200 Crochet Blocks for Blankets, Throws and Afghans - A Book Review

Today I am reviewing "200 Crochet Blocks for Blankets, Throws and Afghans" by Jan Eaton. This is one of my favourite crochet books and I thoroughly recommend it for anyone wanting to create their own unique crocheted blanket.

The book has 200 different crochet squares that you can mix and match. They range from simple blocks to much more complicated blocks. The blocks are graded one hook, two hook and three hook which gives you an idea straight away how difficult each one might be. One hook is described as suitable for beginners, 2 hooks as some experience required and 3 hooks as challenging.

The book is divided into 3 sections: Mix and Match, Block Directory and Techniques.

The mix and match section is designed to help you through the process of creating your own blanket using these blocks.

The block directory contains instructions for 200 different blocks, some of which are traditional and some of which are brand new designs. Some of the blocks are worked in stripes and some are worked in rounds.

The techniques section is very clear and gives you all the information you would need to create these blocks, from how to make the stitches, different methods for joining the blocks and also has a few different edgings that you could use to finish your blanket.

Each block measures 15 cm (6 inches) square. Special abbreviations are listed for each block, and the instructions are written out for each block, however there are no charts which might have been useful if you find the instructions hard to follow.

Some of my favourite blocks that I would like to try out are:

Square Target (no 3)

Lacy Cross (no 19)

Granny with a Twist (no 39)

Willow (no 189)

I decided to make something from the book, I am making block 113 - Wisteria - which is a traditional block I believe. The block is worked using treble clusters and treble crochet so very straightforward. There are 7 rounds, however I am only working 5 rounds as I did not want such a large block. I am also omitting the double crochet border from the block.

It took me one evening to work up four squares. I plan to make these into a blanket, so quite a few more to go. I guess I will just carry on until either I run out of yarn or I have enough blocks! 

On searching for this block looking for inspiration, I came across this blanket on a wonderful blog new to me, the Patchwork Heart. 

I also decided to make my blocks plain with a colour border however I chose duck egg blue for the border colour and will also use this for the edging. I will write a further blog post about the blanket soon as I make progress with it! 

The yarn is all Stylecraft DK which I had in my stash, bought for a different blanket that never saw the light of day. 

I'm pretty pleased with the colour combinations so far....

So to sum it up, I would say that this book is a fantastic addition to your crochet library, and offers plenty of inspiration for anyone looking to create their own blankets.

Catherine x

NB This post contains an affiliate link. If you chose to purchase this book, I may receive a small commission and you are helping support this blog. I only recommend books or products that I personally have used and enjoy.