Hello and welcome to Patchwork House . . . . .
my little corner of the world in England, where you will find me addicted to colour and playing with yarn!


10 September 2017

Moroccan Tiles


Here as promised is my full blog post
 about how I made this stunning
 Moroccan Tiles blanket.


I have used 1 each of the 8 colours for the tiles
dark brown, mocha, camel, parchment,
 copper, tomato, spice and gold.
(I apologise if some of you think the parchment
 looks like duck egg in the photos, it is not!)
The joining and border colour will be walnut, allow 4 balls.

You can buy this yarn

I have used a 3.5mm hook as this suits my tension.
 Some poeple use 4 or 4.5mm.
 It is recommended that you make a sample squares first to test your tension.

I have chosen to make 49 squares and arrange them in a 7x7 square,
 but you could also use 48 and make a 6x8 rectangular blanket.

I made 1 test square at the start, to familarise myself with the pattern,
 so I then needed to make 48 more.
 This works very nicely with 8 colours so I made 6 middles of each shade.


I am using the Willow Block from the book
200 Crochet Blocks by Jan Eaton.
She explains very clearly how to make it.


As usual I worked in a production line system.
 This organised method helps ensure
 an even balance of colour in the blanket.
 If you are not familiar with this method
 you can read an earlier post about how I plan colours


So when I sit down to crochet
 I grab 1 ball of yarn and 6 middles to be used.
This also makes it very portable and easy to pack in a bag for going out.


The 3rd colours are planned in the same way,
allowing 6 of each.


Each square will be unique using this method. 


They grow really fast and 
its easy to sew the ends in as you go.


Planning is my favourite part!
I love lining them all up on the table and choosing the next colours.
If you don't have the space to leave them out,
 then simply put each ball and pile of squares
 in separate plastic bags to keep them organised.


The addition of the 4th colour
 really makes them look like tiles.


The final task is to add an extra round in the joining colour walnut.
I did uk dc in each stitch with 3 in the corner. 


Choosing mugs to match my crochet is a pleasure of mine and
 has become my trademark, its something I do automatically!


The next part of the process is to
 lay them out on the bed for the joining arrangement.
 People always write and ask how I do it.
 Well there no secret really, 
I start with 1 of each colour in each row
and just use my eye to make sure neighboring squares are not too similar.


To join my squares I have crocheted them together
 from the back using UK dc through both loops.
 If you are not familiar with this method 
you can read my step by step tutorial


this creates a strong join
 which is smooth and flat on the front


 and has a ridge on the back.


Once the blanket is in 1 piece I add a foundation row to prepare it for the border.
For this I do a round of UK trebles.This makes the border deeper, 
but more than that, it allows me to straighten out the blanket edge.
 I always find that where 2 squares meet there is slight dip in the edge. 
When I make this foundation row I use a longer stitch at this point. 
So in the 2 corners of the squares I make double trebles,
 but I do half a double treble in the first corner and keep it on the hook, 
then half a double treble in the second corner,
 then pull the yarn through both together making 1 stitch.
 This removes a few stitches from the border helping it to lie flat.


My border is number 93 from the book
Around the Corner by Edie Eckman.
This is available in my shop


Don't worry if you don't have the exact number of stitches,
 needed for the border its very easy to adapt it.
 Crochet is very forgiving and you can easily add or remove a stitch,
 in the gaps in several patterns on the first row of the border.


I always wash my blankets when complete to help settle the joins.
 This has the same effect as blocking.
 Follow the instructions on the ball band.
 I was mine in the machine with my normal soap powder
 and fabric softener at 30 degrees.
 Then I tumble dry on LOW heat. 
This makes the yarn even softer and your blanket is ready to snuggle!
My finished blanket is 130cm /51 inches square.


I hope you have lots of fun making this blanket.
remember to share your photos as you make in the 
we all love to see what you are doing!


My blanket is now stored ready to gift
and I'm off to start something new!

Have a lovely hooky weekend friends

Heather
X X X


6 comments:

Unknown said...

Brilliant Blogg as usual Heather. Very well explained. Love the colours in this one. Well done. Ellen. Xxx

selina said...

beautiful!
love the warm colours

thanx for sharing

LitlBits said...

Where is the pattern for this square? I have the book you used for the border - and hope I don't have to purchase another book for the square, as the yarn pack is pushing my retirement budget just a bit as it is.

But I just LOVE this square! and would love to make this afghan! Is it available as a stand alone pattern? Please let me know...I so want it.

Teresa Halminton said...

This is so stunning! :o I wish I could make it! The color is also perfect for Fall.
pictaram

Cowslips on the downs said...

lovely blanket and rich autumn colours.
I am making a similar blanket using the willow square and your advice.
My first attempt at your spice blanket came out very well so am now trying out the willow square as yours are so inspiring.
your blog is my go-to place for advice, colours and piecing ideas - thank you!

Radka said...

What a feast for eyes :-)
Thanks for sharing,
xx

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