Difficulty – Intermediate

Techniques used:
• UK terms – BLDC – Back loop double crochet,
• US terms - BLSC – Back loop single crochet,
• Slip Stitches

What you will need for baby blanket size:
• Colour A (background) 7 balls of dk yarn – 100g balls
• Colours B - K (pattern) 1 x ball of dk yarn – 100g balls per colour (If you only want to use 2 colours in total then I would estimate 3-4 balls of dk yarn needed)
• I always recommend Stylecraft Special DK for this as I love the vibrancy of the colours and the yarn is a lovely texture and easy to work with.
• 4.5mm hook
• Tapestry needle for ends
• Scissors
• Stitch markers

Dimensions: Assuming DK acrylic yarn with 4.5mm hook and 180 stitches x 180 rows: approximately 40 inches x 40 inches (including border) 100cm x 100cm – the size of a baby blanket
Gauge: 19 stitches x 15 rows for 10cm/4in square using BLDC (UK terms)/BLSC (US terms)

I love to design sea based blankets and always have new ideas running around my head. This latest blanket is inspired from watching too many TV programmes with lifeguards in and plenty of sharks in nature documentaries.

In particular I wanted to capture the more serene aspect of shark life. Them swimming smoothly and swiftly through open water, often accompanied by Ramoras and Pilot Fish where they cohabitate in peace. This blanket will be perfect for the adventurers and those who just love the sea. As well as anyone who is addicted to shark week of course!

The feeling I have gone for with this blanket is very much Southern Pacific/Oceania with some inspiration from Polynesian tattoos. This is in no way me attempting to imitate that art, but my nod to the beauty of the artistic styling. As we go through I will talk about the symbology that I drew from for each element. To me this is a chilled out and happy blanket, so embrace the surfer vibes and join me in making this blanket!

This blanket will also be available as a free CAL starting 31st July 2020 on my facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1815138551873821 and you are welcome to join along! This will be a dual CAL with the Voyaging Dolphin pattern which this is twinned with.

If you purchase either of the Voyaging Shark or the Voyaging Dolphin pattern then you will be able to get the second blanket at a 40% discount (£3.00 GBP) the discount will be applied when you add the pattern to your basket.