The Perfect Crochet Project: Cohrs Corner Blanket Pattern

Corner-to-corner crochet, also known as C2C, is a technique where the fabric is made by starting in one corner and finishing in another. C2C is typically used for blankets, scarves, sweaters, and baby blankets. It can also be used for more complex projects such as creating words, characters, and graphic designs.

C2C is unique because it always produces a fabric made up of squares. Each square is made of a chain of 3, and these chains create the attachment point for the subsequent neighbour square. The fabric produced by C2C is quite different from traditional crochet methods, which can produce a variety of fabrics ranging from dense, close stitches to airy lacework.

C2C is an excellent choice for items like baby blankets as the larger gaps between stitches reduce the risk of suffocation. It is also a good option for household items like dishcloths.

There are many fun corner-to-corner blanket stitches, such as the C2C Moss stitch blanket, Chevron scrap blanket, and the Four Corners C2C blanket.

Corner-to-corner crochet basics

Corner-to-corner (C2C) crochet is a technique where the crochet fabric is made by starting in one corner and finishing in another. C2C crochet is typically worked diagonally from one corner of a square or rectangle to the opposite corner and back again. This technique is great for creating blankets, especially baby blankets, as the larger gaps between stitches reduce the risk of suffocation.

How to Get Started

To begin a C2C crochet project, you will need:

• Yarn of appropriate colour and amount (check your pattern)
• A crochet hook to meet the given gauge or that works well with the chosen yarn
• Stitch markers (optional, but helpful for tracking rows and which side is increasing/decreasing)
• A pattern (if you're following one)

How to Crochet C2C

Each C2C crochet project will be worked the same way. The only differences will be which corner you're starting in and when to switch colours. Here is a step-by-step guide to crocheting a 3 x 4 rectangle in a single colour:

• (Row 1 - starting square - 1 square) Ch 6, beginning with the 4th ch from hook, work 1 dc into each remaining ch (3 dcs), turn.
• (Row 2 - increasing - 2 squares) Ch 6, beginning with the 4th ch from hook, work 1 dc into each remaining ch, slst into top of ch 3 loop of the previous square to "anchor" the new square. Ch 3, 3 dcs into the ch space, turn.
• (Row 3 - increasing - 3 squares) Ch 6, beginning with the 4th ch from hook, work 1 dc into each remaining ch, slst into top of ch 3 loop of the previous square to "anchor" the new square. Ch 3, 3 dcs into the ch space, slst into top of ch 3 loop. Ch 3, 3 dcs into the ch space, turn.
• (Row 4 - decreasing - 3 squares) Do not chain - turn and slst into the 3 dcs you just made and into the top of the ch 3 loop. Ch 3, 3 dcs into the ch space, slst into top of ch 3 loop. Ch 3, 3 dcs into the ch space, slst into top of ch 3 loop. Ch 3, 3 dcs into the ch space, turn.
• (Row 5 - decreasing - 2 squares) Do not chain - turn and slst into the 3 dcs you just made and into the top of the ch 3 loop. Ch 3, 3 dcs into the ch space, slst into top of ch 3 loop. Ch 3, 3 dcs into the ch space, turn, slst into top of ch 3 loop, turn.
• (Row 6 - decreasing - 1 square) Do not chain - turn and slst into the 3 dcs you just made and into the top of the ch 3 loop. Ch 3, 3 dcs into the ch space, slst into top of ch 3 loop. Bind off.

Types of Squares

There are three types of squares created using C2C methods:

• Increasing squares: These are the squares at the start of a row where you're increasing the number of squares on that side.
• Regular squares: These are squares that get worked all the way up the row, like going up a staircase.
• Decreasing squares: These are worked at the start of a row where you're decreasing the number of squares on that side.

Colour Changes

C2C crochet can be made more interesting by introducing colourwork. Change colours on the anchoring slip stitches or, for a flawless finish, change colours on the second half of the last double crochet of the previous square.

Reading C2C Patterns

C2C patterns are written differently from regular crochet patterns. They assume prior knowledge of the C2C technique and that the fabric will be made up of a pattern of squares. These patterns can start in any corner and give counts in the number of squares instead of the number of stitches. For example, a pattern with two colours, blue and white, could be noted as: 5 white, 10 blue, 3 white or 5 x W, 10 x B, 3 x W.

C2C stitch variations

The corner-to-corner (C2C) crochet technique is a popular method for creating blankets, scarves, sweaters, pillows, and more. While the classic C2C stitch uses double crochet, there are several variations of the stitch that can be used to create different effects. Here are some C2C stitch variations:

• C2C Half Double Crochet: This variation involves using half double crochet stitches instead of the traditional double crochet. It allows for more intricate designs as each tile takes up less space, enabling more detailed patterns in the same amount of space.
• C2C Popcorn and Bobble Stitches: These stitches add texture and squishiness to your C2C projects. They can be used as accent stitches alongside classic double crochet C2C.
• C2C Moss Stitch: The moss stitch is a fun variation that creates a beautiful colour block pattern. It is a popular choice for baby blankets.
• C2C Granny Stitch: The granny stitch is a popular variation that adds a unique style to your C2C projects.
• Other Stitches: You can also explore using stitches like the wattle stitch, cluster stitch, and the trendy granny stitch for your C2C projects.

C2C baby blankets

To start, you will need to chain 5 or 6, then double crochet into the third chain from the hook and each of the next 2 chains (this will create a space to crochet into later). From there, you will continue to increase the number of blocks or shells in each row until you reach the desired width. Once you reach the longest row in your graph, you will begin to decrease the number of blocks or shells in each row until you've reached the final stitch in the upper left corner of the graph.

When it comes to yarn, you can use any weight of yarn for C2C crochet, but a few worsted weight yarns with a variety of colour options include:

• Lion Brand Vanna's Choice
• Lion Brand Basic Stitch Anti-Pilling
• Lion Brand Color Theory

For a baby blanket, you will need around 800-1000 yards of yarn. You can also get creative and use scrap yarn to make a colourful stripey design.

If you're a visual learner, there are plenty of video tutorials available online that walk you through the C2C technique step-by-step.

C2C graph patterns

To create a C2C graph pattern, you can use graph paper, a spreadsheet, or online tools such as StitchFiddle.com. First, determine the size of your project by crocheting a small swatch to measure your gauge. Then, plan the design of your graph pattern, keeping in mind that silhouettes are often the easiest type of pattern to work with. Finally, map out your design on the graph, ensuring that each square on the graph represents one "tile" or "box" in your C2C project.

When crocheting a C2C project based on a graph pattern, it is important to start in the correct corner, typically the bottom right corner, and to increase and decrease stitches as needed to create the desired shape. Additionally, when working with multiple colours, it is helpful to use bobbins to manage your yarn and reduce the number of ends to weave in.

There are also online resources and tutorials available to help you create C2C graph patterns, such as video tutorials on YouTube and free patterns on websites like Repeat Crafter Me and Crochetverse.

C2C tips and tricks

C2C, or corner-to-corner crochet, is a fun technique to master and can be used to create a variety of items, from blankets to scarves. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get started and improve your C2C crochet skills.

Getting Started with C2C Crochet

C2C crochet is worked diagonally from one corner to the opposite corner. Each diagonal row is made up of several "tiles", also called "squares" or "blocks", and each tile is made from 3 double crochet stitches, plus a 3-chain turning chain.

To start, make the first tile, which will be the bottom-right corner of your project. Then, work back and forth in diagonal rows, increasing on each side until you reach the widest part of the project.

Increasing and Decreasing in C2C Crochet

Once you have reached the widest part of your project, you will start decreasing the number of tiles per row as you make your way to the top-left corner.

The first two rows are the hardest, but after that, it becomes easier. The C2C technique uses the same basic crochet stitches, including chain stitches, double crochet, and slip stitches.

Changing Colours in C2C Crochet

One of the most enjoyable aspects of C2C crochet is the ability to easily change colours to create graphic designs. You can change colours in C2C crochet just like you would in any other crochet project. Work the last stitch in the old colour, then stop crocheting right before you pull through the last two loops of the stitch. Drop the old colour and pull the new colour through the last two loops on the hook.

Managing Multiple Colours

Changing colours in C2C crochet can be tricky when you are following a pattern with many different colours. It is important to stay organised so that your strands of yarn do not get tangled as you work.

One way to keep your yarn from tangling is to use small bobbins or clips to organise your different colours. Alternatively, you can follow a tutorial to create a DIY bobbin holder for C2C crochet.

Large Blocks of Colour

C2C designs often have large blocks of colour that span multiple rows. In this case, you do not need to cut the yarn every time you change colour. You can leave the old colour attached and come back to it on the next row.

Another way to simplify your work is to reduce the number of yarn changes by "carrying" the yarn over to the next section where you will use it. To carry the yarn, lay the old colour parallel to the row you are working on and crochet over it to hide it.

Borders for a C2C Project

Once you have secured all your yarn ends, you can finish off your C2C project by adding a border. A simple single crochet border is an easy option. Attach your yarn to a corner with a slip stitch, then single crochet evenly around the entire project. Work three single crochets in each corner to turn the corners.

Tips for Corner-to-Corner Crochet

• Print out the C2C design chart and use it as a guide while you work.
• Highlight or cross out each row as you finish working on it to help you keep track of your progress.
• If you are working with multiple colours, organise your yarn on bobbins or clips to keep them from getting tangled.
• You do not have to cut the yarn every time you change colour. If your design has large blocks of colour, leave the old colour attached and come back to it on the next row.
• Reduce the number of yarn changes by carrying your yarn when you only have to move it over one or two tiles, and only if the colour you are carrying will be touching a tile of the same colour.

Frequently asked questions