For all of you who have been asking for it, I've finally finished my Coast Guard Afghan Chart.
I realize there's no way you could crochet this afghan from this tiny picture, so if you want the chart email me at crochetparfaitpg@yahoo.com. Let me know what format you want it in. (Excel--editable .xlsx, Adobe .pdf or picture .png, I recommend the .xlsx or .png files because the pdf splits it up into several pages.)
Each square on the pattern counts as a single crochet. It has 185 stitches across and 206 rows. The gauge of the pattern totally depends on the size yarn and hook you use. I measured my gauge for worsted weight yarn and an I hook at 4 sts and 4 rows = 1". With this gauge the afghan would measure 46 1/4 " x 51 1/2". If you want to make it wider or longer, I'd add white stitches on either side of the pattern for width or more rows to the top and bottom of the pattern to make it longer, you could also make a border in a contrasting color. I don't knit, but I have had several followers knit my charts and they stay true to the design.
If you are really talented (and somewhat ambidextrous) you can switch the hook to your left hand when you get to the end of the row and then crochet back the way you came like Carol Ventura does. I think this tutorial by Interweave is a little easier if you want to keep all of the design facing the same direction. This video tutorial by Red Heart Yarn has you turn the afghan as you crochet, it's easier but the design is not as true.
If you are new to crochet charts check out my Globe Pillow Crochet Along, it has a tutorial on how to read a chart. If you would rather cross stitch the details of the chart, I would crochet the major areas and then you can have a look at my Day of the Dead Banner pattern for a tutorial on how to cross stitch on single crochet for the finer details.
For other tips on following a crochet chart check out my Harley Davidson Afghan post.
Happy Hooking!
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