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.
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 :)