Afghans Knit and Crochet | Book No. 127 | Coats & Clark's

HOW TO MAKE AFGHAN STITCH …

One reason for the great popularity of afghan stitch is that it is so easy to work. Basic afghan stitch consists of only one pattern row, worked in two halves—first a loop is picked up in each stitch across the row, then the loops are worked off two at a time. Below are step-by-step instructions that any begin­ner can follow to learn this attractive stitch.

Make a foundation chain of desired number of stitches. 1st row—First Half of Row: Retaining all loops on hook, draw up a loop in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (Fig. 1). There are the same number of loops on hook as there were chain sts. Sec­ond Half of Row: Yarn over and draw through 1 loop, * yarn over and draw through 2 loops. Repeat from * across (Fig. 2). The loop which remains al­ways counts as the first st of next row (Fig. 3). 2nd row-First Half of Row: Retaining all loops on hook, draw up a loop in 2nd vertical bar (formed by loop of previous row) and in each vertical bar across to within last ver­tical bar (Fig. 4); insert hook through last vertical bar and the st directly behind it (arrow on Fig. 4) and draw up a loop (this gives a firm edge to this side). There are the same num­ber of loops as on first row. Second Half of Row: Yarn over and draw through 1 loop, * yarn over and draw through 2 loops. Repeat from * across. Repeat 2nd row for pattern.

To complete Blocks sc around as fol­lows: Being careful to keep work flat and working through vertical bar and the st directly behind it, sc around making 3 sc in each corner. Join with sl st to first sc. Break off and fasten.

How to make fringe …

PLAIN FRINGE ... Cut desired num­ber of strands as specified in direc­tions. Double these strands to form a loop (Fig. 1). Insert hook (Fig. 2) at edge of afghan and draw loop through (Fig. 3). Draw loose ends through loop (Fig. 4) and pull up tightly to form a knot (Fig. 5). Make a fringe where designated in directions. When fringe is completed, trim ends evenly.

KNOTTED FRINGE ... Make a plain fringe where designated in directions (Figs. 1-5). Pick up half the strands of the first fringe and half the strands of the second fringe and make a knot (Fig. 6) 1 inch down and in the cen­ter between 2 previous knots. Pick up remaining strands of second fringe and first half of the strands of next fringe and knot as before. Continue in this manner around. Trim ends evenly.