Charted Picture Afghans

Charted picture afghans are worked differently than traditional afghans. These afghans use a form of mosaic crochet without color changes to create images on the fabric. Each row will be worked separately, and you will leave a 12-inch length before beginning each row and before fastening off at the end of each row.

This video is associated with the crochet pattern book Charted Picture Afghans by Bendy Carter.

When working charted picture afghans, you will not turn your work. All rows are worked with the right side facing. You will fasten off at the end of each row and start the next row with a new strand of yarn. Generally, the tails are worked into fringe at the end of the project.

Single crochet stitches are always worked in the back loop only of the indicated stitch (see Photo A). To do so, insert the hook in the loop farthest from you -- this is the back loop -- then complete a single crochet as you normally would. This makes a fabric with a series of horizontal lines formed by the free front loops.  

To create the image, double crochet stitches are worked in the front loop of the indicated stitch two rows below (see Photo B). Skip the stitch on the current row behind the double crochet just made.