257 TLC Designs Wine

257 TLC Designs Wine Crochet Blanket by Tricia Crow

Project Overview

The 257 TLC Designs Wine is a crochet blanket designed by independent designer Tricia Crow. This finished throw measures 44 inches by 60 inches, making it an ideal size for a cozy lap blanket or decorative throw for sofas and chairs. The project is rated at intermediate difficulty, suitable for crocheters with foundational skills who are ready to work with charted patterns and specialty stitches.

Crochet Techniques and Stitch Work

This blanket combines fundamental and decorative crochet techniques to create visual interest and texture. The primary stitches used throughout the pattern are single crochet (sc) and bobble stitches, which form the main design elements.

The bobble stitch is the signature decorative technique in this project. Each bobble is created by working multiple yarn overs and loops within a single stitch location, then drawing all loops together to form a textured, three-dimensional bobble. Specifically, the bobble stitch is executed by: yarn over, insert hook in the next stitch, yarn over, draw up a loop, yarn over, draw through 2 loops, and repeat this sequence 3 additional times in the same stitch. Finally, yarn over and draw through all 5 loops remaining on the hook. All bobble stitches are worked to the back of the fabric, creating a raised dimensional effect on the front surface.

The pattern uses a chart-based construction where each square represents one stitch. Blank squares indicate single crochet stitches, while black squares represent bobble stitch placements. The chart is read from left to right on even rows, and work progresses from the bottom toward the top of the blanket. Numbers on the chart indicate the quantity of single crochets worked between bobble stitches when there are 3 or more consecutive single crochets.

Pattern Structure and Row Breakdown

The blanket is constructed with a beginning chain of 172 stitches, followed by single crochet in the second chain from the hook and in each remaining chain, creating 171 stitches across. The first three rows are worked entirely in single crochet to establish the foundation. Rows 4 through 260 follow the charted pattern, combining single crochet and bobble stitches according to the design. The final three rows (261–263) return to single crochet across to finish the piece. All rows begin with a chain 1, and the total stitch count across each row is 171 stitches, with a total of 263 rows in the completed blanket.

Yarn and Materials

This project calls for Loops & Threads Impeccable yarn, requiring approximately 3700 yards total. The yarn weight is Aran or Worsted weight, which provides good stitch definition for both the single crochet base and the bobble stitch details. A size 7 (4.5mm) crochet hook is used throughout, appropriate for the selected yarn weight and creating a fabric with balanced drape and structure suitable for a throw blanket.

Design and Finished Product

The combination of single crochet and bobble stitches creates a textured, dimensional fabric with visual depth. The bobble stitches worked to the back of the piece add tactile interest while maintaining a relatively smooth front surface, making this blanket both visually appealing and pleasant to handle. The finished throw is substantial enough for practical use while remaining lightweight and breathable due to the open nature of crochet construction.