Alba Lapghan

Perfect for staying cozy on the couch or just keeping your legs warm in the evenings, the Alba Lapghan is a perfect addition to your home. This free crochet lapghan pattern has stunning texture featuring bold shells and chain spaces, manipulating the work to create a slightly lacy lapghan with beautiful drape and visual interest.

Perfect for staying warm and cozy, this square shaped crochet lapghan pattern is a lovely addition to your couch, your favorite chair or even for use in the car. The beautiful shells and slight lace are broken up by strips of solid double crochet, giving this crochet lapghan pattern a classic but playful vibe.

This free crochet throw pattern is an expanded version of my Alba Blanket Strip, which is Part 12 of the Tranquility Blanket CAL which I am co-hosting with my lovely friend Made by Gootie.

After designing Alba for the Blanket CAL, I knew I had to use it for more than just the strip. I couldn’t stop thinking about the beautiful shells and textures.

For a full sized crochet lapghan pattern, though, it needed just a little something more. So I altered my Alba stitch pattern, included some areas of solid stitch work and voilà!

So, this free crochet lapghan pattern can be considered a sibling to my Part 12, but not a twin.

This stunning lapghan was so fun to design and work. I think you’ll absolutely love it, too.

Where to get this Free Crochet Lapghan Blanket Pattern

The Alba Lapghan is a free crochet lapghan pattern in this blog post. Scroll down to view the free version.

However, if you’d like a more robust pattern with photo tutorials, the steps for the photo tutorial written out in full sentences and a printer friendly version of the PDF, I recommend you purchase the PDF pattern.

With the PDF pattern, you will receive photo tutorials for the special stitches and techniques as well as a detailed photo tutorial for each row which will set you up to work this crochet lapghan pattern with confidence. The photos include details with highlights, arrows and dots to help identify all the stitches and their placement.

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Skill Level

Intermediate – Crocheters looking to follow this pattern should know how to:

• Read a crochet pattern – There is NOT a video tutorial for this unique crochet stitch pattern.
• Work the basic stitches – Chain, slip stitch, single crochet, half double crochet and double crochet
• Place a single crochet in the 3rd Loop Only of half double crochet stitches or be willing to learn
• Skip stitches
• Create chain spaces
• Work into chain spaces
• Place multiple stitches into one stitch
• Crochet a border or be willing to learn.

This free crochet lapghan pattern is NOT a beginner pattern! If you’re only just learning to crochet, this crochet lapghan pattern will be outside of your skill level. However, Advanced Beginners who have been crocheting for a while, are familiar with the skills listed above and/or are willing to learn should have no issue working through this pattern, especially if the PDF pattern is purchased as it will walk you through everything step by step.

Materials

Medium (4) Worsted Weight Yarn of your choice in wool, acrylic or a blend of the two fibers. You will need approximately: 31.5 oz / 900 g / 1,962 yds. This amount is rounded up. I used just shy of 9 skeins.

Yarn Used: Sirdar Country Classic Worsted in colorway Oyster. Yarn is 50% Merino Wool and 50% Acrylic. 3.5 oz / 100 g / 218 yds per skein.

Tools & Notions

5 mm (H-8) Hook – Check out my favorite crochet hooks!
Tapestry needle
Scissors
Stitch markers

Gauge

15 dc x 8 rows = 4 inches x 4 inches

Note: I am a tight crocheter; my tension is usually tighter than others. Learn more about gauge and what this means here.

Size

Approximately 46 x 46 inches.

If you prefer a different width, use the stitch multiple provided (in pattern notes) to change it. If you prefer a different length, repeat the rows more or less times than instructed. Make sure to end on the same row as the instructions state. You may find my Stitch Multiples and/or Crochet Blanket Sizes articles helpful when doing this.

Abbreviations (US TERMS)

• Ch – Chain
• Sc – Single Crochet
• Hdc – Half Double Crochet
• Dc – Double Crochet
• 3LO – 3rd Loop Only (of hdc)
• Shell – (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) worked in one st
• Sk – Skip
• St(s) – Stitch(es)
• Spc(s) – Space(s)
• RS – Right Side
• WS – Wrong Side
• […] – Repeats are listed within brackets.
• (…) – Parentheses indicate to work all stitches in the same stitch or space.
• (…) – Stitch counts are listed at the end of the row in parenthesis and bold italics.

Notes

• Chain 1 and chain 2 at the start of rows DO NOT count as stitches. Always place your first stitch of the new row in the very first stitch. 
• The pattern requires a multiple of 12 stitches + 2 stitches (+ 2 turning chains). 
• “Shell(s)” in the pattern refers to (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) all worked into the same stitch. 
• Some stitches are worked in the space between shells. Please see “Special Note: Working in space between shells” for stitch placement.
• The (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) all worked into the same stitch can cover the next unworked stitch. If needed, push the (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) to the side to uncover the next stitch to make sure you are skipping the correct amount of stitches.

Special Stitch – 3LO (3rd Loop Only)

This pattern uses the technique of placing stitches in the 3rd Loop Only of half double crochet stitches to create a pretty chainlike texture.

• In Pic 1 (above), the top of the hdc is highlighted pink. This would be the Front Loop. The 3rd Loop of the hdc sits below and slightly diagonal to the top of the stitch. The 3rd Loop is highlighted yellow.
• In Pic 2, a black arrow goes through the 3rd Loop (highlighted yellow) to indicate we will insert our hook ONLY into this loop.
• Pic 3 shows the hook inserted only into the 3rd Loop without highlights.
• Pic 4 shows the hook inserted into the 3rd Loop and the work is pulled forward to show the top of the stitch. The 3rd Loop is highlighted yellow (hook is in this loop), the Front Loop is highlighted pink and the Back Loop is highlighted white. Ignore the Front and Back Loop, use only the 3rd Loop.
• Pic 5 shows a single crochet placed in the 3rd Loop. Pic 6 shows the 3rd Loop highlighted with the single crochet placed.

Special Note – Working in Space Between Shells

In Row 6 (and each repeat of Row 6), you will be instructed to place “2 dc in spc between shells”. 
To do this, you will place your stitches between the last dc of the first shell and first dc of the second shell as if working into a chain space as the black arrow in the image below indicates.

This means you will insert your hook into the space created between the shells, not into any stitches. Once your stitches are placed, your work will look like the image above.

The Alba Lapghan – Free Crochet Lapghan Pattern

Ch 160

Row 1 (RS) – 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook and each remaining ch across. (158)

Row 2 (WS) – Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch here or throughout), turn. 1 dc first st and 1 dc in each st across. (158)

Row 3 (RS) – Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch here or throughout), turn. 1 hdc first st and 1 hdc in each st across. (158)

Row 4 (WS) – Ch 1, turn. 1 sc first st, 1 sc in 3LO each st across until 1 st remains. 1 sc in remaining st. (158)

Row 5 (RS) – Ch 2, turn. 1 dc in first st, 1 dc next st. [Sk 2 sts, Shell in next st. Sk 4 sts, Shell in next st. Sk 2 sts, 1 dc each of the next 2 sts]. Repeat inside brackets to end of row. (158 sts – 132 dc, 26 ch 1 spcs | 13 sets of 2 shells)

Row 6 (WS) – Ch 2, turn. 1 dc first st, 1 dc next st. [Ch 1, sk 2 sts, 2 sc in Shell ch 1 spc. Ch 1, sk 2 sts, 2 dc in spc between Shells. Ch 1, sk 2 sts, 2 sc in Shell ch 1 spc. Ch 1, sk 2 sts, 1 dc each of the next 2 sts]. Repeat inside brackets to end of row. (158 sts – 54 dc, 52 sc, 52 ch 1 spcs)

Row 7 (RS) – Ch 1, turn. 1 hdc in each st and ch 1 spc across. (158)

Row 8 (WS) – Ch 1, turn. 1 sc first st, 1 sc in 3LO each st across until 1 st remains. 1 sc in remaining st. (158)

Row 9 (RS) – Ch 2, turn. 1 dc first st and each st across. (158)

Row 10 (WS) – Ch 2, turn. 1 dc first st and each st across. (158)

Rows 11 through 106 – Repeat Rows 3 through 10 in order. This means you will repeat Rows 3 through 10 a total of 12 times.

Do not cut yarn, continue with the border.

Prefer to have a Row Repeat Table to work from with each row and the row to repeat specified?
Get the PDF pattern!

Border

Round 1 (RS) – Ch 1, turn. 1 hdc in each st across to end of row (158 sts this side).
Ch 2, rotate to work down the side, place 2 hdc in side of each dc and 1 hdc in side of each hdc and sc to end of side. (160 sts this side)
Ch 2, rotate to work across bottom of chains, place 1 hdc in bottom of each ch across to end. (158 sts this side)
Ch 2, rotate to work up the side, place 2 hdc in side of each dc and 1 hdc in side of each hdc and sc to end of side. (160 sts this side)
Ch 2, sl st to first hdc made in round to close. (636 total sts, 4 ch 2 corner spcs)

Note: Stitch count for the border is not crucial for Round 1. The following rounds will work regardless of stitch count. As long as your work lays flat and the border does not warp or ruffle the sides of the blanket, it’s okay to continue.

Round 2 (WS) – Ch 1, turn. [ (1 sc, ch 2, 1 sc) in ch 2 spc, 1 sc in 3LO in each st to next ch 2 spc]. Repeat inside brackets 4 times total. Sl st to first sc made in round to close. (644 sts, 4 ch 2 corner spcs)

Round 3 (RS) – Ch 1, turn. [1 hdc in each st to next ch 2 spc, (2 hdc, ch 2, 2 hdc) in ch 2 spc]. Repeat inside brackets 4 times total. 1 st remains unworked. 1 hdc in remaining st. Sl st to first hdc made in round to close. (660 sts, 4 ch 2 corner spcs)

Round 4 (WS) – Ch 1, turn. 1 sc in 3LO of each of the first 3 sts. [ (1 sc, ch 2, 1 sc) in ch 2 spc, 1 sc in 3LO in each st to next ch 2 spc]. Repeat inside brackets 4 times total, Last repeat will end at first sc made in round. Sl st to first sc made in round to close. (668 sts, 4 ch 2 corner spcs)

Round 5 (RS) – Ch 1, turn. [1 sc in each st to next ch 2 spc, 3 sc in ch 2 spc]. Repeat inside brackets 4 times total. 4 sts remain. 1 sc each of the 4 sts. Sl st to first sc made to close. (680)

You can now cut your yarn and weave in the ends. You can block the blanket if you want but it should not be necessary. You’re all done! 

About the Alba Crochet Lapghan

There’s something about crochet shells that are absolutely lovely. They’re fun to work and create such an interesting texture regardless of what type of shell you use.

I knew I wanted to include shells in my Part 12 of the Tranquility Blanket CAL for an easy but stunning finish to the blanket. I wanted add my own unique style to crocheted shells and I really love how the spaces between shells open up and show the shells in a different but pretty and interesting way.

I ended up loving the stitch pattern so much that I just had to use it in another pattern.

Of course, using the stitch pattern I designed to be used in a blanket made total sense to use in a full blanket… And so this free crochet lapghan pattern came to be.

I altered the stitch pattern as I no longer needed to fit into a certain number of stitches and expanded the pattern to include strips of solid stitches. This not only adds a little extra warmth to the blanket but also helps the stitch work of the lacy shells stand out even more.

You can check out my Part 12 of the Tranquility Blanket CAL to see how this crochet lapghan pattern is different to the pattern for the CAL.

I absolutely love how this crochet lapghan pattern turned out using the Alba stitch pattern I designed and I hope you do, too.

What yarn should I use to make this Lapghan?

This free crochet lapghan pattern uses Sirdar Country Classic Worsted, which is a Medium (4) weight 50% Merino Wool and 50% Acrylic.

You can use almost any fiber or blend of yarn that you like in the Medium (4) weight range, really.

Something to note, though, is that “Medium (4)” can mean a lot of things. Some Medium 4 yarns are “Aran” which means they’re thicker and closer to a Bulky (5) weight. Some Medium (4) yarns are “Worsted” feel like they’re the perfect thickness. And some of them are lighter, feeling closer to a DK (3) yarn.

The Sirdar Country Classic Worsted is on the thinner side of Medium (4) while still technically being a Medium (4) yarn.

What I’m saying is not all Medium yarns are the same and you may notice that your gauge swatch for this free crochet throw pattern may be a little off if you use a different yarn. You may need to go up or down hook sizes to match gauge if you switch yarn.

Whether you mind the finished size being off from what’s listed is totally up to you, of course!

Love the Alba Crochet Lapghan Pattern? Share the love and Pin it to Pinterest!

That’s all there is to it! I hope you enjoyed this free crochet lapghan pattern and I hope you and your loved ones stay warm and cozy this winter.

Want to get the PDF version of this crochet lapghan pattern? Get your copy on Etsy by clicking the button below!

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If you loved this crochet blanket pattern, why not check out some of my other crochet blanket patterns?

• Want to know more about crochet blanket sizes and how to make the size that’s right for you? Check out my Crochet Blanket Sizes post.
• If you love the look of cluster stitches, you’ll love the Millie Throw Blanket!
• Want to crochet a blanket with textured, vertical ribbing? Check out the Casey Blanket!
• Love the vertical ribbing in the Casey Blanket but want to up your game? The Aspen Throw has diagonal ribbing and is also pretty easy!
• Interested in crochet blankets that have a lot of interesting details and keep you interested the whole way through? You’ll love the Harmony Throw Blanket and the Serenity Throw Blanket.
• If you’ve never made a temperature blanket, why not make this year the year? Check out my step-by-step walk through on how to plan your own temperature blanket.
• Love to make baby blankets? I have some lovely patterns! Check out the Avery Baby Blanket, the Piper Baby Blanket, the Something New Baby Blanket or the Rising Star Baby Blanket.