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Monday, February 25, 2013

Box Stitch Afghans

Giant Granny Square
This is a fairly large blanket.  I had one 7 oz. skein of Red Heart Turquoise super saver and about 30 oz. of a (no label ? ) sea green/white/turquoise variegated mix yarn.  From that yarn I made the above blanket, also an earflap hat and a stroller blanket.  
I would suggest you get 1 - 07 oz. background skein color of your choice and about 14 to 20 oz. of a “no dye lot” color of your choice.   That way if you wish to go larger you will be able to get more yarn.  If you wish to go smaller you should have more than enough. 
To the best of my knowledge there are a limited number of basic crochet stitches, chain st, slip stitch, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, double treble......

However these limited number of stitches are used in an amazing number of combinations to create stitch patterns.  We then repeat those stitch patterns to shape our items.  I have been practicing the art of crochet for over 56 years and I have found that over the years stitch patterns as well as the items we make from those stitch patterns come in and out of fashion and that is why I maintain the idea everything old is new again.  The same basic stitches worked in the same old patterns but with new names.   I constantly find “old” stitch patterns with names that are new to me.  I tend to use the “old names” but always advise the stitch pattern may have several other new names.

It would seem what I refer to as the box stitch or block stitch in this pattern is not readily found on the web so I will showcase it here.
For the pattern above, start the same as a regular granny square.  You can start with your chain 4 sl st in first chain to form a ring or your magic ring, slip ring, slip loop, starting ring (whatever you prefer to call it)

Start with a slip loop,  chain 4, 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 2, 2 dc, join to 2nd st of starting 4 ch.   You should have 4 groups of 3 double crochet with a chain 2 space between each group.

Round 2:  Sc in 2 chain corner space, *(ch 3, sc in same corner, chain 3, sc in next corner) around end, join with a slip stitch in the first sc.

NOTE: Color changes throughout are of your own choice  but always start on a sc /chain rnd.

Rnd 3. Sl st in corner loop, ch 2, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, in corner, work 3 dc in each ch 3 sp between corners, in each corner loop work 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc. around. join to first dc.

To add new color:
Sc in any 2 chain corner space, *(ch 3, sc in same corner, chain 3, sc in next corner) around end, join with a slip stitch in the first sc.

Repeat rounds 2 and 3 until desired size of square is achieved and number off needed squares is completed.
If you wish to make small blocks you can stop as soon as you have the size block you want and join them in the traditional way.
Sweet Candy Sprinkles
I used the Continuous Join method to connect Granny squares, it is in two parts and I have included the links for those videos.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_282853&feature=iv&src_vid=PoBG9W9rpog&v=foQB6X8q2a0

NEW !
This is an “off site” link and is NOT one of mine.  I cannot provide a PDF copy.
If you would like a written version of the continuous join as you go complete with photos

http://babylovebrand.net/2013/08/27/continuous-join-as-you-go-again/


This can be made as Granny Square blocks,  a Giant Granny Square Afghan or even a Giant Rectangle.
I used a Susan Bates I - 9 hook and worsted weight yarn
The afghan above was a stash buster so I do not know the amount of yarn required.

For a giant Granny square afghan, Start the center like a granny square, so you have 4 groups of 3 dc with ch 2 space between each group. Join do not turn,
Round 2:  Sl stitch into 2 ch corner space, sc, ch 3, sc in same place, ch 3, sc in next corner, ch 3, sc in same space around. Join to 1st sc.
Round 3:  Sl st into the ch 3 corner space, ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc all in corner space, 3 dc in next 3 ch space, 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in next corner around. Join in the top of the ch 3.

Repeat rounds: 2 and 3 for pattern until desired size is accomplished

On each single crochet row You will be working (sc, 3 chain loop, sc) in each corner, (ch 3, single crochet,) between each 3 dc group of the previous row to the next corner, around, ending with sl st to first sc.
On each double crochet row work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, in each corner) and 3 dc in each 3 ch space across the row between corners.

I finished this one on a double crochet round for a crisp/solid edge.  If you wanted to add a different border I would probably end on a single crochet round for more flexibility of choice.

For all blankets using this stitch please see: 

33 comments:

  1. Hi there! Just found your blog through "All Free Crochet" website. I love your round ripple afghan patterns! I'm looking forward to trying one. Thanks for sharing them!

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  2. I just seen this on Fb. I can't wait to try it. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Thank you for your visit. You may also like 35 Squares

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  3. I love all your patterns, I can't wait to start one.

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  4. Love it! Can't wait to grab some yarn and hook!

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    1. I am so glad, stash busters are my favorite. Thank you

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  5. Thanks for the lovely pattern..it is just beautiful in many different colors.

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  6. Unable to print the Sweet Candy Sprinkles instructions. Love the design and your color choices!

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    1. I am sorry you are having a problem with the print app. If you go to the bottom right on this page and view my profile you will see where you can email me. Just tell me the patterns you want and I will send you a PDF file. I will use the email "reply function" to send the pattern back to you. I have no way to save your address so you must send a new email each time you want a pattern. You do not have to give your name.

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  7. Thank you for this tutorial, this is the first time I have seen this stitch. Something new to add to my library of stitches. Such clear instructions and the photos make me want to try it for myself.

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    1. Thank you for visiting. I have used this stitch pattern for many years. I find it very versatile I am on vacation now but, within the next week, I hope to post patterns, using this stitch pattern, for both a pillow and a shawl.

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  8. I just found your blog through All Free Crochet and have seen so much I would like to try. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! Please keep posting - love to try them all some time.

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    1. Thank you and please visit again. I have to have cataract surgery done this week and the other eye in October then I will try to post some new “old” patterns

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  9. I like this A LOT! Thank you so much. You are very creative!!

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  10. I am struggling with the end of round 2 where it says to slip stitch in the 1st sc, then round 3 starts with 3 dc-which makes it look weird like there's an extra "1/2 stitch" before the 3 dc-I've always used 3 ch to start a new round. Anyway, it looks funky and awkward and not like your picture 3 so obviously I'm not doing something right. Is there a tutorial or something to help me?

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    1. You are quite right. I have corrected the pattern. I am so sorry you had a problem. Now I must check my other pages that have this same pattern.
      Thank you so much.
      Dorie

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  11. This is just gorgeous! Do you have a full photo of the completed Sweet Candy Sprinkles?

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    1. Sweet Candy Sprinkles was posted Feb 2013 and is listed in the archives. It is a small afghan and the full photo is at the bottom of the page.

      Here is the link:
      http://idealdelusions.blogspot.com/2013/02/sweet-candy-sprinkles.html

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  12. I am learning the box stitch and need a video tutorial on how to do the the giant granny rectangle box stitch. I am a visual learner and trial and error through reading is getting me frustrated. I understand how to make the beginning row but getting from there around the corners is where my problem is.

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    1. There are a number of patterns for the box stitch here. I will also be adding more soon. For assistance on the Granny rectangle box stitch please view the post Designing Box Stitch Afghans (April 2013) where I have a photo tutorial. The link is below, if it does not work try copy and paste or locate the pattern in the Archives.

      http://idealdelusions.blogspot.com/2013/04/box-stitch-afghan-designs.html

      There is also an email comments box in the right sidebar. If you continue to have problems please email me. I cannot store email addresses. I am just a little old lady with a little old computer, if you want a response from me, you don't have to put in your name but you absolutely must enter a valid email return address. I am retired and most often answer quickly but if you do not have a response in 24 hours, please check your junk mail folder. If you still do not have a response please send your questions again.

      Thank you for your comment
      Dorie

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  13. Your afghan's are all really beautiful. What great choice's of color's you use. Can't wait to try one. Thanks so much for sharing.

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    1. I am glad you like my patterns and hope you try some. Be bold with your colors and you may surprise yourself. A flower garden has many colors all bright and all beautiful together.

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  14. I love all the colors and the color combinations. I haven't been crocheting for too long, but I love learning new things! I've already subscribed to the free feed, just a few minutes ago. Thank you so much for sharing these beautiful patterns.

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    1. If my patterns can inspire anyone to create, I am happy. I have been a student of the art of crochet for over 55 years and still see “new” things as well as the rebirth of “old” or retro patterns. I love to share and help when and if I can. Thank you for your comments. Dorie

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  15. Hi Doris...I'm having a look at your beautiful work here on your blog...thank you for guiding me here...I'm about to start a new AngelBlanket and can't wait to try your "box stitch" square afghan...I'll keep you posted on my progress. Your pictures are very clear so I'm confident I can make the pattern. I can't crochet by written pattern...but if I have a picture I can do it...wish me luck :). Bless your heart Doris for your kindness and guidance *hugs. Nadine Henry from the "granny squares" page

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    1. Hi, glad you came. Send me an email using the email app. I am working on a photo shop for how to do the round ripple star afghans. Also You Tube is an amazing source of information.

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  16. Yay! I've been looking for the box stitch pattern for a while, not realizing that "box stitch" could mean so many different patterns. THIS pattern is what I was looking for. Question for you though...when you say TR in one of your patterns, are you meaning triple crochet stitch? Where you yarn over twice and then work it like usual? Thanks...

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    1. I have put up several patterns using this stitch. I will soon be adding more. It is a very simple and very versatile stitch which will lend itself to projects in many arenas. Your imagination is your only limit. My patterns are written in American crochet terms and I have provided a conversion page for those who may need help with International Conversions

      http://idealdelusions.blogspot.com/2012/09/american-international-conversions.html

      Thank you for your comment.

      Dorie

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  17. Love the simplicity of the stitch and the colours are beautiful.

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    1. Thank you. The stitch lends itself to many applications which is why it is one of my favorites. Thank you for your comment.

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