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*: |
|
|
|
| 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
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.
-
- 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.
Gill Glass says
Hi Dedri
Wow … am absolutely blown away – this is THE most exquisite thing Ive seen in FOREVER :) Am definitely going to try this thank you .. My biggest question is – living in Cape Town, do you have any idea of what wool / yarn I can get locally in SA that would work ? Im assuming a pure cotton would be best ? Any ideas please ;) The wool is so so vrek duur here I don’t want to buy the wrong stuff !
Thanks a mill xx Gill
Dedri Uys says
Hi Gill. I would use either Vinni’s Nikkim or Nurturing Fibres Eco Cotton. I Love Yarn would work as well. I have used all 3 of these and love them all. if your money doesn’t quite stretch to cotton, you could always use Elle Gold, which I’ve seen used very successfully.
Wendy says
This looks so cool I’m excited to try it I don’t know if I will use the specific materials but I think I’m going to do it with all of the leftover materials I have from making things for my grandkids and whatnot love it
Dedri Uys says
That’s a great idea. It will make the blanket even more special, having all those memories woven into it.
Sherri Harris says
Dear Dedri,
Thank you so much for this pattern. I have crochet for over 40 years making many afghans but by far this is my favorite. The photos and descriptions helped so much. It is amazing the effort put into this pattern. I have had so many complements on my Sophie. I made her in one color and now will attempt one with colors. I enjoyed making her so much.
Dedri Uys says
I am so pleased to hear that you enjoyed the journey. It always warms my heart when the hours I put in were worth it for someone x
Nicole says
Thank you so much for this pattern. I finished my first sophie yesterday and still have some ends to tackle and it needs to be blocked. The end result is exquisite and I learned so much in the process. I am planning on gifting it to my grandmother who lives in Australia (I live in Israel).
Dedri Uys says
Hi Nicole. I am so pleased that you are happy with your finished blanket. I hope your granny loves it :)
Jaz says
I love love love this pattern and been learning to crochet for over a year so that I can attempt to do this. I have a question though, I’m using this really nice Egyptian cotton for the pattern and after I use it up, I’m going to switch it to and organic cotton that is about half its weight. Will that be an issue? My friend gave me the Egyptian cotton and I’ve not been able to find the same thing since!
Dedri Uys says
Hi Jaz. Switching yarn weights will be a problem as your stitches will be much smaller (and holey) in a thinner yarn, which will make the blanket curl into a bowl instead of lying flat.
Dedri Uys says
Hi Julie. Thank you for your lovely comment. I’m sorry this reply took so long. I’m guessing the fair is over now? How did you do? Are you on Instagram?
Sarah says
Thank you for sharing this brilliant pattern, I’ve loved making it. It took me 12 weeks and I’m hoping my friend will be really happy when I send it to her! Thank you!!
Dedri Uys says
Sarah, I hope your friend will be elated. I would LOVE to receive a project that has so much love and time invested in it.
Charlotte says
Loving the pattern! Will see how I get on… Considering the options of doing another one with colour crafter oculars, but using the colours corresponding to all the cities that have been important to me/my family. In the standard colour way there is Den Helder (where my mum grew up) and Urk (where my mum’s grand parents came from)
Dedri Uys says
Charlotte, that is such a lovely thought! I’ve had the wonderful privilege of visiting the Netherlands a few times now, but I’ve yet to visit either of those places. Urk is probably my favourite colourway, though, so please use that!
Dominique Benoit says
Hi Dedri,
This is the most amazing pattern I’ve ever seen and it’s super easy to follow with all the pictures. This is the first time I’ve used a pattern without a video but I don’t need it!
Thank you so much for sharing your amazing creativity, your hard work, and your enthusiasm.
Dedri Uys says
Yay you for branching out and going out of your comfort zone! I would love to see a photo of your work. Have you posted any?
Dedri
Dominique Benoit says
This is one I uploaded to Google photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/xVY6nLOAhWQqZo0t1
Hope it works.
I want to make a Queen size bedspread with it. I’m using all acrylic yarn.
Dedri Uys says
That looks lovely!!! Thank you for showing me :)
Janine Kozak says
A truly commendable pattern and easy to follow directions! Your are truly wonderful! I love the large pictures, they really help when I get confuses. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Dedri Uys says
Thank you and you are most welcome x
Kelly Nguyen says
I just want to say thank you for your wonderful pattern. I love how personal and detailed you wrote it. All the pictures are so helpful! I love how you said “ I strongly recommend to mark the … stitch, in fact I insist…” hehehe . I never read any pattern down to every single words like this one. Everything you wrote is so helpful! Thanks again❤️❤️.
Dedri Uys says
Thank you so much, Kelly. I’m really pleased that you found the instructions helpful and amusing x
Kitty says
First, let me say this is a wonderful gift you have given all of us. I have learned so much! I just finished part 6. I just purchased the mats and pins to block after part 7. I have been researching blocking and have found everything from the link you gave for blocking large pieces, to “if you are using acrylic just wash it and dry it when you are done, you will be fine”. So…I am indeed using acrylic. Do I need to block in stages? If I do, and I wash the thing when done (or after using for a time), do I have to block all over again? Should I just wait until the end and wash it and block it then? Sorry for such a long question.
Dedri Uys says
Hi Kitty. For this project, you will need to block at least once so that you can figure out if you need to go up a hook size where suggested. If you do not do it at that point, your center might bulge. Once made, you can wash and dry flat, gently stretching the blanket into shape.
Kate says
My Sophie was about 25″ at the end of part 4. I have a feeling I will run out or yarn (I bought the large blanket kit from Deramores). I am terrible at estimating yarn quantities and am wondering how much more I would need to complete the blanket.
On a side note, I am amazed at your talent. With every round I complete I think to myself (and sometimes even say out loud) how amazing the pattern is and that I wish I could come up with something like this. My husband has even mentioned several times how beautiful the blanket is and that the colours are perfect. I will definitely be back to try out some of your other patterns. I’ve got my eye on Charlotte’s Dream!
Dedri Uys says
Hi Kate. That is quite a bit larger than mine. As the blanket gets bigger, you will use exponentially more yarn than I did. I can make a very rough guess. I would say that you would need at least 1 more ball of each colour, except for amazonite and canada jade, for which you would need 2 extra balls, and moonstone, for which you would need about 6 extra balls.
I hope that helps.
Michelle Heyboer says
Hello, I have been searching for a printed copy of your book. My search has been fruitless. I live in the US and my mother, grandmother, daughter and I are in love with this pattern. Please let me know where I can purchase a copy. Thanks!
Dedri Uys says
Hi. Both Amazon.com and yarn.com have received shipments of the books. We are just waiting for them to get listed, so they should be available there again soon.
Dedri
Gail Miller says
Hi Michelle, I’ve been looking for the book on Amazon. The person selling it wanted $55.00. I saw 2 for 30 but they were gone quickly. Just purchased one from Dermores in the UK 27 bucks with shipping. They have wonderful desls and large selection on yarns etc and a shipping price that cant be beat. Hope that helps.
LaVon Barber says
Hello I have a off the wall question.. Im not a newbie but not a veteran crocheter but When I measuring Sophie do you measure from side to side or corner to corner ? Im on Row 50 and If im not mistaken I should be 39 inches before starting row 46? Eekk Im measuring 39 from corner to corner at row 49.. Im using Caron Simply soft Medium #4 yarn.. I was hoping my measurements would be bigger (just how I crochet I guess) Any help would be greatly appreciated :) Love how its looking so far <3
Dedri Uys says
Hi, Can I ask where you read that you should be 39″ before starting row 46? That sounds very large to me…
I measure along the sides, not diagonally. Later, when the shape starts changing, you measure ‘from short side to short side’, which will be diagonally. Which size hook are you using and have you got a photo?
Dedri
LaVon Barber says
The measurements are on a raverly post by Rita Miller ( https://www.ravelry.com/projects/RitaMiller/sophies-universe-cal-13) Im using a Cover I 5.5mm
Here is mine So far Almost done with Round 50 and its about 28 inches across (Long side) https://drive.google.com/file/d/18E3bqvOB8EqXi5pcWvz_3QIkCbZVnVRD/view?usp=sharing
Dedri Uys says
I’ve had a look and hers measured 39″ at the end of Round 53 (end of Part 6) measuring from corner to corner, so you sound like you are roughly on track with what she got, although slightly larger. Both of yours are larger than mine, which only measured about 37″ at the end of Part 6.
Ine Zimmermann says
Hi Dedri, i have Sopies Tool kit.
now i need the correspinding pattern.
where can i find it.
If possible in German or Dutch, if not so in English then i have to translate it.
I also have Sophies Uniververse including book.
Thanks a lot
Ine
Dedri Uys says
Hi Ine :) If you scroll down on THIS PAGE to where it says ‘Sophie’s Stool Pattern’, you will find the pattern. The link is also printed on the pamphlet included in the kit, if you ever need to find it again. On that page, you will also find a link to both the German and the Dutch translations.
Karen McAfee says
Dear Dedri,
Thanks for this wonderful pattern. I am excited to crochet this Sophie. I just started a day ago but am already on Part 3. Although I consider myself quite an experienced crocheter (especially of afghans), I find the photo tutorials very beneficial, and they are definitely helping to keep me on track each round. The directions are also excellent. I love the tips about where different stitches should lie. That also really helps to keep me on track each round. My mother saw my Sophie after just 13 rounds and thought it was beautiful. She’d like to do one too. She’s 82 and very active with many kinds of crafts. Again, thanks for the beautiful pattern. Please keep designing. It’s obvious that you are very skilled in this area. Karen from Ohio
Dedri Uys says
Hi Karen. I am so glad to hear that you are finding the photos and references useful. I know that the pattern is very wordy, but I wanted to impart as much information as possible. When I make a Sophie, I still use the references! Tell your mom I said she can TOTALLY do it!
Angela says
Hi there, I completed Sophie in the rainbow colours and can’t wait to start another. Can you tell me if i can do it in Scheepjes Whirl and if so, what size of needle is required. Tia!
Angela
Jenny says
Sophie’s Universe in Whirl
Here’s the link of my own Whirling Sophie with all the info you need, Angela.
Jenny :)
Ruth Walden-Turek says
Hi Dedri, when you started this CAL, I was really new to crochet, and it looked too advanced for me. But, I’ve worked on a lot of things since then and am ready to tackle it….I love her so much!! Is there a US company that sells the kits?
Thanks!!
Ruth
Dedri Uys says
Hi Ruth. Did you manage to find a US company? I seem to have missed a lot of comments, sorry!
jeanny says
please help me. is it ok if i only use 5 mm hook for the whole project? or it is a must to change to 5.5 mm hook at part 4? thank you.
Dedri Uys says
Hi Jeanny. That is totally up to you, but I know that the majority of people have found going up a hook size helpful.