“Grosbeak”
Songbird Afghan Crochet Pattern

This is an intense colour work crochet afghan. If you have not done mid-row colour changes before, I highly recommend starting with a simpler pattern with fewer colour changes. For example, my Chickadee potholder or Duck afghan patterns.

The colours shown represent two species of grosbeaks, but can be modified by using the colour substitution chart. The sample shown in pictures is condensed, yours will have three more stitches of background colour between birds to make the afghan a little wider than my sample. Size and yarn estimates are based on this updated pattern, not on the finished sample shown in photos This pattern yields an afghan that is approximately 53” tall and 38” wide including the border.

The use of bobbins is highly recommended for this pattern. Clothespins can be used to keep short lengths of colours clipped to the location on the afghan where they are being used. This prevents tangling when flipping your work.

Afghan is worked almost entirely in SC, with five rows of DC. Ch 1 at start of SC rows, ch 2 at start of DC rows. Post stitches will create ridges only on RS. Written instructions and a symbol chart are included.

This project creates many yarn tails to weave in. If you don’t like weaving in ends, the wrong side can be lined with fabric to make a cozy winter afghan. However, instructions for lining with fabric are not provided.

Materials:

• 5 mm hook
• Worsted weight yarn in four colours. Sample shown uses Lion Brand Pound of Love in Oxford (1 ¾ skeins, 215m), Charcoal (< ½ skein, 250m), Cherry (< ¼ skein, 150m), and White (<¼ skein, 215m)
• Scissors or yarn snips
• Bobbins, such as clothespins, ~ 25.
• Finishing needle

Stitches:

ch chain
FSC foundation single crochet (optional)
SC single crochet
DC double crochet
BPSC back post single crochet
FPSC front post single crochet