How to Crochet a Flag-Themed Blanket with Stars

You’ll Need:

7.5 skeins of Red Heart Super Saver yarn;

Crochet hook 5.5 mm and 6.5 mm;

Scissors;

Tapestry needle.

Size:

43.25 in. long x 39 in. wide.

Stitches Control:

16 sts X 8 rows = 4” x 4”.

Instructions:

Starting with red CH 173.

Row 1: DC in the back loop of the 3rd CH from the hook. Do this all the way across, CH 2 and turn.

Row 2: DC in the back loop all the way across, CH 2 and turn.

Rows 3 – 6: Repeat Row 2.

Rows 7 – 12: (with white yarn) repeat Row 2.

Rows 13 – 18: (with red yarn) repeat Row 2.

Rows 19 – 24: (with white yarn) repeat Row 2.

Rows 25 – 30: (with red yarn) repeat Row 2.

Rows 31 – 36: (with white yarn) repeat Row 2.

Row 37: On this row, we will bring in the blue yarn for the star area of the flag. Starting with red yarn, you will DC in the BACK LOOPS for 88 sts, then switch to blue yarn (dropping the red yarn) and continue with DCs in the BACK LOOPS for the remaining 85 stitches, CH 2, turn.

***It’s important to realize you are NOT carrying along the yarn when you go from the stripe to the solid blue area. You are simply DROPPING the working color and picking up the new working color strand.

You don’t want to add a new piece every time you go from a stripe to the blue because this will weaken this area of the blanket. Picking up and dropping the yarn was the easiest and strongest way I felt I could add on the blue area, while keeping the blanket looking fluid in the stitch design.

Row 38: (with blue yarn) DC in the BACK LOOPS for 85 sts, then switch to red yarn (dropping the blue yarn) and continue with DCs in the BACK LOOPS for the remaining 88 sts, CH 2, turn.

Rows 39 – 42: Repeat Rows 37 and 38.

Row 43: (with white yarn) DC in the BACK LOOPS for 88 sts, then switch to blue yarn (dropping the white yarn) and continue with DCs in the BACK LOOPS for the remaining 85 stitches, CH 2, turn.

Row 44: (with blue yarn) DC in the BACK LOOPS for 85 sts, then switch to white yarn (dropping the blue yarn) and continue with DCs in the BACK LOOPS for the remaining 88 sts, CH 2, turn.

Rows 45 – 48: Repeat Rows 43 and 44.

Rows 49 – 54: Repeat Rows 37 and 38.

Rows 55 – 60: Repeat Rows 43 and 44.

Rows 61 – 66: Repeat Rows 37 and 38.

Rows 67 – 72: Repeat Rows 43 and 44.

Rows 73 – 78: Repeat Rows 37 and 38.

Star:

Use 5.5 mm hook.

Using the magic circle method, SC 15 inside the circle, SL ST to first SC then CH 5.

Working back down the CH 5, SL ST in the 2nd CH from hook, SC in next CH, HDC in next CH, DC in next CH, skip next 2 DC, SL ST in next DC ST. ***This will be one of five points on the star. Repeat this pattern beginning each time at the CH 5 point.

After the last SL ST into the SC ST, you will tie off the yarn.

Repeat this process until you have a total of 50 stars.

Attaching the Stars:

Lay out your stars however you would like. Then using the long tail from your magic circle and a tapestry needle, begin sewing them into place. Be sure to sew in a circle and weave in your ends so your stars are nice and secure.

Continue attaching the stars by sewing the points of the star down, making sure to stretch each point out so it is nice, flat, and even.