Stars and Stripes Crochet Throw Blanket

Materials Needed:

• Chunky Bulky Yarn (Red, White, Blue) - approximately 600 yards total
• Size J (6.0 mm) Crochet Hook
• Scissors
• Tapestry Needle

Gauge:

8 stitches and 6 rows = 4 inches in double crochet

Abbreviations:

• ch - chain
• dc - double crochet
• sc - single crochet
• sl st - slip stitch
• st - stitch
• rep - repeat

Instructions:

Blanket Body

1. With Red Yarn, ch 100.
2. Row 1: In the 4th ch from hook, dc. Dc in each ch across. Turn.
3. Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as first dc here and throughout), dc in each st across. Turn.
4. Rows 3-15: Alternate color for each stripe every 2 rows. Change to White Yarn and continue for 2 rows, then change to Blue Yarn for 2 rows. Repeat this pattern until the blanket reaches your desired length, ending with a return to Red Yarn for the final two rows.

Star Motif

1. Using the Blue Yarn, make 5 star motifs separately. For each star, ch 3 and join with a sl st to form a ring.
2. Round 1: Ch 1, 10 sc in ring. Join with sl st to the first sc. (10 sc)
3. Round 2: Ch 3, dc in the same st, ch 1, *2 dc in next st, ch 1; rep from * around. Join with sl st. (5 points)
4. Fasten off and leave a long tail for sewing.
5. Attach a star to the top left corner of the blanket and evenly space the remaining stars along one side.

Finishing

1. With the tapestry needle, weave in any loose ends.
2. For added durability, you may choose to add a border around the blanket by single crocheting around the edge, ensuring to place 3 sc at each corner.

Your Stars and Stripes Crochet Throw Blanket is now complete! Perfect for showcasing your patriotic pride or gifting to a loved one during national holidays.