I find shopping for crochet pattern books online to be frustrating, but I do it because the selection of available patterns far exceeds any local yarn shop. My biggest frustration is sale listings not providing photos for every pattern in the book.
For instance, Annie’s Big Book of Crochet Afghans: 26 Afghans for Year-Round Stitching by Connie Ellison was released in 2012 and yet, there isn’t a spot online where all of the patterns are pictured. While the book is under $10, I won’t submit an order until I’ve determined how many of the offered patterns are ones I’d make. Am I crazy thinking I should be able to do this?
I spent a few hours finding photos for this book and yes, I’ve decided to purchase it. A few are available online free from 3rd parties, but not the ones I want to make.
Rippling Tones of Autumn
Doesn’t this blanket just scream FALL! This rounded ripple in shades of rust, brown, and cream can certainly be swapped out for your favorite cold-weather colors.
Textured Stripe Harvest Throw
This blanket is crocheted on the long side to create long strips of color. Use as few or as many colors as you like for a completely different look. Fringe means no burying ends on this one!
Winter Warmer
This is a yarn-eating blanket, but one you’ll snuggle under for years! No frilly pattern here – super dense and warm with lots of colors to keep your outlook bright and happy no matter how dark and dreary it is outside!
Little Shells Warmer Afghan
I love a self-fringing blanket! It means no tails to bury and no way for the blanket to come undone! The shell stitch adds interest and the colors let you play with the look. Choose a strict pattern of color or use them randomly.
Shaded Stripes Reversible Throw
This blanket depends on a strict color pattern to give it its “shadowed” stripes. You’ll need to carry the colors up the side or clip and bury the color on every row which gets really tiring!
Rippling Waves
While there’s nothing new about a ripple afghan, this one combines several different stitches to keep it interesting!
Round Ripple Afghan
I’ve never been a fan of shaped blankets. This one looks cute, but it’s not really a lapigan and it’s not comfortable for the shoulders.
Mouthwatering Delight
Yep, they look like Oreo cookies. Please note though, once it’s washed, if your stitches are loose, the shape gets messy. Keep your gauge at the correct measurements and use good quality yarn.
Almost Preppy Plaid
In the right colors, this could be cute! When this was designed in 2012, it was on-trend. In 2020, it’s time to update the colors with today’s favorites. So what are today’s on-trend colors? According to Pantone, who’s put out a color of the year for decades, it’s PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue. Here are some updated colors to consider:
Log Cabin Afghan Pattern
My mom is a hardcore quilter and I’ve been looking for a quilt-inspired crochet pattern for years. She likes simple patterns without a bit of cutsie added, so this may just be perfect! Simple to crochet and easy to put together – this is one that’s going in my “wanna make soon” pile!
Garden Cat Afghan Crochet Pattern
Another quilt-inspired crochet blanket pattern for your favorite quilter! This one combines hearts, butterflies, cats, and more to create a homey little blanket. I’m not a fan of the dark green in this blanket, but you can certainly put together your own colorway to make this a blanket that’s perfect for a gift!
Autumn Leaves Afghan
There are several color variations of this pattern that really highlight the variety of the leaves. Swap out the loden green for something softer and you’ll modernize this blanket in a hurry.
Bed of Roses Afghan
I know I’d hate to make this blanket because it’s tapestry crochet in single crochet that would take me months if not years, but it’s gorgeous! I would use a different color to modernizes it, but otherwise, I think it’s timeless. Even the fringe and its macrame tie are super cute.
Peruvian Tiles
This was the hardest crochet pattern to find a sample photo for. The designer offers a small sample of one motif, but it’s not enough of a taste to let you know what the blanket would look like. This is a reader-submitted afghan that uses colors to highlight different parts of the motif that the original did meaning it’s a pattern you can make your own through your color choices.
Pineapple Squares Afghan
I’m not a pineapple pattern fan, but this one is cute. It creates a light and lacy look just like my grandma made in the 70s.
Black Pineapples/ Retro Modern
Super retro in my book! My grandmother loved the pineapple patterns and she made home decor, clothes, and more that featured this tropical fruit. Perhaps that’s why I’m not a fan, but this sample was done in black so I suppose gives it a more modern edge.
Easy Aran Afghan
Traditionally done in ecru/off white/white, this sample has a pale gray fringe to add a modern edge.
Old World Fisherman
Who doesn’t love a Fisherman sweater? Big and bulky and super warm, this blanket will envelop you with coziness! Traditionally done in ecru (off white), don’t be afraid to choose a color you love. But the stitch is the star in this blanket so let it shine by avoiding too many color choices.
Cornflowers Throw
This blanket has a lot going on with its pattern and texture so go easy on the color changes or make them monochromatic so it’s not overwhelming. The perfect weight for a summer evening when it gets a little chilly at night and a light wrap is perfect.
Cotton Roses
The perfect weight for spring and especially summer. Lightweight and airy and made from cotton to dry by the sun. Enjoy the blanket at the beach or use it at a beach cover-up or shawl at your next pool party.
For Babies and Kids
Choo Choo!
This little afghan/playmat is a must-make for any toddler or small child! The pattern comes complete with matching amigurumi train cars – engine, coal car, freight car, and caboose. Choose colors that coordinate with your child’s room decor and have fun!
Victory Junction Gang Racing Afghan
Another fun and interactive blanket/playmat. Bring your own Matchbox Cars and use the stripes as your racetrack complete with rough road sections for off-road fun! Choose colors that compliment’s your child’s room or one that stimulates play.
For Baby & Me Afghan
This sweet little crocheted blanket is lacy and dainty Roses and picots add interest and a pineapple pattern gives it an open airiness on the border with a more condensed stitch for warmth for the main portation of the blanket. This blanket would look best in one color or several colors in a common colorway for a soft look.
Pretty Popcorns
This popcorn stitch creates a pattern on the blanket that’s accented by the sweet border. Best in one color or a colorway with hues that a very close together. The stitch is the star in this blanket and your popcorn pattern would get lost in a variegated or self-striping yarn
Holiday Decorations Afghan
A basic granny square blanket is embellished with holiday-related decorations. Skip the traditional red and green and try a more updated/retro design like hot pink and teal.
The book also includes a Stitch Guide and Metric Conversion Charts.
Do you find shopping for crochet pattern books online frustrating? I do!
Shop for more crochet afghan patterns online written or edited by Connie Ellison
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