Centaur Crochet Mandala Blanket

One of the best things about using a mandala yarn is that you end up with a color combination you might not have thought about otherwise. These yarns have such unique colors to them and they help you explore different color palettes and decide what you like best. Each of them has its own vibe. If you’re looking to step out of your comfort zone and try new colors for your projects, using a self-striping yarn is a great way to go about it.

Related: If you want something more challenging with fantastic texture to it, make sure to check out my Cascading Cable Blanket Pattern.

How to Crochet a Square Afghan Blanket

While other afghan blankets may have complicated constructions, this one doesn’t because it’s crocheted up in a simple square. It is worked from the center outward. At the end of each round, you will join your yarn with a slip stitch and then turn to work the next round in the opposite direction.

This also allows you to adjust the width and length according to your requirements. You can make this blanket in literally any size and it’s a great way to use up all of your cakes too, if you don’t want to go for a standard measurement.

Adjusting the Size of Your Blanket

The crochet mandala blanket pictured is lapghan size. The written crochet pattern includes the repeat to make it has big or as small as you’d like, so you can make it smaller for a baby shower gift or larger for a wedding gift!

For help determining what size to make your beginner-friendly crochet blanket, check out my Standard Blanket Size Chart.

Yarn

For the Cascading Cable Crochet Blanket Pattern, I chose Lion Brand Mandala in Centaur. This was a great yarn to achieve the kind of drape, warmth, and coziness I wanted for my blanket without it being overly bulky or thin enough to let the cool air in.

Lion Brand Mandala is great for making so many different types of crochet projects where you want different colors without the ends to weave in, or anything that needs a durable, machine-washable yarn. It’s a DK weight / 43 and you can find it in many beautiful colorways. Aside from blankets, I’ve used this yarn to make scarves, shawls, vests, ponchos, and more!

For help determining what size to make your crocheted afghan, check out my Standard Blanket Size Chart.

How to Style a Crochet Afghan Blanket

1. Living Room: Drape it over the back of your sofa or an armchair for a chic yet inviting look.
2. Bedroom: Layer it at the foot of your bed for added warmth and a luxurious aesthetic.
3. Reading Nook: Pair it with a comfy chair, a good book, and a cup of tea for the ultimate cozy corner.
4. Seasonal Decor: Use crochet afghans in warm, earthy tones for fall and winter or light pastels for spring and summer.

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Materials

• Yarn: DK Weight / 3 / Yarn, Lion Brand Mandala in Centaur (150 g / 5.3oz / 590 yards / 540 meters / 100% acrylic) was used for the crochet mandala afghan shown in the photos.
• Yardage: approx. 3.75 cakes (2,200 yards).
• Crochet Hooks: J/10/6.00mm; or size needed to obtain gauge (My favorite crochet hooks are the Clover Amour Crochet Hooks, I’ve never had an ache in my hand since switching).
• Measuring Tape
• Scissors
• Yarn Needle

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch(s): chain(s)
• sl st(s): slip stitch(es)
• st(s): stitch(es)
• sc: single crochet
• dc: double crochet
• yo: yarn over
• sp: space
• Rep: repeat
• Rnd: round
• puff st: single crochet puff stitch
• 2 dc-cl: 2 double crochet cluster
• Alt-dc-cl: alternate double crochet cluster

Experience Level

• Easy

Gauge

• Dimensions are included within the instructions to check gauge.
• Gauge isn’t crucial for this project.

Sizes

• 48″ x 48″ afghan.
• Make ANY size with my Standard Blanket Size Chart.

Special Stitches

• Single Crochet Puff Stitch (puff st): Yo, insert your hook into the indicated stitch/space, yo and pull up a long loop, (yo, insert your hook into the same stitch/space, yo, and pull up a long loop) 4 more times, yo, pull through all 11 loops on your hook. Note: You typically close a puff stitch with a ch 1, but for this design, it is written to ch-1 after the stitch. This ch-1 is used to close the puff stitch and create the next ch-1 space in the design. So only work one ch 1 after each puff stitch, not 2 like you may be used to.
• Alternate Double Crochet – Double Crochet Cluster (alt-dc-cl): After turning your work, do not ch, instead, insert your hook into the first st, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull thru both loops, insert your hook between the legs of the st just made, yo, pull up a loop, yo, insert your hook into the same stitch/space, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull thru 2 loops, yo, pull thru remaining loops.
• 2 Double Crochet Cluster (2 dc-cl): Yo, insert hook where indicated, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull thru 2 loops, yo, insert hook in same st, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull thru 2 loops, yo, pull thru remaining loops.

Pattern Notes

• Turning chains are not included in stitch count unless noted otherwise.
• I tend to crochet on the tighter side. You may need to go down a hook size (or two) to meet gauge if you crochet on the looser side.
• The first stitch of every row is worked into the same stitch as the turning chain, unless stated otherwise.
• Chains (for chain spaces) are included in stitch count. When reading the instructions, skipped stitches can be chains or stitches.
• Yarn Notes: Lion Brand Mandala in Centaur (150 g / 5.3oz / 590 yards / 540 meters / 100% acrylic) was used for the sample in the photos. Another comparable DK weight yarn may be used. Gauge isn’t crucial.
• Yardage & Color
  • Centaur: #525-214R
  • Approx. 3.75 cakes (2,200 yards).
• Construction Notes: This square crochet blanket pattern is worked from the center outward. At the end of each round, you will join your yarn with a slip stitch and then turn to work the next round in the opposite direction.
• Designer Tip: Use ANY weight yarn you’d like. I suggest using a hook size at least 1mm larger than what’s listed on the ball band of the yarn you’d like to use. Adjust hook size until you get the drape you’d like for your afghan.

Centaur Crochet Mandala Blanket – Written Pattern

Blanket Instructions

Note: Make sure to keep your ch-1’s loose in the linen stitch rounds (sc in the next ch-1 sp, ch 1, skip the next st), or your work will cinch inward.

Rnd 1: With a 6.00mm crochet hook, ch 2, in the 2nd ch from your hook work (sc, ch 2) 4 times. Join with a sl st to the 1st sc. Turn. (12 sts)  *Chains (not including turning chains) are counted as stitches.

Rnd 2: Ch 1, * (sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 1, skip the next st, rep from * around. Join. Turn.  (20 sts)

Rnd 3: * sc in the next ch-1 sp, ch 1, skip the next st, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 1, skip the next st, rep from * around. Join. Turn. (28 sts)

Rnd 4: Ch 1, puff st in the next ch-1 sp, ch 1, skip the next st, [ (puff st, ch 2, puff st) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 1, skip the next st, (puff st in the next ch-1 sp, ch 1, skip the next st) rep from ( to ) across to the next ch-2 sp ] work from [ to ] 3 times, then work (puff st, ch 2, puff st) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 1, skip the next st, puff st in the next ch-1 sp, ch 1, skip the next st. Join. Turn. (36 sts)

Rnds 5 – 7: Do not ch-1, [ (sc in the next ch-1 sp, ch 1, skip the next st) rep across to the next ch-2 sp, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 1, skip the next st ] work from [ to ] 3 times, then work (sc in the next ch-1 sp, ch 1, skip the next st) rep across to the end of the rnd. Join. Turn. *Stitch count increases by 8 each rnd. (60 sts at the end of Row 7) Approximately 4″ square at this point.

Rnd 8: Alt-dc-cl in the first ch-1 sp, ch 1, skip the next st, [ (2 dc-cl in the next ch-1 sp, ch 1, skip the next st) rep across to the next ch-2 sp, (2 dc-cl, ch 2, 2 dc-cl) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 1, skip the next st] work from [ to ] 3 times, then work (2 dc-cl in the next ch-1 sp, ch 1, skip the next st) rep across to the end of the rnd. Join. Turn. *Stitch count increases by 8. (68 sts at the end of Row 8) Approximately 5″ square at this point.

Rnds 9 – 11: Do not ch-1, [ (sc in the next ch-1 sp, ch 1, skip the next st) rep across to the next ch-2 sp, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 1, skip the next st ] work from [ to ] 3 times, then work (sc in the next ch-1 sp, ch 1, skip the next st) rep across to the end of the rnd. Join. Turn. *Stitch count increases by 8 each rnd. (92 sts at the end of Row 11) Approximately 5.75″ square at this point.

Rnd 12: Ch 1, [ (puff st in the next ch-1 sp, ch 1, skip the next st) rep from ( to ) across to the next ch-2 sp, (puff st, ch 2, puff st) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 1, skip the next st ] work from [ to ] 4 times, then work (puff st in the next ch-1 sp, ch 1, skip the next st) rep across to the end of the rnd. Join. Turn. *Stitch count increases by 8.  (100 sts at the end of Row 12) Approximately 6.75″ square at this point.

Rep Rnds 5 – 12, ending with a Rnd 11 rep, until your afghan is the size you prefer. You can end on any round you’d like, this is just the round I prefer to end on.

Fasten off. Weave in ends. Professionally finish your afghan by blocking it.

The Centaur Afghan is more than just a warm blanket; it’s a piece of handmade art that adds personality and warmth to your home. Whether you’re making one yourself or to give to a loved one, this blanket is sure to see you through a lot of good days.

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