Simple Mosaic Crochet Throw Pattern

The Lake Effect Throw crochet pattern features a simple mosaic crochet design that is easy to make and looks stunning. Crochet colorwork doesn’t have to be complicated!

We live near Lake Michigan, so we get lake-effect snow every winter. If you look at the weather radar it sometimes looks like stripes of snow clouds. As I started on this crochet project, it reminded me of that.

Mosaic Crochet for Beginners

This popular crochet colorwork technique can be used to make so many different eye-catching designs. I first designed something with this stitch technique in 2021 for the border of our Blanket Crochet Along that year.

Each row consists of a series of single crochets, chains, and double crochets. You will work 2 rows in each color which allows you to carry unused color yarn up the side of your blanket, significantly reducing the number of ends you need to weave in.

Double crochets are always worked into the skipped stitch 2 rows below in front of the chains.

Best Yarn for Crochet Blankets

Sometimes Red Heart Super Saver yarn gets a bad rap because it can feel a little scratchy to crochet with but it is one of my favorites to use for blankets. I find that after the blanket takes a trip through the washer and dryer it softens right up.

I used the color Aran for my main color and Sutherland Stripe for the coordinating color. I love the soothing blues and greens of the Sutherland stripe colorway. Self-striping yarn gives a great color effect on this blanket but it would look great in two solid colors also.

Tips for crocheting blanket + FREE printable blanket size chart.

Since this blanket is worked primarily in single crochet stitches it ends up being thick and cozy without many “holes”. I love wrapping up in it on the couch in the mornings with my coffee.

Print + Crochet in Comfort

You can find a low-cost AD-FREE printable version of this crochet pattern in my shop. You can print it out or use it digitally on your devices.

Hook me up!

You can also find this pattern on Ravelry or Etsy

Materials and Pattern Information

• Red Heart Super Saver Yarn or similar category 4 worsted weight yarn in 2 colors.
  • MC (Aran used in sample): 1092 yds
  • CC (Sutherland Stripes): 1346 yds
• 6 mm crochet hook
• Scissors + Yarn Needle

Gauge and Sizing

• Gauge: 7 sts x 7 rows = 2 in
• Finished Size: 47 in x 55 in

Abbreviations

• US Terminology
• Ch(s): chain(s)
• St(s): stitch(es)
• Sc: single crochet
• Mdc: mosaic double crochet
• MC: main color
• CC: coordinating color

Mosaic Double Crochet (mdc): work a double crochet in front of the chains of previous rows into skipped stitch 2 rows below. See photos above.

Picot: Ch 3, sc through top of sc just worked. 

Notes

• Ch 1 does not count as a stitch
• Carry yarn up the side of the blanket instead of cutting after each color change
• To modify width ch multiple 10+9
• To modify length do more or less rows – keeping in mind this will change the amount of yarn needed.
• Mosaic double crochets are worked on the right side only.
• Take care not to make your mosaic double crochets too tightly. They should be the same height as the single crochets within the row.

Lake Effect Throw Crochet Pattern

Row 1: Using MC, ch 139. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. Turn. (138 sc)

Row 2: Ch 1, sc in same st as ch 1 and each st across. Turn. (138 sc)

Row 3: Change to CC, ch 1, sc in same st as ch 1 and next 7 sts, *ch 3, skip 2 sts, sc in next 8. Repeat from * across. Turn. (112 sc, 13 ch-3 spaces)

Row 4: ch 1, sc in same st as ch 1 and next 7 sts, *ch 3, skip ch-3 space, sc in next 8. Repeat from * across. Turn. (112 sc, 13 ch-3 spaces)

Row 5: Change to MC, ch 1, sc in same st as ch 1 and next 2 sts, *ch 3, skip 2 sts, sc in next 3, ** mdc in next 2, sc 3. Repeat from * across ending final repeat at **. Turn. (84 sc, 26 mdc, 14 ch-3 spaces)

Row 6: Ch 1, sc in same st as ch 1 and next 2 sts, *ch 3, skip ch-3 space, sc next 8. Repeat from * across ending final repeat after 3 sc. (110 sc, 14 ch-3 spaces)

Row 7: Change to CC, Ch 1, sc in same st as ch 1 and next 2 sts. *Mdc in next 2, sc in next 3, ch 3, ** skip 2 sts, sc in next 3 repeat from * across ending final repeat at **. Turn (84 sc, 28 mdc, 13 ch-3 spaces)

Row 8: ch 1, sc in same st as ch 1 and next 7 sts, *ch 3, skip ch-3 space, sc in next 8. Repeat from * across. Turn. (112 sc, 13 ch-3 spaces)

Row 9-210: repeat rows 5-8, ending with a Row 6. Finish off. Weave in ends.

Picot Crochet Border

Round 1: Working on front side. Using CC, join yarn 2nd stitch top right corner, ch 1, sc in same st as ch 1 and evenly around placing (sc, ch 1, sc) in each corner. Join to top of first sc with sl st.

Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in same st as ch 1. *[Picot. Sc in next 4] repeat until 2 sc on side remain. (sc, ch 1, sc) in corner ch-1 space. Sc in next 2. Repeat from * around. Join to top of 1st st with sl st. Finish off. Weave in ends. 

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