DJC: Playplaid Pattern Set

Presenting PlayPlaid, a jolly fun way to try out your wings.  The PlayPlaid stitch pattern allows you to make a three-color pattern that resembles a big plaid while avoiding stranding yarns or adding color to a crocheted fabric after the fact by crocheting across each row twice; once with the main color and once with a contrasting color.  It’s like making a broken stripe, then going back and filling the holes.

Here in download land where page space is not an issue, this pattern exploded into booklet proportions as my one rectangle project turned into a whole PlayPlaid collection, including a lap-ghan, a full-sized afghan, scarf, muffler and a V-shaped wrap.  With plenty of color swatches and tips for yarn and color success, this pattern will help you crochet many projects to please everyone, including the most difficult audience to crochet for … guys.

1) Plaidghan

Plaid + Afghan = Plaidghan.  This is a small, half-size afghan, the perfect dimensions for a decorative throw, a lap-ghan for keeping legs cozy when chair-bound, or in a more playful colorway it’s a kid-ghan for your little folk.  Tall stitches and relaxed gauge keep the worsted weight fabric from being too dense and heavy.  In the classic, high-contrast neutral colors shown, this version is guy-friendly and décor-friendly.

• Size  Finished blocked measurements: 32” wide, 42” long
• Yarn  Substitute any medium worsted weight yarn, approximate yardage: Color A: 550 yd; Color B: 250 yd; Color C: 150 yd
• Hook  Size J-10 (6mm) crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge

2) MoBig Plaidghan

Sometimes bigger is mo’better.  Try these suggestions for a more generously sized throw, about double the area of the previous Plaidghan using double the yarn amounts.

• Size  Finished blocked measurements; 45” wide, 60” long
• Yarn  Choose any medium worsted weight yarn, approximate yardage: Color A: 1100 yd; Color B: 500 yd; Color C: 300 yd
• Hook  Size J-10 (6mm) crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge

3) PlayPlaid Scarf

When you find a scarf pattern that not only satisfies your crochet urges, but also uses up stash and pleases those lucky enough to be recipients of such a scarf, you’ve hit the jackpot.  The sample scarf is moderately wide and long, appropriate for big kids and average size adults, with enough to wrap, tie and tuck.

• Size  Finished blocked measurements; 7” wide, 60” long
• Yarn  Substitute any light worsted or DK yarn, approximate yardage: Color A: 180 yd; Color B: 90 yd; Color C: 70 yd
• Hook  Size I-9 (5.5mm) crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge

4) PlayPlaid Muffler

Those who dislike wrapping stuff around their necks might find a muffler more acceptable. Traditionally wider and shorter than scarves, mufflers are tucked under or draped over a jacket or coat,  perhaps shawled up high on the back of the neck,  with the ends no longer than the jacket.

• Size  Finished blocked measurements 11” wide by 48” long
• Yarn  Substitute any light worsted yarn, approximate yardage: Color A: 270 yd; Color B: 135 yd; Color C: 110 yd
• Hook  Size I-9 (5.5mm) crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge

5) PlayPlaid Wrap

For a decidedly feminine take on PlayPlaid, I offer this pretty-girly rosy wrap.  The stay-on-the-shoulders V shape is created simply, with no major changes in stitch pattern needed.  It’s just a square added onto the side of a rectangle.

• Size  Finished blocked measurements:Width, one front: 22”; Length, neck edge: 50”; Depth, back point: 32” Fabric has incredible stretch and will grow dramatically in length and across the bias when blocked and worn.
• Yarn  Substitute any heavy sport weight or DK yarn, approximate yardage: Color A: 850 yd; Color B: 420 yd; Color C: 340 yd
• Hook  Size H-8 (5mm) crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge