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Afghans on the Double
A wonderful collection of favorite crocheted afghans from Leisure Arts instruction leaflets "Make Every Day Special" and "Leisure Arts the Magazine." Includes over 50 full-color photos of designs, complete instructions, a variety of afghan designs, and more.
125 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
About the author
Leisure Arts
2,561 books46 followersLeisure Arts was born from a simple concept: The Art of Everyday Living. From its inception in 1971, Leisure Arts brightened lives through the art of needle crafting, specifically through crochet and knit publications. Today, Leisure Arts provides all the tools you need to live creatively. As a leading publisher of lifestyle and instructional craft publications, we work with a team of talented designers to bring you the latest trends in all crafting categories. From needle crafting and general crafting how-to books to adult coloring books, coloring instruments, home décor and beyond, it’s easy to make memories with Leisure Arts.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 25, 2017
By on the double it means the yarn is doubled, and use a large hook size. A quick way to make a project, but I usually don't like the clunkiness of the result. Still, I liked the look of some of these afghans, especially Mimosa Blossoms, though I would probably do them with a single strand. I also liked Distinctive Diamonds, and might work up some of these squares, to add to my motif collection.
January 11, 2015
5-star rating because too many of the afghan patterns are appealing; I can’t decide which to make first! This how-to guide contains instructions for crocheting 52 different afghans, each with color photo. These afghans vary widely in appearance. The title “Afghans on the Double” refers both to the use of double-strands of yarn in all of the patterns, and to the relative fast pace of crocheting (especially on the large hooks used in these patterns) compared with other handiwork. Compiled in 1996, the variety of styles in this collection is greater than in many more recently published books. The patterns vary from easy to complex, and from light and open to dense and warm. Some are picot edged, some have fringe, others stand on their own. Both adult and baby afghans are included.
Several afghans are variations on granny blocks: hexagonal pastel daisies on white, bold square block colors on black, rainbow rows, and an Americana theme. There are variations on classic chevrons including a giant chevron (“Discriminating Taste”) and “Fringe Benefits,” a chevron with fringe woven into the high and low points of the chevron from one end of the afghan to the other. “True Blue Ripples” is an unusual openwork chevron.
Some of the more solid afghans look woven or knotted. “Fireside Throw” is thick and casual, with multiple-width stripes that you can adjust to your liking, or to use up leftover yarn. “Christmas Tartan Plaid” cleverly combines crochet and end-to-end woven fringe. “Blended Rainbow” is bold and looks just like its name. “Contrasting Interest” looks almost like bargello needlepoint.
Fancier-stitched afghans include popcorn, puff stitch, cables, shells, scallops, clusters, and fan-shapes. “Stars for Baby” is a simple, lovely pattern worked in variegated yarn. “Cascade of Roses,” made up of double crochet clusters in dark rose, rose, and teal, looks rich and unusual. A couple of afghans are inspired by Irish fishermen sweaters, with popcorn, cables, and crisscrosses. Others feature waves, zigzags, diagonals, and chain patterns.
Openwork patterns include the basic “Zigzag Filet” and “Stairstep Filet.” Open- and closed-work are combined in “Graceful Trellis” (inspired by garden fence), “Resplendent Beauty” (alternating puff-stitches with open spaces), and “Victorian Lace” (alternating solid chevron bands with lacy openwork). The “Luxurious Wrap” is semi-open work, featuring shells, v-stitches, and picot edging; it looks extremely cozy and elegant yet understated.
The last chapter gives general instructions for crocheting to gauge, as well as a well-illustrated guide to basic and fancy stitches. There are also tips for joining sections and for finishing.
Anyone who crochets will enjoy this book. People who enjoy doing other types of handiwork might find some crochet projects to their liking. Beginning crochet-ers and those considering taking up crochet will find many inspiring ideas in this volume, as well as basic instructions for getting started.
Several afghans are variations on granny blocks: hexagonal pastel daisies on white, bold square block colors on black, rainbow rows, and an Americana theme. There are variations on classic chevrons including a giant chevron (“Discriminating Taste”) and “Fringe Benefits,” a chevron with fringe woven into the high and low points of the chevron from one end of the afghan to the other. “True Blue Ripples” is an unusual openwork chevron.
Some of the more solid afghans look woven or knotted. “Fireside Throw” is thick and casual, with multiple-width stripes that you can adjust to your liking, or to use up leftover yarn. “Christmas Tartan Plaid” cleverly combines crochet and end-to-end woven fringe. “Blended Rainbow” is bold and looks just like its name. “Contrasting Interest” looks almost like bargello needlepoint.
Fancier-stitched afghans include popcorn, puff stitch, cables, shells, scallops, clusters, and fan-shapes. “Stars for Baby” is a simple, lovely pattern worked in variegated yarn. “Cascade of Roses,” made up of double crochet clusters in dark rose, rose, and teal, looks rich and unusual. A couple of afghans are inspired by Irish fishermen sweaters, with popcorn, cables, and crisscrosses. Others feature waves, zigzags, diagonals, and chain patterns.
Openwork patterns include the basic “Zigzag Filet” and “Stairstep Filet.” Open- and closed-work are combined in “Graceful Trellis” (inspired by garden fence), “Resplendent Beauty” (alternating puff-stitches with open spaces), and “Victorian Lace” (alternating solid chevron bands with lacy openwork). The “Luxurious Wrap” is semi-open work, featuring shells, v-stitches, and picot edging; it looks extremely cozy and elegant yet understated.
The last chapter gives general instructions for crocheting to gauge, as well as a well-illustrated guide to basic and fancy stitches. There are also tips for joining sections and for finishing.
Anyone who crochets will enjoy this book. People who enjoy doing other types of handiwork might find some crochet projects to their liking. Beginning crochet-ers and those considering taking up crochet will find many inspiring ideas in this volume, as well as basic instructions for getting started.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews