Eco Friendly Afghan

Done in eco-friendly yarn, this easy crochet afghan pattern is a smart choice for those looking out for the environment. Crochet this afghan pattern in your favorite colors to match your eco-friendly decor.  This simple Eco-Friendly Afghan Pattern would look great in your living room or bedroom and is the perfect way to curl up after a long cold winter or fall day.  You can also make this afghan as a housewarming gift or an anniversary present for a newly married couple.  One thing's for sure...you're sure to be 'hooked' on this pattern!

Materials:

• 2 skeins Caron International's Simply Soft Eco (80% Acrylic, 20% NatureSpun™ Polyester) yarn in Black (A)
• 3 Caron International's Simply Soft Eco (80% Acrylic, 20% NatureSpun™ Polyester) yarn in Ocean Mist (B)
• 3 Caron International's Simply Soft Eco (80% Acrylic, 20% NatureSpun™ Polyester) yarn in Forest Floor (C)
• US size I-9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook, or size to obtain gauge
• Yarn needle

Gauge:  In stitch pattern, 12 sts and 12 rows = 4"/10 cm. Gauge is not critical for this project.

Note:

• To change color at end of row: Work last stitch of old color to last yarn over, yarn over with new color and draw through all loops on hook to complete stitch. Drop old color, continue work with new color. You may fasten off the old color or carry it loosely up the side of the piece. If you choose to carry unused colors up the side of the piece, take care to cover these strands when working the border.

Instructions:
45"/114 cm wide x 50"/127 cm long

1. With A, chain 140.
    
2. Row 1 (RS): Sc in second ch from hook and in each remaining ch across, turn—139 sc.
    
3. Row 2: Ch 1, sc in first sc, *ch 3, sk next sc, sc in next 3 sc; repeat from * to last 2 sc, ch 3, sk next sc, sc in last sc, changing to B, turn—34 3-sc groups.
    
4. Row 3: With B, ch 3 (counts as dc, ch 1), *3 dc in center sc of next 3-sc group, ch 1; repeat from * to last sc, dc in last sc, turn.
    
5. Row 4: Ch 1, sc in first dc, ch 1, *sc in next 3 dc, ch1; repeat from * to turning ch, sc in second ch of turning ch, changing to A, turn.
    
6. Row 5: With A, ch 1, sc in first sc, *sc around ch-3 sp of Row 2 and ch-1 sps of Rows 3 and 4 simultaneously, sc in next 3 sc; repeat from * to last ch-1 sp, sc around ch-3 sp of Rows and ch-1 sps of Rows 3 and 4 simultaneously, sc in last sc, turn.
    
7. Row 6: Repeat Row 2, changing to C in last st.
    
8. Rows 7 and 8: With C, repeat Rows 3 and 4.
    
9. Rows 9–149: Maintaining color sequence of 2 rows with A, 2 rows with B, 2 rows with A, 2 rows with C; repeat Rows 5–8, then repeat Row 5 once more.
    
10. Row 150: Continuing with A, ch 1, sc in each sc across, turn. Fasten off B and C, do not fasten off A.

Border

1. Rnd 1: Continuing with A, ch 1, sc evenly around all edges of afghan, working 3 sc in each corner; join with slip st in first sc.
    
2. Rnd 2: Ch 1, working in back loops only, sc in each sc around, working 3 sc in center sc of each 3-sc corner; join with slip st in first sc. Fasten off.

Finishing

1. Using yarn needle, weave in all ends.