This lapighan started out as a baby blanket, but it wasn’t long before I realized that it would be better as a blanket to wrap up and read a book with! My free crochet patterns are not guaranteed – I do the best and describing how I put them together. Please feel free to ask questions – I’m happy to help!
Free Crochet Patterns: Ode to Sock Monkey Kids Lapighan Pattern
PATTERN CORRECTION 2/26/14
- Chain 59 with base color (the chain determines the LENGTH of the piece – I used an H crochet hook)
- In the second chain from hook, half double crochet. Continue to the end doing a half double crochet in each chain until you get to the end (57 half double crochets total).
- Turn and chain 2
- In the back loop only, half double crochet in every stitch until you’ve completed enough rows to make the size you desire (1 did 40 rows).
- Next, with the same color, single crochet in each half double crochet – at the end of the row, three single crochets and turn the corner. Put 3 single crochet in each “row” down the side (it’s not an exact science and by using the same color, it’ll blend it in. The point is to have single crochets to complete the rest of the edging).
- Turn the corner (3 single crochet) and do one single crochet in the base chain. Turn the corner (3 single crochet) and finish the last side (using the same spacing scheme as the first side). Slip stitch into first stitch, tie off.
That gives you the basis for any binding you like. I did alternating rows of double crochet and single crochet. I also alternated the colors and even used two color strands (navy and gray) together to give it a nod to sock monkeys (the effect is beautiful in person – the photo doesn’t do it justice). I finished it off with a single crochet to look like a blanket stitch.
Don’t forget to do three stitches in each corner, on every round.
I love the half double crochet stitch (here are some hats created with the same stitch and a video tutorial). It makes a blanket that looks more like a knitted creation, plus it’s got a great weight to it, and it’s really durable.
Yarn Used in this Crochet Project
Approximate Measurements
- Red Solid Area: 15″ w x 17″ long
- Border 4.5″ wide
- Overall Size: 24″ x 25″
Materials
- 3 Red Heart Soft Yarn-Cherry Red
- 1 Red Heart E728.4604 Soft Yarn, Navy
- 1 Red Heart E728.9440 Soft Yarn, Light Gray Heather
- 2 Red Heart E728.4600 Soft Yarn, White
Thank you for checking on that and making the corrections. It did seem too long for a baby blanket, but I kept going anyway. I will start a new one with your corrections and finish the larger one another time 🙂
My apologies again!
Hi Connie, I am making the kids lapighan and am so far loving the half double crochet and the looks of it. Could you please tell me your measurements before you start the edging and after completion of the edging. You said you made 40 rows before edging. I’m at 37 rows and mine seems very long and narrow measing at 57 inches long and 10 inches wide. I’m thinking I need to go another 40 rows or more. I used a size H hook and Caron Simply Soft Medium (4). Thank you for the free pattern. I can’t wait to start the edging and to see the final results of this project in time for a baby shower in a few weeks.
I just measured it:
Approximate Measurements
Red Solid Area: 15″ w x 17″ long
Border 4.5″ wide
Overall Size: 24″ x 25″
I’m recounting the rows. Maybe I crochet tighter?
I am so embarrassed! I don’t know where I got the 200+ number…it’s 59 (57). I’m so sorry! I just double counted it (I swear I thought I doubled checked it). My apologies! I’ve updated the pattern. If you have the yarn, you can certainly add 40 more rows and make it a larger blanket. you’ll need more edging yard as well.
I would love to make a few of these over the summer for holiday gifts!! I have no problem with the stitches, but do you have any tips on weaving in the ends? Thanks for the pattern!
Weaving in the ends is the WORST part about crocheting. I don’t like the look when I just crochet over them. I pull out my darning needle and weave them in and I always knot first! There’s nothing worse than an afghan falling apart that you spent days making! Leave LONG tails, 6″ or so – more work, but less chance of falling apart.
That s a nice blanket.I remember my nana teaching me how to crochet when I was little.
Now I know why you are making these, they are adorable. Love the yarn you selected. Off to pin this so I can make one for some baby gifts that will be coming up shortly.
I have 5 ready for donating and more in the works. 🙂 I have another to post today that I think is adorable. Thanks for pinning- so appreciate it and I can’t wait to see what you’ve been working on!