FREE Stitch Sampler Crochet Along – Rainbow Blanket

Join us this spring on a stitch sampler crochet adventure! Over six weeks, we’ll explore 12 different interesting crochet stitch patterns. At the end of the Rainbow Blanket stitch sampler crochet along, you’ll have a beautifully-textured blanket to add a splash of color to your home or give away as a special gift.

A Crochet Blanket Full of Interesting Stitches

I love using interesting crochet stitches and techniques in my designs. In 2024, I hosted several overlay mosaic crochet CALs: the Mosaic Flower Garden Blanket CAL, the Mosaic in a Month CAL, and the wildly popular Mosaic Gingerbread Blanket CAL.

While I love mosaic crochet, there are so many other beautiful crochet stitch patterns out there. So this spring, we’re doing something a little different! I’m hosting a stitch sampler CAL, along with Joanna from High Desert Yarn. Over the course of the CAL, we’ll share 12 different crochet stich patterns in one afghan that celebrates color and texture!

Introducing Rainbow Blanket Stitch Sampler Crochet Along!

What is a Crochet Along?

If you have never participated in a Crochet Along before, you may be wondering “What is a CAL, anyway?” A Crochet Along (CAL) is essentially an event where you crochet along with other people creating the same project. A each part of the pattern is released bit by bit, and you work at the same pace as other participants.

Interested in other blanket CALs?

Pin this project for later.

How the Rainbow Blanket Stitch Sampler Crochet Along will work

Joanna and I will design 12 different afghan stripes. The pattern for each design will be free, either here at Juniper & Oakes or on the High Desert Yarn blog (we will alternate). To find the free patterns, scroll down on this post until you see pictures of each section and press the button that says “Click here for the free pattern.”

We will release each section of the CAL on Tuesdays and Fridays from March 14th through April 22nd, followed by the border pattern.

I will send out an email to announce the release of each new design, or you can simply come to this page and click on the new design to be directed to the FREE pattern for that new section. 

If you prefer to have downloadable, printable written instructions instead, you can purchase the full pattern, which includes the pattern charts for all 12 sections in a PDF.

After grabbing each new pattern, make sure you hop on over to the High Desert Yarn Handmade Community. You can ask questions, share photos of your WIPs and finished squares, watch Live videos. It will be a lot of fun! If you don’t have Facebook, you can still participate in the CAL by creating your blanket on your own. Definitely post pictures and share about the CAL on any social media you have. Be sure to tag me @juniperandoakes and use #RainbowBlanketCAL so we can see your progress.

Follow me on all of my social media for bonus CAL content:

Don’t miss an update.

I will be sending out an email each time a new design is released. You will be the first to be notified of the next part of the CAL or any other news. Sign up now! 

Schedule for the Rainbow Blanket Stitch Sampler Crochet Along

Every Tuesday and Friday from March 14th-April 22nd, a new part of the blanket will be released.

Each new section will be offered as a free pattern on the designer’s blog.

Scroll down to the bottom of the this page to find the picture of each new section.

If you don’t want to wait for each new section or would like printable instructions, go ahead and purchase the full blanket pattern ebook. Not only will you have instant access to all of the patterns for each blanket strip, but you will have them in one convenient PDF rather than clicking through multiple pages. The PDF ebook will be yours to keep and print forever.

How big will my blanket be?

That is a fantastic question! The answer will depend on many factors: yarn, hook, tension, etc.

The finished blanket is approximately 34″ wide by 58″ long (including the HDC Border).

This size makes a great blanket for a toddler or twin sized bed. It’s also wonderful for a one person snuggle session on the couch.

For a custom size, you can change the base stitch count that is divisible by 2, 3, and 4.

Here are a few base stitch counts to change the width of the blanket.

• Throw Size (48″ wide) = 180 sts
• XL Throw Size (61″ wide) = 228 sts

To change the length of the blanket, you can increase each section by 0.5-1″, or add on extra 4″ sections.

However, if you want a better idea of the size of your own blanket, it’s always a good idea to work a gauge swatch and measure it. Then you can multiply that out to estimate the finished size of your blanket.

The Yarn.

The yarn we used for this blanket is Amigo DK from Hobbi. The amount of yarn needed depends on different factors like hook size, and tension. You’ll need approximately 2 skeins (382 yards) per section of each rainbow color (or CC)—that’s 4,584 yards total. You will also need 382 yards of the neutral color (MC).

If you want to use this CAL as a stash-buster, you can also use an equivalent DK weight acrylic yarn. Just know that if you use a different yarn weight or fiber, it can affect the size and feel of your finished project.

Joanna and I each made this rainbow stitch sampler blanket in a different color scheme. She chose bold colors, offset by black borders. Mine uses more of a muted rainbow with light gray accents. Feel free to use either of these color schemes or invent something completely your own. We will NOT take it personally, and in fact, we love to see what amazing color combos everyone comes up with! So be sure to share pictures in the FB group.

The Hook.

You can use anywhere from a 4.25 mm to a 5 mm hook, depending on your tension. I love this Silver Streamline Metal Crochet Hook from Furls Crochet. This hook fits great in my hand and the yarn slides easily across the smooth metal. If you have never tried a Furls hook, I suggest you head on over to their website and order one now. 

Ultimately, choose whatever hook you’re comfortable using with your chosen yarn. Just be sure to make a swatch using the yarn & hook of your choice so you are not surprised by the size of your blanket. 

about this CAL; more will be added as they are released. Click here to access.

The Pattern for the Rainbow Blanket Stitch Sampler

As mentioned earlier, the free patterns for each blanket strip will be released two days each week on each designer’s blogs throughout mid-March to mid-April, but if you would like the full blanket pattern today, purchase the full pattern now! The full pattern includes printable charts AND written instructions for the whole blanket, plus pictures & video tutorials on mosaic crochet, and how to add a border.

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The Sections:

Here is where the sections of the CAL located. Simply find the section you are looking for and click the “Go to the FREE pattern” button below the picture. You will be taken to the designer’s website where they have their free pattern.

Note: the way we can offer this CAL for free is with ads on the blog. If you do not like the ads, you can purchase the ad-free, printable pattern in the ebook.

How do I add the next section??

Simply work Row 1 of the next section onto the last row of the previous section.

Just act as if the pattern continues like normal just with a different stitch repeat!

Action Items:

• Subscribe to the J&O newsletter.
• Join the High Desert Yarn Handmade Community

• Gather your yarn & hook

  • Amigo DK from Hobbi (or DK/light weight yarn)

    • 382 yards (2 skeins) each of the following bright or muted colors:
      • Neon Coral or Marsala
      • Bright Orange or Rust
      • Sunflower or Curry
      • Pool Green or Emerald Green
      • Cornflower or Peacock
      • Vintage Pink or Bordeaux
      • Black or Light Gray Melange
  • 4.25 mm to a 5 mm hook (varies; make a swatch to find your best size)
• Purchase the ebook.
• & then wait until the next Tuesday or Friday for the next FREE section to be released!