Color Me
Author
by Andrea Mantler
Introduction
We, here at Crochet me, think pastel colors are for babies. Wait a sec. What we mean is that pastel colors are boring. When they're used for kid stuff. Kids are fun. Vibrant. Loud and colorful. They deserve stuff that's playful, not dull. Stuff that'll hide stains and spark the imagination. Like this blanket. Sure, crayons come in pastel colours. But kids never use the pastel ones when they write on the walls, do they?
Materials List
- Yarn: Sandnes Smart Superwash wool (109 yds/100 m per 50g ball, or substitute similar DK weight yarn
- 2 balls each in red (4219), orange (2708), yellow (2206), green (887), blue (5936), purple (5226)
- 6 balls charcoal (1088)
- 1 ball light grey (1042)
- 5.00mm (US size H/8) hook
Finished Size
Approximately 42" x 39".
Approximate crayon size (including point): 7" x 39" (17.8cm x 100cm).
Gauge
Approximate gauge in patt st: 15 stitches, 14 rows per 4" (10cm).
Since the pattern is for a blanket, matching the gauge is not as important as keeping a consistent gauge. However, if your gauge is significantly looser than recommended, your blanket may require more yarn.
Notes
Patt st:
Row 1: Ch 1, sc in first dc, *dc in next sc, sc in next dc*, rep from * to * across, ending dc in last sc, turn.
Rep Row 1 for patt st.
d/s dec: double crochet/single crochet decrease (yo, insert hook in next sc, yo, draw up loop, yo, draw through first two loops on hook, insert hook in next dc, yo, draw up loop, yo draw through all loops on hook).
Changing Colors:
When changing colors in the middle of a row, the last "yo/draw through 2 loops" of the previous stitch is done in the new color. When changing colors between rows, the last "yo, draw through 2 loops" of the last stitch on the previous row is done in the new color.
The Pattern
Crayon (make 6 - one in each main color)
With crayon color, ch 27.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, *dc in next ch, sc in next ch,* rep from * to * across, ending dc in last ch, turn. (26 sts)
Rows 2-7: Begin patt st.
Rows 8-11: work patt stitch in charcoal.
Rows 12-14: work patt stitch in crayon color.
Rows 15-18: work patt stitch in charcoal.
Rows 19-37: work patt stitch in crayon color.
Continuing in patt st, begin oval (see chart)
Row 38: 11 sts in crayon color, 4 sts in charcoal, 11 sts in crayon color.
Row 39: 10 sts in crayon color, 6 sts in charcoal, 10 sts in crayon color.
Row 40: 9 sts in crayon color, 8 sts in charcoal, 9 sts in crayon color.
Row 41-42: 8 sts in crayon color, 10 sts in charcoal, 8 sts in crayon color.
Row 43-44: 7 sts in crayon color, 12 sts in charcoal, 7 sts in crayon color.
Row 45-47: 6 sts in crayon color, 14 sts in charcoal, 6 sts in crayon color.
Row 48-51: 5 sts in crayon color, 16 sts in charcoal, 5 sts in crayon color.
Row 52-72: 4 sts in crayon color, 18 sts in charcoal, 4 sts in crayon color.
Row 73-76: 5 sts in crayon color, 16 sts in charcoal, 5 sts in crayon color.
Row 77-79: 6 sts in crayon color, 14 sts in charcoal, 6 sts in crayon color.
Row 80-81: 7 sts in crayon color, 12 sts in charcoal, 7 sts in crayon color.
Row 82-83: 8 sts in crayon color, 10 sts in charcoal, 8 sts in crayon color.
Row 84: 9 sts in crayon color, 8 sts in charcoal, 9 sts in crayon color.
Row 85: 10 sts in crayon color, 6 sts in charcoal, 10 sts in crayon color.
Row 86: 11 sts in crayon color, 4 sts in charcoal, 11 sts in crayon color. (End of oval)
Rows 87-105: work patt st in crayon color.
Rows 106-109: work patt st in charcoal.
Rows 110-112: work patt st in crayon color.
Rows 113-116: work patt st in charcoal.
Rows 117-120: work patt st in crayon color.
Crayon Point
Row 121: Sl st in first 2 sts, ch 1 (for height), *sc in next st, dc in next st,* rep from * to * 8 more times, sc in next st, d/s dec over next two sts, dc in next st, ch 1, turn (last two stitches of previous row remain unworked). (21 sts excl ch sts and sl sts, which will not be worked in next row)
Row 122: Sc in first st, *sc in next st, dc in next st,* rep from * to * 7 more times, sc in next st, d/s dec over next two sts, dc in next st, ch 1, turn. (20 sts)
Row 123: Sc in first st, *sc in next st, dc in next st,* rep from * to * 7 more times, sc2tog over next two sts, dc in next st, ch 1, turn. (19 sts)
Row 124: Sc in first st, dc in next st, *sc in next st, dc in next st,* rep from * to * 6 more times, sc2tog over next two sts, dc in next st, ch 1, turn. (18 sts)
Row 125: Sc in first st, dc in next st, *sc in next st, dc in next st,* rep from * to * 5 more times, sc in next st, d/s dec over next two sts, dc in next st, ch1, turn. (17 sts)
Row 126: Sc in first st, *sc in next st, dc in next st,* rep from * to * 5 more times, sc in next st, d/s dec over next two sts, dc in next st, ch 1, turn. (16 sts)
Row 127: Sc in first st, *sc in next st, dc in next st,* rep from * to * 5 more times, sc2tog over next two sts, dc in next st, ch 1, turn. (15 sts)
Row 128: Sc in first st, dc in next st, *sc in next st, dc in next st,* rep from * to * 4 more times, sc2tog over next two sts, dc in next st, ch 1, turn. (14 sts)
Row 129: Sc in first st, dc in next st, *sc in next st, dc in next st,* rep from * to * 3 more times, sc in next st, d/s dec over next two sts, dc in next st, ch 1, turn. (13 sts)
Row 130: Sc in first st, *sc in next st, dc in next st,* rep from * to * 3 more times, sc in next st, d/s dec over next two sts, dc in next st, ch 1, turn. (12 sts)
Row 131: Sc in first st, *sc in next st, dc in next st,* rep from * to * 3 more times, sc2tog over next two sts, dc in next st, ch 1, turn. (11 sts)
Row 132: Sc in first st, dc in next st, *sc in next st, dc in next st,* rep from * to * 2 more times, sc2tog over next two sts, dc in next st, ch 1, turn. (10 sts)
Row 133: Sc in first st, dc in next st, *sc in next st, dc in next st,* rep from * to * 1 more time, sc in next st, d/s dec over next two sts, dc in next st, ch 1, turn. (9 sts)
Row 134: Sc in first st, *sc in next st, dc in next st,* rep from * to * 1 more time, sc in next st, d/s dec over next two sts, dc in next st, ch 1, turn. (8 sts)
Row 135: Sc in first st, *sc in next st, dc in next st,* rep from * to * 1 more time, sc2tog over next two sts, dc in next st, ch 1, turn. (7 sts)
Row 136: Sc in first st, dc in next st, sc in next st, dc in next st,, sc2tog over next two sts, dc in next st, ch 1, turn. (6 sts)
Fasten off. Securely weave in all ends.
Alphabet
Use light grey yarn. For each letter, sl sts are done in the back bumps of the ch sts. To fasten off, pull the tail through the last loop, and tie the start and end tails together.
A: Ch 19, sl st in second ch from hook and in each of next 3 sts, ch 4, sl st in second ch from hook, and in each of next 7 sts, ch 1, sl st in first ch from hook and in each of next 9 sts. Fasten off.
B: Ch 20, sl st in first ch from hook and in each of next 2 sts, ch 9, sl st in second ch from hook and in each of next 15 sts, ch 1, sl st in second ch from hook and in each of next 8 sts. Fasten off.
D: Ch 25, sl st in second ch from hook and in each of next 14 sts, ch 1, sl st in second ch from hook and in each of next 8 sts. Fasten off.
E: Ch 16, *sl st in second ch from hook and in each of next 4 sts,* rep from * to * 1 more time, ch 5, sl st in second ch from hook and in each of next 7 sts, ch 6, sl st in second ch from hook and in each of next 4 sts. Fasten off.
G: Ch 24, sl st in second ch from hook and in each of next 19 sts, ch 1, sl st in second ch from hook and in each of next 2 sts. Fasten off.
L: Ch 17, sl st in second ch from hook and in each of next 4 sts, sl st in second ch from hook and in each of next 9 sts. Fasten off.
N: Ch 20, sl st in first ch from hook, ch 10, sl st in second ch from hook and in each of next 18 sts, ch 1, sl st in first ch from hook and in each of next 9 sts. Fasten off.
O: Ch 25, sl st in second ch from hook and in each of next 23 sts. Fasten off.
P: Ch 20, sl st in second ch from hook and in each of next 9 sts, ch 1, sl st in second ch from hook and in each of next 8 sts. Fasten off.
R: Ch 19, sl st in first ch from hook, sl st in next st, ch 5, sl st in second ch from hook and in each of next 12 sts, ch 1, sl st in second ch from hook and each of next 7 sts. Fasten off.
U: Ch 21, sl st in second ch from hook and in each of next 19 sts. Fasten off.
W: Ch 13, sl st in first ch from hook, ch 13, sl st in second ch from hook and in each of next 6 sts, ch 1, sl st in first ch from hook and in each of next 10 sts, ch 1, sl st in first ch from hook and in each of next 7 sts. Fasten off.
Y: Ch 11, sl st in second ch from hook and in each of next 5 sts, ch 6, sl st in second ch from hook and in each of next 9 sts. Fasten off.
Assembly
Using grey yarn, securely sew color names on each crayon, making sure the red, yellow and blue crayons have the points facing left, and the orange, green and purple crayons have the points facing right.
Don't worry if the color text ends up a bit wonky, it will simply resemble a child's writing.
Using small stitches and matching leftover yarn from the crayons, sew the crayon edges together in rainbow order (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple), making sure to line up the stripes and ovals.
Securely weave in all ends.
Awesome! I look forward to trying this. :)
Did anyone ever figure out how to do the Y?
Hi
This is a wonderful pattern
was it difficult?
Did anyone get the instructions for the Y letter?
thanks
My apologies for taking so long to post this... I never did find my original notes after my move, but this should do the trick:
Y: Ch 11, sl st in second ch from hook and in each of next 5 sts, ch 6, sl st in second ch from hook and in each of next 9 sts. Fasten off.
Oh... other notes on this pattern. When doing the oval, it looks best (and has by far the fewest ends) if you keep one coloured ball running up each side and one charcoal ball up the middle, like you would with intarsia. (I forget which way I "twisted" the yarns when changing colour.) Don't cut and weave in ends with each colour, for goodness sake! (Unless you really desperately love weaving in ends, in which case, knock yourself out.) You can crochet over top of the coloured yarn to bring it to the other side, but it always shows a bit.
This blanket is adorable. I can't wait to make it for my boys. I know they'll love it since they love crayons and blankets. Thanks for your creativity!
Wow, this is so awesome! Can't wait to make it. Thanks so much!
I just love your pattern. My two year old great grandson will be getting a crayon theme from me this next Christmas. I am making a plastic canvas tissue cover and also a crayon can (pringle can) with crocheted cover. This little afghan will top off his list. Thanks. You are very talented.
Love this blanket, thanks for posting it. About halfway through, and I can't wait to see it finished. I used Caron One Pound yarn for everything, the colors are great, it's machine washable, soft, and lasts forever. The only change I made to the pattern was to embroider rather than crochet the letters on. It's just like making a foundation chain, but with the blanket in the middle of the stitch.
I love this blanket. I think I might make it for my dad's girlfriend's daughter. She loves crayons (well, actually she loves eating crayons). It is adorable!
wow! This is really great!
This is AMAZING! My friends are popping out babies, many of them boys, much faster than I can keep up with handmade gift items. This will be a great gift for the first or second birthday. SO creative, Andrea. I've never worked anything with a color chart, but it will be worth it to pick up the skill now.
I just love this blanket, that is such a great idea. Both of my dauthters just love it, I'm gonna have to get crocheting. Thanks for the pattern.
it's a great blanket! I'd love a crochet sock pattern too, hint hint...
I to can't wait to make this quilt. There is always friends I know who are having babies. I to would also like your sock pattern.
Love it !!! I have seen and even made some crayon afghans before; however, I don't remember seeing one with color names, and plan to do this one for sure. Just have to find the time - LOL!
How to crochet the letter Y for Yellow is missing... I think.. or is it just somewhere I can't find it?
I love this pattern. I'm going to have to make it for my 2 year old. But I was wondering where is the letter Y for yellow? All the rest of the letters are there.
Thanks
Thanks everyone! You're right... the Y appears to be missing. I've just moved, and so my notes are still packed, but I'll try to get that posted asap.
This was such an awesome pattern it was submitted to share with our ladies in the group to go check out! We are a small charity group. Can you imagine the look on a child's face who receives this from one of our donation sites?..Thanks so much for sharing this pattern.
like everyone else, i am madly in love with this pattern, and, unlike everyone else, plan on crocheting it for myself. it will brighten my dorm room!
I love it! Started it Saturday night, and finished it today (except the LETTERING). Cant wait to give it to my grandson.
Any chance you've had a chance to find the instructions for the "Y" yet? I'm making this for my little boy and I'm almost to the point where I need it.
I LOVE this pattern! I've got an older child and wanted a bigger blanket so I used two strands of yarn and went up on the needle size. It looks *great* in a larger size as well :) I also added an additional crayon in orange to add to the length.
Thanks for the great pattern!
Did you ever get the pattern for the letter Y? If you did could you send it to me please. Thanks, Janet
This is too cute!I generally hate crayola inspired things..but this is so well done..gotta love it.
Actually, they're not Crayola crayons. Crayola has a wavy bit at each end, and says "crayola" in the oval, with the colour name in small print near the blunt end. These are generic brand crayons. ;)
Thanks! :)
I would love to be able to add some letters or monograms to some crocheted things, and almost all the letters I need are in this blanket. Any chance you have an S pattern anywhere? I'm sure people would love to have access to the whole alphabet! Thanks so much, Tammi
S: Ch 26, sl st in second ch from hook and in each of next 24 sts. Fasten off.
I haven't ever seen a more talented designer in my 56 years of life and my 44 years of crocheting. Do you have any published books? If not you are really missing a calling, as you have a lot of talent. I am blown away by you!
Pam
Wow, I'm blown away by your comment! Thank you so much!!! (No, I don't have any books. Yet...)
Does anyone have the pattern for the letter y??? Please help!!!
HELP!!!! I need the letter Y to finish my 2 afghans!!! Also would anyone have the letter K??? Thanks
this is such a beauty for a child. thank you
I just finished making this blanket! I did it with cotton yarn, and I crocheted the letters on with single crochets through the top loops instead of pre-making letters and then sewing them on. I made the color names in English on one side, Spanish on the other. It was a baby shower gift, and the mother-to-be just loved it! Turned out beautiful! Wish I could post a picture!
What a great idea!
Thank you so much for this pattern. Would love to have directions for the Y as I hope to finish this for my granddaughter's bd next week. Again, thanks
I love this pattern. I have been looking for a way to crochet letters. Thank You for posting this. I am sure my son will love it!!!1 Any chance of being able to get the missing letters??
Thanks Again,
Donna
This is amazing! Excellent for boys and girls! Thanks so much for posting this. I can't seem to find the instructions for the "Y" -- has it been posted?
Thanks again!!!