I am so excited – today I have been given permission by the Lion Brand Yarn company to post one of their current pattern downloads as a free pattern for my readers!

I choose the Pure Appeal Baby Blanket, a crochet pattern, not only due to it’s traditional look, but it is also a great pattern for those who are just beginning to crochet.

This project is made using the “Nature’s Choice Organic Cotton” yarns by Lion Brand. What makes these yarns organic? The yarn is grown and spun without the use of pesticides, herbicides or other chemicals. The dyes used on the yarn are certified organic.

In addition, Nature’s Choice is a very soft yarn, it’s considered easy to work with, and is a great choice for projects that you want to give that extra special touch that shows that you’ve taken extra care to use a natural product in making your gift.

You will need the following supplies:

• Color A: 5 balls of Nature’s Choice Organic Cotton Yarn (color Strawberry was used in pattern)
• Color B: 5 balls of Nature’s Choice Organic Cotton Yarn (color Macadamia was used in pattern)
• Color C: 5 balls of Nature’s Choice Organic Cotton Yarn (color Walnut was used in pattern)
• Lion Brand Crochet Hook – Size K-10.5
• Large-Eye Blunt Needles (Set of 6)

And here are the Abbreviation definitions that Lion Brand uses in their patterns:

• beg = begin, begins or beginning
• ch-space = space previously made
• rep = repeat, repeats, or repeating
• sl st = slip stitch
• ch(s) = chain(s)
• dc = double crochet
• rnd(s) = round(s)
• sp(s) = space(s)

Gauge

One Square = 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 in. (9 x 9 cm). BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR GAUGE. When you match the gauge in a pattern, your project will be the size specified in the pattern and the materials specified in the pattern will be sufficient. If it takes you less stitches and rows to make a 4 in. [10 cm] square, try using a smaller size hook or needles; if more stitches and rows, try a larger size hook or needles.

SQUARE 1 (make 71)

• With A, ch 4; join with sl st in first ch to form a ring.
• Rnd 1: Ch 3 (counts as a dc here and throughout), 2 dc in ring, (ch 2, 3 dc in ring) 3 times, ch 2; join with sl st in top of beg ch – 12 dc. Fasten off.
• Rnd 2: Join C in any ch-2 sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same sp, ch 1, *(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp, ch 1; rep from * 2 more times; join with sl st in top of beg ch – 24 dc. Fasten off.

SQUARE 2 (make 72)

• With A, ch 4; join with sl st in first ch to form a ring.
• Rnd 1: Ch 3 (counts as a dc here and throughout), 3 dc in ring, ch 1, 5 dc in ring, ch 1, 4 dc, ch 1, 5 dc, ch 1; join with sl st in top of beg ch – 18 dc. Fasten off.
• Rnd 2: Join B in any ch-1 sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same sp, ch 1, *(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-1 sp, ch 1; rep from * 2 more times; join with sl st in top of beg ch – 24 dc. Fasten off.

FINISHING

• Strip 1 (make 5)
  • Beg and ending with Square 1 and alternating Squares 1 and 2, sew 13 Squares into a strip.
• Strip 2 (make 6)
  • Beg and ending with Square 2 and alternating Squares 2 and 1, sew 13 Squares into a strip.
• Sew strips together along long edges, alternating Strip 1 and Strip 2.
• Edging
  • From right side, join C with sl st anywhere along edge of Afghan. Ch 3, dc evenly around, working 3 dc in each corner; join with sl st in top of beg ch. Fasten off.
  • Weave in ends.

Voila! You’re done! And isn’t it beautiful and soft?
But of course, not everyone is a baby blanket fan, or perhaps you have too many baby blankets around? In that case, you may want to check out some of the other free patterns that Lion Brand has! Below are some pictures and the names of a few of their current downloads, click on the pattern name to take you to the pattern. (Please note, if you haven’t registered for Lion Brand’s free patterns, you will be asked to, but don’t worry – they don’t email you a bunch of nonsense when you sign up!)
Crochet V Stitch Blanket, a crochet pattern that uses Babysoft Yarn
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Extra Easy, Fabulous Sweater, A knitting pattern that uses Wool-Ease Thick & Quick Yarn
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Baby Kimono a knitting pattern that uses Wool-Ease Thick & Quick Yarn
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Coming Home Poncho a crochet pattern that uses Homespun Yarn
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Easy Does It Blanket a crochet pattern using Jiffy Yarn
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Child’s Coming Home Poncho a crochet pattern that uses Cotton-Ease yarn
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Simple Earthy Squares Afghan a crochet pattern using Wool-Ease Thick & Quick yarn
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AMIGURUMI Chocolate Bunny a crochet pattern that uses Vanna’s Choice Yarn
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Little Lamb a crochet pattern that uses Homespun Wool-Ease yarn

Of course, if none of these pattern suites you, Lion Brand has hundreds of other free patterns on their website – check them out!
Sheila Reinke, Heart of Sewing
Sheila