purlJam

# The Dragon's Ascent Blanket

This advanced crochet blanket combines three distinct, robust textures, evocative of strength, discipline, and the intricate forms of Kung Fu. Each panel showcases a different stitch pattern created with post stitches, resulting in a rich, three-dimensional fabric perfect for an experienced crocheter.

**DIFFICULTY LEVEL:** Advanced

**FINISHED MEASUREMENTS:** Approximately 127 cm x 152 cm (50 inches x 60 inches)

**YARN:**
Worsted Weight (Aran Weight in UK) yarn, 100% acrylic or wool blend, approximately 1800 g.
*Colour shown in sample (not provided, but implied): Deep Grey or Indigo.*

**HOOK:**
5.0 mm (H/8) crochet hook

**OTHER MATERIALS:**
*   Stitch markers
*   Yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming
*   Scissors

**TENSION (GAUGE):**
16 stitches (sts) and 10 rows = 10 cm (4 inches) in Large Scale Basketweave Stitch (Panel B), after blocking.
*It is essential to check your tension to ensure your finished blanket matches the intended size. Create a 15 cm (6 inch) square swatch in Panel B's pattern.*

**ABBREVIATIONS (UK TERMINOLOGY):**
*   **ch** - chain
*   **dc** - double crochet (US single crochet)
*   **htr** - half treble crochet (US half double crochet)
*   **tr** - treble crochet (US double crochet)
*   **dtr** - double treble crochet (US treble crochet)
*   **fphtr** - front post half treble crochet (work htr around the post of the st from the row below, inserting hook from front to back to front)
*   **bphtr** - back post half treble crochet (work htr around the post of the st from the row below, inserting hook from back to front to back)
*   **fpdtr** - front post double treble crochet (work dtr around the post of the st from the row below, inserting hook from front to back to front)
*   **bpdtr** - back post double treble crochet (work dtr around the post of the st from the row below, inserting hook from back to front to back)
*   **st(s)** - stitch(es)
*   **sk** - skip
*   **RS** - right side
*   **WS** - wrong side
*   **rep** - repeat
*   **sp** - space

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### **NOTES:**
*   The blanket is made in 5 separate panels, which are then joined together.
*   The turning chain does not count as a stitch unless otherwise specified.
*   For the panel instructions, the chain count at the start of Row 1 will result in the specified number of stitches for that panel.
*   Consistent tension is crucial for an even fabric, especially with post stitches.

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### **PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS:**

**Panel A: Small Scale Basketweave (Make 2)**
*This panel provides a tight, dense, textured fabric, acting as a strong frame for the more complex central panels.*

**Foundation Chain:** Ch 37.
You should have 36 stitches for the pattern in subsequent rows.

**Row 1 (RS):** 1 dc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. [36 dc]

**Row 2 (WS):** Ch 2 (counts as 1 htr), 1 htr in next st, *1 fphtr around next 2 sts, 1 bphtr around next 2 sts* rep to last 2 sts, 1 htr in last 2 sts. [36 sts]

**Row 3 (RS):** Ch 2 (counts as 1 htr), 1 htr in next st, *1 bphtr around next 2 sts, 1 fphtr around next 2 sts* rep to last 2 sts, 1 htr in last 2 sts. [36 sts]

**Repeat Rows 2 and 3** until panel measures approximately 150 cm (59 inches) from the starting edge, ending with a Row 3. This will be approximately 150 rows.
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for seaming if desired, or for weaving in.

**Panel B: Large Scale Basketweave (Make 2)**
*This panel creates a prominent woven texture, offering depth and visual interest.*

**Foundation Chain:** Ch 41.
You should have 40 stitches for the pattern in subsequent rows.

**Row 1 (RS):** 1 tr in 4th ch from hook (counts as 1 tr), 1 tr in each ch across. [40 tr]

**Row 2 (WS):** Ch 3 (counts as 1 tr), *1 fpdtr around next 4 tr, 1 bpdtr around next 4 tr* rep across, ending with 1 tr in top of turning ch. [40 sts]

**Row 3 (RS):** Ch 3 (counts as 1 tr), *1 fpdtr around next 4 dtr, 1 bpdtr around next 4 dtr* rep across, ending with 1 tr in top of turning ch. [40 sts]

**Row 4 (WS):** Ch 3 (counts as 1 tr), *1 bpdtr around next 4 dtr, 1 fpdtr around next 4 dtr* rep across, ending with 1 tr in top of turning ch. [40 sts]

**Row 5 (RS):** Ch 3 (counts as 1 tr), *1 bpdtr around next 4 dtr, 1 fpdtr around next 4 dtr* rep across, ending with 1 tr in top of turning ch. [40 sts]

**Repeat Rows 2-5** until panel measures approximately 150 cm (59 inches) from the starting edge, ending with a Row 5. This will be approximately 150 rows.
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for seaming.

**Panel C: Waffle Stitch (Make 1)**
*This central panel forms deep, inviting pockets, creating a highly textured and engaging surface.*

**Foundation Chain:** Ch 49.
You should have 48 stitches for the pattern in subsequent rows.

**Row 1 (RS):** 1 tr in 4th ch from hook (counts as 1 tr), 1 tr in each ch across. [48 tr]

**Row 2 (WS):** Ch 3 (counts as 1 tr), *1 fpdtr around next tr, 1 tr in next 2 tr* rep across, ending with 1 fpdtr around last tr, 1 tr in top of turning ch. [48 sts]

**Row 3 (RS):** Ch 3 (counts as 1 tr), *1 tr in next fpdtr, 1 fpdtr around next 2 tr* rep across, ending with 1 tr in last fpdtr, 1 tr in top of turning ch. [48 sts]

**Repeat Rows 2 and 3** until panel measures approximately 150 cm (59 inches) from the starting edge, ending with a Row 3. This will be approximately 150 rows.
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for seaming.

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### **ASSEMBLY:**

1.  **Arrange Panels:** Lay out the panels in the following order: Panel A, Panel B, Panel C, Panel B, Panel A. Ensure all panels are facing RS up.
2.  **Joining Method (Slip Stitch Join):**
    *   Place the first Panel A and first Panel B side-by-side, RS facing up.
    *   Using your hook and a new length of yarn, insert hook into the outermost loop of a stitch on Panel A and the corresponding outermost loop of a stitch on Panel B.
    *   Yarn over and pull a loop through both loops, then pull through the loop on your hook (slip stitch).
    *   Continue working slip stitches evenly down the entire length of the panels, matching stitch for stitch or row for row (aim for approximately 150 slip stitches). Ensure the join lies flat and does not pucker or stretch.
    *   Fasten off and secure ends.
3.  **Continue Joining:**
    *   Repeat the joining process for the first Panel B and Panel C.
    *   Repeat for Panel C and the second Panel B.
    *   Finally, repeat for the second Panel B and the second Panel A.
    *   Weave in all tails from joining.

### **BORDER:**

1.  **Round 1:** With RS facing, join yarn with a slip stitch in any corner. Ch 3 (counts as 1 tr). Work 2 tr in the same corner, then work tr stitches evenly around the entire blanket, working (2 tr, ch 2, 2 tr) in each remaining corner. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the beginning ch-3.
2.  **Round 2:** Ch 3 (counts as 1 tr). Work 1 tr in each tr around, working (2 tr, ch 2, 2 tr) in each ch-2 corner space. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the beginning ch-3.
3.  Fasten off and weave in remaining ends.

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### **FINISHING:**

**Weave in all ends securely.** With such textured stitches, it’s important to weave in ends thoroughly to prevent them from popping out.

**BLOCKING IS ESSENTIAL for this project.** Blocking will open up the stitch patterns, enhance the texture, and ensure the blanket lies flat with straight edges and achieves its intended final dimensions.
*   **Wet Blocking:** Submerge the blanket in lukewarm water with a small amount of wool wash (if using fibre that tolerates it) for at least 20 minutes. Gently squeeze out excess water, supporting the blanket's weight. Roll in a towel to absorb more moisture. Lay the blanket flat on blocking mats or a clean, dry surface, gently stretching and pinning it to the desired dimensions (127 cm x 152 cm / 50 x 60 inches). Allow to dry completely, which may take 24-48 hours.
*   **Steam Blocking (Alternative for acrylics):** Lay the blanket flat on a heat-safe surface. Hover a steam iron or garment steamer about 2-3 cm (1 inch) above the fabric, allowing the steam to penetrate the fibres. Gently pat or shape the blanket to the desired dimensions. Do not press down with the iron, as this can flatten the beautiful textures. Allow to cool and dry completely.

Enjoy your "Dragon's Ascent Blanket"!