! !!! Just up my ally!! My boyfriend is always telling me “No more yarn till you use up what you have!” This would be perfect! Ant I love making afghans for my family and for myself. Thank you so much for your story and for this pattern!!!
You’re welcome, Nancy. I’m glad this pattern is inspiring you to use up your stash. I might have to make another one myself for that same reason!
Happy crocheting,
Natasha
What size did this one make? If I wanted to make it a baby blanket how many chains should I do. (about 36 x 36) Thanks. It is beautiful.
Hi Paula,
I sort of freestyled this blanket with no intended size. I don’t know the exact measurements anymore but I think it’s about four feet wide and three feet tall.
Sorry I don’t have a more clear answer for you.
Happy crocheting,
Natasha
Hi Natasha,
I liked the looks of your blanket and decided to try it. I’ve completed the set-up row, ready to start row three, row three states to do the 3 dc in the chain spaces between dc groups, but chain spaces are not mentioned in the set-up row.
Martha
I love the story behind your blanket. I’ve just recently started taking pictures of my projects–I wish I had pix of all the earlier ones. But, like you, I have leftover yarn and when I look at it, I recall those earlier pieces.. I’m going to hold onto your pattern and someday maybe I, too, will have a northern lights blanket.
I just returned from your beautiful state and am planning to try this. While I obviously wasn’t there at the right time to see the night lights, i was so impressed with the lovely scenery I will make this to remind me of this still unspoiled part of the world.
Thank you so much for your kind comment. I am happy you enjoyed visiting my home state and enjoy working on this pattern!
-Natasha
I think your colors on northern lights are gorgeous. I’m going to try my best to duplicate your blsnket. Thanks for sharing it!
I love the colors so vibrant.
Reblogged this on adornosmalulu.
I am in absolute love with this blanket. I just wish I could match color for color because the colors are absolutely the best I have seen yet. So bright and so vibrant. If you can remember just a few of the exact color names when it comes to the light blues to darks and some of the purples it would help me out a lot with my journey of yarn hunting. So I thank you for your beautiful art work.
Hi Wanda, I’m so glad you like my blanket! I’m afraid I can’t remember the exact names of the yarns I used but with a little sleuthing I think you could figure out some of them: if you see the photo of the blanket with overlays of my previous projects on top you’ll see that many of those patterns are available in my “Knit and crochet” section of my site. I may have listed the exact yarns in some of those patterns.
Best of luck yarn hunting!
Natasha
This is a great beginner pattern! There was nothing wrong with the pattern as far as I could see. Kudos to the lady who came upon this pattern and the decency to give it to us free of charge. What a kind soul!!! And, her afghan turned out fabulous!! I’m so impressed! I used to be able to do hard(extremely challenging) patterns, but I had a stroke, then ended 6 years later, broken, from the death of my Precious Mom, total betrayal by my brother, while she was on her deathbed, and he took her whole family with him. The day of my Precious Mom’s funeral, I was left with grieving 1 dead person and 61 live people. Not one of them, including my brother, my favourite Aunt, who died Christmas Eve, and none of them let me know. My Daughter severed ties with me in sept 2015, because I wouldn’t lie for her. But, she had the decency to let me know. In dec 2015, I went into a coma for 5-6 weeks. I just broke. And, my crocheting suffered more, although easy patterns helped me heal and get the strength back in my hands and arms, 2 stitches at a time.
I will give this a try sometime soon Natasha! I have been to Anchorage and Homer and other cool places nearby. It is one place I would like to live someday. I have a favorite nephew who lives there! I hope we can stay in touch! I am in a prayer shawl ministry at my church.
Lovely work of art😀😀😀
Thank you Joy! I use it every day.
i luv the idea of a memory blanket! i as well have way too much leftover yarn and this is a beautiful way to use it up. i have made blankets for all of my 12 grandcildren and great grandchildren and each section will remind remind me how blessed i am. Thank you!
Wow – what a big family you have! That will make quite a meaningful blanket. Thanks for your comment, Charlotte. -Natasha
Your Afghan is beautiful! I just love making these color coordinated blankets. Thanks so much for sharing your lovely work! X
You’re so welcome Karin!
what size is this blanket? Rosie
Hi Rosie – I can’t remember what size this blanket is, but this pattern is really flexible. The size can be whatever you want it to be. Thanks! -Natasha