Cluster Stitches
That’s So 70’s Boxed Block Stitch Crochet Blanket
Hello and Welcome!
I gotta say, the boxed block stitch is becoming one of my faves. A wee bit of a yarn eater, it is easy to stitch up. I’m also loving doing those bold stripes of color. I should probably look into a different striping pattern because I really feel it’s awfully close to the Irish Tides Boxed Block Stitch Blanket. but what d’ya do?
I went with Stylecraft Special Chunky for this one, because I enjoyed the vintage wine from these colors. This is also an excellent “chunky” yarn that’s excellent for a 5.5 mm hook.
What is the Boxed Block Stitch?
The Boxed Block Stitch is a two row repeat that consists of the single crochet, chains and double crochet clusters. Excellent for color work! Although technically and advanced beginner stitch, it’s a quick and easy crochet pattern.
Abbreviations
|
CH – Chain |
SK – Skip |
SC – Single Crochet |
|
YO – Yarn Over |
REP – Repeat |
DC – Double Crochet |
|
ST – Stitch |
SP – Space |
DC CL – Double Crochet Cluster |
*All stitches are in U.S. Terms.
Gauge: 5 rows and 20 stitches = 4” (10cm)
Crochet hook size I (5.5 mm) or size needed for gauge.
Single Crochet (SC) – Insert your hook, YO pull up a loop, YO and pull through 2 loops.
Double Crochet (DC) – YO, insert your hook, YO pull up a loop, YO and pull through 2 loops, YO and pull through remaining two loops.
Double Crochet CLUSTER (DC CL) – Five (5) DC in the same space.
BOXED BLOCK STITCH
CHAIN: 5, plus 3
ROW 1
Starting in the 2nd CH from the hook, work 1 SC. 1 SC into each CH across the row. CH 1. Turn.
ROW 2
Starting in the 1st ST, work 1 SC. 1 SC into the next st, CH 3. *Skip three stitches, work 1 SC into each of the next two stitches. Repeat from * to the end of the row. CH 3. Turn. (Turning CH counts as a ST.)
ROW 3
Starting in the space made by the chain 3, work 5 DC. Work 5 DC into each CH 3 SP across the row, ending the row with 1 DC into the last SC. CH 1. Turn.
REPEAT ROWS 2 AND 3
The tutorial
If you’re not familiar with the Wattle Stitch or you need a refresher we recommend THIS video.
In today’s post I will share everything you need to make the lovey, but if you’re interested in making this bigger you can get the downloadable pdf HERE.
That’s so 70’s
Boxed Block Stitch Lovey
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Aprox. 20”X20”
MATERIALS
Stylecraft Special Chunky (SCSC) chunky (worsted) weight 100% acrylic yarn (100g/3.5./157 yd. per skein)
1 skein each (unless otherwise noted):
(D) Dark Brown, (C) Cream, (B) Cloud Blue, (CB) Cornish Blue, (S) Saffron
Size I/9/5.5mm crochet hook
Tapestry Needle
Scissors
Row Counts
The graphic above is a digital mock up of the finished blanket.
You can find STYLECRAFT SPECIAL CHUNKY – HERE
CHAIN: 77
NOTE: ONE ROW COUNTS AS A TWO ROW REPEAT!!
EX: 1 (ONE) SC/CH ROW AND 1 (ONE) BOX ROW. = 1 ROW
2 ROWS: 1 (ONE) SC/CH ROW AND 1 (ONE) BOX ROW + 1 (ONE) SC/CH ROW AND 1 (ONE) BOX ROW. = 2 ROWS
- **DARK BROWN – 3
- CREAM – 1
- CLOUD BLUE – 1
- CREAM- 1
- CORNISH BLUE – 1
- SAFFRON – 1
- CORNISH BLUE – 1
- CREAM – 1
- CLOUD BLUE – 1
- *CREAM – 1
- DARK BROWN – 1
REPEAT FROM * TO ** 1X = 23 ROWS
Want an easy way to keep track of each row? We sure do, so we include row trackers in our PDF’s! You can download that HERE. I don’t know about you, but if I don’t have something to physically check off, I spend more time counting and recounting instead of crocheting!
TIPS
While the Boxed Block stitch is super easy to crochet, we have a few tips for ya to make it (hopefully) smooth sailing. You can always do what works the best for you, but these are what we find to be tried and true for us!
- Try to weave in those ends as you go. There will be A LOT!
- Those chain three’s between the single crochet’s will feel loose. Don’t be tempted to only chain 2.
- It is highly recommended to chain 3 at the end of the box rows. This keep the stitches from buckling. Not every blanket needs a border. Don’t be afraid to skip it!
BORDER
For this blanket, I went with 1 round single crochet and two round double crochet front and back posts. I don’t think you could go wrong with any border, but if you read my post from Orla’s Wattle Stitch Blanket, you’ll know that I’m a wee smitten with this border.
Alternatives
Sometimes it’s easier to shop your stash so we worked out some alternative brands for ya. We’ve matched each one in person so we know first hand they’ll play nice and look lovely! To see the exact amounts of each you will need to purchase and doweled the pdf. You can do that HERE.
- Caron Simply Soft: Taupe, Off White, Soft Blue, Country Blue and Sunshine
- Red Heart Super Saver: Coffee, Aran, Light Blue, Light Periwinkle and Cornmeal
- Hobby Lobby I Love This Yarn!: Brown, Ivory, Soft Blue, Stonewash and Sungold
That’s it! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Be sure to show us what you made! Join Ruby Grace’s Facebook group HERE!
Love. your. Face. – Ruby Grace
