Hello and welcome to the Sophie’s Universe crochet-along.
If you are new to this journey, I am so excited for you! 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 CAL 2015
Sophie’s Universe began as a mystery crochet-along on 18 January 2015 and ran for 20 weeks. When we started, nobody knew what the finished blanket would look like, or just how intricate it would become!
By the time the design began revealing its complexity, thousands of crocheters were already making Sophie, encouraging each other and discovering that they could do things they might never have attempted if they’d seen the finished blanket first.
With over 8,000 projects on Ravelry, Sophie’s Universe continues to bring crocheters together more than a decade later. From complete beginners to experienced crocheters, Sophie is a crash course in crochet and a wonderful adventure!
Above all, my goal with this pattern has always been to help people approach complex patterns with confidence. Every stitch is just a stitch. You don’t need to know how to make the whole blanket before you begin. You only need to know how to make the next stitch.
Two warnings:
- 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)
- Important Tips
- Step-by-Step Tutorials (With links to all the relevant tutorials)
- Helpful Templates
- Blocking
- Examples of Sophie
- Sophie-related Patterns
- More Colourways
Resources
- Photo Tutorials: You can find the links to all the weekly photo tutorials under Step-by-Step Tutorials 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. You can use that button to print each part (or save them as a PDF).
- 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: Sophie’s Universe was originally hosted in the Official CCC Social Group, if you’d like to be a part of the friendly community that first supported the CAL. There is also a dedicated Sophie’s Universe Facebook Group. It is independently run, and I love seeing everyone’s progress.
- 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!
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, with a caveat!
Sophie’s Universe is technically an advanced crochet pattern, but it was written specifically with adventurous beginners in mind. I was a beginner(ish) myself when I designed it, so you don’t need to be an advanced crocheter to make Sophie!
With detailed step-by-step photo tutorials, accompanying video tutorials, and dedicated online communities where you can ask questions and find support, you’ll have plenty of help along the way.
In fact, some people have made Sophie as their very first crochet project!
Gauge
The best way to check your gauge is to complete Part 1 of Sophie’s Universe (Rounds 1–8) and measure your work.
| 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 will be roughly a tenth of the predicted final size of your blanket.
If your measurements differ from those listed above, don’t panic! It simply means that your tension is different from mine. This will affect your blanket’s finished size and how much yarn you need.
If you are using a yarn kit and your gauge is larger than mine, you may wish to adjust your hook size so that you don’t run out of yarn. If you are using your own yarn or stash, all that really matters is that you are happy with the drape and look of your work.
Size and Materials
Sophie’s Universe was originally made in three different Scheepjes yarns, each with a different yarn weight and finished size. The table below compares the three versions, including their hook sizes, yarn quantities and colours.
You are not limited to these yarns or sizes, though. You can make Sophie with any yarn you like, as long as you’re happy with the resulting fabric and drape.
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
The original Stonewashed XL, Softfun, and Rainbow Colour Crafter packs are still available from Wool Warehouse. These packs contain enough yarn to complete Sophie’s Universe without the Optional Squares and Border, as long as your tension matches mine.
If you are using a different yarn or your tension is looser than mine, please refer to the Helpful Templates below to calculate how much yarn you may need.
The original Cotton 8 colour pack is no longer available, but you can still find the yarn quantities and colour numbers in the materials table above.
Yarn Kits
Cotton 8 (Small)- Softfun (Medium)
- Rainbow Colour Crafter Pack (Medium) – Read more about the Rainbow Colour Crafter Sophie HERE.
- Stonewashed XL (Large)
Important Tips
Choosing Your Hook Size
Some people have experienced problems with the centre of their Sophie bulging. To help prevent this, I recommend starting with the smaller of the two hook sizes listed in the materials table above, then switching to the larger hook after completing the initial mandala (Parts 1–3).
For example, if you’re making the large version with worsted-weight yarn, start with a 5 mm hook for Parts 1–3, then switch to a 5.5 mm hook at the beginning of Part 4.
This is especially important if you’re a beginner, as your tension is likely to change as you become more comfortable with the stitches and techniques.
Blocking and Adjusting Your Hook Size
I recommend blocking Sophie at the end of Part 7 (see Blocking below). If the centre is still bulging after blocking, you may wish to go up another hook size at the beginning of Part 8.
Please keep in mind that increasing your hook size may affect your gauge and the amount of yarn you need, particularly if you’re using one of the official yarn kits.
Bulging and Buckling
As you work through Sophie’s Universe, you’ll notice that some rounds bulge while others buckle. Don’t panic! This is a normal part of the pattern’s intricate shaping, and these areas will settle as you complete subsequent rounds.
The exception is the centre bulging discussed above, which may require blocking or a change in hook size.
It is extremely important that you do not go down a hook size to compensate for temporary bulging or buckling (at all, ever)!
Sophie’s Universe: Step-by-Step Tutorials
Sophie’s Universe is my original crochet design, and I retain the copyright to the pattern. Please do not copy, reproduce, or distribute the written instructions or photographs, in part or in full, without my permission.
You are very welcome to share links to the free tutorials so that others can enjoy making Sophie too!
- Part 1: Rounds 1 – 8
- Part 2: Rounds 9 – 15
- Part 3: Rounds 16 – 25
- Part 4: Rounds 26 – 36
- Part 5: Rounds 37 – 45
- Part 6: Rounds 46 – 53
- Part 7: Rounds 54 – 61
- Part 8: Rounds 62 – 68
- Part 9: Rounds 69 – 74
- Part 10: Rounds 75 – 80
- Part 11: Rounds 81 – 84
- Part 12: Rounds 85 – 88
- Part 13: Rounds 89 – 92
- Part 14: Rounds 93 – 97
- Part 15: Rounds 98 – 101
- Part 16: Rounds 102 – 104
- Part 17: Rounds 105 – 109
- Part 18: Rounds 110 – 113
- Part 19: Optional Squares
- Part 20: Growing Options
- Part 21: The End of the Beginning
Helpful Templates
Whether you’re following one of the original colourways or creating your own, these templates will help you plan your colours, keep track of your yarn usage, and calculate how much yarn you’ll need for the optional squares and border.
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
Blocking
I recommend blocking Sophie at the end of Part 7 and periodically thereafter, especially if the centre starts to bulge or the edges become uneven.
And yes, you can block acrylic yarn! Although acrylic doesn’t respond to blocking in quite the same way as natural fibres, it can still benefit from careful shaping. Just remember that acrylic is sensitive to heat, so avoid using a hot iron or direct steam on your work.
If you’re using foam mats for blocking, interlocking exercise mats (which is what I used) are a great, budget-friendly alternative to dedicated blocking mats, especially for larger projects like Sophie.
You’ll also need some pins to hold your work in place while it dries. I used Clover Fork Blocking Pins, but regular old sewing pins will do just fine.
Examples of Sophie
Looking for colour inspiration? There are thousands of beautiful Sophies out there, each with its own personality! Explore other crocheters’ projects on Ravelry and Instagram, or look at some alternative versions featured here on the blog.
- Ravelry: Browse thousands of Sophie’s Universe projects, including details of the yarns and colours other crocheters have used.
- Instagram: Explore photos shared by the crochet community using #sophiesuniversecal2015.
- Sophie’s Universe in a Single Colour – See how the intricate stitches and textures shine when colour changes aren’t competing for attention.
- Sophie’s Universe in Scheepjes Whirl – A beautiful example of Sophie made with colour-changing yarn.
- Micro-Sophie – An extraordinary miniature Sophie crocheted with sewing thread by Geneva Kae Snyder.
Sophie-related Patterns
If you’ve fallen in love with Sophie’s Universe and aren’t quite ready to say goodbye, there are plenty of ways to keep the adventure going! From extending your Sophie to incorporating her into entirely new projects, these patterns offer even more opportunities to play with her stitches and textures.
- Sophie’s Alternate Universe – An extension of Sophie’s Universe designed by Sonja Holland.
- Sophie’s Dream – A beautiful blanket combining smaller versions of Sophie with Scheepjes Whirl.
- Sophie Stool – A creative way to turn Sophie into a decorative stool cover.
- Sophie Cocoon Cardigan – A wearable interpretation of Sophie by Stephanie Best.
More Colourways
In 2020, we celebrated five years of Sophie’s Universe with a special anniversary make-along featuring three new colourways. Whether you’re making Sophie for the first time or returning for another adventure, these colour combinations offer fresh inspiration for a much-loved pattern.
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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.
Rob says
This is such a beautiful blanket! I know I’m so late to the party, but I am going to be starting this at the end of the year and will be giving it to my parents as a ruby wedding gift. I have ordered my yarn in Stylecraft Special Aran and I’m attempting a mock Stonewashed colour path, as I love that one, but the yarn is just a bit out of my price range :) I will also be travelling, so my Sophie will get to visit a fair few countries while I complete her!
Thank you so much Dedri and all the people involved in this, I’m so excited to start! I have only been crocheting for around two months, but already I’m addicted! Can’t wait to start the journey!
All the best,
Rob
Dedri Uys says
Rob, I don’t ‘OMG’ lightly (or ever, really), but OMG your website! Jim’s photographs!!! Please make Sophie and let her see the world in a way that I can’t foresee myself doing!! I hope you can persuade Jim to take some photographs of her along the way so that I can live vicariously through you. I hope you have SO much fun on your journey(s).
Dedri
ps. which colours did you choose?
Rob says
Hi Dedri,
I’m so chuffed you like our site, and I’ll definitely get Jim to take plenty of pics with my Sophie in as many exciting places as we can!
As for my colours, I’ll be using Stylecraft Special Aran in Cream, Cloud Blue, Aspen, Teal, Meadow, Khaki, Plum, Raspberry, Emperor and Spice.
Now just to make sure I can fit them all in my backpack!
All the best,
Rob
Jenny says
Oooh! I don’t know how I missed this, but consider me as one of your Facebook and Instagram followers now, Rob!
You colour choices sound lovely for your Sophie, and I am also looking forward to seeing her travels documented on your pages!
Jenny :)
Aruna says
Hey,
Finally it’s my turn to work on your beautiful creation. I really thought I would be the only one to start this late but after reading through all the comments it makes me feel really better.
Coming to the design, I read everything and I am completely in awe of you and your imagination. To come up with something as gorgeous as Sophies Universe and sharing it with all of us. I just feel too small to even appreciate your kindness. Hope I can drop comments here if I happen to face any issue as I hook up your master piece.
Thank you so much..!
~ Aru (Singapore)
Dedri Uys says
Hi Aru. Pleased to meet you :) I’m glad you like it. You are welcome to ask questions here, although there are also PLENTY of people on Facebook that have made Sophie and are more than happy to help (and might be awake when I am not). But please do ask if you get stuck.
Dedri
Tanya says
Oh, just one more thing Dedri….I forgot to mention how much I am learning, and it is wonderful! I feel confident to tackle other crochet projects now as well (just made a sunhat for my sister to wear to the races!). Tanya
Tanya says
Hello Dedri, I am old to knitting but quite new to crochet (internet-taught this year), and ambitiously decided to give Sophie’s Universe a go as it kept popping up on Ravelry and I was intrigued. Congratulations for firstly designing and creating such a modern, beautiful piece, but then more so and thank you for providing such wonderful detailed instructions which allows the likes of me to be able to follow. I love your additional comments and advice. The work gone into this by you is immense! To be available to everybody for free continually blows me away. Having said that, I have decided to buy your book for the pure pleasure of the looking. I have just started part six and it is going very well. Any family members or friends who have seen it are fascinated by it, and love to see it as it progresses. Here is my main message to you (takes me awhile to get to the point): Each time I sit to do some more “work” on my Sophie it makes me feel happy. Each time I catch sight of my gradually growing Sophie it makes me feel happy. Each time I am doing something mundane on my computer or device, and I catch a glimpse of the book-marked page, or a photo of Sophie….that even sparks a glow of happiness. I know I’m starting to sound a little obsessed, but I think I’m quite balanced in my approach….it’s just such a lovely pass-time to look forward to and enjoy, and I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s life has become just a little more glowing because of Sophie’s Universe. Thank you and I hope all is well in your world. Kind regards, Tanya (from Australia).
Jenny says
Hi Tanya!
I can relate to your feelings about working on Sophie completely! Dedri created such a fabulous gift for us all in the form of Sophie and her Garden and Universe. I am currently making lots of Gardens with as much yarn as I can get my hands on. Addiction is often a good thing!
Jenny
Robin Burnham says
Hi Dedri! I’ve been following your work for a long time and I’m in awe of your talent.
I have just started Sophie’s Universe. I’m using Scheepjes Stonewashed (not XL) and a size f hook. I’m only on the center flower and it is curling up a bit. Is this normal or should I change hook sizes?
Thank you so much! Thank you also for the wonderful designs you create.
Robin
Dedri Uys says
Hi Robin. Thank you! The flower will curl up at the end of Round 4 no matter which hook size you use. This will correct itself in the next few rounds. There are a few places in the pattern where the pattern will buckle or bowl, only to be corrected later on… Please let me know how you go when you get to the end of Part 1.
Robin Burnham says
Thanks! I realized that I was making back stitches when I should have been making front post. I started over and I am almost at the end of part 2. All is well so far. I love this pattern. It’s so much fun. I’ve already bought some Whirl yarn (Rosewater Cocktail) to make a second Sophie when this one is complete.
Dedri Uys says
Hi Robin. I’m glad you’re on your way again. Rosewater Cocktail is now my favourite Whirl colourway!
Tawana says
Please help me! I have been wanting to make Sophie for so long…
There is the most beautiful yarn. It is called Melodyy by Wolltraum. It is a strand yarn not twisted and there would be 8 strands needed for dk weight. Do you think it would be a good choice for Sophie? I would really appreciate your opinion. Thank you for your time, for a beautiful Sophie and for your help!
Warmest regards. Tawana.
Dedri Uys says
Hi Tawana. I have a ball of Melody. It is lovely and would work really well :)
Tawana says
Thank you!!
Now I can go crazy trying to decide which one I love best…and light to dark or dark to light.
All my best to you!
Dedri Uys says
I don’t think you can go wrong with either. Don’t drive yourself too crazy (although I know very well the temptation of doing a project in every colourway from either side) x
Rita says
Can I make this with Wolltraum yarn? Mine is 4 ply this is a very thin yarn.
Dedri Uys says
Hi Rita. Sophie looks lovely in Melody.
Cherryl says
Hello and good morning. I am finished with part 3 of my Sophie and my work is not bulging. I have not yet blocked it either. Do you suggest I still go up a hook size since it is not bulging? In other words should I still go up a hook size no matter what at this point? I am sorry to bother you if this is a silly question. Thanks in advance!
Dedri Uys says
Hi Cherryl. I would still go up a hook size as it can’t harm the blanket to do so, but it might make it bulge later if you don’t :)
Karin Geesen-Aalderink says
I’ am proud to say I have finished this blanked. I started on the 15th of May, had to order some more wool in Britain and today 10th of august… I still have to block like you always adwise.( need to ask my neighbours for more pots and pans ) Very happie greetings from germany Karin
Dedri Uys says
Haha, you’re blocking with pots and pans. Did you see the photo where I blocked with toy boxes and drying racks?
Linda Beyer says
Please tell me how I can order your book
sophie’s universe.
Dedri Uys says
Hi Linda. You can find a list of retailers HERE.
Casey Regensburger says
All the companies have sold out of the packs for the large blanket. Is there any help you can provide to me in being able to find the pack in the future ? Thanks for all your help!!!
Dedri Uys says
They should all have more stock again soon.
Gillian Hanhart says
Hello Dedri – I am just embarking on my 5th Sophie (this one is for the mother of a work colleague who saw me working on a mono-chrome Sophie for myself and loved it). I have a copy of your book – much annotated to assist me.
Dedri Uys says
Wow. 5? Well done. I hope she loves and appreciates it :)
Julie Allen says
I am about to start this and am super excited! I finally got all my yarn together (well at least a skein of each color for now) and am all ready to go! But then I see where you talk about color planning… is this necessary? Or can I just pick a random color as I go whenever it’s time to change colors? I haven’t actually looked at the pattern yet… so wasn’t sure if the pattern even prompts you to change…
Dedri Uys says
Hi Julie. The pattern prompts you to change, but the instructions also allow for people who don’t want to change at the start of a specific round. All the rounds, except the ones where you HAVE to fasten off to make the start of the next round easier, are written for the same colour and for a colour change. You do not have to plan. I have seen many gorgeous random sophies. When the blanket is still small, the colours might look like the clash, but the bigger it gets, the more cohesive the colours become.
Dedri Uys says
Hi Debra. That’s perfectly fine, thank you.
Joyce says
I’ve been crocheting over 40 years, I taught myself. But I have never seen anything like this much less be a part of it. I’m so excited. Thank You for all the beautiful patterns and especially for sharing them. I look forward to seeing my finished project.
Dedri Uys says
Hi Joyce :) Enjoy the journey!
Claudia Keller says
I’d like to send you a picture of my finished afghan. How can I get it to you?
Jenny says
Hi Claudia.
You can post us pictures via the Facebook page. I know Dedri (and I) would love to see your work!
Lookatwhatimade Facebook page link
Jenny :)
Kerru says
Wondering if there is a particular method that you suggest to weave in the ends
Kerri says
*Kerri
Jenny says
I use a needle and work my way through the stitches so it doesn’t show on the front. I go through a few inches of stitch backs and then reverse again and then back again so the ends are really locked in well.
Jenny
Tiina says
This is the greatest pattern ever! Your tutorials are so easy to follow and beautiful photos make it even easier. You can have a look at my version here, if you like. https://kokkailuajavakerrysta.wordpress.com/2017/03/29/sophies-universe/
This is very famous pattern here in Finland. I followed your original tutorial in English. Waiting for your future patterns :)
Tiina
Jenny says
We would love you to post a picture of your Sophie on the Lookatwhatimade Facebook page!
Jenny :)
Angelique says
Hii! I really love your work, especially the Sophie’s Universe! It’s so beautiful!
xoxo Angelique
Dedri Uys says
Thank you, Angelique :)
mitzi trenz-christian says
I made Sophie during the on-line CAL, although not always on schedule. In the middle of making her I retired, moved half-way across the USA, moved twice due to the difficulty of finding an apartment, fell and ended up in 3 different hospitals — 2015 was an eventful year..lol. My one constant was Sophie. I took her with me on the train and each time when I moved (Sophie and yarn filled one whole suitcase..lol) and she now sits proudly at the foot of my bed. I’m sure I would have gotten through that
year, but Sophie made it easier and gives me better memories.
I love looking back at the pictures I took while she was growing — it’s almost as much enjoyment and satisfaction as looking back at the baby pictures of my 3 grown kids..lol. I plan to order the book from one of the English companies as I’ve give up thinking I can purchase it here in the USA.
I consider Sophie and Dedri dear friends, and I know that I am blessed. Thanks again, Dedri, so very much.
Jenny says
How lovely to hear of your Sophie’s travels, Mitzi!
Wool Warehouse sell the book and ship overseas directly from Dedri’s “shop”
Wool Warehouse link here
Jenny :)