Earth Day Afghan

MATERIALS:

• Yarn: Caron International's Simply Soft Eco (80% Acrylic, 20% NatureSpun™ Polyester): 8 oz A, 15 oz B, 12 oz C. Shown in: #0034 Black (A), #0024 Ocean Mist (B) #0020 Forest Floor (C),
• Crochet Hook: US size I-9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook, or size to obtain gauge.
• Yarn needle

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

45"/114 cm wide x 50"/127 cm long

GAUGE
In stitch pattern, 12 sts and 12 rows = 4"/10 cm. Gauge is not critical for this project.

STITCHES USED
Chain (ch), Double crochet (dc), Single crochet (sc), Slip stitch (slip st).

NOTES
To change color at end of row: Work last stitch of old color to last yarn over, yarn over with new color and draw through all loops on hook to complete stitch. Drop old color, continue work with new color. You may fasten off the old color or carry it loosely up the side of the piece. If you choose to carry unused colors up the side of the piece, take care to cover these strands when working the border.

THROW

With A, chain 140.

Row 1 (RS): Sc in second ch from hook and in each remaining ch across, turn—139 sc.

Row 2: Ch 1, sc in first sc, *ch 3, sk next sc, sc in next 3 sc; repeat from * to last 2 sc, ch 3, sk next sc, sc in last sc, changing to B, turn—34 3-sc groups.

Row 3: With B, ch 3 (counts as dc, ch 1), *3 dc in center sc of next 3-sc group, ch 1; repeat from * to last sc, dc in last sc, turn.

Row 4: Ch 1, sc in first dc, ch 1, *sc in next 3 dc, ch1; repeat from * to turning ch, sc in second ch of turning ch, changing to A, turn.

Row 5: With A, ch 1, sc in first sc, *sc around ch-3 sp of Row 2 and ch-1 sps of Rows 3 and 4 simultaneously, sc in next 3 sc; repeat from * to last ch-1 sp, sc around ch-3 sp of Rows and ch-1 sps of Rows 3 and 4 simultaneously, sc in last sc, turn.

Row 6: Repeat Row 2, changing to C in last st.

Rows 7 and 8: With C, repeat Rows 3 and 4.

Rows 9–149: Maintaining color sequence of 2 rows with A, 2 rows with B, 2 rows with A, 2 rows with C; repeat Rows 5–8, then repeat Row 5 once more.

Row 150: Continuing with A, ch 1, sc in each sc across, turn. Fasten off B and C, do not fasten off A.

BORDER

Rnd 1: Continuing with A, ch 1, sc evenly around all edges of afghan, working 3 sc in each corner; join with slip st in first sc.

Rnd 2: Ch 1, working in back loops only, sc in each sc around, working 3 sc in center sc of each 3-sc corner; join with slip st in first sc. Fasten off.

FINISHING

Using yarn needle, weave in all ends.