An urgent demand to complete led me to try out ChiWei’s C2C Dog Zodiacs. I tried creating a sketch on pixel art app but it was consuming too much of my time.

I always love browsing patterns and designs of other crocheters and knitters. This helps me to put my thoughts on a paper. I wanted to make something cute and neutral colours for a baby. Be it a girl or a boy, the non-blue and non-pink selection can be served as the most appropriate gift.

ChiWei’s zodiacs are animal graphics that can be easily turned into separate cute blankets or bags for the babies and toddlers. The colour range is bright yet soothing to the eyes. Thus, I decided to follow it religiously. But, this is not me. I never try out the pattern the same way it is. I always amend the rules. So, after one section, I changed the colour selection.

Process:

The vision of this Woof Woof blanket was 4 dog square graph in a blanket. 2 dogs (same colour selection) placed diagonally.

The pattern uses Corner-to-Corner (C2C) stitch.

The pattern contains 3 parts:

1. Light brown, blue eye patch Dog – Blue Patch Dog
2. Dark brown, orange eye patch Dog – Orange Patch Dog
3. Edging.

Blue Patch Dog:-

The colour keeps changing as the pattern demanded. I made a few changes on the yarn colours as per the specified square graph.

The base colour is yellow. The dog is beige in colour. Ears, tail and paws are brown fur-yarn. The blue yarn for an eye patch. Dark Maroon for the nose. Red colour for the dog.

C2C Blue Patch Dog graph with both ears down

Orange Patch Dog:-

The Chocolate brown dog square graph on white base requires the same graph, replacing

• the yellow base with white base
• skin colour dog to dark brown colour throughout
• Ears and tail is also dark brown in colour
• blue blotch to orange patch with the additional white spot.
• The dog collar is red yarn
• Beige yarn for nose and Off grey for paws.

C2C Orange Patch Dog with both ears down

Edging:-

There are 2 types of edging.

Dog Edging is an edging after each dog square graph.

After completing the Dog square graph,

1. Single Crochet (SC) around. [For DC, make 2 SC stitch to maintain the same size. 3 SC in the 4 corners to give a perfectly square corner.] 

2. 2 rows of DC. DC in every SC. 3 DC on the middle SC of (3 SC corner) on the previous row.

Blanket Edging is the edging of the whole blanket.

Sew all the 4 Dog square graphs to form the blanket using the Invisible Stitch. Work on the edging on the blanket.

1. 2 rows of SC using yellow colour yarn. SC in every DC, 3 SC on the middle DC of (3 DC corner) on the previous row.
2. 2 rows of SC using white colour yarn. SC in every SC, 3 SC in the middle SC of (3 SC corner) on the previous row.
3. Work on 1 row of Reverse Single Crochet (RSC) or Crab Stitch around using white yarn.

Pattern:-

The blog provides a colourful graph indicating the detailed version of the colours each square should present.

This pattern requires proper counting and marking after completion of each square to avoid any mistakes.

1. Print the coloured graph ( or black n white graph and mark the colours) and mark the total rows and columns. It is 23X23. The C2C corner stitch grows diagonally.
2. Starting with C2C Crochet Stitch (focusing on the colour change) increase diagonally till the count 23.
3. Start decreasing C2C Crochet Stitch (focussing on the colour change as per the graph) decrease till the count reaches 1.

¹C2C crochet stitch:

• [Chain 6.
• R1: Double Crochet (DC) in 4th chain from the hook. 2 DC in next 2 chains. [ 1st corner block is made]
• R2: turn the work, chain 6. DC in 4th chain from the hook. 2 DC in next 2 chains.  Slip stitch on the chain 3. (Chain 3, 3 DC) in the same chain 3 space of the previous row. [2nd row contains 2 blocks]
• R3: Repeat R2 ]

²Decreasing C2C crochet stitch: 

• [turn the last row. slip stitch on 1st DC, 2nd DC, 3 DC.
• Slip Stitch(SL ST) chain 3 space. (Chain 3, 3 DC) in same chain 3 space.
• Continue (SL ST, chain 3, 3 DC) in next chain 3 space.
• Repeat till the last 2nd block. SL ST in the last chain 3 space. ]

Caution Section:-

• In case you are trying out C2C crochet stitch for the first time, work on a scarf or a blanket with the change of colours. Either you can opt for square block and stitch together, or you can change the colours after 2-3 rows diagonally.
• The complete dog pattern consumed 16″. Thus I added 2″ individual edging also 2″ complete edging to get the complete blanket of 40×40. Thus the yarn thickness and crochet hook used will change the dimensions of the pattern.
• You might use multiple balls of the same colour in the pattern, or cut the yarn, leave 2-3 inch yarn for tight sew.

Product Specifications:

Defining Dimensions:-

• Length: 40″
• Width: 40″

Optional Alterations:-

• The sizes can be changed based on your requirement.
• The edging can be made of Single Crochet (SC), Crab Stitch, Slip Stitch, Herringbone Half Double Crochet (HHDC).
• Instead of regular yarn, fur yarn will bring out pop to the border.
• Instead of going for 3rd colour for the border, use both the base colours around for alternate rows.
  • The border shouldn’t be too broad to pop out. The purpose should be to provide a clean edge.
• You can add pom-pom or tassels (matching the colour with the edging or the base colour) at the 4 corners. Link to make pom-pom and tassels.
• Avoid the border and just add tassels/pompoms made of a mixture of the base colours.
• You can attach flowers, beads, appliques or a bow made of crochet, plastic, suede leather, fabric etc to make it more interesting.

Remember: do not over accessorise it. This hides the beauty of the pattern itself. Believe in elegant simplicity!!

In case, you have stuck anywhere or have any queries, kindly contact me.

Woof! Woof! Baby Blanket

Style Aisle:

• Choose the yarn colour matching with your kids’ room or their choice of animals.
• Go crazy with experimental contrast colours with your furniture to pop out a section. Make sure the interiors contain natural, neutral or earthy colours around.
• The selection of the colour palette should be bright but not flashy.
• For the stitches or pattern to be visible clearly, choose lighter shades of yarn.
• The graphic-animals can be used for blankets or bags for kids.
• Instead of going for 3rd colour for the border, use both the base colours around for alternate rows.
  • The border shouldn’t be too broad to stand out. The purpose should be to provide a clean edge.

Materials:

1. Yarn: Vardhamaan White, Vardhamaan Black, Jo-Ann Big Twist – Royal Blue, Jo-Ann Big Twist – Pumpkin, Bernat Pipsqueak – Chocolate, Caron One Pound – Expresso, Vardhman Maroon, Vardhman Red, Caron One Pound – Taupe, Jo-Ann Big Twist Rainbow Classic – Yellow 1 ball each.
2. Crochet Hook: 6mm
3. Needles
4. Scissors
5. Measuring Tape
6. Stitch Marker: My stitch markers are the mini safety pins we get from clothing tags.

• Note: you can play around with different branded yarns as far as they give the synchronous flow of the pattern using a constant crochet hook.
• You can either go for the yarns with the same recommended crochet hook OR decide the yarn and change the crochet hooks along with the tightness on the crochet stitches as you proceed with the pattern.
• You can change the pattern to get a continuous flow.

Happy Crocheting!!!

APPENDIX

Care Instructions:

Quality Promise: If washed with care, then the elegant stitch guarantees perfection up to multiple washes. The wool quality might stretch upon multiple uses.

Purchase Here:

The crocheted, handmade and made to order item is already sold. In case you are looking forward to purchasing the same item or in any customised form, please check out the following the further options. The colour combinations, the designs, the dimensions can alter easily based on your preference and usage.

1. KMD – Etsy Shopping Gallery
2. Etsy – Knot My Designs
3. Drop an email – knotmydesigns@gmail.com
4. Connect through the Contact Page.

Disclaimer:

All the contents including photos, designs, and patterns are copyright of Knot My Designs unless otherwise stated. Kindly do not republish them as claiming your own.

The patterns are free to learn and adapt, for personal consumption; however, kindly provide due credit to Knot My Designs every time you use or share them.

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