Iris Stitch Crochet Afghan Pattern
Looking for a great crochet pattern for relaxing? This Iris Stitch Crochet Afghan is the perfect blanket to make when you need to de-stress and unwind! Find the full pattern below!
Do you crochet to de-stress? Last week, my dad was in the hospital and unexpectedly had open heart surgery. I had just wrapped up my most recent WIP, so I didn’t take any projects to the hospital.
I regretted not packing my yarn and some hooks. One afternoon, I ran to the yarn store to pick up some yarn and a hook. I chose Lion Brand Yarn’s Heartland in the shade Indiana Dunes. Though the photos didn’t pick it up well, the yarn is slightly heathered, which I love!
I started this iris stitch crochet afghan sitting in the parking lot of the Joann store near the hospital. While I crocheted, I prayed. Crocheting helps keep my mind calmer when I’m worried, and I that was just what I needed.
When I’m stressed, I want a low-key project. You all know I love striped blankets, but it wasn’t the time for stripes. I needed a solid color afghan without many ends to weave.
Thankfully, my dad is doing wonderfully. He came through the surgery well and was able to go home more quickly than expected.
Materials Needed
- J/10 (6.00 mm) Crochet Hook
- Approximately 730 yards of worsted weight yarn.
- I used 3.5 skeins of Lion Brand Heartland in the shade Indiana Dunes.
- Tapestry needle and scissors for weaving ends.
- The ad-free PDF is available here.
Yarn Substitutions
I often get asked if a pattern will work with a different yarn. The answer is almost always YES!
For instance, I also made the blanket pictured above using Caron Macchiato Cakes in the shade Whisper. I love the way this blanket turned out using this variegated yarn. Using a contrasting yarn on the border gave this blanket a nice, polished look!
If you decide to use a different weight yarn – perhaps a bulky yarn or a DK yarn – just be sure to look at the yarn label to find the recommended hook size. Once you find that, go up one hook size!
Also remember, when you change your yarn, the gauge of the pattern changes so your finished project will be a different size.
Pattern Notes
- Blanket pictured measures approximately 30” x 34”. 6 sizes included.
- The multiple for this pattern is 4+2. Further instructions for adjusting the size of this blanket are given at the end of the pattern.
- You will NOT work into the top of the turning chain in this pattern
- There is a video tutorial for this pattern.
- You are welcome to sell items you make using this pattern. I simply ask that you take your own photos.
Abbreviations
- Ch – chain
- Sl St – slip stitch
- Sc – single crochet
- Dc – double crochet
Special Stitch
The stitch used in this blanket is called the iris crochet stitch. This stitch is perfect for de-stressing as it’s a one-row repeat and very easy to memorize.
You only need to know how to make a few simple crochet stitches for this project.
- Double Crochet Stitch
- Single Crochet Stitch
- Slip Stitch
- Chain stitch
A video tutorial is available for this stitch here.
Iris Stitch Afghan Crochet Pattern
Prefer a print-friendly PDF? You can purchase it here.
Using Indiana Dunes (or Caron Macchiato Cakes in the shade Whisper), chain 106.
Foundation Row: sc in the second chain and in each ch across. Ch 1, turn. (Total of 105 sc stitches)
Row 1: dc in the first stitch (the ch 1 does not count as a stitch so don’t skip the first stitch). Skip the next stitch, work (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) into the next stitch. *Skip 3 stitches. Work (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) into the next stitch* across until two stitches remain. Skip the next to the last stitch. Dc in the last stitch. Ch 1, turn.
Row 2: dc in the first stitch. Work (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) into each ch 1 space across. Dc into the last stitch. Ch 1, turn.
Rows 3-55: Repeat row 2.
This blanket can be left without a border. If you like that look, cut your yarn and weave your ends.
If you want to continue on to the border, proceed to the border section without cutting your yarn.
Border Instructions
Round 1:
- After finishing the last row, ch 1 and turn your work.
- Sc across the top of the blanket (the row you just finished). Do NOT work into the ch 1 spaces.
- Single crochet around the rest of the blanket.
- Work (sc, ch 2, sc) in each corner
- Sl st to the top of the first stitch to join.
Round 2:
- Ch 1. dc evenly around the entire blanket.
- Word (dc, ch 2, dc) in each corner.
- Sl st to the top of the first stitch to join.
Round 3:
- Ch 1. sc in each stitch around the blanket.
- Work (sc, ch 2, sc) in each corner.
- Sl st to the top of the first stitch to join. Cut yarn and weave ends.
Adjusting the Size of the Iris Stitch Afghan
The multiple for this blanket is 4 + 2.
This means that you will chain in multiples of 4 until you reach the width that you want and then add 2 more chain stitches.
For example:
32 x 4 = 128 and 128 + 2 = 130
Here are some common blanket sizes to get you started:
Share Your Work
I love seeing the projects that you’ve made using the Daisy Cottage Designs Crochet Patterns. I’d love it if you’d tag me on Instagram or Facebook.
Do you actually skip 2 and work into next stitch?
After the first row, you’re working into the ch 1 spaces.
Can’t wait to try this looks lovely (iris stitch)
This afghan is absolutely beautiful! I love that the stitch pattern compliments the color so well. I am trying this pattern. All I have to do is decide on a color!! Thx so much for sharing and allowing us a pattern like this for free
I just want to say I am glad you dad is doing well 🙂 I love how you share your life with us and not afraid to share your faith. And by the way, I am a true fan of your designs and this is another great one. Once I recover from tendonitis in my left shoulder I will give it a go.
God bless from a sister in Christ and pastors wife. May you and your family have a blessed Christmas.
Lauren, thrilled to hear that your Dad is improved! Prayer changes everything, for God is faithfully merciful. The blanket you made while stressed turned out to be a beautiful testimony of your confidence in God. I wanted to thank you for the very nice chart for sizing differently. Nicely done. If you don’t mind, you and your family will remain in my prayers.
Thank you for the pattern and for sharing! I’m very glad to hear that your dad is doing well!!
This is a beautiful pattern and I love one row repeats. I am glad that your Dad is recovering well from his surgery. Merry Christmas.
Hello! This is beautiful. We are always interested in trying a new project. Thank you so very much!
Thank you Lauren for your beautiful yet simple to crochet stitches! I had a skein of Hobby Lobby’s Yarn Bee Sugarwheel in the color, Grape Jamboree. I wanted to make an infinity scarf and decided to use your Iris Stitch. When it was wide enough, I turned it over and crocheted one row so it would look the same on the top and bottom. I’m very happy with how it turned out!
PS: I love to pray and crochet too! Sometimes I listen to Psalms or another book of the Bible while I crochet.
Glad to hear your dad is okay. My dad has had similar problems and crocheting and praying is the best combination!
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful patterns!
Thank you for the pattern. I’m finishing up a large blanket for my granddaughter. I have another in the works for a new granddaughter. When those are completed I’d like to do an Irish stitch blanket for myself!
I am so excited to start this blanket today!!
Love all of you patterns instructions are easy to understand. Much success 😃
Beautiful afghan. Love many of your patterns. Thank you