Gradient Monochrome Lapghan Free Crochet Pattern
Gradient Monochrome Lapghan Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
This gradient monochrome lapghan is a modern, calming project that anyone who loves clean, simple design will enjoy. It is worked lengthwise in an open mesh stitch, so the five solid color bands from pale gray to near-black run across the width as sleek horizontal stripes. The airy double crochet and chain-one grid gives the blanket a light, drapey feel that is perfect for draping over a sofa or chair. It is a great step-up project for confident beginners and a relaxing, meditative make for more experienced crocheters.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (4) acrylic yarn, approximately 1,200 yards total, in five colors of 240 yards each: Color A (pale gray), Color B (light gray), Color C (medium gray), Color D (dark gray), Color E (near-black).
- Hook: 5.5 mm (I-9) crochet hook.
- Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and a measuring tape.
- Finished size: 40 inches wide by 48 inches long.
Abbreviations
- ch – chain: make a loop of yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook.
- dc – double crochet: yarn over, insert hook in stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through two loops, yarn over and pull through the last two loops.
- sc – single crochet: insert hook in stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through both loops.
- sk – skip: leave the next stitch or space unworked.
- sp – space: the gap made by a chain.
- st(s) – stitch(es).
- sl st – slip stitch: insert hook in stitch, yarn over and pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.
- rep – repeat.
- Rnd – round: a row worked in a continuous loop around the edge.
Gauge
14 stitches = 4 inches in the pattern stitch. To check, work a small swatch in the mesh pattern and measure across the stitches; if you have more stitches than 14 in 4 inches, go up a hook size, and if you have fewer, go down a hook size.
Tips Before You Start
- Work the lapghan lengthwise from one short end to the other, so each row runs the full 40-inch width and the color bands stack across the length.
- Keep your chain-one spaces loose and even; consistent tension is what makes the mesh grid look crisp.
- Change colors at the end of the last row of each band, leaving a tail long enough to weave in securely.
- Count your double crochet stitches at the end of each row (70 dc) to catch mistakes early, since the mesh pattern is easy to drift.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Body of the Lapghan
With Color A, ch 141.
Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook, *ch 1, sk next ch, dc in next ch; rep from * across, turn. (70 dc, 69 ch-1 sps)
Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), *ch 1, sk next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc; rep from * across, turn. (70 dc, 69 ch-1 sps)
Rows 3–12: Rep Row 2. (70 dc, 69 ch-1 sps) — 12 rows total in Color A, about 4.5 inches long.
Change to Color B.
Rows 13–24: Rep Row 2. (70 dc, 69 ch-1 sps) — 12 rows in Color B.
Change to Color C.
Rows 25–36: Rep Row 2. (70 dc, 69 ch-1 sps) — 12 rows in Color C.
Change to Color D.
Rows 37–48: Rep Row 2. (70 dc, 69 ch-1 sps) — 12 rows in Color D.
Change to Color E.
Rows 49–60: Rep Row 2. (70 dc, 69 ch-1 sps) — 12 rows in Color E. Fasten off.
Edging
Rnd 1: With Color A, sc evenly around the entire blanket, working 3 sc in each corner; join with sl st to first sc.
Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in each sc around, working 3 sc in each corner; join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.
Assembly and Finishing
No seaming is needed, as the lapghan is worked in one piece. Weave in all ends with the tapestry needle, working each tail back and forth through a few stitches so it stays secure. Block lightly to the finished measurements of 40 by 48 inches, pinning the corners square and misting with water; let it dry completely before use.
Pro Tips and Variations
- For a softer fade, add a sixth color or split each band into two shorter bands of 6 rows each.
- Work the edging in Color E instead of Color A for a darker, more dramatic frame.
- Try a larger hook (6.0 mm, J-10) for an even airier mesh and a slightly larger finished size.
