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*: |
|
|
|
| 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) | ||
| * 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)
-
- Ubuntu Colourway
-
- Metropolis Colourway
-
- 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.
Sylvia Kondorf says
Hi Dedri, I am trying to locate the pattern book for Sophies Universe and so far have had no luck. Any suggestions? I realize I could print the pattern for no cost to me, but I would much rather have the book that I could keep for now and the future. I’ve tried Amazzon and Wool with no help.
Jenny says
Hi Sylvia. You can find it HERE at Wool Warehouse. They ship out Worldwide.
Jenny :)
Michelle kant sabini says
Hi I grew up in s yarn store,this is one of the most beautiful crochet patterns I’ve ever seen.sincerely michelle kant sabini.oh I heard you have a book out?????
Dedri Uys says
Thank you, Michelle. Sophie is now available as a book, yes :)
Amanda says
Hi Dedri, just wondering the best place to get your book if living in Canada? Love your work :)
Dedri Uys says
Hi Amanda. I am not sure. Amazon.com had a few copies, but they sold out again. Wool Warehouse ships internationally and their service is really good!
Desiree says
Hi Deidre, I heard you have a kind of coloring page for Sophie to get your colors… matched… can you send a link, I tried finding it here on your site, but got lost and not able to find it.. Thanks a million..
Dedri Uys says
Hi Desiree. I don’t have a colouring page, but I know a lady was selling some on Etsy.
Saman says
Hi! I love Sophie’s Universe! Went to an Art fair today and saw a lady who’s priced possession was a version of Sophie’s Universe. It was nice seeing how famous it is!
I am just curious as to what is the story behind Sophie’s Universe? Did you make it for somebody? Does it signify something? Please share the story. Hugs!
Dedri Uys says
Hi Saman. How lovely! Sophie just ‘became’. Initially, she didn’t have a name. I was actually going to call it Amazing Grace, but my friend suggested that I name it after her granddaughter Sophie. I said I would think about it. I was at work at the time, and at lunch time I went to get a Coke (which I never drink). At the time, Coke was doing this thing where they have names instead of ‘Coke’ on their labels. I reached in to pull out a bottle, and it had the name ‘Sophie’ on it, so I messaged my friend back and said: “Sophie it is” :)
Judy Beauchamp says
is the new book for sophies universe in US or UK terms? where is the best place to order it for shipping to US? thank you.
Dedri Uys says
Hi judy. The book (and online tutorial) is only available in US terms. Amazon.com will have the book soon (we don’t know when as they have had copies for more than a month). In the meantime, Wool Warehouse has copies and ships internationally with really good customer service and reviews.
Lisa says
Has anyone made this from the regular Stonewashed? I’m curious what the completed size would be.
Dedri Uys says
Hi Lisa. Using the same hook as for the medium version, the blanket will come out the same size as the medium version. Although the regular stonewashed is slightly thinner than a dk, it works up to the same tension and density as a dk due to the ‘fluffiness’ of the yarn.
Cheryl R says
Dear Dedri,
I am a knitter of many years and have tried crochet off and on without much interest. I saw your beautiful pattern for Sophie’s Universe and decided to try it. It is the most interesting project I have worked on in some time. I have to thank Esther Dijkstra for her great tutorials Being a novice it was great to have someone show me how to make the different patterns. I am currently on round 7 and enjoying every moment. Thank you so much for creating such a beautiful design.
Cheryl
Dedri Uys says
Oh I am so pleased that Sophie tempted you to crochet! Esther’s videos are wonderful. I am eternally grateful to her for making them. Have you shared photos online so that I can have a look?
Dedri
Natasha says
Hello. In order to make this a rectangle, would you just add a border or do you have another suggestion?
Dedri Uys says
Hi. In Part 19 there are patterns for squares you can add to make Sophie rectangular.
Paula says
Dedri, I am SO confused and I haven’t even started this yet! I have a huge question! You say above never to change hook sizes at all, ever during this whole thing yet a paragraph later you state to change to the recommended hook size! I’m confused as all get out now! Do we or don’t we change hook sizes through this project?!
Dedri Uys says
Hi Paula. I say never to go down a hook size once you have started, as this will def make your blanket bulge, but you should go up a hook size at the start of parts 4 and can also go up another hook size at the start of part 8.
Laura says
Thank you for the stunning pattern.
Laura
Dedri Uys says
You’re welcome. I’m so pleased you like it :)
ziba says
HI dear Dedri
I write this message to thanks you for this great and wonderful hand made…at first I see it in a telegram channel..and I began to do it.But i think that I must thankful who is created that.
KrysKiss says
I’m having some issues with the colors per round for the XL stonewashed sophie. When I load the template, it cuts off at part 10. Is there any way you can send me a woed document or something with the colors per round listed. Or can anyone list them here? Anxious to finish up my sophie. Its cold outside!
Dedri Uys says
Hi, I am not sure why the template is only loading that far. I have checked it on my phone and on my computer and it brings up all the rounds. Can you just try again, please? The colours for each round are also listed at the start of each relevant part of the pattern. Hope that helps,
Dedri
Dedri Uys says
Hi Gabriela. I don’t know, but if you look on Ravelry and filter by yarn, you’ll be able to see if someone has :)
Kathy Atkinson says
I am hoping you can tell me what colors Penny Bigger Vought, used in making her version of Sophies. I love the colors and am planing on starting next week. Thanks for an absolutely pattern. Kathy
Dedri Uys says
Hi Kathy, I wish I could tell you, but I have no idea. Have you tried reaching out to her on social media? Her Sophie is lovely.
Lisa says
Has anyone tried to make this from the 4 ply stonewashed yarn instead of the XL? The same shades are available and the only difference I can see is the XL has a bit more acrylic in it.
Dedri Uys says
Hi Lisa, regular stonewashed would work very well. It is the same yarn, just different thicknesses.
Tineke from Austria says
Dear Dedri, last year i was falling in love for your Garden patron. I really made it several times for blankets and other stuff. Thank you very much for sharing your patrons.
Love, Tineke, a Dutch woman living in Austria
Dedri Uys says
Hi Tineke. You are most welcome :)
Judy nuyttens says
I finally finished my Sophie it’s been a great journey
I have learned so many new stitches and love the pattern so much. This was to be a practice blanket but I’ve been working off & on now for a year. It is made from a lot of my starch which was red heart #4
Acrylic about 6 ft my questions are how do I wash and block it I have a new front loading washer
With delicate cycle also what kind of detergent would u suggest. Thank you for this beautiful blanket and also thank Helen for her wonderful tutorials they were so helpful
Dedri Uys says
Hi Judy. I am sure you can wash Red Heart Acrylic on a normal wash cycle and you can block it on the carpet in your front room (if you have the space) on top of a layer of towels. Do you mean the video tutorials? Esther has done an amazing job on those and I am sure she will appreciate your comment x
Tanya stevens says
Could this be made in Aran wool. I have cream Aran for a wedding gift for my daughter, do you think this would work, or would it be to heavey?
Dedri Uys says
Hi Tanya. My large Sophie was made in Aran and I don’t think it is too heavy at all :) It would look wonderful in cream Aran!
Diana Neri says
Hi I think there is a mistake in round 41, where the instructions for the long side indicate making 2 sc’s between each leaf, but the count works if you only make one. I think it’s just that the asterisk for repeating is in the wrong place!
great patter, and wonderful tute pic’s
Jenny says
Round 41 is the purple petal round, Diana. I can’t see the section you are referring to in that long side :(
Jenny
Dedri Uys says
Hi Diana. You only need to repeat the instructions between brackets for that side, not the part between the asterisk and the first bracket (which is where the first sc is). You will repeat EVERYTHING between asterisks when you have made a long and a short side so that you get 2 long sides and 2 short sides. Just have another look at the instructions and see if that makes sense :)