Is there anything better than snuggling up in a blanket that falls just right? My sisters and I have a bunch of fuzzy fleece blankets that are just perfect for that, and all of them were given to us by one aunt. This aunt has always been just a big part of my life. She’s always there for us, and I wanted to do something for her. I came up with this free crochet blanket pattern as a gift for her and to show her that we appreciate her. Here is the Fireworks Throw crochet blanket pattern!
Going into this blanket, I knew the yarn choice had to be something she can throw in the wash as often as she wanted without worry about damage. It also had to be thick and warm and super soft! I went with Sprightly Acrylic yarn for this blanket. It’s a really high-quality acrylic that feels nice against the skin and comes in a ton of colors.
I made my blanket pretty big at 60 x 72 inches. You can easily make yours smaller if you want by starting with fewer repeats and working fewer rows. I have a handy cheat sheet with measurements for all different blanket sizes available for free down below.
Related: How to Customize Crochet Blanket Sizes
Speaking of the stitch, this is the Harlequin stitch. It does sound a little complicated when you first start, but it’s a quick pattern to pick up and memorize. I’ve written the pattern out for you below so it should be easy to follow, just read carefully and practice!
The full free pattern is written out below. For those who’d prefer to print the pattern and take it with you for on-the-go and to markup as you go, you can buy the inexpensive printable PDF from my Etsy and Ravelry shops. The PDF is formatted without ads or comments, so it’s easy to read.
Materials:
- 8.00mm crochet hook
- #6 Super Bulky yarn in 2 colors – I used 9 balls Sprightly Acrylic in Burgandy and 8 in Suede
- This yearn is no longer available but Lion Brand’s Hometown USA is a great substitute
- tapestry needle
- scissors
Abbreviations:
- ch – chain
- SC – single crochet
- DC – double crochet
- DC#tog – DC # of stitches together as one
- sl – slip stitch
Pattern Notes:
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Sizing: 60 x 72 inches
- Gauge: 2 sts/ inch x 1 row/inch
The Fireworks Throw: Free Crochet Blanket Pattern
Row 1: With color A, chain 137 ( or another multiple of 8 +1).
Row 2: Insert your hook into the 5th space from the hook and [DC 3, ch 1, DC 3] into the space. Skip 3 spaces, SC into the next. *Skip 3 spaces, [DC 3, ch 1, DC 3] in next, skip 3, SC into the next*. Repeat everything in the *s until the end of the row.
Switch to Color B. Carry your yarn up the sides so you don’t have to weave in as many ends!
Row 3: Ch 3, turn. Skip the first SC and DC3tog over the next 3 spaces. *Ch 7, skip the ch 1, DC6tog over the next 6 DC (skipping the SC). Repeat from * until the last 3 spaces, DC3tog, and DC 1 into the top of the last chain.
Row 4: Ch 3, turn. Work 3 DC into the hole between the DC3tog and the DC from the row below. *SC around the chain 1 from below (trapping the chain 7), [DC 3, chain 1, DC 3] in the center of the DC6tog. Repeat from * until the last DC3tog. Work 3 DC into the space, DC 1 into the top of the chain.
Switch to Color A.
Row 5: Chain 3, turn. Skip the first DC, *DC6tog over the next 6 DC, chain 7, skip the chain 1, repeat from * until the end. Chain 3, SC into the top of the turning chain.
Row 6: Chain 1, turn. Skip the first SC and the chain 3. *[DC 3, chain 1, DC 3] into the center of the DC6tog, SC into chain 1 space (trapping chain 7), repeat until the end of the row. SC into the top of the turning chain.
Switch to Color B.
Repeat rows 3-6 until the blanket reaches the height you want it to be. I continued until I had used up all but half of the skein of Burgandy and my blanket was 71 inches long.
For the border
For this free crochet blanket pattern, I planned on doing a wide border using a moss stitch or something else flat. But once I finished, it didn’t seem like it needed it anymore. I settled on working 2 rounds of SC around the entire blanket, working into the sides of the stitches, and working 3 SC into each corner. It made a nice, clean edge and it hid the color changes on the sides.
If you used a different method than the magic knot to change colors, this border would also hide the ends and weave some tails in for you.
And you’re done!
I love how my Fireworks Throw turned out and it reminds me of how excited my aunt and uncle always are when they see us. They always treat a visit with us as a big event and are totally in the moment. I think that’s something really special and I hope my aunt sees that we love her when she sees her blanket.
If you liked this, you may also like some of the posts below! I love making cozy blanket patterns so I have a few different patterns below for you to check out, both knit and crochet! I also have a post all about how to customize blanket sizes and resize patterns to suit your needs so be sure to give that a read too.
Related: Mocha Ripple Throw Free Crochet Blanket Pattern
Related: Mulberry Throw Crochet Pattern
Related: Twisted Cable Throw Knitting Pattern
Related: Ammara Throw Knitting Pattern
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RJ
Saturday 11th of March 2023
Beautiful design!! I am wondering if this design would work up nice in a 5# weight chenille velvet yarn? Also what is the method of carrying the yarn up the sides for changing colors? Or the method of the magic ring for changing colors?
I’m going to surprise my mother with a throw worked up in this design and she will absolutely adore it. She doesn’t know that I’ve been secretly learning more about crochet so I’m pretty sure she will be amazed!!!😁
Shehla Ahmed
Friday 31st of March 2023
Thank you! Yes, you can absolutely use any yarn you want for this blanket. Just be sure to change your hook to match the yarn and keep in mind that different yarns will make the blanket a different size. For the color changes, I have a video tutorial here on how I do it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QP4s3jculc4&t=3s It's basically just starting the stitch with your first color but doing the final pull-through with your new color. For the sides, I just held the yarn loosely to the side as I worked the color, you want to give it enough slack that it doesn't pull the rows together, and then covered the edges up with the border at the end!
I'd love to see how it turns out! I think your mom will love it, and what a fun way to show her your new skill!
Pat Kydd
Wednesday 23rd of January 2019
Thanks so much for your help. You definitely put my mind at ease! I was beginning to think that I finally cracked up! My navy blue and light blue are working up beautifully!. Every row I stop and admire how pretty it is! I don't think I'll ever be able to k you enough for sharing!
Pat Kydd
Tuesday 22nd of January 2019
OK, so I am using a J, 5.75mm hook and Red Heart Super Saver (4 wt) yarn.. I started with a chain over 60 inches because I wanted a big afghan. After working several rows my work is only measuring about 43 inches. Is this normal with thin pattern? I'm still working on this throw and it is turning out beautifully....just too small. Again, thanks for the pattern.
Shehla Ahmed
Wednesday 23rd of January 2019
It's turning out small because you're using a smaller hook and yarn. Your gauge is different, so you'll need to adjust. The first row is smaller than the chain because of the way the pattern is worked so try adding 1/3 more chains to the get the blanket up to 60 inches.
Pat Kydd
Wednesday 16th of January 2019
I love your Fireworks Throw but being a beginner crocheter I was wondering if this would work with 4 wt worsted yarn. How many chains would I need to make a throw the same size as yours? Thank you!
Shehla Ahmed
Wednesday 16th of January 2019
With a #4 yarn, you'll also need to go down a couple sizes with your hook, so your gauge will be different than mine and you'll need considerably more chains and yarn to get the same size blanket. You could start by making a chain that's 60 inches long (however many chains that adds up to) and then adjust to get a multiple of 8+1 by adding or removing a few chains.