Natalie’s Kaleidoscope Blanket

Crochet Along – Free Crochet Pattern

WHAT YOU WILL CROCHET

• I designed this blanket using some “not so traditional granny squares” which are joined together as you go.  The blanket has a simple border, creating a 3D Kaleidoscope effect.

FINISHED SIZE

• This blanket is made up of squares.  You can make your blanket larger or smaller by adapting the number of squares you make.
• 3 x 3 Square Blanket  113 x 113 cm (45 x 45 inches) – measured from edge of border to edge of border.
• 3 x 4 Rectangle Blanket  113 x 150 cm (45 x 60 inches) – measured from edge of border to edge of border.
• 4 x 5 Rectangle Blanket  150 x 187 cm (60 x 74 inches) – measured from edge of border to edge of border.

CROCHET SKILL

• Easy/adventurous beginner.

TERMINOLOGY

• My pattern is written using US terminology.

WHAT YOU NEED

• 3.5 mm hook
• Sewing needle
• Scissors
• Stitch markers

YARN REQUIREMENTS

• I used a blended yarn (50% cotton and 50% bamboo) to design this blanket. You can make the blanket in any yarn, just remember to use the correct hook size for the yarn you have chosen.
• For the 3 x 3 Square Blanket I used 32 x 50g balls DK/Light Worsted 50% cotton/50% bamboo viscose blended yarn
  • TOTAL: 1600g / 3456m / 3776yds / 56oz
• For the 3 x 4 Rectangle Blanket I used 41 x 50g balls DK/Light Worsted 50% cotton/50% bamboo viscose blended yarn
  • TOTAL: 2050g / 4428m / 4838yds / 71.75oz
• For the 4 x 5 Rectangle Blanket I used 63 x 50g balls DK/Light Worsted 50% cotton/50% bamboo viscose blended yarn
  • TOTAL: 3150g / 6804m / 7434yds / 110.25oz

IMPORTANT NOTE

• The free version of this pattern is available on my website.
• I try to place as few as possible advertisements and receive a small revenue from the advertisements on my blog which helps towards the cost of my website, at no additional cost to you.
• Please remember the time and money that is put into each design, and I am only able to provide a free copy if I can receive some compensation towards the admin costs involved and all my time.

THE FULL PDF PATTERN IS AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE – WHAT YOU GET

• Quick to download digital crochet pattern.
• Step by step, easy to follow written instructions.
• Over 100 clear tutorial photos.
• Helpful hints.
• Print friendly version.
• Video tutorial.
• Pattern support.
• BONUS pattern for a pillow.
• Click HERE to purchase from my Ravelry Store.
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PATTERN SUPPORT

• Click HERE for full pattern support from my FB Group.
• Please post a question in the group if you need help from one of the fabulous M&M’s – remember to note the pattern and row/round you need help with.
• For questios relating to permission or usage please email mandmcrochetdesigns@gmail.com.

TEST TEAM

• A big thank you to my amazing, patient test team – I could not do this without their help, encouragement, and hours of challenging work – you all ROCK!

THANK YOU

• Thank you for your support and I hope that you enjoy making this pattern as much as I did during the design process.

Hugs xxx

Melanie

COPYRIGHT © 2024

• The pattern or any portion of it may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the designer.
• The design, pattern, and all images are the property of M and M Crochet Designs.
• The purchaser of this pattern may use it for personal use and/or charity.
• Sales of the finished items (made by you and not commercial in quantity or production) are encouraged, and credit given to the designer would be most appreciated.

Please respect the amount of time, effort and love that goes into each of my designs, and even if they are for free, please send your friends the link and do not send them the pattern.

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• Click HERE for more of my patterns.

NOTES & USEFUL TIPS​

• My pattern uses US terminology.
• Always read the pattern before you start, to familiarise yourself with it.
• Colours are for reference only and will vary depending on the light settings of your monitor/device.
• I used blended yarn (50% cotton and 50% bamboo) to design this blanket. You can make the blanket in any yarn, just remember to use the correct hook size for the yarn you have chosen.
• If you are working in thicker or thinner yarn your blanket size may vary.
• My starting chain for a double crochet is 2. This is a personal preference, but you can use chain 3, it is your choice.
• I start my new rows with a standing stitch; if you are not comfortable with making one, then you can start with a slip knot and the required number of chains (i.e., chain three for a double crochet stitch, chain two for a half double crochet stitch, and chain one for a single crochet stitch).
• Stitches and chains are noted separately for the corners to the stitches per side.
• Rounds with multiple stitches indicate the total number of stitches, but this excludes corner stitches (noted separately) and chain spaces.
• *.*/**.** indicates a repeat of a combination of stitches by the given number of times.
• [.] indicates a combination of stitches made into one stitch or space between stitches.
• Stitch counts are at the end of each round/row, in parentheses, with a total stitch count at the end.
• If you are working with a yarn cake or one colour, do not fasten off your yarn at the end of each round, just slip stitch to the indicated stitch or corner space and continue. In certain rounds, at the beginning of the pattern, you may need to cut and re-join.
• I use the needle join technique to finish off each round. If you would like to use this technique, refer to the explanation in the abbreviations.
• Tension and hook size may influence the overall size.
• And lastly, COUNT your stitches and have loads of FUN.

MATERIALS & YARN​

• 3.5 mm hook
• Sewing needle
• Scissors
• Stitch markers
• For the 3 x 3 Square Blanket I used 32 x 50g balls DK/Light Worsted 50% cotton/50% bamboo viscose blended yarn (1600g / 3456m / 3776yds / 56oz)
• For the 3 x 4 Rectangle Blanket I used 41 x 50g balls DK/Light Worsted 50% cotton/50% bamboo viscose blended yarn (2050g / 4428m / 4838yds / 71.75oz)
• For the 4 x 5 Rectangle Blanket I used 63 x 50g balls DK/Light Worsted 50% cotton/50% bamboo viscose blended yarn (3150g / 6804m / 7434yds / 110.25oz)

DOWNLOAD YARN REQUIREMENTS​

Natalie’s Kaleidoscope Blanket CAL yarn requirements

DOWNLOAD COLOUR CHART​

Natalie’s Kaleidoscope Blanket CAL Colour Chart

DOWNLOAD ABBREVIATIONS​

Natalie’s Kaleidoscope Blanket CAL Abbreviations

IMPORTANT NOTE​

• The free version of this pattern is available on my website.
• I try to place as few as possible advertisements and receive a small revenue from the advertisements on my blog which helps towards the cost of my website, at no additional cost to you.
• Please remember the time and money that is put into each design, and I am only able to provide a free copy if I can receive some compensation towards the admin costs involved and all my time.

IMPORTANT PATTERN NOTE​

• Do not make the slip stitches into the chain two corner too tight.
• Make as many squares as required for the size blanket you are making. Refer to the pattern preamble for the exact sizes of each blanket.

Round 1

Using colour (CW 1 CHARCOAL GREY)/(CW 2 CHARCOAL GREY)/(CW 3 CHARCOAL GREY)/(CW 4 ESPRESSO), make a magic circle or ch 4, ss into 1st ch to form a ring.

Ch 1 (does not count as a st), *dc 3, ch 2* rep *.* 3 more times, ss into 1st st, ss until ch 2 corner (12 dc, 4 ch 2), do NOT cut yarn.

Total stitch count: 12 (excluding chains and slip stitches)

Round 2

*[Ch 2 (counts as 1st dc), dc 2, ch 2, dc 3] into ch 2, sk next 3 sts* rep *.* 3 more times, ss into 2nd starting ch, ss until ch 2 corner (27 dc, 4 ch 2), cut yarn and weave in ends.

Total stitch count: 24 (excluding chains and slip stitches)

IMPORTANT PATTERN NOTE​

• I start each new colour with a standing double crochet stitch. If you do not know how to make a standing stitch, refer to the instructions in the abbreviations in the pattern preamble.

• You can also replace the standing stitch by joining new yarn with a slip stitch and then chaining two.

Round 3 – change colour

Using colour (CW 1 GREY GRANITE)/(CW 2 GREY GRANITE) /(CW 3 GREY GRANITE)/(CW 4 DARK ROAST), start in any ch 2 corner from previous round.

*[Dc 3, ch 2, dc 3] into ch 2, dc into next sp, fptr around middle dc from round 1, dc into same sp as previous dc* rep *.* 3 more times, ss until ch 2 corner (2 dc, fptr per side)(dc 3, ch 2, dc 3 per corner), do NOT cut yarn.

Total stitch count: 36 (excluding chains and slip stitches)

Round 4

Helpful hint: replace the starting chain 2 with a double crochet for the last 3 corners, here and in every even round until your pillow is the size you want it to be.

*[Ch 2 (counts as 1st dc), dc 2, ch 2, dc 3] into ch 2, **dc into next sp, fptr around dc from round 2, dc into same sp as previous dc** rep **.** 1 more time *rep *.* 3 more times, ss into 2nd starting ch, ss until ch 2 corner (4 dc, 2 fptr per side)(dc 3, ch 2, dc 3 per corner), cut yarn and weave in ends.

Total stitch count: 48 (excluding chains and slip stitches)

Round 5 – change colour

Using colour (CW 1 IRON)/(CW 2 IRON) /(CW 3 IRON)/(CW 4 MOCHA), start in any ch 2 corner from previous round.

*[Dc 3, ch 2, dc 3] into ch 2, dc into next sp, fptr around middle dc from round 3, dc into the same sp as previous dc, dc into next sp, fptr around fptr from round 3, dc into same sp as previous dc, dc into next sp, fptr around middle dc from round 3, dc into the same sp as previous dc * rep *.* 3 more times, ss until ch 2 corner (6 dc, 3 fptr per side)(dc 3, ch 2, dc 3 per corner), do NOT cut yarn.

Round 6

*[Ch 2 (counts as 1st dc), dc 2, ch 2, dc 3] into ch 2, dc into next sp, fptr around middle dc from round 4, dc into the same sp as previous dc, **dc into next sp, fptr around fptr from round 4, dc into the same sp as previous dc** rep **.** 1 more time, dc into next sp, fptr around middle dc from round 4, dc into the same sp as previous dc* rep *.* 3 more times, ss into 2nd starting ch, ss until ch 2 corner (8 dc, 4 fptr per side)(dc 3, ch 2, dc 3 per corner), cut yarn and weave in ends.

Total stitch count: 72 (excluding chains and slip stitches)

Round 7 – change colour

Using colour (CW 1 PEWTER)/(CW 2 PEWTER) /(CW 3 PEWTER)/(CW 4 CAFÉ LATTE), start in any ch 2 corner from previous round.

*[Dc 3, ch 2, dc 3] into ch 2, dc into next sp, fptr around middle dc from round 5, dc into same sp as previous dc, **dc into next sp, fptr around fptr from round 5, dc into same sp as previous dc** rep **.** 2 more times, dc into next sp, fptr around middle dc from round 5, dc into same sp as previous dc* rep *.* 3 more times, ss until ch 2 corner (10 dc, 5 fptr per side)(dc 3, ch 2, dc 3 per corner), do NOT cut yarn.

Round 8

*[Ch 2 (counts as 1st dc), dc 2, ch 2, dc 3] into ch 2, dc into next sp, fptr around middle dc from round 6, dc into same sp as pervious dc, **dc into next sp, fptr around fptr from round 6, dc into same sp as previous dc** rep **.** 3 more times, dc into next sp, fptr around middle dc from round 6, dc into same sp as previous dc* rep *.* 3 more times, ss into 2nd starting ch, ss until ch 2 corner (12 dc, 6 fptr per side)(dc 3, ch 2, dc 3 per corner), cut yarn and weave in ends.

Total stitch count: 96 (excluding chains and slip stitches)

Round 9 – change colour

Using colour (CW 1 PLATINUM)/(CW 2 PLATINUM) /(CW 3 PLATINUM)/(CW 4 VANILLA LATTE), start in any ch 2 corner from previous round.

*[Dc 3, ch 2, dc 3] into ch 2, dc into next sp, fptr around middle dc from round 7, dc into same sp as previous dc, **dc into next sp, fptr around fptr from round 7, dc into same sp as previous dc** rep **.** 4 more times, dc into next sp, fptr around middle dc from round 7, dc into same sp as previous dc* rep *.* 3 more times, ss until ch 2 corner (14 dc, 7 fptr per side)(dc 3, ch 2, dc 3 per corner), do NOT cut yarn.

Round 10

*[Ch 2 (counts as 1st dc), dc 2, ch 2, dc 3] into ch 2, dc into next sp, fptr around middle dc from round 8, dc into same sp as pervious dc, **dc into next sp, fptr around fptr from round 8, dc into same sp as previous dc** rep **.** 5 more times, dc into next sp, fptr around middle dc from round 8, dc into same sp as previous dc* rep *.* 3 more times, ss into 2nd starting ch, ss until ch 2 corner (16 dc, 8 fptr per side)(dc 3, ch 2, dc 3 per corner), cut yarn and weave in ends.

Total stitch count: 120 (excluding chains and slip stitches)

Round 11 – change colour

Using colour (CW 1 SILVER)/(CW 2 SILVER) /(CW 3 SILVER)/(CW 4 PORCELAIN), start in any ch 2 corner from previous round.

*[Dc 3, ch 2, dc 3] into ch 2, dc into next sp, fptr around middle dc from round 9, dc into same sp as previous dc, **dc into next sp, fptr around fptr from round 9, dc into same sp as previous dc ** rep **.** 6 more times, dc into next sp, fptr around middle dc from round 9, dc into same sp as previous dc* rep *.* 3 more times, ss until ch 2 corner (18 dc, 9 fptr per side)(dc 3, ch 2, dc 3 per corner), do NOT cut yarn.

Round 12

*[Ch 2 (counts as 1st dc), dc 2, ch 2, dc 3] into ch 2, dc into next sp, fptr around middle dc from round 10, dc into same sp as previous dc, **dc into next sp, fptr around fptr from round 10, dc into same sp as previous dc** rep **.** 7 more times, dc into next sp, fptr around middle dc from round 10, dc into same sp as previous dc* rep *.* 3 more times, ss into 2nd starting ch, ss until ch 2 corner (20 dc, 10 fptr per side)(dc 3, ch 2, dc 3 per corner), cut yarn and weave in ends.

Total stitch count: 144 (excluding chains and slip stitches)

Round 13 – change colour

Using colour (CW 1 PORCELAIN)/(CW 2 PORCELAIN)/(CW 3 PLATINUM)/(CW 4 VANILLA LATTE), start in any ch 2 corner from previous round.

*[Dc 3, ch 2, dc 3] into ch 2, dc into next sp, fptr around middle dc from round 11, dc into same sp as previous dc, **dc into next sp, fptr around fptr from round 11, dc into same sp from previous dc** rep **.** 8 more times, dc into next sp, fptr around middle dc from round 11, dc into same sp as pervious dc* rep *.* 3 more times, ss until ch 2 corner (22 dc, 11 fptr per side)(dc 3, ch 2, dc 3 per corner), do NOT cut yarn.

Total stitch count: 156 (excluding chains and slip stitches)

Round 14

*[Ch 2 (counts as 1st dc), dc2, ch 2, dc 3] into ch 2, dc into next sp, fptr around middle dc from round 12, dc into same sp as previous dc, **dc into next sp, fptr around fptr from round 12, dc into same sp as previous dc** rep **.** 9 more times, dc into next sp, fptr around middle dc from round 12, dc into same sp as previous dc* rep *.* 3 more times, ss into 2nd starting ch, ss until ch 2 corner (24 dc, 12 fptr per side)(dc 3, ch 2, dc 3 per corner), cut yarn and weave in ends.

Total stitch count: 168 (excluding chains and slip stitches)

Round 15 – change colour

Using colour (CW 1 FORGET-ME-NOT)/(CW 2 SWEET PEA)/(CW 3 PEWTER)/(CW 4 CAFÉ LATTE), start in any ch 2 corner from previous round.

*[Dc 3, ch 2, dc 3] into ch 2, dc into next sp, fptr around middle dc from round 13, dc into same sp as previous dc, **dc into next sp, fptr around fptr from round 13, dc into same sp as previous dc** rep **.** 10 more times, dc into next sp, fptr around middle dc from round 13, dc into same sp as previous dc* rep *.* 3 more times, ss until ch 2 corner (26 dc, 13 fptr per side)(dc 3, ch 2, dc 3 per corner), do NOT cut yarn.

Total stitch count: 180 (excluding chains and slip stitches)

Round 16

*[Ch 2 (counts as 1st dc), dc2, ch 2, dc 3] into ch 2, dc into next sp, fptr around middle dc from round 14, dc into same sp as previous dc, **dc into next sp, fptr around fptr from round 14, dc into same sp as previous dc** rep **.** 11 more times, dc into next sp, fptr around middle dc from round 14, dc into same sp as previous dc* rep *.* 3 more times, ss into 2nd starting ch, ss until ch 2 corner (28 dc, 14 fptr per side)(dc 3, ch 2, dc 3 per corner), cut yarn and weave in ends.

Total stitch count: 192 (excluding chains and slip stitches)

Round 17 – change colour

Using colour (CW 1 PERIWINKLE)/(CW 2 PURPLE HYDRANGEA)/(CW 3 IRON)/(CW 4 MOCHA), start in any ch 2 corner from previous round.

*[Dc 3, ch 2, dc 3] into ch 2, dc into next sp, fptr around middle dc from round 15, dc into same sp as previous dc, **dc into next sp, fptr around fptr from round 15, dc into same sp as previous dc** rep **.** 12 more times, dc into next sp, fptr around middle dc from round 15, dc into same sp as previous dc* rep *.* 3 more times, ss until ch 2 corner (30 dc, 15 fptr per side)(dc 3, ch 2, dc 3 per corner), do NOT cut yarn.

Total stitch count: 204 (excluding chains and slip stitches)

Round 18

*[Ch 2 (counts as 1st dc), dc2, ch 2, dc 3] into ch 2, dc into next sp, fptr around middle dc from round 16, dc into same sp as previous dc, **dc into next sp, fptr around fptr from round 16, dc into same sp as previous dc** rep **.** 13 more times, dc into next sp, fptr around middle dc from round 16, dc into same sp as previous dc* rep *.* 3 more times, ss into 2nd starting ch, ss until ch 2 corner (32 dc, 16 fptr per side)(dc 3, ch 2, dc 3 per corner), cut yarn and weave in ends.

Total stitch count: 216 (excluding chains and slip stitches)

IMPORTANT PATTERN NOTE: JOINING ROUNDS​

• Complete Rounds 19 and 20 for your first square (Square 1) only.
• Complete Round 19 for your second square (Square 2) and then follow the instructions to join your second square to your first square.
• Complete Round 19 for your third square (Square 3) and then follow the instructions to join your third square to your second square, and so on until you have joined all your squares together.

• Ensure that your squares are facing the correct way up when joining them.
• The squares are joined “as you go” by slip stitching the working square into the indicated space of the square you are joining it to.
• When working a slip stitch into the joining square, insert your hook from the top down into to the adjacent space, pull up a loop and then complete your slip stitch.
• When making your slip stitches into the next square do not make the slip stitches check your tension is not too tight or too loose, nice even slip stitches is what is needed here.

SQUARE LAYOUT – 3 X 3 BLANKET

• This pattern instruction shows you how to join 9 squares together. If you are making a bigger blanket, you will need to adapt your joining by adding more rows to the length and width of your blanket.
• Join square 1 to square 2, square 2 to square 3, join square 6 to square 3, join square 5 to square 2 and 6, square 4 to square 1 and 5, square7 to square4, square 8 to square 5 and 7, square 9 to square 6 and 8.

DOWNLOAD 3 x 3 LAYOUT

Natalie’s Kaleidoscope Blanket CAL joining squares diagram

Square 1 Round 19 – change colour

Using colour (CW 1 BLUE BERRY)/(CW 2 TANZANITE)/(CW 3 GREY GRANITE)/(CW 4 DARK ROAST), start in any ch 2 corner from previous round.

*[Dc 3, ch 2, dc 3] into ch 2, dc into next sp, fptr around middle dc from round 17, dc into same sp as previous dc, **dc into next sp, fptr around fptr from round 17, dc into same sp as previous dc** rep **.** 14 more times, dc into next sp, fptr around middle dc from round 17, dc into same sp as previous dc* rep *.* 3 more times, ss until ch 2 corner (34 dc, 17 fptr per side)(dc 3, ch 2, dc 3 per corner), do NOT cut yarn.

Total stitch count: 228 (excluding chains and slip stitches)

Square 1 Round 20

*[Ch 2 (counts as 1^st dc), dc2, ch 2, dc 3] into ch 2, dc into next sp, fptr around middle dc from round 18, dc into same sp as previous dc, **dc into next sp, fptr around fptr from round 18, dc into same sp as previous dc** rep **.** 15 more times, dc into next sp, fptr around middle dc from round 18, dc into same sp as previous dc* rep *.* 3 more times, ss into 2^nd starting ch, ss until ch 2 corner (36 dc, 18 fptr per side)(dc 3, ch 2, dc 3 per corner), cut yarn and weave in ends.

Total stitch count: 240 (excluding chains and slip stitches)

Square 2 Round 19 – change colour

Using colour (CW 1 BLUE BERRY)/(CW 2 TANZANITE)/(CW 3 GREY GRANITE)/(CW 4 DARK ROAST), start in any ch 2 corner from previous round.

*[Dc 3, ch 2, dc 3] into  ch 2, dc into next sp, fptr around middle dc from round 17, dc into same sp as previous dc, **dc into next sp, fptr around fptr from round 17, dc into same sp as previous dc** rep **.** 14 more times, dc into next sp, fptr around middle dc from round 17, dc into same sp as previous dc* rep *.* 3 more times, ss until ch 2 corner (34 dc, 17 fptr per side)(dc 3, ch 2, dc 3 per corner), do NOT cut yarn.

Total stitch count: 228 (excluding chains and slip stitches)

Square 2 Round 20 – joining round

Join Square 2 to Square 1 , [ch 2 (counts as 1^st dc), dc2, ch 2, dc 3] into ch 2, dc into next sp, fptr around middle dc from round 18, dc into same sp as previous dc, **dc into next sp, fptr around fptr from round 18, dc into same sp as previous dc** rep **.** 15 more times, dc into next sp, fptr around middle dc from round 18, dc into same sp as previous dc,

Ss into the (corner) ch 2 sp from square 1, [dc 3] into (corner) ch 2 sp from square 2, ss into the sp between 2 dc sts from Round 20 from  square 1, (continue to work into square 2), dc into next sp, fptr around middle dc from round 18, dc into same sp as previous dc, ss into sp between 2 dc sts from Round 20 from square 1, (continue to work into square 2), **dc into next sp, fptr around fptr from round 18, dc into same sp as previous dc, ss into sp between 2 dc sts from Round 20 from square 1** rep **.** 15 more times, [dc 3] into (corner) ch 2 from square 2, ss into the (corner) ch 2 from square 1, [dc3] into (corner) ch 2 from square 2, dc into next sp, fptr around middle dc from round 18, dc into same sp as previous dc, **dc into next sp, fptr around fptr from round 18, dc into same sp as previous dc** rep **.** 15 more times, dc into next sp, fptr around middle dc from round 18, dc into same sp as previous dc, ss into 2^nd starting ch, ss until ch 2 corner (36 dc, 18 fptr per side)(dc 3, ch 2, dc 3 per corner), cut yarn and weave in ends.