Hello and Welcome to the Sophie’s Universe CAL 2015.
If you are new to this journey: Welcome! I hope that you will enjoy making this blanket with us. May you learn lots of new stitches and make many, many good friends along the way!
Sophie’s Universe: Small Cotton 8 Version
Sophie’s Universe CAL 2015
The CAL started on the 18th of January 2015 and ran for 20 weeks. This pattern has proven to be extremely popular, with over 7000 projects on Ravelry. Seven years later, the majority of my online engagement with fellow crocheters still centers around Sophie.
Followed by thousands of people, ranging from complete beginners to experienced crocheters, Sophie’s Universe is a crash course in crochet and a wonderful adventure! Above all, my goal with this pattern has always been to show people that every stitch is ‘just a stitch’ and to help them learn the skills that will allow them to approach any complex pattern with confidence.
Sophie’s Universe: Medium Softfun Version
Two warnings, though:
- Pets LOVE Sophie, so prepare to be ambushed!
- Partners and spouses are not immune to her either, often helping to choose colours or checking up on progress (and very occasionally starting one too – like my husband).
Even though the crochet-along has finished, the instructions will remain available on this website (for free) indefinitely. Sophie’s Universe is now also available as a 216-page step-by-step crochet book.
Index
- Resources
- Translations
- Difficulty
- Gauge
- Size and Materials (Includes Available Colour Packs)
- Sophie’s Universe Timeline (With links to all the relevant tutorials)
- Helpful Templates
- Important Tips
- Blocking
- Examples of Sophie
- Sophie-related Patterns
- More Colourways
Resources
- Photo Tutorials: You can find the links to all the weekly photo tutorials under Timeline below.
- Video Tutorials: Esther Dijkstra from It’s All in a Nutshell has made step-by-step video tutorials for each part of Sophie’s Universe. If you struggle with any aspect of the pattern, I strongly suggest having a look at the video for the relevant part as they are extremely detailed and helpful.
- Printing/PDF: There is a Print-friendly button in the bottom right-hand corner after every post. Please use this print-friendly button to print/save the tutorials.
- Book: Sophie’s Universe is now also available as a 216-page step-by-step book. Read more about the Sophie’s Universe Book and where to find it.
- Facebook: You can share your journey on the Official CCC Social Group if you would like to be a part of the friendly, supportive community while you work through the tutorials.
- Ravelry: Add the CAL to your Ravelry Queue
- Instagram: If you are on Instagram, you can find me as Barbertondaisy. Please add your photos using #sophiesuniversecal2015 so that we can all Oooh! and Aaah!
Sophie’s Universe: Large Stonewashed XL Version
Translations
- Dutch CAL Information by Dianne Baan
- German CAL Information by Maja Heidingsfelder
- Spanish CAL Information by Lynda Hernandez
- Finnish CAL Information by Mervi, Pippa, Sari S, and Sari Å
- French CAL Information by Sandra Larvin (with Video Tutorials by Géraldine Cymer for the first few parts)
- Danish Translations by Tina Poulsen
- Russian CAL Information by Natalie V. Alimpieva
- Swedish CAL Information by Emma Vingqvist, Agnetha Magnusson, Åza Karlsson, and Ulrika Larsson
- Arabic Video Tutorials by Banan Felimban
Difficulty
Intermediate. Although this is an Advanced pattern, it has been written specifically for adventurous beginners.
Gauge
The best way to check your gauge is to work up Part 1 of Sophie’s Universe.
| Large | Medium | Small | |
| At the end of Part 1: | 18 cm (7″) | 14 cm (5.5″) | 10 cm (4″) |
| The measurements you get at the end of Part 1 (in other words, at the end of Round 8) will be roughly a tenth of the predicted final size of your blanket. | |||
Size and Materials
The pattern was designed for worsted weight yarn and a 5.5 mm crochet hook (US I/9 UK 5), which will give you a finished size of 1.8 meters squared. That’s just shy of 6 feet, for those of you who live on the other side of the pond. You are not, however, limited to worsted-weight yarn.
I will be using Scheepjes for the CAL and I will be making 3 blankets, each in a different yarn weight (and therefore a different size). You can find more details about that below.
Please note that the table below does not include the yarn needed for the Optional Squares and Border. You will find the yardages for that under Helpful Templates below.
| Large | Medium | Small | |
| Finished Size: | 1.8 m x 1.8 m (6′ x 6′) | 1.4 m x 1.4 m (4’7 x 4’7) | 1 m x 1 m (3’3 x 3’3) |
| Yarn Weight: | Worsted Weight (#4) | Double knit (#3) | 4 Ply (#2) |
| Hook Size*: |
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| Yardage: | 3900 meters (4265 yards) | 3400 meters (3720 yards) | 2500 meters (2730 yards) |
| I am using: | Scheepjeswol Stonewashed XL | Scheepjeswol Softfun | Scheepjeswol Cotton 8 |
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| Colours: | 23 x Moon Stone (841) | 2 x Canary (2518) | 1 x Canary (714) |
| 3 x Amazonite (853) | 2 x Light Rose (2513) | 1 x Light Pink (718) | |
| 3 x Green Agate (855) | 3 x Rose (2514) | 2 x Fuchsia (720) | |
| 3 x Blue Apatite (845) | 2 x Bordeaux (2492) | 1 x Pink (719) | |
| 6 x Canada Jade (846) | 3 x Cyclamen (2534) | 2 x Moors (726) | |
| 3 x Lemon Quartz (852) | 3 x Olive (2531) | 2 x Light Green (642) | |
| 3 x Deep Amethyst (851) | 1 x Dark Turquoise (2511) | 1 x Turquoise (712) | |
| 3 x Garnet (850) | 6 x Light Blue (2432) | 5 x Light Turquoise (622) | |
| 3 x Corundum Ruby (848) | 2 x Pink (2480) | 1 x Violet (529) | |
| 3 x Coral (856) | 2 x Heath (2493) | 1 x Heath (721) | |
| 2 x Violet (2519) | 1 x Light Purple (651) | ||
| * There are 2 hook sizes listed for each size. Please see Important Tips before you start. | |||
Official Colour Packs for Sophie’s Universe CAL 2015
Colour Packs for Sophie’s Universe are available from my Wool Warehouse Shop. Please note that these packs contain enough yarn to complete Sophie’s Universe (without the optional squares and border) if your tension matches mine. If you are a ‘loose crocheter’, please see the Helpful Templates below to figure out how much more yarn you will need.
- Cotton 8 (Small)
- Softfun (Medium)
- Rainbow Colour Crafter Pack (Medium) – You can read more about the Rainbow Colour Crafter Sophie HERE.
- Stonewashed XL (Large)
Sophie’s Universe: Medium Rainbow Colour Crafter Version
Sophie’s Universe Timeline
Please do not copy, reproduce, or distribute this pattern in part or as a whole. This pattern belongs to me and I retain all rights to it. Copyright is protected by Scheepjes. Please see my Terms of Use if you would like to read more.
| Week 1: | 18 January 2015 | Part 1: Rounds 1 – 8 |
| Part 2: Rounds 9 – 15 | ||
| Week 2: | 25 January 2015 | Part 3: Rounds 16 – 25 |
| Week 3: | 01 February 2015 | Part 4: Rounds 26 to 36 |
| Week 4: | 08 February 2015 | Part 5: Rounds 37 – 45 |
| Week 5: | 15 February 2015 | Part 6: Rounds 46 – 53 |
| Week 6: | 22 February 2015 | Part 7: Rounds 54 – 61 |
| Week 7: | 01 March 2015 | Part 8: Rounds 62 – 68 |
| Week 8: | 08 March 2015 | Part 9: Rounds 69 – 74 |
| Week 9: | 15 March 2015 | Part 10: Rounds 75 – 80 |
| Week 10: | 22 March 2015 | Part 11: Rounds 81 – 84 |
| Week 11: | 29 March 2015 | Part 12: Rounds 85 – 88 |
| Week 12: | 05 April 2015 | Part 13: Rounds 89 – 92 |
| Week 13: | 12 April 2015 | Part 14: Rounds 93 – 97 |
| Week 14: | 19 April 2015 | Part 15: Rounds 98 – 101 |
| Week 15: | 26 April 2015 | Part 16: Rounds 102 – 104 |
| Week 16: | 03 May 2015 | Part 17: Rounds 105 – 109 |
| Week 17: | 10 May 2015 | Part 18: Rounds 110 – 113 |
| Week 18: | 17 May 2015 | Part 19: Optional Squares |
| Week 19: | 24 May 2015 | Part 20: Growing Options |
| Week 20: | 31 May 2015 | Part 21: The End of the Beginning |
Helpful Templates
Colours Per Round (Official)
Here you will find the colours and yardages used per round for each of the 3 sizes (small, medium, and large).
- Colours Per Round (Small Version)
- Colours Per Round (Medium Softfun Version)
- Colours Per Round (Medium Colour Crafter Version)
- Colours Per Round (Large Version)
Colours Per Round Template (Blank)
If you want to use your own colours, you can use the spreadsheet below to keep a tally of your colours and usage per round. If you do, you will notice that there are some values (in orange) already entered on the template. This is just example text and should be replaced with your own values.
Colours Per Round Template (Printable)
Brandi Kasper-Theisen designed this one-sheet template to help you keep a tangible record of which colour you used per round.
Optional Squares and Border Template
Here you will find the (additional) colours and yardages used per round for the optional squares and border.
- Optional Squares and Border Cotton 8
- Optional Squares and Border Softfun
- Optional Squares and Border Stonewashed XL
Colouring Templates
You can download blank colouring-in templates from the 5-year Anniversary Make-along Page HERE.
Example of the Ubuntu Sophie Colourway featured in the Make-along
Important Tips
Some people have had problems with the centres of their blankets ‘bulging’. To avoid this, I suggest starting with the smaller of the 2 hooks listed for each size and then changing to the larger of the 2 hooks after you have completed the initial Mandala (Parts 1 – 3).
If you are making the large version with worsted weight yarn and a 5.5 mm hook, for example, start with a 5 mm hook and complete the initial Mandala (Parts 1 – 3) with that hook. Then, at the start of Part 4, change to the recommended hook size (in this example that would be a 5.5 mm hook).
This is especially important if you are a complete beginner as your tension will improve as the blanket grows.
I also suggest blocking Sophie at the end of Part 7 (see Blocking below). If your centre has started bulging again, go up another hook size at the start of Part 8, but please keep in mind that doing this will affect the amount of yarn you end up using.
When making Sophie, you will realize that some rounds bulge and some rounds buckle. This will be corrected in later rounds (apart from the above-mentioned instance at the end of Part 7) and is part of the intricate shaping of the pattern.
It is extremely important that you do not go down a hook size to compensate for this (at all, ever)!
Blocking
From Part 7 of Sophie’s Universe onward, I suggest blocking your work. Annie’s has some good advice for Blocking Afghans and Other Large Pieces. Quite a few people think that you cannot block acrylic yarn. You can, in fact, block acrylic yarn quite successfully!
If you are going to use foam squares to block on, consider buying these Interlocking Foam Exercise Mats. They are similar to these Knitter’s Pride Lace Blocking Mats
Examples of Sophie
If you would like to see some inspirational versions/colourways, you can find them here:
- Ravelry – you can see some awesome examples (along with colours and yarn used) HERE on Ravelry.
- Instagram – you can find all the images tagged with #sophiesuniversecal2015 HERE on Instagram.
- Sophie’s Universe in a Single Colour
- Sophie’s Universe in Scheepjes Whirl
- Micro-Sophie
Sophie-related Patterns
- Sophie’s Alternate Universe – an extension of Sophie’s Universe by Sonja Holland
- Sophie’s Dream – POPULAR
- Sophie Stool
- Sophie Cocoon Cardigan
More Colourways
- 5 Year Anniversary Make-along with 3 new colourways (2020)
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- Ubuntu Colourway
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- Metropolis Colourway
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- Bamboo Soft Colourway
This blog post contains affiliate links. I only link to products I personally use or would use. All opinions are my own.
Kathleen says
Hi I have finished all 4 parts and really enjoyed following the otter a fan am so happy with the results. I would like to continue making it bigger just wondering if the patterns are available for continue into an Afghan?
Jenny Lowman says
Kathleen, check out Sophie’s Universe on the CAL section of the blog. Sophie’s Universe is the blanket version of this garden square that was created in 2015 :)
Kristina says
I just wanted to let you know what an amazing pattern this is. I entered my first Sophie into the State Fair, and WON First Place!! I’m currently finishing up a second Sophie and I just love them both, so thank you!!
Jenny Lowman says
Oh well done Kristina! We thoroughly believe that every Sophie created deserves a prize!
Saba says
Hi Dedri.
Thank you for a lovely pattern. I have a quick question, sorry if it’s been answered before, but on round 26 are the back post double crochet done behind the post of the Crab stitch which I chose to do do in round 25, or or are they done behind the posts at the stitches in round 24?
Thank you
Saba
Jenny Lowman says
Hi Saba.
The stitches are worked around the posts from the stitches of round 24. It actually states this in the pattern :)
kathy woodward says
HELLO!!
Jenny Lowman says
HELLO!
Mrs Harry T says
Hi ladies,
I’ve finally made a start and am part way through Part 4 of this beautiful pattern.
I’m an experienced crocheter (i.e. have consistent tension) but am still learning to live with just how tight I crochet.
Which brings me to my question-I am using 4 ply sock yarn and used a 3.5mm hook to get the suggested dimensions at the end of Part 1. At the beginning of Part 4, I’ve gone up to a 4mm hook, but the stitches feel too loose now. If I go back to a 3.5, how soon will I know if that was the right (or wrong) decision? The information mentions the middle 3 parts potentially ‘buckling’, but how quickly would that show
Any help, suggestions, calming words welcomed
Thanks xxx
Dedri Uys says
Hi, You would be able to tell at the start of Part7/8 if it is a problem, at which point you can still correct for it by going up a hook size. I’m quite a tight crocheter too, and don’t like super loose stitches. I think use what looks prettiest to you and then we will figure it out if there’s an issue.
Enjoy!
Dedri
Peg says
Hi, Jenny– Thanks for getting back to me. I’m afraid going to the end of Part 3 may be too big given my table, and the yarn/hook I’m using, but I’m on my way! We’ll see what happens.
~ Question: I understand how to make the picot. But I’m not clear about how it’s joined in Rounds 13 and 16. R13 instruction say to”catch the picot … by inserting your hook into 2nd chain of picot …” Do I locate and catch the front or back loop of the 2nd chain? Or both? Or do I go into the center of the picot, completely under the 2nd chain and between the 1st and 3rd? I’ve watched the video from Esther, but I find it difficult to figure this out since the yarns are dark. I know I can do it any way that works (and I have), but I’d like to know what was intended.
~ Question: Looking ahead, I’ve seen a video suggesting that the crab stitch (Round 25) can be done in every other stitch. I’ll try it when I get there, but do you think that would eliminate the “wobble”?
~ And one more: How does a “color-challenged” crocheter think through the choice of colors? I’m using 7, but I’m stymied as to how to decide where to use which one. Any suggestions?
BTW, I’m having a GREAT time doing this. My sincere thanks to you, Esther, and Dedri for the amazingly detailed and oh! so helpful!! instructions– in writing, photos, and videos.
Best,
Peg
Jenny Lowman says
Hi Peg.
I would go into the centre of the picot, under the 2nd chain. That is a nice neat way to catch the picot stitch.
As for colour selection, I play by eye mostly. I do lay out my balls of yarn and decide on a colour order before starting a project, but sometimes things look better when you just dive in blindly.
Peg says
Hi, Dedri–
I’m working on placemats, and I’m thinking Parts 1 and 2 of Sophie’s Universe might be just right. I’ve found diameter guidelines for Part 1 (large, medium, small); do you have similar estimates for Part 2? I’m just trying to guess what hook size to use and how many rounds I’m going to need, which will help determine the placement of (7) colors.
Many thanks!
Peg
Jenny Lowman says
Hi Peg.
I would say end of part 3 would be ideal for placemats! Perfectly round and can include the final crab stitch round or not, as you see fit. The measurements for that are in prt 3 instructions. We don’t have a part 2 measurement available as it is halfway to the full circle taken from the original Sophie mandala pattern :)
Juanita Jones says
Hi Dedri! First I need to say I am making the Sophie’s Universe with Scheepjes whirls. I love it! I am not an advanced crocheter, so needless to say, the pictures in the book, and the videos have helped tremendously! I have learned so much! I want to make my blanket bigger, so I am switching to the Sophie’s Alternate Universe. I’m only a few rows in, and I have a problem. I don’t know where I went wrong. At the end of row 89, my stitch count matches, 159 per side. When I start row 38, I am still 80 stitches more than the original, but it doesn’t fit right. Did I miss something? Do I need to frog row 37 to add an extra stitch? Or did I goof? I know you didn’t design this part, but I am hoping you can help me. Thanks so much.
Jenny Lowman says
Hi Julia. I would suggest you contact Sonja Hollands about your query, as it is her extension that you are working on. She is on Facebook and her profile pic is a lovely one of her sitting in the middle of an enormous granny square blanket.
Kristina says
Thank you very much for crocheting these beautiful afghans. I really like the stone washed version and have started with the pattern. I just finished row 31. The author of the instruction states that is a very involved row, but so far I found that the pattern is rather simple and repetitive to crochet.
I find that the instructions are often long whining and overly complicated when in reality describing simple stitches that often repeat itself. Since one can get lost in the same I now read over the individual row pattern and just write a much simpler and user-friendly version down and eliminate to have to keep going back to the pattern.
But other than the instructions, it’s a very beautiful afghan and I want to thank you for publishing them.
Jenny Lowman says
We are pleased that you enjoy Dedri’s blankets, but would just like to point out that most of them are written with beginners and less experienced crocheters in mind. Dedri provides step by step, clear and concise instructions, often accompanied with photos, to guide the novice crafter through each stage. While we appreciate some crafters with more experience find the ‘wordiness’ a little tiresome, the Print Friendly option does allow for the creation and editing of a pattern to suit individual tastes :)
BW
Jenny
Kathy Wymore says
I don’t have a question, I wanted to acknowledge that I just finished row 25 and 26 and I survived to talk about it. Although slightly traumatized. I know row 25 was optional but I liked the way the crab stitch looked. Its like everything about crochet I knew to be true was thrown out the window but I got it and it was worth the whole night I spent doing the one row. Where it gets traumatizing is the knowledge going into row 26 was going to be a challenge because of row 25. It was so difficult to work a whole row in the back post behind those crab stitches. I can’t emphasize that enough. It took a night and a half to get through row 26. Thank goodness you left the hint of where your stitches should should end up in each section. I wouldn’t have made it through without those markers. I’m reintroducing myself to crocheting and took on this project. I got through the Mandala fairly easily. I’m proud of myself. The crab stitch makes the mandala stand out and is worth the trouble. I just recommend to be well rested before you try it. I’m trying to be funny here and probably am not as traumatized as I think I am. I’m having a blast making this blanket. Your instructions are awesome. I see some dimensional flowers coming up that might be my next challenge.
Jenny Lowman says
Oh Kathy! Your post has made us smile!
I call crab stitch the ‘Marmite’ stitch. You either love it or hate it.
Well done you on not only surviving the crabby round, but also the following tricky round that works into it!
We are proud of you too!
BW
Jenny & Dedri
Helen says
Hello- I am interested in making the gorgeous Sophies Universe in Hobbii Twister greys- do you think it will look ok if I just let the colour changes naturally flow or is it necessary to cut and match?
Jenny Lowman says
Hi Helen. I made Sophie in Whirls for Dedri, and I just followed the pattern and the colour flow. I used 3 whirls that were the same, and simply continued each new cake with the end colour of the previous one.
Kim G says
This a a beautiful piece first! id liek to add that I purchased the book on Amazon and it too is just beautiful. I really appreciate all the time and thought put into this “production” I call it that because you have given everything necessary for even a beginner to be able to successfully recreate this. The resources are just great! I hope you continue to put out more I will be wating in line!! thank you so very much. I am at home on medical leave and decided that this would be my recovery project. So glad I did. with all the resources and tool provided it is stress free and exciting!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Jenny Lowman says
We are very pleased that you love Sophie, Kim!
We look forward to seeing your finished Universe :)
janto2 says
Are the borders and motif patterns included here or will I find them elsewhere?
Dedri Uys says
Hi, you can find them as Parts 19, 20, and 21 if you scroll down to where it says ‘Timeline’.
Barbara J Highlander says
I have the pattern book. I am on part 6 of the rainbow colorway version. I would like to do the stonewashed xl version next. But the color chart by row available above only goes to round 68. Where can I get the chart?
Jenny Lowman says
Hi Barbara. The colour chart is HERE
Hope that helps.
Cathy Rich says
I’m happy I found this CAL, even though I was late to the party. I just finished my Sophie today. I’d love to share a picture of my finished project, but I don’t know how.
Jenny Lowman says
Hi Cathy. You can post on the Community section of our Facebook page or message Lookatwhatimade via messenger (search for Lookatwhatimade on FB). We also have a Facebook group for Charlottes Universe CAL that you are free to join (please do answer all the security questions when you request to join), and post a pic there too.
Sandra Purvis says
I wish this pattern came in print for left handed people l have tried to make this but l am having are time with the stitches lining up.Thanks!
Jenny Lowman says
Not helpful in this , particularly, but Charlotte’s Universe has left jaded video tutorials. I don’t think Esther made left handed videos, but her website is It’s All In A Nutshell for all her YouTube videos.
Ancin says
I am almost finished with my Sophie and she is gorgeous! But the centre is bulging. I can’t redo my whole Sophie . Is there anything that I can do? I’ve blocked her a few times as I went along but it is still building.
Jenny Lowman says
Did you follow the hook size changes, Ancin?
There’s not much you can do now if you are nearly finished, but Dedri has commented on bulging in the Important Tips section.