Hello and Welcome to the Sophie’s Universe CAL 2015.
You have no idea how excited (and how nervous) I am about this CAL. 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!
Those of you who followed the Block a Week CAL 2014 will know that the CAL (crochet-along) was hosted by the Official CCC Social Group on Facebook. The mastermind behind that CAL was my good friend Kimberly Slifer, and I will be teaming up with her again for Sophie’s Universe.
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 almost 7000 projects on Ravelry to date. Five 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.
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.
If you are new to this journey: Welcome! May you enjoy every moment (even the frogging). And may you make many good friends along the way.
At the bottom of this post, you will find a list of all the weekly tutorials and their related links.
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
Resources
- 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.
- Tutorials: You can find the links to all the weekly photo tutorials under Timeline below.
- 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. Take a look at THIS TUTORIAL if you don’t know how to use the print-friendly button.
- *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. You can also find a link to the relevant video at the start of each weekly part.
- 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!
- Pinterest: You can also find the links to all the tutorials on Pinterest.
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 ja 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 Aneli Moberg from Paradisfrun Virkar
- 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*: |
|
|
|
| Yardage: | 3900 meters (4265 yards) | 3400 meters (3720 yards) | 2500 meters (2730 yards) |
| I am using: | Scheepjeswol Stonewashed XL | Scheepjeswol Softfun | Scheepjeswol Cotton 8 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| 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) | ||
| All these yarns are available from Wool Warehouse and Deramores. Both offer worldwide shipping. You can find the direct links for the colour packs below. | |||
* There are 2 hook sizes listed for each size. Please see Important Tips before you start.
** This is not a typo (can you tell that is a frequently asked question?). The large version is predominantly Moonstone, so you will need many, many balls.
Colour Packs for Sophie’s Universe CAL 2015
Please note that these packs contain enough yarn to complete Sophie 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.
Wool Warehouse
- Cotton 8 (Small)
- Softfun (Medium)
- Stonewashed XL (Large)
- **NEW** Rainbow Colour Crafter Pack (Medium) – You can read more about the Rainbow Colour Crafter Sophie HERE.
Deramores
- Cotton 8 (Small)
- Softfun (Medium)
- Stonewashed XL (Large)
Optional Squares and Border Colour Packs
If you are wanting to add the optional squares and border, you can now find colour packs (and information) for that HERE.
Sophie’s Universe Timeline
IMPORTANT: 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.
Thank you,
Dedri
| Update: If you would like to make a much larger version of Sophie, please have a look at Sophie’s Alternate Universe. | ||
| 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)
You can use this spreadsheet 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.
Printable Colours Per Round Template
Brandi Kasper-Theisen designed this one-sheet template to help you keep a tangible record of which colour you used per round.
Printable Colours Per Round Template
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
More Helpful Resources
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.
- More Sophie’s Universe Projects
Please remember to subscribe to my Newsletter if you would like to be kept in the loop. You can also like my Facebook page or follow me on Bloglovin, Google+, Pinterest, Twitter, or Instagram.
Happy Hooking!
This blog post contains affiliate links. I only link to products I personally use or would use. All opinions are my own.
Megan says
Thank you so much for this beautiful pattern! It’s so easy to follow despite how complex it is. I wasn’t a novice when I started using this pattern but I feel like I’ve learned so much from it and all the helpful links you’ve included – so much that the quality of ALL my projects have improved. I’ve now made Sophie’s Universe a few times, it’s become a go-to wedding gift and is always super well received. I’m so grateful you’ve shared this!
Dedri Uys says
Hi Megan,
Thank you for that lovely, uplifting message. It warms my heart to know that I have played a part in your journey, and your confidence and excitement delights me!
Dedri
Lauren Wolf says
I completed my Sophie’s Universe following the book, and it’s beautiful! I am extending it To be a full size bedspread using parts another designers pattern and it’s coming out beautifully. Should I not post any pictures of this version because of this?
Dedri Uys says
Hi Lauren.
You are welcome to post any photos of your project, regardless of how you change/add to it. I’m glad you’re having creative fun with it :)
susan sandercock says
Thank you so much for all the beautiful instructions for Sophie’s Garden and Universe. I have just completed a Sophie’s Garden blanket for my son in Bendigo Wollen Mills Bloom 8 ply wool. I absolutely loved making it.
I am now shooting for the stars and attempting your Universe!
Your crochet pattern is keeping me sane during our Sydney Covid -19 winter.
Once again….. THANK YOU.
Dedri Uys says
Ooh, I visited Bendigo when I was in Aus last year. Their yarns are sooo lush! Enjoy every moment of the Universe. You can do it!
Dedri
Chris Seidel says
Thank you for your pattern. I think it is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever made. I enjoyed looking at the book and using it. What a project for you! I’m wanting to hang it on my daughter’s wall and would like any suggestions or references you might have to do that. Thank you again! Chris Seidel in Minneapolis
Dedri Uys says
Thank you! I have seen a few mounted on walls, but I have no practical advice for how it was done. If I were to try it, I would probably hang it from a pole suspended with rope at each end?
Alisa G. says
I just wanted to say thank you so much for this beautiful pattern! The pattern is SO well written it makes it so fun to make. Some patterns have had me confused and frustrated so I lose the joy in what I am creating.
Thanks again!
Dedri Uys says
I am so happy to hear that!
Tereza says
Dear Dedri,
First of all thank you for your wonderful patterns, I like them so much. I’ve already made one Ubuntu for my niece and now working on the XL Sophie. I just started to crochet last year and your patterns and Esther’s videos are like a crochet school for me.
I would also need some advise from you on some silly mistake that I’ve done. After finishing part 10, made some calculations of leftover yarn and turned out I would be short on some colors. S I went on and ordered those and didn’t notice I was ordering stone washed normal not the XL version :-( And I can’t find those colors for XL Sophie here in the Czech Republic any more.
I guess it must be the tension and I should be pulling more tension, not leaving the stitches so loose. But here comes the question. What do you think of using two strands of stone washed normal instead of XL for the finishing rounds? I should be fine with most colors as I bought the indicated amounts it’s just that in the end I might be a little bit short on some colors. Isn’t it going to be too thick and bulk up? Should I use a smaller hook perhaps? Thank you in advance for your advise and thank you again for your nice work.
Dedri Uys says
Hi Tereza.
What a bummer! But I am sure that using two strands of regular stonewashed will work just as well as one strand of XL. I’ve done it before in a pinch. I would use the same hook and then check after a round or two if it is too pully/wavy.
Let me know how it goes!
Dedri
Elizabeth says
I absolutely LOVE making this blanket. Is it ok if others ask me to sell one to them that I can?
Dedri Uys says
Hi Elizabeth. Yes, that is perfectly fine. Thank you for asking :)
talyi says
hello i got a question, i will like to do the large version of the sophies universe using the Scheepjeswol Cotton 8, can you tell me how much yarn do i need for this?
and thanks for sharing your creation
Dedri Uys says
Hi Talyi,
The pattern for all three sizes are the same. The thing that makes them small, medium, and large is the thickness of the yarn. Cotton 8 is the thinnest yarn, and will give you the smallest blanket. If you want to make a large blanket with the colours used in the Cotton 8 one, you would need to buy an alternative cotton that is thick enough to make the big version.
Layal says
Hi Dedri !
I ordered your book and now aptiently waiting for the yarn to start my Sophie :) Got a question though. I love the colours used for the small version bu want it to be at least medium size. I don’t know what I was thinking (brain freeze) and when I ordered my Scheepjeswol Cotton 8, I bought the quantities required for the Medium sized (basically double the quantities). Yeah… not smart. So before I find another project to use my 2nd Scheepjeswol Cotton 8 batch, was wondering if doubling the strand would actually work ? Would it be possible, considering all the tiny little details of the Sophie pattern ?
Thanks :)
Dedri Uys says
Hi,
It would work really well! I’ve made a Sophie with double strands and she turned out beautifully :)
Mary says
I myself do not have much time to be so creative. However, time to time feel a real need to be creative, and working with this pattern has given me that feeling. Thank you. I also want to point out this pattern has been a teacher to me in my journey of crochet. I was true beginner (only had made a couple of hats) when I made my first blanket for my mother. I’m now making one now for my son and my skills have grown because of Sophie’s Universe. Thank you.
Dedri Uys says
Hi Mary. I am really happy to hear that you have found the pattern instructive. May you find more and more moments to indulge in crochet x
Brenda Kirkbride says
I am making my blanket using the small Ubuntu kit as it was suggested to me. Is there a list of colours to use for each round or a photograph of a completed blanket? I took some photographs of the blanket at Black Sheep Wools where I bought the kit, but I am just starting Part 5 and I can’t work out the order from my photos.
Dedri Uys says
Hi Brenda. I will send the colours per round over to you.
Dedri
Rhonda says
Hi Dedri! I bought your Sophie’s universe book sometime back. I enjoyed it so much. You went to so much work and the instructions are so easy to follow. I have already made two of the afghans. I am now trying to find the pattern to Sophie’s pond. Do you have written instructions that I could buy? Thank you again. Rhonda
Dedri Uys says
Hi Rhonda.
As far as I know, Sophie’s Pond is Sophie’s Universe made with the Lily Pond colours from Jane Crowfoot. So same pattern, just different colours.