Diamonds Reflected Block- Moogly CAL 2024

I love starting the New Year with the Moogly CAL! (Check out all the blocks for the year here). If you are new to the CAL check out Moogly’s version of this block, and her notes here.

Diamonds Reflected Block will seem a bit wonky until it is blocked, so do not get discouraged early on. The other thing that will help with the “wonkiness” is to ensure that you are pulling the long loops up to the height of the working row. If these loops are too short they squish the fabric down and cause puckering.

I was inspired to work the Diamonds Reflected during my family’s trip to the Grand Canyon just after Christmas. It was my first time to visit, and it is an inspiring place. I was even swatching up some ideas for this block with flying in a helicopter over the North Rim. And yes, I was looking out the window too. Fortunately I don’t have the seat with the glass floor…my husband had that…I don’t know how well my “I don’t have a fear of heights” statement would succeed in that seat.

If you want to follow along in my journeys join my monthly newsletter here, or join one of my classes.

Diamonds Reflected Block

Materials

  • Red Heart With Love medium weight 100% acrylic yarn colors: (A) #1538 Lilac, (B) #1207 Cornsilk, (C) #1907 Boysenberry, (D) #1304 Santorini
  • J/10/6.00mm crochet hook

Special Stitfches and Notes

Ssc= Standing single crochet

Long Loop Single Crochet (LLsc): Insert hook in indicated stitch, yo, pull a long loop up to height if the working row, yo, pull through 2 loops. (Need a visual, check out how I use this technique in a Spike Stitch Leaf)

Pattern

Rnd 1: With A, Ch 2, sc in 2nd ch from hook, 2 sc in same st, ch 2, [3 sc, ch 2] 3 times, sl st to join. – 12 sc (3 sc per side), 4 ch-2 sps

Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in each st across to ch-2 sp [(sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 sp,  sc in each st across] 3 times, (sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 sp, sc in rem sts to beg st, sl st to join. –20 sc (5 sc per side), 4 ch-2 sps

Rnd 3-5: Rep Rnd 2. Fasten off after Rnd 5. – 44 sc (11 sc per side) , 4 ch-2 sps

Start the long loops

Rnd 6: With B, join with a ssc to any ch-2 sp, ch 2, sc in same sp, sc in next 2 sts, LLsc in next st 1 Rnd below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 2 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 3 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 4 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 3 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 2 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 1 Rnd below working Rnd, sc in last 2 sts, (sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 sp, [sc in next 2 sts, LLsc in next st 1 Rnd below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 2 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 3 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 4 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 3 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 2 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 1 Rnd below working Rnd, sc in last 2 sts] 3 times, sl st to join.– 24 sc, 4ch-2 sps, 28 LLsc sts

Rnds 7-10: Rep Rnd 2. Fasten off at the end of Rnd 10. – 84 sc (21 sc per side), 4 ch-2 sps

You should start seeing the diamonds…

Rnd 11: With C, join with a ssc to any ch-2 sp, ch 2, sc in same sp, sc in next 3 sts, LLsc in next st 1 Rnd below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 2 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 3 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 4 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 3 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 2 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 1 Rnd below working Rnd, sc in next st, LLsc in next st 1 Rnd below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 2 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 3 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 4 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 3 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 2 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 1 Rnd below working Rnd, sc in next 3 sts, [(sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 sp, sc in next 3 sts, LLsc in next st 1 Rnd below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 2 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 3 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 4 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 3 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 2 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 1 Rnd below working Rnd, sc in next st, LLsc in next st 1 Rnd below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 2 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 3 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 4 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 3 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 2 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 1 Rnd below working Rnd, sc in next 3 sts] 3 times, sl st to join. –36 sc, 56 LLsc, 4 ch-2 sps

Rnds 12-15:  Rep Rnd 2. Fasten off after Rnd 15. –124 sc (31 sc per side), 4 ch-2 sps

Last time with the long loops…

Rnd 16: With D, join with a ssc to any ch-2 sp, ch 2, sc in same sp, sc in next 4 sts, LLsc in next st 1 Rnd below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 2 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 3 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 4 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 3 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 2 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 1 Rnd below working Rnd, [sc in next st, LLsc in next st 1 Rnd below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 2 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 3 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 4 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 3 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 2 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 1 Rnd below working Rnd] 2 times sc in next 3 sts, {(sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 sp, sc in next 4 sts, LLsc in next st 1 Rnd below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 2 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 3 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 4 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 3 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 2 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 1 Rnd below working Rnd, [sc in next st, LLsc in next st 1 Rnd below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 2 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 3 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 4 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 3 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 2 Rnds below working Rnd, LLsc in next st 1 Rnd below working Rnd] 2 times sc in next 3 sts, (sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 sp} 3 times, sl st to join. –48 sc, 84 LLsc, 4 ch-2 sps

Rnds 17-18: Rep Rnd 2. Fasten Off. Weave in ends. Block.

Corner to Corner in the Round

Corner to Corner in the round is a great technique that lends itself to a fun look while being a relaxing project. This technique was brought to my attention by one of my students, as she was asking how to create it. After some research I discover it here.

Essentially you are creating the beginning of 4 corner to corner blankets at the same time. You only have to work the increases, and just increase from the one corner of a blanket, to then work the next increase of the next blanket.

The first few rounds can be a bit fiddly, but after that it becomes pretty easy.

Getting Started

To get started you create a chain 7, dc in the 4th chain from the hook, and in each ch across. There will be 4 dc and the turning chain.

First block

Now chain 3, and rotate the little block clockwise if your right handed, counter-clockwise if you are left, so that you work the next 4 double crochet in around the post of the last dc created. Work these 4 double crochets.

Around the post of the last dc created
Block 2

Now 3 bocks

Rotate the blocks again in the same fashion, chain 3, and work 4 dc around the post of the last dc created. You will now have 3 blocks.

3 Blocks

Rotate the blocks one more time, chain 3 and work 3 dc around the last double crochet post created.

4 blocks, the center

The number of stitches changed in the last block because there is no new block to be created in this round, the reason all the previous blocks had 4 double crochets is because the last double crochet created is to be a base for the next block. As there is no new block after the 4th, it only needs 3 stitches.

Now slip stitch to the top of the adjacent square.

4 blocks

In my samples I have changed colors at this point, but you can easily continue with the same yarn.

Round 2

Turn the work like a page of a book, just like you do with your other crochet projects. Chain 6, dc in 4th chain from hook, and in each chain across. Now slip stitch to the opposite corner of the same block in round 1, this is the next corner from the chain.

Making the first block of Round 2
Slip stitch the block in place.

Rotate the blocks again, and chain 3. Work 4 dc in the side of the next block in round 1. Chain 3, and rotate the blocks again, work 3 dc around the post of the last dc made. Slip stitch to the next corner in round 1. This process is repeated for all or Round 2. Slip Stitch to join at the top of the corner of the adjacent block.

Round 2

Round 3 and Beyond

Beginning Round 3 is the same process, turn the work like a page of a book. Chain 6 dc in the 4th chain from the hook, and in each chain across. Now slip stitch to the opposite corner of the same block in round 2, this is the next corner from the chain.

Rotate the blocks again, and chain 3. Work 3 dc in the side of the next block, and skip stitch to the top of the next adjacent block. I refer to this as filling in the blocks, in the rounds after Round 3, there will be more steps, but you work them the same.

Round 3 complete

When you get to the top step, the top step created will be the first side worked into on the next rotation, so after creating a chain 3, work 4 dc in the side of the next block in the round below. Chain 3, and rotate the blocks again, work 3 dc around the post of the last dc made. Slip stitch to the next corner in round 1. This process is repeated for all or Round 3 and all subsequent rounds. Slip Stitch to join at the top of the corner of the adjacent block.

Free Pattern

I have worked up a couple of toddler blankets in this technique. If you would like to work them, I have outlined the yarn and color changes I used below, but I used the pattern technique listed above.

Radiant Rounds Lapghan

Working corner to corner in the round creates a fun and easy blanket. The materials and pattern will make 2 blankets reversing the color orders.

Size: 41” square

Materials

  • Scheepjes Colour Crafter medium weigh 100% Acrylic yarn (100g/3.5oz/300m/328yrds)
    • 5 skeins #1002 Ede (A),
    • 1 skein each:
      • #1123 Roermond (B),
      • #2002 Gent (C),
      • #2004 Brussel (D),
      • #1116 Emmen (E),
      • #1117 Delft (F),
      • #1425 Deventer (G)
  • H/8/5.00mm crochet hook

Pattern

Rnd 1: With A, ch 7, dc in 4th ch from hook, and each ch across, rotate (clockwise if right handed, counter-clockwise if left handed), ch 3, 4 dc around post of last dc created, rotate, ch 3, 4 dc around port of last dc created, rotate, ch 3, 3 dc around post of last dc created, sl st to adjacent block, turn.

Rnd 2: Ch 6, dc in 4th ch from hook, and each ch across, sl st opposite corner of block below, rotate, [ch 3, 4 dc around post of block below, ch 3, rotate, 3 dc around post of last dc created, sl st to adjacent block] 3 times, ch 3, 3 dc around post of block below, sl st to top of adjacent block, turn.

Rnd 3-42: Ch 6, dc in 4th ch from hook, and each ch across, sl st to opposite corner of block below, {rotate, [ch 3, 3 dc around post of stitch below for each step block until top step] across to corner, ch 3, 4 dc around post of stitch in block below, rotate, ch 3, dc in around post of stitch just created, sl st to adjacent block} 2 times, [ch 3, 3 dc around post of stitch below for each step block until top step] across to corner, ch 3, 3 dc around post of stitch in block below, sl st to top of adjacent block, turn.

Fasten off at the end of Rnd 42

Weave in ends, block if desired.

Color Sequence (lapghan 1/ lapghan 2)

  • Rnd 1-2: A
  • Rnds 3-4: B/G
  • Rnds 5-6: A
  • Rnd 7-8: C/F
  • Rnds 9-10: A
  • Rnds 11-12: D/E
  • Rnd 13-14: A
  • Rnds 15-16: E/D
  • Rnds 17-18: A
  • Rnd 19-20: F/C
  • Rnds 21-22: A
  • Rnds 23-24: G/B
  • Rnd 25-26: A
  • Rnds 27-28: G/B
  • Rnds 29-30: A
  • Rnd 31-32: F/C
  • Rnds 33-34: A
  • Rnds 35-36: E/D
  • Rnd 37: A
  • Rnds 38: D/E
  • Rnds 39: A
  • Rnd 40: C/F
  • Rnds 41: A
  • Rnds 42: B/G

Charity Blocks- Tunisian Honeycomb and Airy

Over the last several weeks I have been doing a lot of work creating new design blocks for charity. These blocks can be used as you see fit to benefit others.

Materials

  • Cascade Yarn Pacific medium weight yarn, 60% acrylic/40% superwash merino wool (100g/3.5oz/213 yrd/195 m)
  • 8 mm Tunisian crochet hook

Block measures 7″ x7″

Honeycomb Tunisian Block for Charity

Honeycomb Tunisian block for Charity

Row 1: Ch 22, starting in 2nd ch from hook, pull up a loop in each ch across. RP. –22 loops on hook

Row 2: [Tss, Tps] across, Tss in last st. RP.

Row 3: [Tps, Tss] across, Tss in last st. RP.

Rows 4-15: Rep Rows 2 & 3.

Row 16: Sc in each st across, inserting hook alternating as for Tss and Tps, ending with Tss. –22 sc

Fasten off, weave in ends, block.

Airy Tunisian Block for Charity

Row 1: Ch 22, starting in 2nd ch from hook, pull up a loop in each ch across. RP. –22 loops on hook

Row 2: [Tss, yo, sk 1 st] across, Tss in last st. RP.

Row 3: Tss in each st across, including yo sts. RP.

Row 4: [Yo, sk 1 st, Tss] across, Tss in last st. RP.

Row 5: Rep Row 3.

Rows 6-13: Rep Rows 2-5 twice.

Row 14: Rep Row 2.

Row 15: Sc in each st across inserting hook as for Tss. –22 sc

Fasten off, weave in ends, block.

Charity Block- Mesh

Over the last several weeks I have been doing a lot of work creating new design blocks for charity. These blocks can be used as you see fit to benefit others.

Materials

  • Cascade Yarn Pacific medium weight yarn, 60% acrylic/40% superwash merino wool (100g/3.5oz/213 yrd/195 m)
  • Hook size I/9/5.5mm, unless otherwise specified

Block measures 7″ x7″

Mesh block for Charity

Mesh block for charity

Rnd 1: Ch 4, sl st to first ch to form ring, ch 5 (counts as dc + ch 2), [3 dc in ring, ch 2] 3 times, 2 dc in ring, sl st to 3rd ch of beg ch-5 to join. –12 dc, 4 ch-2 sps

Rnd 2: Sl st in ch-2 sp, ch 3 (counts as dc), (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same sp, ch 2, sk 1 st, sc in next st, ch 2 [(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch-2 sp, ch 2, sk 1 st, sc in next st, ch 2] 3 times, sl st in top of beg ch-3 to join. –16 dc, 12 ch-2 sps, 4 sc

Rnd 3: Sl st to first ch-2 sp, ch 3, (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same sp, ch 2, [sc in next ch-2 sp, ch 2] 2 times, {(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in corner ch-2 sp, ch 2, [sc in next ch-2 sp, ch 2] 2 times} 3 times, sl st in top of beg ch-3 to join. –16 dc, 8 sc, 16 ch-2 sps

Rnd 4: Sl st to first ch-2 sp, ch 3, (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same sp, ch 2, [sc in next ch-2 sp, ch 2] 3 times, {(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in corner ch-2 sp, ch 2, [sc in next ch-2 sp, ch 2] 3 times} 3 times, sl st in top of beg ch-3 to join. –16 dc, 12 sc, 20 ch-2 sps

Rnd 5: Sl st to first ch-2 sp, ch 3, (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same sp, ch 2, [sc in next ch-2 sp, ch 2] 4 times, {(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in corner ch-2 sp, ch 2, [sc in next ch-2 sp, ch 2] 4 times} 3 times, sl st in top of beg ch-3 to join. –16 dc, 16 sc, 24 ch-2 sps

Rnd 6: Sl st to first ch-2 sp, ch 3, (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same sp, ch 2, [sc in next ch-2 sp, ch 2] 5 times, {(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in corner ch-2 sp, ch 2, [sc in next ch-2 sp, ch 2] 5 times} 3 times, sl st in top of beg ch-3 to join. –16 dc, 20 sc, 28 ch-2 sps

Rnd 7: Sl st to first ch-2 sp, ch 3, (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same sp, ch 2, [sc in next ch-2 sp, ch 2] 6 times, {(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in corner ch-2 sp, ch 2, [sc in next ch-2 sp, ch 2] 6 times} 3 times, sl st in top of beg ch-3 to join. –16 dc, 24 sc, 32 ch-2 sps

Rnd 8: Sl st to first ch-2 sp, ch 3, (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same sp, ch 2, [sc in next ch-2 sp, ch 2] 7 times, {(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in corner ch-2 sp, ch 2, [sc in next ch-2 sp, ch 2] 7 times} 3 times, sl st in top of beg ch-3 to join. –16 dc, 28 sc, 36 ch-2 sps

Rnd 9: Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in next st, [(sc, ch 2, sc) in corner ch-2 sp, sc in each st and ch across to next corner ch-2 sp] 3 times, (sc, ch 2, sc) in last corner ch-2 sp, sc in each st and ch to end, sl st in first sc to join. –124 sc

Fasten off, weave in ends, block.

Charity Block- Old World

Over the last several weeks I have been doing a lot of work creating new design blocks for charity. These blocks can be used as you see fit to benefit others.

Materials

  • Cascade Yarn Pacific medium weight yarn, 60% acrylic/40% superwash merino wool (100g/3.5oz/213 yrd/195 m)
  • Hook size I/9/5.5mm, unless otherwise specified

Block measures 7″ x7″

Old World Block for Charity

Old World block for charity

Rnd 1: Ch 4 (counts as dc), 15 dc in the 4th ch from hook, sl st in top of beg ch-4 to join. –16 dc

Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in same st, sk 1 st, (5 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in next st, sk 1 st, [sc in next st, sk 1 st, (5 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in next st, sk 1 st] 3 times, sl st in first sc to join. –4 sc, 4 ch-2 sps, 40 dc

Rnd 3: Ch 4 (counts as dc + 1 ch), dc in same st, ch 2, sk 3 dc, sc in next 2 dc, (sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 sp, sc in next 2 dc, ch 2, [(dc, ch 1, dc) in next sc, ch 2, sk 3 dc, sc in next 2 dc, (sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 sp, sc in next 2 dc, ch 2] 3 times, sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch-4 to join. –8 dc, 24 sc, 4 ch-1 sps, 12 ch-2 sps

Rnd 4: Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in ch-1 sp, sc in next dc, 2 sc in ch-2 sp, sc in next 3 sts, (sc, ch 1, sc) in ch-2 sp, sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in ch-2 sp, [sc in next dc, sc in next ch-1 sp, sc in next dc, 2 sc in ch-2 sp, sc in next 3 sts, (sc, ch 1, sc) in ch-2 sp, sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in ch-2 sp] 3 times, sl st in first sc to join. –4 ch-1 sps, 60 sc

Rnd 5: Sl st in next st, ch 4 (counts as 1 tr), 4 tr in same st, [sk 3 sts, sc in next st, ch 3, sc in ch-1 sp, ch 3, sk 3 sts, sc in next st, sk 3 sts, (5 tr, ch 2, 5 tr) in next st] 3 times, ch 3, sk 3 sts, sc in ch-1 sp, ch 3, sk 3 sts, sc in next st, 5 tr in first st, ch 2, sl st in top of beg ch-4 to join. –40 tr, 4 ch-2 sps, 12 sc, 8 ch-3 sps

Rnd 6: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next 2 sts, ch 3, sc in ch-3 sp, sc in next sc, sc in next ch-3 sp, ch 3, sk 2 tr, dc in next 3 tr, (dc, ch 2, dc) in ch-2 sp, [dc in next 3 tr, ch 3, sc in ch-3 sp, sc in next sc, sc in next ch-3 sp, ch 3, sk 2 tr, dc in next 3 tr, (dc, ch 2, dc) in ch-2 sp] 3 times, sl st in top of beg ch-3 to join. –32 dc, 12 sc, 4 ch-2 sps, 8 ch-3 sps

Rnd 7: Ch 3, [dc in each st and ch across to next corner ch-2 sp, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch-2 sp] 4 times, dc in last st, sl st to join. –84 dc

Fasten off, weave in ends, block.