The Evergreen Hollow Afghan Free Pattern – Crochet a Cozy Forest Floor Mosaic

Introducing the Evergreen Hollow Afghan: A Forest Floor Mosaic

Imagine wrapping yourself in the quiet, grounding beauty of a mossy woodland floor. The Evergreen Hollow Afghan is a textured crochet throw that captures that serene feeling with a stunning mosaic of deep greens and earthy neutrals. This pattern is more than just a blanket; it's an heirloom-quality project that feels like a gentle, meditative walk through an evergreen forest.

Using a clever combination of front post and back post double crochet stitches, you'll create a plush, woven basketweave texture that is both visually striking and incredibly cozy. The pattern is worked in manageable vertical strips, making it perfect for crocheters who want a rewarding project without the bulk of handling a full blanket at once. Whether you're an experienced maker looking for a new texture or a confident beginner ready for a challenge, this afghan is a beautiful addition to any home.

Materials Needed: Gathering Your Forest Palette

Before you begin your journey into the woods, gather the following materials. The quality of your yarn will greatly affect the final drape and feel of your afghan, so choose a soft worsted weight yarn that you love to touch.

Yarn & Hooks

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in 5 colors. You will need approximately 1800 yards total. Here is the color breakdown:
  • Color A (Forest Green): Approx. 400 yards
  • Color B (Moss Green): Approx. 400 yards
  • Color C (Sage): Approx. 400 yards
  • Color D (Cream): Approx. 400 yards (includes border)
  • Color E (Charcoal): Approx. 200 yards
• Crochet Hook: US Size I/9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook. Ensure you have a comfortable grip, as you'll be using it for a while.
• Other Tools: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and a measuring tape.

Gauge & Size

• Gauge: 14 double crochet (dc) x 8 rows = 4 inches in mosaic pattern. Always check your gauge to ensure your finished blanket is the correct size.
• Finished Dimensions: Approximately 48 inches wide x 60 inches long.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Evergreen Mosaic

This afghan is cleverly constructed in four vertical strips, each measuring 12 inches wide and 60 inches long. You will crochet each strip, block them to size, and then seam them together for a polished, professional finish. Let's begin.

Getting Started: The Foundation Strip (Make 4 Total)

Each strip follows the same pattern. Take your time with the first one to get the rhythm of the stitches.

Foundation Chain: With Color A (Forest Green), chain (ch) 42 loosely. A loose foundation chain is crucial for a stretchy edge.

Row 1: Double crochet (dc) in the 4th ch from your hook and in each ch across. You should have 40 dc stitches. Turn your work.

Row 2: Ch 3 (this counts as your first dc), then dc in each dc across. Turn. (40 dc)

Creating the Mosaic Texture

Now we begin the beautiful post stitch pattern that gives this afghan its woven, forest-floor texture. The key is alternating Front Post Double Crochet (fpdc) and Back Post Double Crochet (bpdc).

Row 3 (Mosaic Row): Ch 3 (counts as dc). *Front post double crochet (fpdc) around the next dc, back post double crochet (bpdc) around the next dc.* Repeat from * to * across the row, ending with a dc in the top of the turning chain from the previous row. Turn.

Row 4: Ch 3 (counts as dc). *Bpdc around the next fpdc, fpdc around the next bpdc.* Repeat from * to * across, ending with a dc in the top of the turning chain. Turn. This reversal of stitches is what creates the woven basketweave effect.

Rows 5-8: Repeat Rows 3 and 4 twice more. This means you will have a total of 8 rows worked in this section.

Mastering the Color Sequence

To achieve the beautiful vertical mosaic, you will change colors every two rows. Here is the exact sequence you will follow for the entire strip:

• Rows 1-2: Color A (Forest Green)
• Rows 3-4: Color B (Moss Green)
• Rows 5-6: Color C (Sage)
• Rows 7-8: Color D (Cream)
• Rows 9-10: Color E (Charcoal)

After Row 10, you will start the sequence over again with Color A for Rows 11-12, and so on. This 10-row color block will repeat throughout the strip.

Rows 9-120: Continue repeating Rows 3-8, maintaining the color sequence (A, B, C, D, E) and alternating your fpdc/bpdc every two rows. Continue this until your strip measures 60 inches long. You will have completed approximately 120 rows.

Finishing Your Strips

Once your strip reaches 60 inches, fasten off your yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Weave in all loose ends carefully with your yarn needle. Repeat this entire process to create a total of four identical strips.

Blocking for Perfection

Blocking is an essential step to ensure your strips are perfectly straight and the correct size. Pin each strip to a blocking mat and mist it with water (or use a steam iron on a low setting, holding it above the fabric). Gently stretch each strip to measure exactly 12 inches wide by 60 inches long. Allow them to dry completely before seaming.

Joining the Strips

With all four strips blocked and dry, it's time to join them. Lay them out side-by-side, ensuring the color sequences align to create a continuous, harmonious mosaic across the blanket.

With right sides facing each other, use a whip stitch or a single crochet seam to join the strips along their long edges. A single crochet seam creates a slightly more textured, sturdy join, while a whip stitch is flatter. Choose the one you prefer. Take your time to ensure your seams are even and secure.

Adding the Finishing Border

The border is the final touch that frames your beautiful work. With Color D (Cream), work a border around the entire afghan.

Round 1: Work 1 round of single crochet (sc) around the entire afghan, working 3 sc in each corner to help the corners lie flat.

Round 2: Work 1 round of reverse single crochet (also known as crab stitch) for a neat, polished, and slightly textured edge. To do this, work single crochet stitches from left to right instead of right to left.

Fasten off and weave in all remaining ends. Your Evergreen Hollow Afghan is complete!

Congratulations on creating a stunning, heirloom-quality piece that brings the peace of the forest into your home. This afghan is perfect for cozy evenings, thoughtful gifts, and a beautiful display of your crochet skill.