Welcome to the first Panel of the Plymouth Yarn 5-Panel Blanket Crochet Along!

You’ve got your yarn together, so let’s start crocheting.

In case you are joining us later, start with the pattern introduction.

Gauge

As with any project, we’ll start by checking gauge. A gauge statement is given for each of the five panels. Chances are, if the gauge of Panel 1 matches the pattern, the gauge of the other panels will match as well.

However, it is always safer to make a gauge swatch for each individual stitch pattern.

How do I make a gauge swatch?
Take a look at the gauge statement for the first panel, then chain enough stitches to make at least a 6″ [15 cm] width.  Follow the stitch pattern instructions for the first panel until you have a piece that is approximately 6″ [15 cm] tall. Stop and count the number of stitches and rows in 4″ [10 cm]. If you have too many stitches, start the process again with a larger hook. If you have too few stitches, try a smaller hook.

You’ll need to make the gauge swatch in the same stitch pattern as the panel you are working on, but here’s a general overview of how to measure gauge.

Why does gauge matter?

You may wonder why gauge matters at all, since this is a project that doesn’t have to fit a body. There are several reasons:

• The yarn amounts called for in the pattern are based on the sample gauge. If your gauge is different you might run out of yarn.
• Stitch counts for each panel are based on the gauge stated for that panel. If you don’t match the gauge, your panels will turn out different sizes. You may not care, and that’s OK!
• The fabric you create needs to be not too stiff, not too loose. It needs to be just right for this project. Matching gauge (in this same yarn) assures that you are getting a good fabric.

What if I don’t like the fabric I get with this gauge?

If you are using a different yarn, you may need to adjust your gauge to create a fabric you love. This will involve changing your stitch counts to create the size panel you want.

A Note for Left-Handed Crocheters

We haven’t forgotten about you! Text instructions are written for right-handed crocheters, with changes for left-handed crocheters {in brackets} as needed. Charts are optimized for right-handers, but you should be able to follow along without much problem. There is only one place where lefties will need to do something a bit different, but we’ll talk about that when we get there, too.

Abbreviations, Stitch Key & Stitch Definitions

You’ll need this information for every panel, so you’ll want to refer back to this post, or download and print the pdf pattern, which includes this information.

Panel 1

Finished Size
9″ [23 cm] wide x 57″ [145 cm] long

Gauge
14 sts and 9 rows = 4″ [10 cm] in pattern

Pattern Note
Allow treble crochet stitches to pop to the right side as you work.

Texture Stitch

Worked over an odd number of sts.
Chain a multiple of 2.
Foundation Row (WS): Dc in 3rd ch from hook (skipped chs count as dc) and in each ch across, turn.
Row 1: Ch 1, sc in first st, *tr in next st, sc in next st; rep from * across, turn.
Row 2: Ch 2 (counts as dc throughout), dc in each st across, turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first 2 sts, *tr in next st, sc in next st; rep from * to last st, sc in last st, turn.
Row 4: Repeat Row 2.
Repeat Rows 1-4 for pattern.

Instructions
With A, ch 32.
Foundation Row (WS): Dc in 3rd ch from hook (skipped chs count as dc) and in each ch across, turn—31 dc.
Beginning with Row 1, work in Texture Stitch pattern until piece measures 57″ [145 cm] from beginning, ending with a WS row.
Fasten off. Weave in ends, except the final tail.

That’s it! Work on Panel 1, and join me back here for Panel 2.

Leave your questions and comments below.