purlJam

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# 🍫 Hot Cocoa Mug Blanket

### *A Cozy Lap Blanket Crochet Pattern*

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*Snuggle up with your favorite hot cocoa and this warm, inviting lap blanket. Worked in soft worsted weight yarn in rich chocolate brown, creamy off-white, and golden caramel — the colors of your coziest cup — this beginner-friendly blanket is the perfect companion for cold evenings. An optional mug appliqué lets you stitch a little extra charm right onto your finished throw.*

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## MATERIALS

| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| **Yarn** | Worsted weight (#4), smooth texture recommended |
| **Color A** | Chocolate Brown — approx. **500 yards (457 m)** |
| **Color B** | Cream / Off-White — approx. **300 yards (274 m)** |
| **Color C** | Caramel / Golden Tan — approx. **400 yards (366 m)** |
| **Total Yardage** | Approx. **1,200 yards (1,097 m)** |
| **Hook** | US H-8 / 5.0 mm |
| **Notions** | Yarn needle, scissors, stitch markers (optional), rust-proof pins for blocking |

> **Yarn Suggestions**: Lion Brand Pound of Love, Red Heart With Love, Caron Simply Soft, or any smooth worsted weight. Avoid highly textured or fuzzy yarns, as they make it harder to see your stitches — a great tip for beginners!

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## GAUGE

**14 hdc × 11 rows = 4" × 4" (10 cm × 10 cm)**
*Measured after blocking, with US H-8 / 5.0 mm hook.*

> ⚠️ **Gauge matters!** Take time to crochet a 5" (12.5 cm) gauge swatch, wash and lightly block it, then measure the center 4" (10 cm). Adjust your hook size as needed: go up a hook size if your swatch is too small/tight, or down a hook size if it is too large/loose.

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## FINISHED SIZE

**Approximately 30" wide × 40" long (76 cm × 102 cm)** after blocking.
*Perfect lap/couch blanket size — just right for curling up with a mug of cocoa!*

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## DIFFICULTY

🟢 **Beginner** — This pattern uses only two basic stitches (hdc and sc), simple color changes, and no shaping. If you can chain, turn, and work hdc and sc, you can make this blanket!

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## ABBREVIATIONS

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| **ch** | chain |
| **st(s)** | stitch(es) |
| **sl st** | slip stitch |
| **sc** | single crochet |
| **hdc** | half double crochet |
| **RS** | right side |
| **WS** | wrong side |
| **rep** | repeat |
| **( )** | stitch count at end of row/round |

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## PATTERN NOTES

1. **Turning Chain**: At the beginning of every row, ch 2 and turn. The ch-2 turning chain does **NOT** count as a stitch throughout this pattern. Always work the first hdc into the very first stitch of the row (the stitch at the base of the turning chain).

2. **Working in Rows**: The blanket is worked flat in horizontal rows, turning at the end of each row.

3. **Stitch Counts**: The stitch count at the end of each row is given in parentheses — for example, **(105 hdc)**. After working each row, count your stitches to confirm you have the correct number before moving on.

4. **Color Changes**: When changing colors, work the last stitch of the current color until the final yarn-over pull-through, then complete that pull-through with the new color. This keeps your color stripe edges clean. See the "Color Change Tips" section below for detailed instructions.

5. **Carrying vs. Cutting Yarn**: Because each color section is 10–20 rows long, it is recommended to cut the yarn at the end of each color section and rejoin as needed. This avoids long floats up the side of your work. Weave in ends as you go to avoid a large finishing pile at the end.

6. **Both Loops**: Unless instructed otherwise, always insert your hook under **both loops** of each stitch.

7. **Working in Rounds (Border)**: The border is worked in joined rounds. Join at the end of each round with a sl st.

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## COLOR CHANGE TIPS (For Beginners)

**To change colors at the end of a row:**
1. Work your last hdc until you have 3 loops on the hook.
2. Drop your current color (do not cut yet — wait until you confirm the color won't be used again soon).
3. Pick up the new color, leaving a 6" (15 cm) tail.
4. Pull the new color through all 3 loops to complete the hdc.
5. Ch 2 with the new color and turn to begin the next row.
6. After 2–3 rows in the new color, cut the old color leaving a 6" tail and weave in both ends with your yarn needle.

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## STRIPE SEQUENCE

The blanket is worked in 7 color sections. Here is the full layout at a glance:

| Section | Rows | Color | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1–20 | **Color A** | Rich chocolate brown base |
| 2 | 21–30 | **Color B** | Creamy stripe |
| 3 | 31–50 | **Color C** | Warm caramel section |
| 4 | 51–60 | **Color B** | Creamy stripe |
| 5 | 61–80 | **Color A** | Chocolate brown center |
| 6 | 81–90 | **Color B** | Creamy stripe |
| 7 | 91–110 | **Color C** | Warm caramel finish |

*Total: 110 rows (40" / 102 cm)*

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## PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS

### BLANKET BODY

**With Color A (Chocolate Brown) and H-8 / 5.0 mm hook:**

**Foundation Row:**
Ch 107. Hdc in the 3rd ch from the hook (the 2 skipped chains do NOT count as a stitch — they are simply the starting space for your first hdc), then hdc in each remaining ch across. **(105 hdc)**

> **Tip**: Place a stitch marker in the first and last stitch of this row so you can easily find your edges on the next row.

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**Row 1 (WS):** Ch 2, turn. Hdc in each st across. **(105 hdc)**

**Row 2 (RS):** Ch 2, turn. Hdc in each st across. **(105 hdc)**

**Rows 3–20:** Rep Row 1 and Row 2 alternately (or simply repeat: ch 2, turn, hdc in each st across) until you have completed **20 rows total** from the foundation row. **(105 hdc each row)**

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**Row 21:** Change to **Color B** (Cream) on the last pull-through of Row 20. Ch 2, turn. Hdc in each st across. **(105 hdc)**

**Rows 22–30:** Ch 2, turn. Hdc in each st across. **(105 hdc each row)**
*At the end of Row 30: 10 rows of Color B complete.*

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**Row 31:** Change to **Color C** (Caramel) on the last pull-through of Row 30. Ch 2, turn. Hdc in each st across. **(105 hdc)**

**Rows 32–50:** Ch 2, turn. Hdc in each st across. **(105 hdc each row)**
*At the end of Row 50: 20 rows of Color C complete.*

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**Row 51:** Change to **Color B** (Cream) on the last pull-through of Row 50. Ch 2, turn. Hdc in each st across. **(105 hdc)**

**Rows 52–60:** Ch 2, turn. Hdc in each st across. **(105 hdc each row)**
*At the end of Row 60: 10 rows of Color B complete.*

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**Row 61:** Change to **Color A** (Chocolate Brown) on the last pull-through of Row 60. Ch 2, turn. Hdc in each st across. **(105 hdc)**

**Rows 62–80:** Ch 2, turn. Hdc in each st across. **(105 hdc each row)**
*At the end of Row 80: 20 rows of Color A complete.*

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**Row 81:** Change to **Color B** (Cream) on the last pull-through of Row 80. Ch 2, turn. Hdc in each st across. **(105 hdc)**

**Rows 82–90:** Ch 2, turn. Hdc in each st across. **(105 hdc each row)**
*At the end of Row 90: 10 rows of Color B complete.*

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**Row 91:** Change to **Color C** (Caramel) on the last pull-through of Row 90. Ch 2, turn. Hdc in each st across. **(105 hdc)**

**Rows 92–110:** Ch 2, turn. Hdc in each st across. **(105 hdc each row)**
*At the end of Row 110: 20 rows of Color C complete.*

✂️ **Fasten off after Row 110.** Weave in all remaining ends.

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> **Row Count Check**: You should now have 110 rows total.
> Row count breakdown: 20 (A) + 10 (B) + 20 (C) + 10 (B) + 20 (A) + 10 (B) + 20 (C) = **110 rows ✓**

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### BORDER

The border is worked in **2 rounds** of sc using **Color A** (Chocolate Brown). It frames the blanket cleanly in the richest, darkest color of the palette.

**Setup:** With RS facing, join Color A with a sl st in any corner stitch or corner space of the blanket. Place a stitch marker at the beginning of the round to track your progress.

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**Border Round 1:**
Work as follows around the entire blanket, placing **3 sc in each corner stitch** to turn the corners neatly:

- **Top edge** (across Row 110): Sc in each of the 105 hdc sts across. **3 sc in corner st.**
- **Right side edge** (along row ends, working downward): Sc evenly across, placing approximately **1 sc per row end** for a total of approximately **110 sc**. **3 sc in corner st.**

> **Tip for Side Edges**: Because hdc rows are slightly taller than sc stitches, placing exactly 1 sc per row end gives a neat, slightly firm edge. Do not skip any row ends or add extra stitches. If your edge ruffles, use fewer stitches; if it pulls in, add a few more.

- **Bottom edge** (along foundation chain): Sc in each of the 105 foundation ch sts across. **3 sc in corner st.**
- **Left side edge** (along row ends, working upward): Sc approximately **110 sc** evenly as on the right side. **3 sc in corner st.**

Join with sl st to the first sc of the round. **(Approximately 442 sc total)**

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**Border Round 2:**
Ch 1 (does NOT count as a stitch). Sc in each sc around, placing **3 sc in the center stitch of each 3-sc corner group** (i.e., 1 sc in the first corner sc, **3 sc** in the middle corner sc, 1 sc in the third corner sc).

Join with sl st to the first sc. **(Approximately 450 sc total)**

✂️ **Fasten off.** Weave in all ends securely.

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## OPTIONAL MUG APPLIQUÉ

*Add a sweet little mug to your blanket for extra Hot Cocoa charm! This appliqué is worked in sc and sewn onto the lower portion of the blanket.*

### MATERIALS FOR APPLIQUÉ
- Small amounts of Color C (Caramel) — approximately 20 yards
- Small amount of Color A (Chocolate Brown) — approximately 5 yards
- US G-6 / 4.0 mm hook *(one size smaller than the blanket hook, for a tighter fabric)*
- Yarn needle

> **Note**: A smaller hook is used for the appliqué to create a dense, stiff fabric that holds its shape when sewn onto the blanket.

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### MUG BODY

*Gauge for appliqué (sc with G-6 hook): approximately 16 sc × 20 rows = 4" × 4"*
*= 4 sc/inch, 5 rows/inch*

**With Color C (Caramel) and G-6 / 4.0 mm hook:**

**Foundation:** Ch 13. Sc in the 2nd ch from hook and in each remaining ch across. **(12 sc)**

**Rows 1–15:** Ch 1, turn. Sc in each sc across. **(12 sc each row)**

*Completed mug body measures approximately 3" wide × 3" tall (7.5 cm × 7.5 cm).*

**Rows 16–18:** Change to **Color A** (Chocolate Brown). Ch 1, turn. Sc in each sc across. **(12 sc each row)**

*These 3 darker rows at the top of the mug represent the cocoa!*

✂️ **Fasten off** after Row 18. Weave in ends.

*Total mug body: 18 rows ≈ 3.5" tall (9 cm).*

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### MUG HANDLE

**With Color C (Caramel) and G-6 / 4.0 mm hook:**

Ch 20. Sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each remaining ch across. **(19 sl sts)**

✂️ **Fasten off**, leaving a 12" (30 cm) tail for sewing.

*This creates a firm, slightly curved strip that forms the handle of the mug.*

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### STEAM SWIRLS (Optional Embellishment)

**With Color B (Cream) and G-6 / 4.0 mm hook:**

Make **2 steam swirls:**
Ch 12. Sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each remaining ch across. **(11 sl sts)**

✂️ **Fasten off**, leaving an 8" (20 cm) tail for sewing.

*These curvy little chains will be tacked above the mug to look like rising steam.*

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### ASSEMBLING THE APPLIQUÉ

1. **Position the mug body**: Place the mug body on the lower-center portion of the blanket (approximately 8"–10" / 20–25 cm from the bottom edge and centered widthwise). Pin in place with rust-proof pins.

2. **Attach the handle**: Curve the handle strip into a rounded D-shape and pin it to the right side of the mug body, with the ends of the handle aligning with the top and bottom-right corner of the mug body.

3. **Sew the mug**: Using a yarn needle and Color C, whipstitch around the outer edge of the mug body, sewing through both the appliqué and the blanket fabric. Sew the handle ends to the mug body securely.

4. **Attach the steam**: Curve each steam chain into a gentle S-curve or swirl shape. Position one steam swirl above the left side of the mug top and one above the right side. Tack each swirl down with 2–3 small stitches through the blanket.

5. **Weave in** any remaining appliqué ends through the back of the blanket.

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## FINISHING

1. **Weave in all ends** thoroughly using a yarn needle. Weave through at least 2" (5 cm) of stitches in different directions for security.

2. **Block your blanket** (strongly recommended): Wet block by soaking the finished blanket in cool water for 20 minutes, gently squeezing out excess water (do not wring), laying flat on a clean surface to the finished measurements (30" × 40" / 76 × 102 cm), and allowing to dry completely. Blocking evens out the stitches and opens up the fabric beautifully.

3. **Final check**: After blocking, check that all ends are still secure. Trim any stray fiber tails.

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## QUICK REFERENCE CHART

| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Finished Size | 30" × 40" (76 cm × 102 cm) |
| Hook | US H-8 / 5.0 mm (blanket); US G-6 / 4.0 mm (appliqué) |
| Gauge | 14 hdc × 11 rows = 4" × 4" |
| Foundation Chain | 107 |
| Stitches Per Row | 105 hdc |
| Total Rows | 110 |
| Turning Chain | Ch 2, does NOT count as a stitch |
| Total Yardage | ~1,200 yards (1,097 m) |

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Follow the care label on your chosen yarn. Most worsted-weight acrylics and wool blends are machine washable on a gentle, cool cycle and tumble dry low. Store folded flat to keep the blanket its best shape.

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*Happy crocheting, and enjoy your cocoa! ☕🧶*

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> **Pattern Notes for Technical Accuracy**:
> *Foundation: Ch 107; hdc in 3rd ch from hook (2 chs skipped but not counted) = 105 hdc. Each row: ch 2 (not counted), 105 hdc. 110 rows × 2.75 rows/inch = 40". 105 hdc ÷ 3.5 hdc/inch = 30". All stitch counts verified.*