Leaf Afghan Fitting Project For Autumn

With fall just around the corner, our afghan with leaf motifs seems very appropriate. Notice how much the square formations of this particular afghan look like those of a patchwork quilt. To make it even more quiltlike, the afghan is composed of three variations of squares: large squares, small squares that equal one-quarter of a large square, and two-color squares with a diagonal color change. The interlocking leaves are formed by arranging a number of the squares in giant leaf formations.

A simple placement chart is the key to easy assembly of the afghan squares. Look at the chart carefully when joining the two-colored squares to make sure that the proper color butts up against the desired leaf form. The designer suggests that you begin at the lower left corner of the afghan and sew a row of small squares together. From this point you work up the afghan. It is helpful to use tails of yarn as you sew the squares together.

The large and small squares are easily made “granny-square” type motifs. The pattern indicates the number to make of each color.

If you haven’t worked a two-color square, you’ll be surprised at how easy it is. You work half the square in one color and then you add another color (without ending off the first color) and work around to the end of the round and join with a slip stitch. To work the next round and get back to the proper place to pick up the A or B color, it is necessary to turn your work. Try a sample before you begin your afghan.

Begin with A and B colors of yarn. With the A color, chain 4 and join with a slip stitch to form a ring. From this point you will work in rounds.

Rnd 1: (Right side) Ch 3 (first dc), 2 dc in the ring, ch 2, 3 dc in ring, ch 1; join B (don’t end A), ch 1, 3 dc in ring, ch 2, 3 dc in ring, ch 1; join with slip stitch to top of ch-3.

Rnd 2: Ch 3 (first dc), turn the piece, 2 dc in space, 1/8 ch 1, 3 dc in next space, ch 2, 3 dc in same space, ch 1, 3 dc in next space, ch 1-3/8; with A (don’t end B), ch 1, wrapping hook around pulled-up bar on first stitch, 3 dc in same space, repeat between brackets; join with slip stitch to top of ch-3.

Rnd 3: Ch 1, turn, slip stitch in corner space just completed, ch 3 (first dc), 2 dc in space, 1/8 (ch 1, 3 dc in next space) twice, ch 2, 3 dc in same space, repeat between parentheses twice more, ch 1-3/8; with B, ch 1, wrapping hook around pulled-up bar on first stitch, 3 dc in same space, repeat between brackets; join with slip stitch to top of ch-3; end.

End the square. Leave the ends to help with the sewing process.

For a clever twist on the age-old “granny-square” technique, we’ve created an easy, fun-to-make, quiltlike afghan with graphic, fall-colored leaf motifs. The afghan has a natural cream background with gold, burgundy, sage and forest leaves. It measures 49 by 70 inches and uses a size H (5.00mm) hook. Refer to pattern 090196.

MEMO: For the pattern only: Send $2 and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Bonkers, P.O. Box 442099, Lawrence, KS 66044. To order kits, call (800) 258-YARN. The kit can be ordered for $39.95, which includes postage.