Free Criss Cross Crochet Afghan Pattern for Beginners
Looking for a stunning yet easy crochet blanket that looks like you spent weeks on it? This free criss cross crochet afghan pattern is perfect for beginners!
The beautiful woven basketweave texture creates an impressive criss cross effect that looks incredibly complex — but is actually made with just one simple repeating stitch pattern.
We made ours in a gorgeous dusty purple color that looks cozy and elegant in any living room. Whether you are making this as a gift or keeping it for yourself — this beginner-friendly criss cross afghan will quickly become your favorite crochet project!
Pattern Details At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Skill Level | Easy / Beginner |
| Finished Size | 40″ x 54″ (102 x 137 cm) |
| Yarn Weight | Bulky / Super Chunky (Weight 6) |
| Hook Size | US N/P-15 (10mm) |
| Gauge | 8 sts x 10 rows = 4 inches |
| Color Used | Dusty Purple / Mauve |
| Estimated Time | 2-3 weekends |
Materials You Will Need
- Bulky weight yarn (Weight 6) — approximately 800 to 900 yards total (around 7 skeins of 130 yards each) in dusty purple
- US N/P-15 (10mm) crochet hook
- Yarn needle / tapestry needle
- Scissors
- Stitch markers (optional but recommended for beginners)
Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| dc | double crochet |
| fpdc | front post double crochet |
| bpdc | back post double crochet |
| rep | repeat |
| RS | right side |
| WS | wrong side |
| sc | single crochet |
| sl st | slip stitch |
Special Stitches You Need to Know
Front Post Double Crochet (fpdc)
Insert your hook from front to back to front around the post of the stitch below. Yarn over, pull up a loop, then yarn over and pull through 2 loops twice. This stitch creates a beautiful raised ridge on the right side of your work and is the key to the criss cross texture.
Back Post Double Crochet (bpdc)
Insert your hook from back to front to back around the post of the stitch below. Yarn over, pull up a loop, then yarn over and pull through 2 loops twice. This stitch creates a recessed groove on the right side of your work.
The alternating fpdc and bpdc stitches worked in pairs of 4 create the signature criss cross basketweave texture that makes this afghan so beautiful and impressive!
Pattern Instructions
Foundation Chain
Using your dusty purple bulky yarn and 10mm hook, chain 82. This gives you 80 working stitches plus 2 turning chains.
Row 1 — Setup Row (Wrong Side)
Ch 2, turn. Dc in 3rd chain from hook and in each chain across. Total: 80 dc stitches.
Row 2 — Criss Cross Row A (Right Side)
Ch 2, turn. *Work fpdc around next 4 sts, work bpdc around next 4 sts. Repeat from * across to last st. Dc in last st.
Row 3 — Criss Cross Row B (Wrong Side)
Ch 2, turn. *Work bpdc around next 4 sts, work fpdc around next 4 sts. Repeat from * across to last st. Dc in last st.
Row 4 — Criss Cross Row C (Right Side)
Ch 2, turn. *Work bpdc around next 4 sts, work fpdc around next 4 sts. Repeat from * across to last st. Dc in last st.
Row 5 — Criss Cross Row D (Wrong Side)
Ch 2, turn. *Work fpdc around next 4 sts, work bpdc around next 4 sts. Repeat from * across to last st. Dc in last st.
Continuing the Pattern
Rows 2 through 5 form one complete criss cross basketweave block repeat. Continue repeating Rows 2 through 5 until your afghan measures approximately 54 inches (137 cm) from the foundation chain, ending on a Row 3 or Row 5 (wrong side row). Total rows worked will be approximately 56 to 60 rows depending on your personal tension.
Finishing Row
Ch 1, turn. Work 1 sc in each stitch across. Fasten off leaving a 6-inch tail for weaving in.
Finishing Your Afghan
Step 1 — Weave In Ends
Weave in all ends securely using your yarn needle. For bulky yarn weave through at least 4 to 5 stitches in different directions to secure properly. This ensures your afghan holds together through washing and use.
Step 2 — Optional Border
For a clean polished edge, join yarn at any corner and work 1 round of sc evenly around all 4 sides of your afghan. Work 3 sc in each corner stitch to keep corners nice and flat. Fasten off and weave in remaining ends.
Step 3 — Block Your Afghan
Lay your finished afghan flat on a clean surface, gently mist with water, shape carefully to the finished measurements and allow to dry completely. Blocking gives your criss cross pattern a beautifully crisp and defined finish that really makes the texture pop!
Size Variations
| Size | Chain | Working Stitches | Finished Size | Yarn Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Afghan | 58 | 56 sts | 30″ x 36″ | ~400 yards |
| Throw — This Pattern | 82 | 80 sts | 40″ x 54″ | ~850 yards |
| King Size Afghan | 122 | 120 sts | 60″ x 72″ | ~1,800 yards |
Color Suggestions
This pattern looks absolutely gorgeous in any single solid color — the criss cross texture is the real star! Here are our favorite color choices:
- Dusty Purple / Mauve — elegant and cozy (our choice!)
- Warm Cream — classic and timeless
- Charcoal Grey — modern and stylish
- Sage Green — earthy and calming
- Deep Navy Blue — bold and dramatic
- Soft Blush Pink — sweet and feminine
- Burnt Orange — warm and perfect for fall
All yardage requirements remain exactly the same regardless of your color choice.
5 Beginner Tips for the Perfect Criss Cross Afghan
Tip 1 — Count Your Stitches Every Single Row
The criss cross pattern works in groups of 4 stitches. Always make sure you have exactly 80 stitches at the end of each row. Place a stitch marker every 20 stitches to help you keep count easily — this is a lifesaver for beginners!
Tip 2 — Keep Your Tension Consistent
For the criss cross texture to show up clearly and beautifully, keep your tension consistent throughout. Your fpdc stitches should stand out raised from the surface of the fabric. Not too tight, not too loose.
Tip 3 — Mark Your Right Side
Place a removable stitch marker on the right side of your afghan right at the beginning. This helps you track exactly which row you are on in the 4-row repeat and prevents confusion.
Tip 4 — Always Join New Yarn at Row Beginnings
When joining a new skein of dusty purple yarn, always join at the very beginning of a row — never in the middle. This keeps your color consistent and makes ends much easier to weave in cleanly.
Tip 5 — Do Not Skip Blocking
Blocking is the secret weapon that makes handmade crochet look truly professional! Even a quick wet blocking will dramatically improve the look of your finished criss cross texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different yarn weight?
Yes! For a lighter afghan use worsted weight yarn (weight 4) with a 5mm hook. Your finished size will be slightly smaller — chain 100 instead of 82 to achieve a similar width.
How long does this afghan take to make?
Most beginners complete this criss cross afghan in 2 to 3 weekends of casual crocheting. Each row takes approximately 5 to 7 minutes once you get into the rhythm of the fpdc and bpdc stitches.
Can I wash this afghan in the machine?
Always check your specific yarn label first. Most bulky acrylic yarns are machine washable on a gentle cold cycle. Always lay flat to dry to maintain the beautiful criss cross texture and shape.
My fpdc stitches look loose — what am I doing wrong?
Try working your front post stitches slightly tighter than your back post stitches. This is the most common beginner adjustment and makes the criss cross texture pop dramatically!
Can I make this afghan wider or longer?
Absolutely! To make it wider add stitches in multiples of 8 to your foundation chain. To make it longer simply continue repeating Rows 2 through 5 until you reach your desired length.
Final Thoughts
We hope you love making this free criss cross crochet afghan as much as we do! The beautiful basketweave texture in dusty purple makes this blanket look like a true work of art — and nobody needs to know how beginner-friendly it actually is! This pattern is perfect for gift-giving, home decor, or simply wrapping yourself up in a cozy handmade blanket on a chilly evening.
If you make this criss cross afghan we would absolutely love to see your finished project! Share it in the comments below — we love seeing your beautiful creations in all different colors!
