Plaid Christmas Crochet Afghan Pattern

With A, ch 173.

Row 1 (right side): Dc in 5th ch from hook (skipped sts count as 1 dc and 1 ch), * ch 1, skip next ch, dc in next ch; repeat from * to end, turn – 171 sts including ch sts, 85 ch-1 spaces.
Row 2: Ch 4 (counts as 1 dc and 1 ch), * dc in next dc, ch 1; repeat from * to end, turn.

Repeat Row 2 111 more times in the following color sequence:
3 more rows with A
* 1 row with C
2 rows with B
1 row with D
2 rows with B
1 row with C
5 rows with A
1 row with D
2 rows with E
1 row with C
2 rows with E
1 row with D
5 rows with A
1 row with C
2 rows with B
1 row with D
2 rows with B
1 row with C
5 rows with A
Repeat from * twice more. Fasten off.

With D, create a chain that measures the length of the blanket without being stretched. Weave this chain through the rightmost column of spaces, working over and under the ch sts of the Blanket.
Secure chain to Blanket at top and bottom using yarn tails.

With C, create another chain the same way, and weave it through the next column of spaces, alternating the overs and unders for a woven effect.

Create 83 more chains and weave them through in the same manner, working your way from right to left on the Blanket, using the following colors:
1 chain with A
1 chain with E
2 chains with C
1 chain with A
2 chains with C
1 chain with E
1 chain with A
1 chain with C
1 chain with D
* [ 1 chain with C
1 chain with A
1 chain with E
2 chains with B
1 chain with C
2 chains with B
1 chain with E
1 chain with A
1 chain with C
1 chain with D ] twice
1 chain with C
1 chain with A
1 chain with E
2 chains with C
1 chain with A
2 chains with C
1 chain with E
1 chain with A
1 chain with C
1 chain with D
Repeat from * once more. 

Fringe
Attach a fringe at each ch-1 space at top and bottom of Blanket as follows:
With color of corresponding vertical chain, cut 3 strands of yarn, 8" (20.5 cm) each. Fold strands at center. Use hook to pull center of strands through edge space, then pull ends of strands through the resulting loop and pull tight.

Edging
With right side facing, join A with slip st at bottom right corner, ch 1, and work 1 row evenly in sc up right side edge.
Fasten off.

With right side facing, join A with slip st at top left corner, ch 1, and work 1 row evenly in sc down left side edge.
Fasten off.

Weave in all loose ends, working ends of vertical chains into fringe.