This was originally designed as a part of a 24 hour design challenge on my Facebook group. I wanted to create something that felt really autumnal and makes me think of my personal favourite season of the year. I love the changes that happen and I love the vibrancy of the tree leaves changing and flying to the ground in the wind.

A popular request in my group was for me to design an owl blanket, and the image that sprung to mind was falling rust colour leaves creating the shape of an owl in a moonlit night sky! I hope you all enjoy making this project as much as I have enjoyed designing it!

Owls and Leaves - What you will need
Difficulty – Intermediate
Techniques used:
• UK terms – BLDC – Back loop double crochet,
• US terms - BLSC – Back loop single crochet,
• Slip Stitches

What you will need for baby blanket
• I always recommend Stylecraft Special DK for this as I love the vibrancy of the colours and the yarn is a lovely texture and easy to work with.
o If using the recommended pattern colours – 3 x 100g ball DK yarn in background colours – 1 x 100g ball DK yarn of each pattern colours
• A – Royal
• B - Burgundy
• C - Claret
• D – Copper
• E – Spice
• F – Gold
• G – Mustard
• H - White
o If using a single pattern colour - 3 x 100g ball DK yarn in background colours – 2 x 100g ball DK yarn in pattern colours, 1 x 100g ball DK yarn in moonlight colours
• 4mm - 4.5mm hook
• Tapestry needle for ends
• Scissors
• Stitch markers

Dimensions: Assuming DK acrylic yarn with 4mm hook and 120 stitches wide x 110 rows plus side borders 80cm (32in) width x 80cm (32in)

Gauge: 16 stitches x 11 rows for 10cm/4in square using BLDC (UK terms)/BLSC (US terms) and 4mm hook

Basic Concepts and instructions
TERMS:
Start each row with a standing double crochet (See basic concepts section). End each row and finish off by pulling all colours through the last loop (Also see my colour change post and the photo of finishing off)
- BLDC (BLSC) = Back Loop Double Crochet (Back Loop Single Crochet - US terms)
Chart: The grid squares = Back Loop Double Crochet (Back Loop Single Crochet - US terms)
This pattern is in tapestry crochet style and therefore worked from right to left only and the two strands of yarn are carried along together with the top strand working over the second strand.
This blanket would also be possible working back and forth using normal Double Crochet (Single Crochet US terms), however I personally prefer the look of tapestry crochet and all written detail contained in this pattern is assuming you are working right to left.