Hello and Welcome to the Sophie’s Universe CAL 2015.
If you are new to this journey: Welcome! I hope that you will enjoy making this blanket with us. May you learn lots of new stitches and make many, many good friends along the way!
Sophie’s Universe: Small Cotton 8 Version
Sophie’s Universe CAL 2015
The CAL started on the 18th of January 2015 and ran for 20 weeks. This pattern has proven to be extremely popular, with over 7000 projects on Ravelry. Seven years later, the majority of my online engagement with fellow crocheters still centers around Sophie.
Followed by thousands of people, ranging from complete beginners to experienced crocheters, Sophie’s Universe is a crash course in crochet and a wonderful adventure! Above all, my goal with this pattern has always been to show people that every stitch is ‘just a stitch’ and to help them learn the skills that will allow them to approach any complex pattern with confidence.
Sophie’s Universe: Medium Softfun Version
Two warnings, though:
- Pets LOVE Sophie, so prepare to be ambushed!
- Partners and spouses are not immune to her either, often helping to choose colours or checking up on progress (and very occasionally starting one too – like my husband).
Even though the crochet-along has finished, the instructions will remain available on this website (for free) indefinitely. Sophie’s Universe is now also available as a 216-page step-by-step crochet book.
Index
- Resources
- Translations
- Difficulty
- Gauge
- Size and Materials (Includes Available Colour Packs)
- Sophie’s Universe Timeline (With links to all the relevant tutorials)
- Helpful Templates
- Important Tips
- Blocking
- Examples of Sophie
- Sophie-related Patterns
- More Colourways
Resources
- Photo Tutorials: You can find the links to all the weekly photo tutorials under Timeline below.
- Video Tutorials: Esther Dijkstra from It’s All in a Nutshell has made step-by-step video tutorials for each part of Sophie’s Universe. If you struggle with any aspect of the pattern, I strongly suggest having a look at the video for the relevant part as they are extremely detailed and helpful.
- Printing/PDF: There is a Print-friendly button in the bottom right-hand corner after every post. Please use this print-friendly button to print/save the tutorials.
- Book: Sophie’s Universe is now also available as a 216-page step-by-step book. Read more about the Sophie’s Universe Book and where to find it.
- Facebook: You can share your journey on the Official CCC Social Group if you would like to be a part of the friendly, supportive community while you work through the tutorials.
- Ravelry: Add the CAL to your Ravelry Queue
- Instagram: If you are on Instagram, you can find me as Barbertondaisy. Please add your photos using #sophiesuniversecal2015 so that we can all Oooh! and Aaah!
Sophie’s Universe: Large Stonewashed XL Version
Translations
- Dutch CAL Information by Dianne Baan
- German CAL Information by Maja Heidingsfelder
- Spanish CAL Information by Lynda Hernandez
- Finnish CAL Information by Mervi, Pippa, Sari S, and Sari Å
- French CAL Information by Sandra Larvin (with Video Tutorials by Géraldine Cymer for the first few parts)
- Danish Translations by Tina Poulsen
- Russian CAL Information by Natalie V. Alimpieva
- Swedish CAL Information by Emma Vingqvist, Agnetha Magnusson, Åza Karlsson, and Ulrika Larsson
- Arabic Video Tutorials by Banan Felimban
Difficulty
Intermediate. Although this is an Advanced pattern, it has been written specifically for adventurous beginners.
Gauge
The best way to check your gauge is to work up Part 1 of Sophie’s Universe.
| Large | Medium | Small | |
| At the end of Part 1: | 18 cm (7″) | 14 cm (5.5″) | 10 cm (4″) |
| The measurements you get at the end of Part 1 (in other words, at the end of Round 8) will be roughly a tenth of the predicted final size of your blanket. | |||
Size and Materials
The pattern was designed for worsted weight yarn and a 5.5 mm crochet hook (US I/9 UK 5), which will give you a finished size of 1.8 meters squared. That’s just shy of 6 feet, for those of you who live on the other side of the pond. You are not, however, limited to worsted-weight yarn.
I will be using Scheepjes for the CAL and I will be making 3 blankets, each in a different yarn weight (and therefore a different size). You can find more details about that below.
Please note that the table below does not include the yarn needed for the Optional Squares and Border. You will find the yardages for that under Helpful Templates below.
| Large | Medium | Small | |
| Finished Size: | 1.8 m x 1.8 m (6′ x 6′) | 1.4 m x 1.4 m (4’7 x 4’7) | 1 m x 1 m (3’3 x 3’3) |
| Yarn Weight: | Worsted Weight (#4) | Double knit (#3) | 4 Ply (#2) |
| Hook Size*: |
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| Yardage: | 3900 meters (4265 yards) | 3400 meters (3720 yards) | 2500 meters (2730 yards) |
| I am using: | Scheepjeswol Stonewashed XL | Scheepjeswol Softfun | Scheepjeswol Cotton 8 |
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| Colours: | 23 x Moon Stone (841) | 2 x Canary (2518) | 1 x Canary (714) |
| 3 x Amazonite (853) | 2 x Light Rose (2513) | 1 x Light Pink (718) | |
| 3 x Green Agate (855) | 3 x Rose (2514) | 2 x Fuchsia (720) | |
| 3 x Blue Apatite (845) | 2 x Bordeaux (2492) | 1 x Pink (719) | |
| 6 x Canada Jade (846) | 3 x Cyclamen (2534) | 2 x Moors (726) | |
| 3 x Lemon Quartz (852) | 3 x Olive (2531) | 2 x Light Green (642) | |
| 3 x Deep Amethyst (851) | 1 x Dark Turquoise (2511) | 1 x Turquoise (712) | |
| 3 x Garnet (850) | 6 x Light Blue (2432) | 5 x Light Turquoise (622) | |
| 3 x Corundum Ruby (848) | 2 x Pink (2480) | 1 x Violet (529) | |
| 3 x Coral (856) | 2 x Heath (2493) | 1 x Heath (721) | |
| 2 x Violet (2519) | 1 x Light Purple (651) | ||
| * There are 2 hook sizes listed for each size. Please see Important Tips before you start. | |||
Official Colour Packs for Sophie’s Universe CAL 2015
Colour Packs for Sophie’s Universe are available from my Wool Warehouse Shop. Please note that these packs contain enough yarn to complete Sophie’s Universe (without the optional squares and border) if your tension matches mine. If you are a ‘loose crocheter’, please see the Helpful Templates below to figure out how much more yarn you will need.
- Cotton 8 (Small)
- Softfun (Medium)
- Rainbow Colour Crafter Pack (Medium) – You can read more about the Rainbow Colour Crafter Sophie HERE.
- Stonewashed XL (Large)
Sophie’s Universe: Medium Rainbow Colour Crafter Version
Sophie’s Universe Timeline
Please do not copy, reproduce, or distribute this pattern in part or as a whole. This pattern belongs to me and I retain all rights to it. Copyright is protected by Scheepjes. Please see my Terms of Use if you would like to read more.
| Week 1: | 18 January 2015 | Part 1: Rounds 1 – 8 |
| Part 2: Rounds 9 – 15 | ||
| Week 2: | 25 January 2015 | Part 3: Rounds 16 – 25 |
| Week 3: | 01 February 2015 | Part 4: Rounds 26 to 36 |
| Week 4: | 08 February 2015 | Part 5: Rounds 37 – 45 |
| Week 5: | 15 February 2015 | Part 6: Rounds 46 – 53 |
| Week 6: | 22 February 2015 | Part 7: Rounds 54 – 61 |
| Week 7: | 01 March 2015 | Part 8: Rounds 62 – 68 |
| Week 8: | 08 March 2015 | Part 9: Rounds 69 – 74 |
| Week 9: | 15 March 2015 | Part 10: Rounds 75 – 80 |
| Week 10: | 22 March 2015 | Part 11: Rounds 81 – 84 |
| Week 11: | 29 March 2015 | Part 12: Rounds 85 – 88 |
| Week 12: | 05 April 2015 | Part 13: Rounds 89 – 92 |
| Week 13: | 12 April 2015 | Part 14: Rounds 93 – 97 |
| Week 14: | 19 April 2015 | Part 15: Rounds 98 – 101 |
| Week 15: | 26 April 2015 | Part 16: Rounds 102 – 104 |
| Week 16: | 03 May 2015 | Part 17: Rounds 105 – 109 |
| Week 17: | 10 May 2015 | Part 18: Rounds 110 – 113 |
| Week 18: | 17 May 2015 | Part 19: Optional Squares |
| Week 19: | 24 May 2015 | Part 20: Growing Options |
| Week 20: | 31 May 2015 | Part 21: The End of the Beginning |
Helpful Templates
Colours Per Round (Official)
Here you will find the colours and yardages used per round for each of the 3 sizes (small, medium, and large).
- Colours Per Round (Small Version)
- Colours Per Round (Medium Softfun Version)
- Colours Per Round (Medium Colour Crafter Version)
- Colours Per Round (Large Version)
Colours Per Round Template (Blank)
If you want to use your own colours, you can use the spreadsheet below to keep a tally of your colours and usage per round. If you do, you will notice that there are some values (in orange) already entered on the template. This is just example text and should be replaced with your own values.
Colours Per Round Template (Printable)
Brandi Kasper-Theisen designed this one-sheet template to help you keep a tangible record of which colour you used per round.
Optional Squares and Border Template
Here you will find the (additional) colours and yardages used per round for the optional squares and border.
- Optional Squares and Border Cotton 8
- Optional Squares and Border Softfun
- Optional Squares and Border Stonewashed XL
Colouring Templates
You can download blank colouring-in templates from the 5-year Anniversary Make-along Page HERE.
Example of the Ubuntu Sophie Colourway featured in the Make-along
Important Tips
Some people have had problems with the centres of their blankets ‘bulging’. To avoid this, I suggest starting with the smaller of the 2 hooks listed for each size and then changing to the larger of the 2 hooks after you have completed the initial Mandala (Parts 1 – 3).
If you are making the large version with worsted weight yarn and a 5.5 mm hook, for example, start with a 5 mm hook and complete the initial Mandala (Parts 1 – 3) with that hook. Then, at the start of Part 4, change to the recommended hook size (in this example that would be a 5.5 mm hook).
This is especially important if you are a complete beginner as your tension will improve as the blanket grows.
I also suggest blocking Sophie at the end of Part 7 (see Blocking below). If your centre has started bulging again, go up another hook size at the start of Part 8, but please keep in mind that doing this will affect the amount of yarn you end up using.
When making Sophie, you will realize that some rounds bulge and some rounds buckle. This will be corrected in later rounds (apart from the above-mentioned instance at the end of Part 7) and is part of the intricate shaping of the pattern.
It is extremely important that you do not go down a hook size to compensate for this (at all, ever)!
Blocking
From Part 7 of Sophie’s Universe onward, I suggest blocking your work. Annie’s has some good advice for Blocking Afghans and Other Large Pieces. Quite a few people think that you cannot block acrylic yarn. You can, in fact, block acrylic yarn quite successfully!
If you are going to use foam squares to block on, consider buying these Interlocking Foam Exercise Mats. They are similar to these Knitter’s Pride Lace Blocking Mats
Examples of Sophie
If you would like to see some inspirational versions/colourways, you can find them here:
- Ravelry – you can see some awesome examples (along with colours and yarn used) HERE on Ravelry.
- Instagram – you can find all the images tagged with #sophiesuniversecal2015 HERE on Instagram.
- Sophie’s Universe in a Single Colour
- Sophie’s Universe in Scheepjes Whirl
- Micro-Sophie
Sophie-related Patterns
- Sophie’s Alternate Universe – an extension of Sophie’s Universe by Sonja Holland
- Sophie’s Dream – POPULAR
- Sophie Stool
- Sophie Cocoon Cardigan
More Colourways
- 5 Year Anniversary Make-along with 3 new colourways (2020)
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- Ubuntu Colourway
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- Metropolis Colourway
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- Bamboo Soft Colourway
This blog post contains affiliate links. I only link to products I personally use or would use. All opinions are my own.
Maria del Carmen Ramirez says
Hi,
I did that blanker and that it is NOT REAL!!!
I needed much more wool, I spent around 70€ more than they said me…
So I’m not happy with the page, the blanker it is amazing, but more expensive that they said… Sorry I cannot give you a good refference.
Thx.
Jenny Lowman says
Hi Maria. We are sorry you aren’t happy with how much yarn it took to make your Sophie’s Universe blanket.
Can we ask which yarn you used, and did you match Dedri’s gauged measurements, which is important when following the pattern? If gauge is not followed closely, more yarn is required to finish the project.
Charlene Hickman says
Hi Dedri,
I am just one of your many followers. I just love your designs. I haven’ t had time to do them all yet because as soon as I finish a project you come out with something new and breathtaking. Your Enigma throw in the 68 issue of Crochet Now magazine is a very good example. I was glancing through my copy and ran across it. I thought to myself. I said self, you could do this. It is small and not too many balls of yarn. Ok. do it. So without checking to see if I had the complete pattern I picked out my own color scheme, ordered it, and waited for Wool Warehouse to send the yarn. I was very happy at least until the yarn came. I forgot about the order. Long story here! I located the tablet with my substitutions but I forgot to write down the name of the pattern. I had only put the magazine info down and the yarn color numbers with quantity. Days later I found the name. YES! Another kick in the head, though the crochet instructions started with “PART 3”…. I could not find any other instructions before or after that page which had only “Row 18 to Row 23″ in that issue. l have looked in prior issues an preceeding issues without suceess. Is there anyway you can help find a compete copy of the instructons for making the Enigma throw? On the Wool Warehoue site they stated that they did not have a written copy of the pattern. Your help is greatly appreciated.
Thank you so much for reading the ramblings of an aging crocheter like myself.
Jenny Lowman says
The Enigma throw is by Esther Dijkstra and was published via a magazine called Crochet Now. Her article on her blog is here
LINK
And hopefully you can find how to purchase back copies from there!
Jenny :)
Deborah K Glover says
Now I have to figure this out. Wish me good luck.
Jenny Lowman says
Good luck!
Judy L Treptow says
I Love this pattern! Thank you so much for sharing!!
Jenny Lowman says
Keep an eye out for the upcoming Charlotte’s Universe, too, Judy!
BW
Jenny
Caroline Barton says
Hello, When this pattern came out I made sections 1-3 then quit. I just found it and bought your wonderful book. Now I hope to continue using your tutorials as needed. Thank you so much
Christine says
Does this mean I should block the whole project so far after every round past round 7?
Jenny Lowman says
Hi Christine. You are not required to block your blanket for every single round after part 7, just recommended to do so at set points in the pattern wherever mentioned. This helps prevent bulging, as does following the recommended hook size changes too.
BW
Jenny :)
Daphne Zwijsen says
Hello,
What a beautiful blanket. I think I want to crochet this blanket, but the Dutch translation doesn’t work.
Or maybe I’m doing something wrong….
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Daphne
Dedri Uys says
Hi Daphne, I am chasing this up for you. Please give me a few days to hear back from Dianne who translated it. Thank you for flagging this up.
Dedri
Hanan Mashrage says
Hello beautiful pattern I want to download this amazing pattern but don’t know how would you please help me thank you
Jenny says
Hi Hanan.
Every part of the pattern can be downloaded vi the Print Friendly button where Dedri signs off.
Failing that, you can buy the book from Wool Warehouse vi Dedri’s page HERE
BW
Jenny :)
Bree-Anne Pratt says
Hi Dedri,
I love your patterns, they are so intricate and stunning. I am working on Sophie’s Universe part 3, but am having a hard time getting stitch count correct, as I am doing the large version. I seem to have way more stitches than stated in the pattern. Do you have any tips for this?
Thanks!
Dedri Uys says
Hi Bree-Anne,
All three versions follow the same pattern. The size is dependant on the thickness of the yarn and the hook used. Could you send me a photo using the contact tab at the top of the website? I’ll have a look for you.
Dedri
Jackie says
Hi
I love this pattern and have just completed part 7 and blocked for the first time ever.
I’m a little confused as to what I do after each part now when I block. Do I just steam the new bit from each new part or do I do the whole thing again? I don’t want to ‘over block’ and ruin it.
Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thank you for creating this amazing resource!
Jenny says
Hi Jackie. Just block the entire piece every time the pattern suggests it. You will need to judge how much you need to block it, exactly, but it shouldn’t require severe blocking.
BW Jenny
Chris says
Hello and thank you so much for this pattern! I’m working on Sophie’s Garden to make Sophie’s Dream blanket and was having so much fun that I’ve overworked my arms, so am forced to take a break but I’ll be back at it soon. A question about the hook size change at part 4…is it absolutely necessary? I realize that I’ve completed a garden without changing hook size. It looks nice but would it look better and finish up nicer if I go back and adjust the last section? Thanks again! Chris
Jenny says
Hi Chris.
It does lay better when the hook size is changed, but it is totally up to you if you want to frog back or not. Maybe just continue from the Garden fence onwards with the bigger hook of yours is laying flat enough.
BW Jenny :)
Betty Pontt says
Hi Dedri
What a wonderful pattern! Thank you for sharing it.
I’m planning on doing it in a monochrome colour, cream I think. Do you know what quantity I would need in worsted weight wool.
Many thanks
Betty
Jenny says
Hi Betty. This pattern, as Dedri states in the introduction, is designed for Worsted weight yarn.
Follow the yarn allowances for the large version.
Good luck, and enjoy!
BW Jenny :)
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
Amberly says
You are an amazing creator!! To have such a beautiful work of art still available for free is amazing. My mother in law and I are going to be starting our first Sophie’s Universe this fall. We fell in love with it and how it is written right away, and let’s face it, it’s gorgeous!!! We couldn’t believe the pattern was free so we ordered a book each. I have to say I was utterly blown away. The book is amazing quality and is a work of art on its own. It is so vibrant and love how sturdy it is. It doesn’t feel like a magazine or something someone just printed at home. It will last for years with what you have done with itS quality. Thank you and your team so much for all your hard work bringing this to us all in many languages for free. Plus video tutorials!! You have really out done yourselves.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!
To those thinking of buying the book; I highly recommend it. Bang for buck, it almost feels like I stole it. You will not be sorry!!!
Jenny says
Hello Amberly. Thank you for your kind words!
BW Jenny and 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 :)