Wrap yourself in the vibrant, breezy feel of summer with this Summer Stripes Afghan. Designed with easy stitches and playful stripes, this pattern is ideal for relaxing days, beginner crocheters, and anyone looking to add cheerful color to their home. Whether you’re lounging by the fan or enjoying a late summer picnic, this afghan will bring warmth and style all season long.
📋 Pattern Overview
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Skill Level: Easy / Beginner-Friendly
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Finished Dimensions: Approximately 50 inches wide by 60 inches long
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Yarn: Worsted weight (category 4) yarn in 5–6 colors
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Hook: US Size I-9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook
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Gauge: Not crucial, but approximately 12 stitches x 6 rows = 4 inches in pattern
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Pattern Type: Flat rectangle, worked in rows
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Techniques Used: Single crochet, double crochet, basic color changes
🌈 Yarn & Color Suggestions
Choose bright, fun shades that represent the spirit of summer. You’ll need about 300–400 yards per color, depending on your stripe layout.
Sample Color Palette:
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Sun Yellow
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Sky Blue
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Coral Pink
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Mint Green
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Soft White
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Lavender
You can use leftover yarn for a scrap-friendly version or plan a symmetrical stripe sequence. Cotton-blend yarns will give a lighter summer drape, while acrylic yarns will make the blanket more budget-friendly and durable.
🧵 Abbreviations (US Terminology)
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ch – chain
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sc – single crochet
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dc – double crochet
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sk – skip
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st(s) – stitch(es)
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rep – repeat
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ch-sp – chain space
✨ Pattern Notes
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The afghan is worked lengthwise, which means your starting chain determines the width of the blanket.
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You can make the blanket wider or narrower by chaining a multiple of 3, plus 6 additional stitches.
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Change colors every 2 rows, or as desired. For a seamless finish, carry the yarn loosely up the side or fasten off and weave in ends.
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For a more whimsical look, vary the width of your stripes!
🧶 The Pattern
Foundation Chain:
With Color A, ch 180 (this creates a blanket approximately 50″ wide). To adjust width, chain any multiple of 3, plus 6.
Row 1 (Set-Up Row – Right Side):
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In the second chain from the hook, work 1 sc.
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Sc in each chain across the row.
(179 sc total) -
Ch 3 (counts as first dc of next row), turn.
Row 2 (Shell Row):
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DC in the next step.
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Sk 2 sts, work (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next st (shell made), sk 2 sts.
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Repeat from * to * across the row until 2 sts remain.
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Dc in each of the last 2 sts.
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Ch 1, turn.
Row 3 (Single Crochet Row):
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Work 1 sc in each dc and each ch-1 space across the row.
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Make sure you maintain 179 sc.
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Ch 3, turn.
Rows 4–10:
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Repeat Rows 2 and 3 three more times, alternating each row style.
Color Changes:
You can change colors every 2 rows (after a sc row) to maintain consistent striping. Here’s a suggested stripe pattern:
| Row(s) | Color |
|---|---|
| 1–2 | Sun Yellow |
| 3–4 | Sky Blue |
| 5–6 | Coral Pink |
| 7–8 | Mint Green |
| 9–10 | Soft White |
| Repeat the color sequence throughout the afghan |
Feel free to experiment with wider stripes or a random color order for a “scrappy summer” vibe.
Continue Pattern:
Repeat Rows 2 and 3, changing colors every 2 rows or as desired, until the afghan measures approximately 60 inches long or reaches your preferred length. End on a single crochet row for balance.
🧺 Border (Optional but Recommended)
Once you’ve completed the body of the afghan, you can add a simple border for a polished look.
Suggested Border:
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Join any color of yarn at a corner.
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Work 1 round of single crochet around the entire blanket.
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Place 3 sc in each corner to keep it flat.
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For a clean finish, you can work 2–3 additional rounds, changing color each time.
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Fasten off and weave in all loose ends.
Optional: Add fringe or tassels to the short ends for a beachy, boho finish.
🌻 Finishing Touches
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Gently block your afghan if desired, especially if it ripples or curls at the edges.
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Wash and dry according to yarn label instructions. Cotton blends may shrink slightly; acrylic usually keeps its shape.
🧡 Final Thoughts
This Summer Stripes Afghan is more than just a blanket—it’s a celebration of color, warmth, and creativity. Whether you’re making it for yourself, gifting it, or using up your yarn stash, this cheerful project is sure to brighten your days.
Feel free to personalize it with custom striping, edging details, or embellishments. Once you finish your afghan, share your creation and spread the joy!
