Get ready for #FrostandBloomCAL with Toni Lipsey! Before starting the Aura Lapghan, master your gauge swatch to ensure a flawless fit.
Hey there, yarn lovers! The countdown is officially on… ⏰
As we get closer to the #FrostandBloomCAL, we have teamed up with the crochet queen herself, Toni Lipsey of TL Yarn Crafts, to bring you a handy swatch guide.
For a design like this lapghan, where motifs need to fit together like a puzzle, getting your tension right is the secret ingredient to a blanket that looks amazing.
Also, think of swatching as a clever way to get a head start on the project – we know your hands are already itching to get started. 😉
Why Swatch for this CAL?
The Aura Lapghan is made up of many individual hexagons. To make sure your blanket reaches the perfect size – approx. 50’’ (127 cm) across the center – and to ensure you don't run out of our lovely mystery yarn, checking your gauge is a must!
What You Need
The Yarn
Grab one of the Beige/Cappuccino colored (10) yarn from your kit.
Good news: You won’t need to re-use this yarn for the main project, so you can keep your swatch.
The Hook
The pattern suggests a 4mm (US G-6) hook.
Pro Tip: Want the ultimate stitching experience? Toni Lipsey has curated her very own Crochet Hook Set with us. They are ergonomic, beautiful, and perfect for this project!
Hexagon goals! ❄️🌸 See the Aura Lapghan coming to life with the TLYC hook set, plus the exclusive CAL kit featuring the adorable sheep bag.
The Pattern: Solid Hexagon Swatch
For this swatch, we are making a solid motif.
Target Size: Your finished hexagon should measure about 4.75’’ (12 cm) before blocking, measured flat from straight edge to straight edge.
Stitch Guide (US Terms)
- Ch 5 = dc + ch 2
- Ch 3 counts as dc
Instructions
ROUND 1: In MR, ch 3, dc 11, close ring, join with a sl st in top of ch-3. (12 dc).
ROUND 2: Ch 5, dc in same st as join, *2dc in next st**, (dc, ch 2, dc) in follow st; rep from * until ; around, ending last rep at **, join with a sl st in 3rd ch of ch-5. (24 dc + 6 ch-2 sps).
ROUND 3: Sl st into ch-2 sp, ch 5, dc in same sp, *dc 4**, (dc, ch 2, dc) in next ch-2 sp; rep from * around, ending last rep at **, join with a sl st in 3rd ch of ch 5. (36 dc + 6 ch-2 sps).
ROUND 4: Sl st into ch-2 sp, ch 5, dc in same sp, *dc 6**, (dc, ch 2, dc) in next ch-2 sp; rep from * around, ending last rep at **, join with a sl st in 3rd ch of ch 5. Fasten off. (48 dc + 6 ch-2 sps).
ROUND 5: Join with a s-sc in any ch-2 sp, ch 2, sc in same sp, sc 4, 2sc in next st, sc 3, *(sc, ch 2, sc) in next ch-2 sp, sc 4, 2sc in next st, sc 3; rep from * around, join with a sl st in the first sc of the round. Fasten off. (66 sc + 6 ch-2 sps).
Toni creating magic with the TL Yarn Crafts x Hobbii Crochet Hook Set! ✨
Measuring the Swatch
Once you've fastened off, lay your hexagon on a flat surface. Do not stretch it! Take your tape measure and check the width from one flat side to the opposite flat side.
Spot on 4.75" (12 cm)?
You nailed it! You are ready to rock.
Too Big?
If your hexagon is wider than 4.75" (12 cm), your tension is a bit loose. Try swatching again with a smaller hook size (e.g., 3.5mm or 3.75mm).
Too Small?
If your hexagon is narrower than 4.75" (12 cm), your tension is tight. Try swatching again with a larger hook size (e.g., 4.5mm).
A Note on Blocking
While we are aiming for 4.75" right now, the pattern recommends blocking all final hexagons to 5’’ (12.7 cm) before seaming later in the CAL. But for today, just focus on hitting that unblocked measurement!
Want to Practice the Stitches for the CAL?
If you’ve finished your swatch and are itching to do more, why not warm up your hook with the specific techniques used in the Aura Lapghan? We’re talking Cluster stitches, Spike stitches, Popcorns, and Standing stitches!
Skip to this blog post where we guide you through the stitches ➜
Show Us Your Hexagons 🩵🩷💜
We can't wait to see your first hexagons pop up on social! Make sure to share your progress using #FrostandBloomCAL and tag @hobbii_yarn and @tlyarncrafts.
Happy stitching!
