The Driftwood Dunes Mile-a-Minute Afghan: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Striped Throw

Introducing the Driftwood Dunes Mile-a-Minute Afghan

Bring the serene beauty of the coast into your home with the Driftwood Dunes Mile-a-Minute Afghan. This free crochet pattern creates a stunning, textured throw using a series of long, modular strips that are joined as you go. The design features a beautiful interplay of sand, driftwood, and sea glass colors, resulting in a cozy and modern home accent. Perfect for beginners and experienced crocheters alike, this mile-a-minute technique means you work in manageable strips, making it easy to carry your project anywhere. The woven-like texture adds depth and warmth, making this afghan a cherished piece for years to come.

Materials Needed

To create this beautiful afghan, gather the following materials. All yarn is worsted weight (#4).

• Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) yarn in 4 colors:
  • Color A (Sand) - 500g (approx. 5 skeins)
  • Color B (Driftwood) - 400g (approx. 4 skeins)
  • Color C (Sea Glass) - 300g (approx. 3 skeins)
  • Color D (Foam) - 200g (approx. 2 skeins)
  • Total approximately 1400g (14 skeins)
• Hook: 5.5 mm (I-9) crochet hook
• Gauge: 1 pattern repeat (12 rows) = 4 inches wide; 4 rows of pattern = 2 inches tall
• Other: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Pattern Notes

• The afghan is made of 8 identical strips, each worked lengthwise (mile-a-minute style).
• Strips are joined together as you complete each one using a slip stitch join along the long edge.
• The pattern uses a simple 2-row repeat that creates a woven-like texture.
• Ch 1 at beginning of row does not count as a stitch.

Stitch Abbreviations

• ch: chain
• sc: single crochet
• dc: double crochet
• sl st: slip stitch
• sk: skip
• st(s): stitch(es)

Special Stitch

Woven Stitch (WS): (sc, dc) in same st, sk next st. Repeat across.

Strip Pattern (Make 8)

Foundation Chain: With Color A, ch 160 (or desired length, multiple of 2 + 1).

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, *dc in next ch, sc in next ch; repeat from * across. Turn. (159 sts)

Row 2: Ch 1, *sc in next dc, dc in next sc; repeat from * across, ending with sc in last st. Turn.

Row 3: Repeat Row 2, but change to Color B at the end of the row. To change color: work last sc until 2 loops remain on hook, yarn over with new color, pull through both loops. Cut old color.

Rows 4-6: Repeat Row 2 with Color B.

Row 7: Repeat Row 2, change to Color C at end.

Rows 8-10: Repeat Row 2 with Color C.

Row 11: Repeat Row 2, change to Color D at end.

Rows 12-14: Repeat Row 2 with Color D.

Row 15: Repeat Row 2, change to Color A at end.

Rows 16-18: Repeat Row 2 with Color A.

Row 19: Repeat Row 2, change to Color B at end.

Rows 20-22: Repeat Row 2 with Color B.

Row 23: Repeat Row 2, change to Color C at end.

Rows 24-26: Repeat Row 2 with Color C.

Row 27: Repeat Row 2, change to Color D at end.

Rows 28-30: Repeat Row 2 with Color D.

Fasten off. Weave in ends.

Joining Strips

Lay two strips side by side with right sides facing up. Starting at the beginning edge, insert hook through the edge stitch of both strips, yarn over, pull through both loops (sl st join). Continue across the entire length. Repeat to join all 8 strips.

Border

With right side facing, attach Color A to any corner.

Round 1: Ch 1, sc evenly around the entire afghan, working 3 sc in each corner. Join with sl st to first sc.

Round 2: Ch 1, sc in each sc around, working 3 sc in each corner sc. Join with sl st. Fasten off. Weave in ends.

Your Driftwood Dunes Mile-a-Minute Afghan is now complete! Enjoy the cozy, textured beauty of your handmade throw.