Easy Steps to Finish Your Tunisian Holiday Sampler Blanket

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Tunisian Holiday Sampler Blanket
   1. Pattern Description
   2. Pattern Details
      1. Free Version on tlycblog.com
      2. PDF Pattern on yarncrafts.com
   3. Finishing Steps
      1. Adding a Border to Each Square
      2. Blocking the Squares
      3. Seaming the Squares
      4. Adding a Border to the Full Blanket
3. Supplies Needed
4. Step-by-Step Instructions
   1. Adding a Border to Each Square
      1. Determining the Number of Stitches
      2. Using Stitch Markers
      3. Increasing and Decreasing
   2. Blocking the Squares
      1. Warming up the Garment Steamer
      2. Using Foam Blocking Boards
      3. Pinning the Squares
      4. Steaming the Squares
   3. Seaming the Squares
      1. Choosing the Right Hook
      2. Holding the Squares Together
      3. Slip Stitch Seams
      4. Weaving in Ends
   4. Adding a Border to the Full Blanket
      1. Crochet Hook Size Change
      2. Braided Border Effect
5. Optional: Blocking the Full Finished Blanket
6. Conclusion

Tunisian Holiday Sampler Blanket: A Beautiful Handmade Blanket to Keep You Warm

Are you a crochet enthusiast looking for a new project? Look no further than the Tunisian Holiday Sampler Blanket! This stunning blanket incorporates 20 12-inch squares, each featuring a unique Tunisian crochet stitch pattern or technique.

Pattern Description

The Tunisian Holiday Sampler Blanket is a versatile and exciting project that allows you to explore different Tunisian crochet stitches and techniques. With 20 squares to create, you'll never get bored as you work through the pattern. The finished blanket is not only beautiful but also cozy and warm, making it perfect for the holiday season or any time of the year.

Pattern Details

To get started on the Tunisian Holiday Sampler Blanket, you have two options. You can find the free version of the pattern hosted on my blog, tlycblog.com. Alternatively, you can purchase the PDF pattern from my shop, yarncrafts.com. Both versions provide detailed instructions and stitch diagrams to guide you through the process.

Finishing Steps

After completing all the squares for the blanket, there are a few important finishing steps to ensure your project looks polished and professional. These steps include adding a border to each square, blocking the individual squares, seaming the squares together, and adding a border to the full blanket.

Adding a Border to Each Square

The first step in finishing your Tunisian Holiday Sampler Blanket is to add a single crochet border along each side of your squares. This border will not only enhance the appearance of the squares but also make seaming them together much easier. By following a simple stitch marker technique, you can ensure that each side of your square has the desired 35 stitches.

Blocking the Squares

To achieve uniform squares and eliminate any curling, it is important to steam block the individual squares. This involves using a garment steamer or steam iron to apply steam evenly across the entire block. Pinning the squares to foam blocking boards helps maintain their shape and size during the blocking process.

Seaming the Squares

Once the squares are blocked and dry, it's time to seam them together. Using a slip stitch seam technique, you'll join the squares to create the final blanket. It is recommended to switch to a larger crochet hook for this step to ensure the slip stitches are not too tight and don't cause puckering in the seam. Weaving in the ends after seaming is essential to give the blanket a tidy and professional finish.

Adding a Border to the Full Blanket

The final step in finishing your Tunisian Holiday Sampler Blanket is adding a border to the entire blanket. This border, achieved mainly through half double crochet stitches, creates a beautiful braided effect. By following a specific stitch pattern and changing colors for each round, you can create a visually appealing and cohesive border that enhances the overall look of the blanket.

Supplies Needed

To complete the Tunisian Holiday Sampler Blanket, you will need the following supplies:

1. Tunisian crochet hook (6.5mm for the squares, 6mm for the borders)
2. Yarn
3. Stitch markers
4. Blocking supplies (foam blocking boards and rust-proof t-pins)
5. Garment steamer or steam iron

Make sure to gather all the necessary supplies before starting the project to ensure a smooth and enjoyable crocheting experience.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your Tunisian Holiday Sampler Blanket:

Adding a Border to Each Square

1. Determine the number of stitches needed along each side of your square.
2. Use stitch markers to indicate increases and decreases.
3. Add increases and decreases evenly along the edges to reach the desired 35 stitches per side.
4. Use a smaller crochet hook (6mm) to add a single crochet border.

Blocking the Squares

1. Warm up the garment steamer or prepare the steam iron.
2. Connect foam blocking boards and pin the squares, ensuring they align with the size lines on the boards.
3. Block the squares with the wrong side facing up to maintain stitch plumpness and relax the curl.
4. Apply steam evenly across the squares, paying extra attention to the edges.
5. Allow the squares to dry completely before removing them from the boards.

Seaming the Squares

1. Choose a larger crochet hook (6.5mm) and hold two squares together with right sides facing out.
2. Insert the hook into the back loops of the corresponding chains and slip stitch to join.
3. Repeat the slip stitch seam technique for all horizontal and vertical seams.
4. Weave in all loose ends for a clean finish.

Adding a Border to the Full Blanket

1. Switch back to the smaller crochet hook (6mm) and join yarn in any corner chain space.
2. Work a round of half double crochet stitches, increasing or decreasing where squares meet.
3. Repeat the stitch pattern for rounds two through four, changing colors for each round.
4. Finish with a slip stitch in the first half double crochet and weave in all ends.

Optional: Blocking the Full Finished Blanket

If desired, block the full finished blanket using the same method as blocking the individual squares. This additional step can further enhance the appearance and drape of the blanket.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have completed all the finishing steps and now have a beautiful Tunisian Holiday Sampler Blanket to keep you warm and cozy. Take a moment to appreciate your hard work and creativity in personalizing your blanket. If you missed the crochet-along event, don't worry, there will be more in the future. Make sure to sign up for the newsletter to stay updated on upcoming events. Happy crocheting!