When my first little brother to join the US Marines left for bootcamp, I wanted to make him a surprise gift for when he returned. A sort of thank-you-for-being awesome, you-survived-the-torture sort of gift. He didn’t have a comforter for his bed, so I decided to make him a quilt. To celebrate his awesomeness, I made an iron-on of the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor for the middle of the quilt. And, of course, I had to make a matching pillowcase. I was, and still am, not a quilter, but I think it turned out pretty good.
So when another one of my little brothers also joined the Marines, I of course had to make a blanket for him, too. But instead of a quilt, I chose to crochet it. I believe I actually thought it would be easier! =0P
I decided to use the tapestry crochet technique, so I had to first make a chart. I wanted to make it of the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor again, so there was a lot of detail to work out in Photoshop. Once I got that worked out, I started to crochet. And boy, did I crochet! That afghan may have been my most time-consuming to date. Trying to keep the sides even was really difficult, and nearly drove me mad! Needless to say, the poor guy didn’t get his blanket right after bootcamp, but I did get it done eventually. And it was SO worth it! Though I have been avoiding large projects in tapestry crochet with more than two colors ever since.
If you are interested in crocheting an afghan for a Marine in your life here is my pattern (chart only) as a pdf: Marine Afghan Pattern by the Sweet Seamstress. It is in tapestry crochet, which involves carrying the other colors of yarn inside single crochet stitches.
The top reads “Don’t Mess…” and the bottom says “…With the Best.” Quite applicable for more than one reason.
If you are/were in the US military, Thank You for Your Service!
March 5, 2013 at 10:26 pm
do you think you can teach me to read this? i’m making it for a good friend and this is my first time reading a chart.
March 7, 2013 at 8:54 pm
It’s just like cross stitch, but with single crochets. You crochet one way, then back, following the chart. There are many tutorials out there. Type in “tapestry crochet” and you’ll find several great ones, even videos.
January 20, 2013 at 1:20 pm
I love it u did a great job on it. DO U KNOW where I can get pattern for Air Force one my grandson.is in it.I’d love to make him one. Thanks
January 20, 2013 at 2:05 pm
The only one I know of for the Air Force includes squares for all the military, but maybe you could double it and make it on its own: http://www.free-crochet.com/detail.html?code=FC00792&cat_id=302
January 19, 2013 at 9:07 am
how do i get a copy of this pattern
January 20, 2013 at 2:06 pm
Click on the Marine Afghan Pattern link on this page: http://www.sweetseamstress.com/flashback-marine-blankets/marine-afghan-pattern-by-the-sweet-seamstress/
January 24, 2013 at 7:56 pm
I can’t get the pattern to download. Am I doing something wrong? Please help, I have a nephew in the marines and would love to surprise him with this when he is home again.
January 30, 2013 at 6:20 pm
You need to have Adobe reader installed to view. If you have it, all you do it click on the link.
December 11, 2012 at 7:35 pm
This is so awesome! Too bad I found it too close to Christmas to make for my son. He goes in next year. And my daughter the year after that. I guess I know what will be under the tree for them both next Christmas. Would it be hart to include personalization in the pattern do you think?
December 11, 2012 at 11:20 pm
It shouldn’t be hard to personalize. Just write it out on a graph (paper or electronic) or use an alphabet chart already made. Filet crochet or cross stitch graphs would both work, such as one of these: http://www.crochetdoilies.com/crochet_filet_charts_7free.html
December 3, 2012 at 2:20 pm
that is so freaking awesome!! i have to make one for my husband now!!!!
October 23, 2012 at 1:36 pm
lovely blanket :d you have created.. I am working on my mother skirt