Zigzag afghans can be made in endless color combinations.
Zigzag blankets are a staple of the crocheter's repertoire. They are relatively easy to create, requiring the stitcher to know only basic increases and decreases and a couple variations on one basic stitch. They can be customized using an endless variety of color patterns, ranging from elegant and timeless to wild and funky. Using thick yarn and the appropriate hook size, both beginners and experienced crocheters alike can create a zigzag afghan in an afternoon.
Instructions
1. Tie a slip knot on your crochet hook using the first yarn color of your choice. Let's call it color A. To create a slip knot, drape the yarn over your finger. Insert the crochet hook under the draped yarn and twist the hook to create a loose loop on the hook. Remove your finger. Wrap the yarn that is still attached to the ball -- not the loose, hanging tail created by the loop -- around the hook. Pull the hook and yarn through the loop that is on the hook.
2. Stitch a foundation chain of 178 chain stitches. To create a chain stitch, loop the yarn over the hook and pull through the loop that rests on the hook.
3. Turn your work. Double crochet in the third chain from the hook. Do not count the loop on the chain when counting stitches. To create a double crochet stitch, wrap the yarn over the hook before inserting it into the appropriate stitch. Once inserted, wrap the yarn over the hook again and pull it through the first two loops on the hook. Wrap the yarn over the hook again and draw it through the next two loops. You should be left with only one loop still on the hook.
4. Double crochet once in each of the next six chain stitches. Create three double crochet stitches in the seventh stitch. Double crochet once in each of the next chain stitches.
5. Work a three-stitch decrease in the next three chain stitches. To execute a three-stitch decrease, wrap the yarn over the hook and insert it into the first chain stitch. Wrap the yarn over the hook again and pull it through the first loop on the hook. Wrap the yarn around the hook and pull it through the first two loops on the hook. Wrap once and pull through one stitch, wrap once and pull through two stitches two more times, leaving you with four loops on the hook. Wrap the yarn over the hook again and pull through the remaining four loops.
6. Stitch a double crochet stitch in the next six chain stitches. Execute three double crochet stitches in the seventh chain stitch and stitch one more double crochet stitch in each of the next six chain stitches.
7. Continue working a three-stitch decrease, followed by six double crochet stitches, followed by three double crochet stitches in the seventh chain stitch followed by another six double crochet stitches until you reach the end of the 178 stitches.
8. Chain two stitches and turn your work.
9. Skip two stitches. Double crochet once in each of the next seven stitches. On the eighth stitch, execute three double crochet stitches in one stitch. Double crochet once in each of the next six stitches.
10. Work a three-stitch decrease over the next three stitches. Double crochet once in each of the next six stitches of the blanket. Execute three double crochet stitches in the seventh stitch. Double crochet once in each of the next six stitches. Repeat from the beginning until you reach the last two stitches.
11. Work a two stitch decrease in the next two stitches. To do this, wrap the yarn over the hook and insert the hook through the stitch. Wrap the yarn over the hook again and pull the loop through the stitch. Wrap the yarn over the hook again and pull it through the first two loops on the hook. Repeat from the beginning once more, leaving you with three loops on the hook. Wrap the yarn over the hook and pull it through the final three stitches.
12. Chain two stitches. Repeat steps nine through 11 for one more row.
13. Change to your second color, color B, right before executing a two-stitch decrease. To change colors, simply drop color A and execute the stitch using color B. Leave approximately six inches of yarn of each color to weave in later.
14. Alternate two rows of colors A, B and C, working steps nine through 11 in pattern until the afghan measures 60 inches long.
15. Weave in all loose ends using a tapestry needle, securing them under the stitches.
16. Wash and dry the afghan according to the yarn manufacturer's instructions. This helps to even out the stitches and removes oils transferred to the afghan from your hands while you stitch.
