The Orion Blanket is a free crochet pattern using Lion Brand Ferris Wheel yarn here on the blog! Read on to learn about the design inspiration and all materials needed to create this beginner friendly crochet blanket. 

Copyright Disclosure

This pattern is for your own personal use. No unauthorized reproduction, in whole or in part (i.e. copying and pasting this pattern into your own document, altering this pattern in any way and calling it your own, etc.), or distribution of this pattern or content (i.e. sharing this pattern in its whole form on your own blog) is allowed. You can use this blog post in blog round-ups. I give permission to sell your items made from this pattern. Please credit “While They Dream” in your listings. The pattern and all photos are the property of While They Dream. You are welcome to share my patterns across all social media forms as long as you link back to my blog directly.

Inspiration

Did you know the constellation, Orion, is the most colorful constellation in the night sky? This blanket reminds me of cozy campfire nights by the fire with your favorite people and clear night skies full of stars. Relax with a repetitive stitch repeat and watch the colorful marled yarn create exciting color changes with every row. All yarn tails become fringe, leaving you with zero ends to weave in. You’ll love this blanket! The Orion Blanket is my second Constellation dedication (with the first being my knit Diamond of Virgo Blanket).

The final dimensions will be: 57 inches (145 cm) x 57 inches (145 cm). 

Gauge: 14 sts x 12 rows in a 4 x 4 inch (10 cm) swatch. This blanket can be easily adjusted by creating a starting chain with any amount of odd stitches. 

Supplies Needed

• Crochet Hook: 5mm/H. I love using Furls Hooks. They are so comfortable and I don’t get stressed hands or wrists like I once did. Use the code HOOK15 for 15% off. 
• Yarn: Lion Brand Ferris Wheel (light Worsted Weight)
• Colors Used and Yardage:
• C1 – 6 skeins of “Summer Day” 1620 yards/1482 m (18 oz/510 g)
• C2 – 2 skeins of “Buttercup” 540 yards/494 m (6 oz/170 g)
• C3 – 2 skeins of “Cherry on Top” 540 yards/494 m (6 oz/170 g)
• C4 – 2 skeins of “Pink Marmalade” 540 yards/ 494 m (6 oz/170 g)

Stitch Abbreviations

• Ch – Chain
• C1 – Color 1
• C2 – Color 2
• C3 – Color 3
• C4 – Color 4
• DC – Double Crochet
• Sc – Single Crochet

• You can find the PDF Pattern HERE on my website. 
• Grab the kit from Lion Brand HERE
• Grab it on Etsy HERE
• Add it to your Ravelry Favorites HERE 

Important Notes

Changing Colors: For this pattern you’re going to change your color every row. You'll cut your old color and switch to a new color. To do this, you will change colors during your final double crochet stitch as follows: With current color, yarn over, insert hook into next stitch, pull through. You will now have three loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on the hook. STOP. Pick up your new color (leaving a 5 ½ - 6 inch/14 – 15 cm tail) and pull your new color through your last two loops. Now your ready to work with your new color.

How long do I use each color? Use them until you can’t anymore! You’ll be alternating two cakes of yarn at a time, using Color 1 throughout the entire blanket. This should get you to approximately 9.5 inches (24 cm) in height before it’s time to grab the next two cakes. I never change colors in the middle of a row. If you stick to this, you should have a small handful of yarn from the last of the cakes to use for additional fringe. Follow the chart at the end of the pattern for color placements.

Fringe: Every time you end or begin a new color you’ll want to leave a 5 ½ - 6 inch/14 – 15 cm tail to leave out for fringe. As you go along, take two strands and knot them together. Fill in the gaps with leftover yarn from your cakes. Watch this video to see how I knot my fringe: How to Add Fringe to a Crochet or Knit Project for Absolute Beginners by Kay Krochets

Stitch placement: Every single crochet stitch should be landing in a double crochet stitch from the previous round, and every double crochet stitch should be landing in a single crochet stitch from the previous round. If you notice that these aren’t falling correctly, you’ll need to find where it went wrong and correct.

Pattern

Set up and Row 1: With C1 create your slip stitch for your starting chain, leaving a 5 ½ - 6-inch (14 – 15 cm) tail. Ch 201. In the second ch from the hook, sc. *Dc in the next st, sc in the next st* repeat until one ch remains. Dc in the last ch (changing color during final pull through).

Row 2: With Color 2, Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, *Dc in the next st, sc in the next st* repeat until one stitch remains. Dc in the last stitch (changing color during final pull through).

Row 3: With Color 1, Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, *Dc in the next st, sc in the next st* repeat until one stitch remains. Dc in the last stitch (changing color during final pull through).

Work Rows 2 and 3 for approximately 9.5 inches, leaving yourself a small handful of leftover yarn from the end of the cake for additional tassels (see notes). When you have worked your cakes to the end, switch out Color 2 with Color 3 (continuing to use Color 1 throughout the entire blanket) and repeat Rows 2 and 3 until your blanket is approximately 19 inches (48 cm). Continue to switch out your contrasting color as you run out of cakes. See chart below for the instructions on color order for the remainder of the blanket. Follow from bottom up. 

Section 6	Alternate Rows between C1 and C2	Crochet to 57 inches (145 cm)
Section 5	Alternate Rows between C1 and C3	Crochet to 47.5 inches (121 cm)
Section 3 and 4	Alternate Rows between C1 and C4	Crochet to 38 inches (96.5 cm)
Section 2	Alternate Rows between C1 and C3	Crochet to 19 inches (48 cm)
Section 1	Alternate Rows between C1 and C2	Crochet for 9.5 inches (24 cm)

 

 

Finishing: Once you have reached just under 57 inches (145 cm), single crochet across all stitches to give the last edge a final border. Cut yarn and fill in any additional tassels you need to fill in.

 

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Email me with questions at: whiletheydream.11@gmail.com