How much yarn do I need?

[ratdog]

Hi! I am thinking about making an afghan for a gift. The recipient is a big guy! I would like to make a 'ripple' (which I have never tried before) and would need to make a larger than standard afghan (about 78" long/ 60" wide)

 

Most patterns I have sen are for "throws" or Lapghans.

 

Any ideas for patterns and yarn quantity? I am thinking about Vanna's Choice or Thick and Quick.

[debra way]

Hello ratdog,

 

I am no expert, but I found a pattern for a easy ripple (think it's called beginners ripple) on line somewhere. Maybe at Bev's crochet cottage. What I would do is maybe double it or at least increase the width by half, and the same with the length. Ripples might be hard to double the pattern with. If I were doing this, I would get the patter for a 5 &1/2 hour afghan, and double it. It's a simple pattern, and would be easy to increase in size.Vanna's choice is nice, I am not familiar with Thick and quick.

 

Good luck, hope this helped some!

 

Debra

[acraftylady]

I love the quickie ripple, works up very fast and is an easy goof proof pttern. Just chain longer for what you need and you can remove any unsed chains when you get to the end. Then just keep going until it's as long as you want. If you start this and need help just PM me. Mary

[marikamum]

If you were thinking of a ripple with Vanna's Choice, there is a ripple pattern on the Lion Brand site using Vanna's Choice : http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/70130AD.html

 

I used the quantities and size to calculate approximately how much you would need, I'll post my reasoning as well, so that if it is faulty, someone can correct it .

 

The pattern makes an afghan that is 42"wide x46"long and uses 9 skeins of VC yarn.

 

First I calculated the difference in desired width: 60/42 = 1.43 times the size of the afghan: 1.43 x 9 skeins = 12.85 skeins for a 60" wide x 46" long afghan.

 

Next I calculated the difference in length: 78/46 = 1.7 times the size of the wider afghan: 1.7 x 12.85 skeins = 21.845 skeins (or 22) for a 60" wide x 78" long afghan.

 

I reckon you could use this line of reasoning to expand and approximate how much yarn you would need for whatever pattern you choose... the ripple in question is a bit different to the normal patterns I've seen, so you might prefer a more standard pattern...

 

Cheers,

[ratdog]

Thanks for all of the help. I appreciate it. That Quick Ripple looks great! I may try it (AFTER the holidays - especially if I get new hooks and gift cards from "Santa")