Bring the comforting colors of a berry patch into your home with the Bumble Berry Afghan, a beautifully textured, color-rich throw that’s perfect for snuggling. This afghan is designed with easy stitch repeats and colorful striping that mimic the rippling hues of ripe raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and cream.
Whether you’re curling up on the couch or adding a touch of handmade charm to your guest room, this blanket is a joyful project for any crochet enthusiast. Let’s dive into the full pattern and bring some bumbleberry sweetness into your stitching.
Project Overview
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Pattern Name: Bumble Berry Afghan
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Finished Size: Approximately 50” wide by 60” long (customizable)
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Skill Level: Advanced Beginner to Intermediate
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Crochet Terminology: US terms
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Construction: Worked flat in rows from the bottom up, finished with a simple but elegant border
Materials Needed
To complete the Bumble Berry Afghan, gather the following materials:
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Worsted weight yarn (Category 4) in 4–5 complementary colors inspired by berries:
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Color A (Raspberry): Approx. 400 yds
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Color B (Blueberry): Approx. 400 yds
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Color C (Blackberry): Approx. 400 yds
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Color D (Cream): Approx. 350 yds
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Color E (Olive Leaf Green, optional): Approx. 200 yds (for accent)
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Hook Size: 6.0 mm (US J-10) crochet hook
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Notions:
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Scissors
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Yarn/tapestry needle for weaving in ends
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Stitch markers (optional)
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Measuring tape
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Stitches and Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Stitch Name | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| ch | Chain | Yarn over, pull through loop |
| sc | Single Crochet | Insert hook, yarn over, pull through, yarn over, pull through both loops |
| hdc | Half Double Crochet | Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull through, yarn over, pull through all three loops |
| dc | Double Crochet | Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull through, yarn over, pull through two loops twice |
| fpdc | Front Post Double Crochet | Yarn over, insert hook around post from front to back to front, complete dc |
| bpdc | Back Post Double Crochet | Yarn over, insert hook around post from back to front to back, complete dc |
| pop | Popcorn Stitch (5 dc popcorn) | Work 5 dc in same st, remove hook, insert into first dc, pull loop through |
Gauge
Gauge is not crucial for this pattern, but for reference:
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12 dc and 8 rows = 4 inches x 4 inches
Feel free to adjust your hook size if you want a denser or looser fabric.
Pattern Notes
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The afghan is worked in long rows, ideal for creating relaxing, meditative stitching.
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You’ll be alternating between textured stitches and popcorn motifs to create interest and dimension.
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Striping is done every few rows. Change colors on the final pull-through of the last stitch in the row.
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You may chain any multiple of 8 + 3 to adjust the width of your afghan.
Pattern Instructions
Foundation Row
With Color A (Raspberry), chain 147 (or any multiple of 8 + 3 for custom width).
Row 1:
Dc in the 4th ch from the hook (skipped chains count as first dc), and in each chain across.
→ You should have 145 DC at the end.
Turn.
Textured Body Pattern
This section is worked by repeating a series of six rows: alternating post stitches for ridged texture and popcorn rows for bumpy “berry” bursts.
Row 2 (Right Side – Texture Stripe):
Ch 2 (counts as hdc), fpdc in next stitch, bpdc in the following stitch; repeat from * to the last stitch, hdc in last stitch.
Turn.
Row 3:
Repeat Row 2. Change to Color B (Blueberry) at the end of the row by finishing the last hdc with the new color. Turn.
Row 4 (Popcorn Row):
Ch 1, sc in first st, popcorn stitch in next stitch, sc in next 2 sts; repeat from * to last stitch, sc in final stitch.
Turn.
Row 5 (Anchor Row):
Ch 1, sc in each stitch across to flatten the popcorns and anchor the texture.
Turn.
Row 6:
Repeat Row 4 using the same color. On final stitch, change to Color C (Blackberry).
Turn.
Row 7 (Return to Texture Stripe):
Repeat Row 2. Use Color C.
Turn.
Repeating the Body
Continue repeating Rows 2–7, alternating colors in this sequence:
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Raspberry (Color A)
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Blueberry (Color B)
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Blackberry (Color C)
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Cream (Color D)
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Olive Leaf (Color E, optional)
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Repeat from the top
Work until the piece measures approximately 60 inches, or your desired length. End on Row 3 or Row 7 for a consistent top edge.
Border Instructions
The Bumble Berry Afghan finishes beautifully with a simple, clean border that frames the textures within.
Round 1 (Setup):
With Cream (or any neutral), attach yarn to a corner.
Ch 1, sc evenly along each side of the blanket. Place 3 sc in each corner to maintain a flat edge. Join with sl st to the first sc.
Round 2 (Build):
Ch 2, hdc in each sc around, placing 3 hdc in the center stitch of each corner. Join with SL St.
Round 3 (Optional Crab Stitch Edge):
For a unique finish, ch 1 and work reverse sc (crab stitch) in each stitch around. This creates a rope-like edging that complements the berry texture.
Fasten off and weave in all ends securely.
Finishing Touches
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Blocking (Optional): Lightly steam block or wet block to even out the stitches.
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Tagging: Add a handmade tag for gifting or personal flair.
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Pillows: Use leftover yarn to make matching throw pillows or a small bolster.
Customization Ideas
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Use ombre yarn for a gradient berry effect without switching skeins.
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Make a baby-sized version using soft cotton yarns.
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Add tassels or fringe at the short edges for a boho twist.
Care Instructions
Machine wash cold on gentle cycle. Lay flat to dry to preserve texture and prevent stretching.
Embark on a tactile journey through creativity—unlock the PDF rendition of this splendidly woven design, meticulously crafted by Crochet Crowd. This downloadable manuscript diverges notably from the rendition showcased herein, offering nuanced intricacies and enriching flourishes. For a complete grasp of the artistry involved, we earnestly urge you to peruse its pages. Tap the access button beneath to delve into the full pattern experience.
Video Tutorial:
This tutorial, provided by The Crochet Crowd, offers detailed, step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced crocheters. The video covers everything from selecting materials to assembling the afghan, ensuring you have all the guidance you need to complete this beautiful project. By The Crochet Crowd Channel
This combination of video and written instructions should provide a comprehensive guide to help you successfully create your own Bumble Berry Afghan. Happy crocheting!
You Did It!
Congratulations on completing your Bumble Berry Afghan! Whether you made it for yourself, a loved one, or just for the joy of creating, this blanket is a warm, textured reminder of the beauty found in nature and handmade things. 🍓🫐
