No Beginning Chain Crazy Block Afghan
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The first row of an afghan with homespun or bouclé or other knobby style yarn can be frustrating. This afghan does not require finding chain stitches, even for the first row. Every side has a fun and pretty zig-zag shape.
This pattern was designed to be easy for homespun or bouclé style yarns, but it can be made with just about any yarn. Make it in a solid color or with as many color changes as you like.
The example is made in Jo-Ann Sensations Rainbow Bouclé.
Size: This blanket can be made any size. Five widths are given in the directions.
| Size | Width (Inches) | Length (Inches) | Ounces of yarn | Yards of yarn |
| Extra Small | 27.62 | 36.83 | 7.19 | 557.64 |
| Small | 34.52 | 46.03 | 11.23 | 871.32 |
| Medium | 41.43 | 55.24 | 16.18 | 1254.69 |
| Large | 48.33 | 64.44 | 22.02 | 1707.78 |
| Extra Large | 55.24 | 73.65 | 28.76 | 2230.57 |
Materials:
Yarn – Sizing given for Bulky yarn but other weights can be used
Size I (5.5mm) crochet hook
Abbreviations:
ch = chain
ch sp = chain space
dc = double crochet
sc = single crochet
sl st = slip stitch
Instructions:
Instead of a beginning chain, the blanket is begun with a first row of blocks.
For these widths, start with this number of blocks:
27.5″ = 20
34.5″ = 25
41.5″ = 30
48.25″ = 35
55.25″ = 40
There is a photo tutorial and a video demonstrating the technique of this pattern.
Row 1 Block: Chain 6. Join with a sl st in first chain. Chain 3. 2 dc in ch 6 sp.
Make these blocks until desired width.
Do not turn.
Row 2: Ch3. Without turning the work, rotate so that the following is worked across the chain loops created in the first row. In each of the chain spaces, (sc, ch3, 3dc) in ch sp.
Row 3: Ch 3 and turn. In each of the chain spaces, (sc, ch3, 3dc) in ch sp.
Repeat row 3 until afghan is desired length. Finish off and weave in end.
The blanket can be made in a solid color or can be made with any number of color changes. The best way to make a color change is to finish all but the very last pull through of the two loops of the last stitch of a row. Cut yarn with a few inches of tail and join with new color next to stitch. Pull new color through last two loops. Weave in ends.
I crochet prayer shawls and quite often use Homespun. You’re right about the starting chain. I’ll try this. I did a sample with worsted and it worked great. It would also make a nice scarf.
Please explain what you mean by rotate without turning. How can you rotate the piece without turning it. Maybe a video?
Love the stitch, and would like to use it as a scrap buster afghan.
Turn in crochet means to flip front to back. I was trying to make the distinction that for doing the second row you aren’t flipping front to back but actually rotating top to bottom. The same side will be facing you to complete the second row, you will just be working across what was the bottom of the first row.
Turn in crochet means to flip front to back. I was trying to make the distinction that for doing the second row you aren’t flipping front to back but actually rotating top to bottom. The same side will be facing you to complete the second row, you will just be working across what was the bottom of the first row.
My mom had a gahn like this in her stash but she passed before I could get the pattern. Thank You so very much for the share.
I’m trying to picture this in my mind.. does it work the same as a log cabin afghan? Just going round and round, working from the center and ending at the outside edges? I looked at your pictorial on how to do the blocks, and going round and round is how to make the log cabin afghan, just adding to the outside rows until it’s big enough. I’m not seeing how you can ‘not turn’ during the construction of this pattern it unless that is the method. If you look at my Ravelry Page (Glacy1) you can see what I am talking about.
I like this finished look in crochet, and would like to make one, as I have bins of Lion Brand Homespun to ‘stash bust’..
P.S. I love many of your patterns. They are very creative.
It is only after the first foundation row that you rotate instead of turn and do the second row. After the second row you will turn to do the third row as usual for the rest of the afghan. So it’s not going in the round or getting any wider. After the second row it works like any other back and forth afghan.
I keep looking at it, and I can only deduct that it will get ‘wider’ as it gets longer.. Am I right?
Thanks! I have quite a bit of this yarn in a red/black color scheme and have been trying to decide what to use it for. This is perfect!
I really like this pattern but cannot for the life of me get the start of it. I have done one of your other patterns with no troubles at all but this one i am just confused even with the picture tutorial. i get the first part of making but to continue making them is where im stuck as mine are not looking anything like yours.
Would a video help?
I need help getting started on first row. I can get first block and that is it. Can you post a video?
Here is a video. Let me know if this doesn’t help.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYPwRviNb6w&feature=youtu.be
Thank you for the amazing tutorial!! I’ve started my blanket with Homespun Edwardian yarn and it looks amazing so far! You are my crochet hero! Please keep posting more fun patterns for bulky yarns!!!
This version is great! I’ve been doing this starting with the chain. Then you have to go all the way around the last time to create the zigzag edge to the first end. This eliminates that step. Can’t wait to try this. Thanks!!!
This is my second “No Beginning Chain’ afghan of yours I’ve attempted, and while it took me a couple of tries to get the pattern right, once I “got it” it’s a breeze and it looks wonderful in homespun yarn. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! Can’t wait to give the No Beginning Chain ripple pattern a try.
There is another pattern similar to this that has a foundation row. I like this technique much better. I have made a lot of corner to corner afghans that start in the corner and work diagonally adding more blocks as you go. It has almost the same look to the stitches. I am anxious to try this pattern. I like a pattern that you dont have to keep counting stitches. Thanks
Excellent video tutorial (probably one of the best I’ve seen). I have wanted to do a scrap-ghan for a while, and this pattern is going to be great. I’m working on my first colour and have two rows done. I’m just using worsted weight yarn right now, but can’t wait to try in homespun! Thanks for sharing!