Undyed Block Stripe Afghan: Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

This undyed block stripe afghan is a cozy, timeless throw that anyone can make, even if you have only just learned double crochet. It is worked in wide horizontal blocks of natural white and oatmeal undyed yarn, so the preppy stripe design does all the work while you simply enjoy the rhythm of the stitch. The plain double crochet fabric comes out dense and even, with a soft, slightly ridged texture that feels warm in the hand and drapes beautifully over a sofa or bed. Because the colors are undyed and the stitch is simple, it suits any room and makes a lovely, thoughtful gift.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: DK weight (3), cotton or cotton blend, undyed. Color A (natural white): 900 yards. Color B (natural oatmeal): 900 yards.
• Hook: 4 mm (G-6) crochet hook, or the size needed to match gauge.
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, stitch markers (optional), and a spray bottle or blocking tub for wet blocking.
• Finished size: 52" x 24" [132 x 61 cm].

Abbreviations

• ch – chain: make a loop of yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook.
• dc – double crochet: yarn over, insert hook in stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through two loops, yarn over and pull through the last two loops.
• sc – single crochet: insert hook in stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through both loops.
• sl st – slip stitch: insert hook in stitch, yarn over and pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook at once.
• st(s) – stitch(es).
• sk – skip: miss the next stitch without working into it.

Gauge

15 stitches x 9 rows = 4" [10 cm] in double crochet after wet blocking. To check, crochet a small swatch in dc, wet block it, and measure a 4" section; adjust your hook size if needed.

Tips Before You Start

• Count your stitches at the end of every row. Each row of this afghan should have 194 dc, and a quick count keeps the edges straight.
• Keep your turning chain consistent: the ch 3 at the start of each row counts as the first dc, so begin your next dc in the second stitch.
• Change colors only at the end of a block and fasten off cleanly, so the stripe edges stay crisp and tidy.
• Work a little more loosely than usual; a relaxed tension gives the dense dc fabric a softer drape.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Afghan Body

The afghan is worked flat in rows of double crochet, alternating color blocks every 12 rows. You will work 6 blocks total (3 of each color), beginning with Color A and ending with Color B. The last row is Row 72.

Setup: With Color A, ch 196.

Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook (skipped 3 ch count as first dc), dc in each ch across, turn. (194 dc)

Rows 2-12: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in each st across, turn. (194 dc) Fasten off Color A.

Rows 13-24: With Color B, ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in each st across, turn. (194 dc) Fasten off Color B.

Rows 25-36: With Color A, ch 3, dc in each st across, turn. (194 dc) Fasten off Color A.

Rows 37-48: With Color B, ch 3, dc in each st across, turn. (194 dc) Fasten off Color B.

Rows 49-60: With Color A, ch 3, dc in each st across, turn. (194 dc) Fasten off Color A.

Rows 61-72: With Color B, ch 3, dc in each st across, turn. (194 dc) Fasten off Color B. Do not fasten off the final yarn until the border is complete, or rejoin Color A for the border as below.

Border

The border is two rounds of single crochet in Color A worked around the entire perimeter, with 3 sc in each corner to turn neatly.

Round 1: With Color A, join yarn with a sl st to any corner, ch 1, sc evenly around the entire afghan, working 3 sc in each corner, join with sl st to first sc.

Round 2: Ch 1, sc in each sc around, working 3 sc in each corner, join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.

Assembly and Finishing

This afghan is worked in one piece, so there is no seaming to do. Weave in all yarn ends neatly on the wrong side, threading each tail through several stitches before trimming. Wet block the finished afghan to the measurements of 52" x 24" [132 x 61 cm]: soak it gently in cool water, press out the excess water in a towel, pin it flat to size, and let it dry completely. Blocking opens up the stitches and gives the stripes clean, straight edges.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Make the blocks wider or narrower by working more or fewer rows per color; just keep each block the same height for even stripes.
• For a bolder look, swap the two undyed shades for a soft sage and cream, or add a third color for a three-stripe repeat.
• Add a third border round in Color B, or work the border in half double crochet for a slightly thicker, more defined edge.