Several of the innovative afghans in the book Unexpected Afghans draw inspiration from traditional quilt patterns, joining strips of color as you would strips of fabric.

The Cabine De Dentelle Afghan, the Peerie Baby Blanket, and the Bethlehem Star all use blocks of color, joined to each other as you go, to create geometrical shapes. The beauty of crocheting afghans in blocks of color is the ability to create a warm dense fabric that remains visually striking through your color choice.

In order to create these afghans, sections of crochet are worked into not only the top row of previous blocks but also into those blocks' row ends. Learning a few tricks can make working into row ends easier and give the finished piece more stability and a cleaner appearance.

When working in single crochet row ends, work one stitch in each single crochet row (see Figure 1).

When working in double crochet row ends, work two stitches in each row end. This can be done in one of two ways:

1. Work into the side of the post of the row-end stitch: for the first stitch, insert the hook under the top two strands at the top of the post; for the second stitch, insert the hook under the top two strands at the base of the post (see Figure 2).

2. Crochet in the top of the stitch closest to the row end: For the first stitch, insert your hook under the top two strands of the last stitch of the row (see Figure 3). For the second stitch, insert your hook under two strands about midway down the post. 

Practice working into row ends and create a fun colorwork crocheted baby blanket with the Peerie Baby Blanket or be inspired by traditional quilting with the Bethlehem Star.

Pre-order Unexpected Afghans today and find all of these fabulous afghans plus innovative Tunisian crochet, lace, and cable blankets.

Best wishes,