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Introduction to the Tumbling Blocks Blanket
Hello, fellow yarn lovers! Today, I’m absolutely thrilled to share a project that’s as captivating as it is cozy: the Crochet Tumbling Blocks Blanket. This isn’t just any blanket; it’s a visual delight, creating an incredible 3D optical illusion of cubes or diamonds that seem to pop right off the surface. Imagine snuggling up under a blanket that looks like a work of art!
The classic combination of navy blue, sage green, and a soft cream or white yarn creates a sophisticated and timeless look, making it perfect for any home decor style. Whether you’re draping it over a sofa, adding an extra layer to your bed, or gifting it to a loved one, this blanket is sure to impress. It’s a fantastic project for those looking to expand their crochet skills and create something truly unique and beautiful. Let’s get our hooks ready and dive into making this stunning piece!
Project Overview
This project guides you through creating a visually striking blanket using a combination of color changes and strategic stitches to form a three-dimensional tumbling blocks effect. The pattern is constructed by crocheting individual diamond-shaped motifs and then joining them together to form the larger blanket. This method allows for flexibility in size and color arrangement, making each blanket truly personal.
Skill Level
Intermediate. This pattern requires familiarity with basic crochet stitches, color changes, and joining techniques. While not overly complicated, attention to detail is key for achieving the 3D effect.
Approximate Finished Size
Approximately 45 inches x 60 inches (114 cm x 152 cm), creating a generous throw blanket. The size is easily adjustable by making more or fewer motifs.
Materials
- Yarn: Worsted weight (Aran/10-ply) acrylic yarn, approximately 400 yards each of:
- Color A: Navy Blue
- Color B: Sage Green
- Color C: Cream/White
(Adjust quantities based on desired blanket size and yarn brand)
- Crochet Hook: H/8 (5.0 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends and joining
- Scissors
- Stitch markers (optional, but helpful for marking corners)
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch – chain
- st/sts – stitch/stitches
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble crochet
- inc – increase (work 2 sts into the same stitch)
- dec – decrease (work 2 sts together)
- FO – fasten off
- WS – wrong side
- RS – right side
Before You Begin / Pattern Notes
- Gauge: Each diamond motif should measure approximately 5 inches (12.5 cm) from point to point. Achieving the correct gauge is important for consistent motif size and a neat finish.
- Color Changes: Change colors on the last yarn over of the previous stitch. This ensures a clean transition between colors.
- Working in Rows: The motifs are worked in rows, turning at the end of each row.
- Invisible Join: For a seamless look when joining motifs, consider using the invisible seam method or whip stitch from the wrong side.
- Yarn Tails: Weave in ends as you go, especially with color changes, to minimize finishing work later.
Complete Crochet Pattern: Tumbling Blocks Motif
We will start by making individual diamond motifs. Each ‘cube’ in the blanket is made up of three diamond shapes: one for the top face, one for the left face, and one for the right face. The photo shows a combination of solid navy, solid sage, and textured cream motifs.
For our pattern, we’ll create three types of diamond motifs:
- Type 1: Cream Textured Diamond (Top Face)
- Type 2: Sage Green Textured Diamond (Left Face)
- Type 3: Navy Blue Solid Diamond (Right Face)
You will need to make approximately 90 of each type of diamond for a throw-sized blanket. Feel free to adjust the number based on your desired blanket size.
Type 1: Cream Textured Diamond (Make approx. 90)
This diamond uses a combination of front post and back post stitches to create a subtle texture.
Using Color C (Cream/White):
Ch 2
Row 1 (RS): 2 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Ch 1, turn. (2 sc)
Row 2 (WS): Sc in first sc, inc in next sc. Ch 1, turn. (3 sc)
Row 3 (RS): Inc in first sc, sc in next sc, inc in last sc. Ch 1, turn. (5 sc)
Row 4 (WS): Sc in first st, (fpdc around next st, bpdb around next st) repeat until 1 st remains, sc in last st. Ch 1, turn. (5 sts)
Row 5 (RS): Inc in first st, (fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st) repeat until 1 st remains, inc in last st. Ch 1, turn. (7 sts)
Row 6 (WS): Sc in first st, (fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st) repeat until 1 st remains, sc in last st. Ch 1, turn. (7 sts)
Row 7 (RS): Inc in first st, (fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st) repeat until 1 st remains, inc in last st. Ch 1, turn. (9 sts)
Row 8 (WS): Sc in first st, (fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st) repeat until 1 st remains, sc in last st. Ch 1, turn. (9 sts)
Row 9 (RS): Inc in first st, (fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st) repeat until 1 st remains, inc in last st. Ch 1, turn. (11 sts)
Row 10 (WS): Sc in first st, (fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st) repeat until 1 st remains, sc in last st. Ch 1, turn. (11 sts)
Row 11 (RS): Inc in first st, (fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st) repeat until 1 st remains, inc in last st. Ch 1, turn. (13 sts)
Row 12 (WS): Sc in first st, (fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st) repeat until 1 st remains, sc in last st. Ch 1, turn. (13 sts)
Row 13 (RS): Inc in first st, (fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st) repeat until 1 st remains, inc in last st. Ch 1, turn. (15 sts)
Row 14 (WS): Sc in first st, (fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st) repeat until 1 st remains, sc in last st. Ch 1, turn. (15 sts)
Row 15 (RS): Inc in first st, (fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st) repeat until 1 st remains, inc in last st. Ch 1, turn. (17 sts)
Row 16 (WS): Sc in first st, (fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st) repeat until 1 st remains, sc in last st. Ch 1, turn. (17 sts)
Row 17 (RS): Inc in first st, (fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st) repeat until 1 st remains, inc in last st. Ch 1, turn. (19 sts)
Row 18 (WS): Sc in first st, (fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st) repeat until 1 st remains, sc in last st. Ch 1, turn. (19 sts)
Row 19 (RS): Inc in first st, (fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st) repeat until 1 st remains, inc in last st. Ch 1, turn. (21 sts)
Row 20 (WS): Sc in first st, (fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st) repeat until 1 st remains, sc in last st. Ch 1, turn. (21 sts)
Row 21 (RS): Inc in first st, (fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st) repeat until 1 st remains, inc in last st. Ch 1, turn. (23 sts)
Row 22 (WS): Sc in first st, (fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st) repeat until 1 st remains, sc in last st. Ch 1, turn. (23 sts)
Row 23 (RS): Inc in first st, (fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st) repeat until 1 st remains, inc in last st. Ch 1, turn. (25 sts)
Row 24 (WS): Sc in first st, (fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st) repeat until 1 st remains, sc in last st. Ch 1, turn. (25 sts)
Row 25 (RS): Inc in first st, (fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st) repeat until 1 st remains, inc in last st. Ch 1, turn. (27 sts)
Row 26 (WS): Sc in first st, (fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st) repeat until 1 st remains, sc in last st. Ch 1, turn. (27 sts)
Row 27 (RS): Inc in first st, (fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st) repeat until 1 st remains, inc in last st. Ch 1, turn. (29 sts)
Row 28 (WS): Sc in first st, (fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st) repeat until 1 st remains, sc in last st. Ch 1, turn. (29 sts)
Row 29 (RS): Inc in first st, (fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st) repeat until 1 st remains, inc in last st. Ch 1, turn. (31 sts)
