Background

Periodically I like to set myself a challenge – with the help of my Facebook group I take a poll of their ideas and give myself 24 hours to come up with a crochet design to draw, computerise, write up and make available for download. The theme that stuck out to me today was ‘Eagle and Cactus’. Immediately my mind went to South-Western USA, in particular the vast open spaces of Arizona, in particular the incredible landscape of Monument Valley.

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 example pattern colours – 1 x 100g ball DK yarn per pattern colour – 2 -3 x 100g balls DK yarn for the background sky colour
o If using variegated yarn for the pattern colours then 1 x 100g ball of cacti colour, 1-2 x 100g balls DK yarn of landscape colours, 2 -3 x 100g balls DK yarn for the background sky colour, 1 x 100g ball DK yarn of cloud colour, 1 x 100g ball DK yarn for the sun colour
• 4mm - 4.5mm hook
• Tapestry needle for ends
• Scissors
• Stitch markers
Dimensions: Assuming DK acrylic yarn with 4mm hook and 180 stitches wide x 160 rows 112cm (45in) width x 112 cm (45in)
Gauge: 16 stitches x 14 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.