Step Into Adventure: Pebble Stitch Crochet Tutorial for Blanket CAL

Introducing the fourth segment of our collaborative crochet endeavor: the Adventure Blanket Crochet Along! Partnered with Kristine from Ambassador Crochet, this CAL has become a hub for crochet enthusiasts to explore their creativity, connect with fellow crafters, and enhance their crochet skills. As we progress through our blanket project, each section introduces new techniques and stitch patterns, enriching our crafting repertoire and fostering a sense of accomplishment. And each blanket will start to look different and unique!

In this section, we shift our focus to the Pebble Stitch, a textured technique renowned for its intricate appearance and dimensional effect. Paired harmoniously with a straightforward (read that as easy) yet effective textured stitch combination, this section strikes a balance between challenge and accessibility, catering to crocheters of varying skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter seeking to expand your stitch repertoire or a novice eager to learn new techniques, the Pebble Stitch section offers an enriching experience for all.

Join us as we unravel the intricacies of the Pebble Stitch, stitch by stitch, and continue our crochet adventure through the Adventure Blanket CAL. With Kristine’s expertise and my passion for crochet design, we’re excited to guide you through this section and witness the evolution of your crochet skills. So, grab your hooks and yarn, and let’s embark on this next phase of our journey together!

Check out the roundup post for the other sections available and how this event works.

Please note, this post may contain affiliate links – should you purchase anything using my affiliate link I may get a small commission at no extra cost to yourself!

Inspiration behind the design and the Adventure Blanket CAL

The inspiration for this design comes from my recent discovery and fascination with the Pebble Stitch, thanks to Joanna from High Desert Yarn. The stitch, reminiscent of smooth river stones, caught my attention with its unique texture and visual appeal. While it requires consistent tension, making it a bit challenging, it’s a great opportunity for confident beginners to enhance their skills.

I found the Pebble Stitch to be a versatile addition to my designs, offering depth and dimension. Though not ideal for absolute beginners, it serves as a stepping stone for those looking to expand their crochet repertoire. Through my designs, I aim to capture the tranquil essence of nature, reflecting the serene beauty found in natural landscapes.

With each stitch, I hope to inspire fellow crocheters to embrace new challenges and embark on their own creative journeys.

Construction of the design

I decided to separate the rows of pebble stitch with a beautifully textured but easy stitch combination. Partly it was to provide relief from the demand of the consistent tension of the pebble stitch, but it also looks like the ‘pebbles’ have created ripples in the water. Hense the name of the Skipping Stones Section.

I have some designs that use this stitch combination. Check out the skipping stones washcloth which is a free pattern on the blog. The Skipping Stones sweater pattern is currently available as part of the Crochet Capsule Digital Magazine but which will be released as an individual pattern in Fall 2024.

The Yarn

For this section I used the Sirdar Country Classic Worsted in Clotted Cream. I also had the choice of the white but white can be difficult to photograph, especially when you want the texture to pop. So the cream it was!

I used approximately 310 yards for this section.

This yarn has been so much fun to work with and looks absolutely beautiful. It is warm, a nice weight (not too heavy for me) and the colours are just stunning. You will definitely be seeing more of my designs in this yarn.

Get the PDF e-book!

You can purchase the ad-free PDF e-book for all 20 of the sections featured in the Adventure Blanket CAL by clicking the button below:

Included in the e-book are:

• all 20 sections featured in the free CAL
• 5 BONUS sections – giving you 25 sections in total and over 33,000 possible blanket combinations!
• Divider section instructions
• Border instructions
• a document with a list of all of the video links for each section should you need it (all videos will be included by 20th May 2024).

During the free crochet along the ebook will be $12.99 but the price will increase to $15.99 once the CAL ends.

The pattern specifics:

Materials:

Any 4 weight yarn of your choosing – I used approximately 310 yards of Sirdar Country Classic worsted. 5mm hook Scissors Tapestry Needle Stitch Markers optional to mark first or last stitch of the row.

Gauge:

Not important for this project – a relaxed tension will work out just fine! You just have to be happy with how it looks. You will want to make sure that your gauge is consistent with your previous sections for this blanket though!

Sizing:

Approximately 48” wide by 5” tall unblocked.

Abbreviations used:

Ch(s)–chain(s) St(s)–stitch(es) rep—repeat Sc – single crochet Dc – double crochet PS – pebble stitch Fhdc – foundation half double crochet *to* – repeat between the * and * FO—fasten off YO—yarn over

Other notes:

Written in US terms. Ch1 start does not count as a st unless stated otherwise. You start this strip on the right side, and end with the wrong side facing you. The odd numbered rows are the right side of the work.

Video tutorials:

I have video tutorials to talk you through the pattern and how to work the pebble stitch etc. You can find them below:

Special Stitches

Pebble Stitch:

YO, insert hook into next st, YO and pull through to the height of a dc, *YO and insert hook into same st, YO and pull through to the height of a dc. Rep from * once more. YO and pull through all 7 loops on the hook.

You can find my tutorial for the pebble stitch in both right and left handed versions:

Right handed – https://youtu.be/C5PnNwy24kE

Left handed –  https://youtu.be/1FMQK1OqQE8

The Skipping Stones Blanket Section Pattern:

** This is a free pattern on the SunflowerCottageCrochet.com blog. If you are reading this anywhere else it is stolen content. Please do not copy and paste any part of it or print this pattern out. Please bookmark this page and use the website to work up your pattern. This helps my small business greatly as it provides a little bit of ad revenue which will in turn will allow me to continue to create free content for you!**

Row 1 (if you are starting a new project):  Ch 202 and hdc in third ch from hook and each ch across (200)

OR

Fhdc 200 (200)

Row 1 (As a blanket strip not being used as the first strip): Ch1, hdc in first st and each st across (200)

Row 2: CH1, turn, sc in first st, *PS in next st, sc in next st* Rep from * to * across until you have 3 sts remaining. PS in next st, sc in last 2 sts. (200)

Row 3: Ch1, turn, sc in first st and each st across. (200)

Row 4: Ch1, turn, sc in first st, dc in next st, *sc in next st, dc in next st* Rep from * to * across. (200)

Rows 5 and 6: repeat row 4.

Note: in these rows you will be working a sc into the dc from the previous row and a dc into the sc from the previous row.

Row 7:  Rep row 3.

Row 8: CH1, turn, sc in first 2 sts, *PS in next st, sc in next st* Rep from * to * across until you have 2 sts remaining. PS in next st, sc in last st. (200)

Row 9: Rep row 3

Rows 10-12: Rep rows 4-6

Row 13: Rep row 7

Row 14: Rep row 2

Row 15: Rep row 3

Rows 16-18: Rep rows 4-6

Row 19: Rep row 3

Row 20: Rep row 8

Rows 21-22: Rep row 3

FO and weave in ends.