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Sophie's Universe CAL 2015

Sophie’s Universe CAL 2015

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 Lookatwhatimade

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!

Sophie's Universe CAL 2015 Lookatwhatimade

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.

Sophie's Universe CAL 2015 Lookatwhatimade

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.

Sophie's Universe Book Dedri Uys Scheepjes  

Index

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!

Sophie's Universe CAL 2015 Lookatwhatimade

Translations

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.
Sophie's Universe CAL 2015 Lookatwhatimade
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*:
  • 5 mm hook (US H/8 UK 6)
  • 5.5 mm hook  (US I/9  UK 5)
  • 3.5 mm hook (US E/4  UK 9)
  • 4 mm hook  (US G/6  UK 8)
  • 2.5 mm hook (UK 12) or 2.75 mm hook (US C/2)
  • 3 mm hook  (UK 11) OR 3.25  (US  D/3  UK 10)
Yardage: 3900 meters (4265 yards) 3400 meters (3720 yards) 2500 meters (2730 yards)
I am using: Scheepjeswol Stonewashed XL Scheepjeswol Softfun Scheepjeswol Cotton 8
  Sophie's Universe CAL 2015 Lookatwhatimade Sophie's Universe CAL 2015 Lookatwhatimade Sophie's Universe CAL 2015 Lookatwhatimade
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

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!

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Come and say hello on Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram!

Love,

Dedri

This blog post contains affiliate links. I only link to products I personally use or would use.  All opinions are my own.

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Comments

  1. Just wanted to say thank you for a fabulous pattern! I bought the Sophie yarn pack way back when I’d just started crocheting and was a bit intimidated so put it away for many years. I found it when sorting out my craft room before Christmas and have really enjoyed working on it since then!

    Reply

  2. Hi Dedri, I live in Cooktown, near the tip of Cape York in Queensland, Australia. I am starting Sophie’s Universe for the second time. We lived aboard our sailboat until it was holed by a submerged tree in floodwaters, and we lost almost everything we owned, including Sophie’s Universe, where I was joining in the optional squares. We saved a few things, our ten year old Siamese first, of course. All of our old photos, pre-digital-camera-times, are gone. I will look forward to my yarn arriving and starting again. Thanks for your generosity and the complete nature of your patterns – the included photos sure do help even experienced crocheters if unsure! Best wishes, Gay

    Reply

    • We are so very sorry to hear of your devastating problems, Gay!
      We hope that finding some crochet time will bring you a little comfort while you start to put all the pieces back together again.
      Take care!
      Jenny & Dedri

  3. Just wondering about the large blanket. Did you use 55 balls of yarn? I love the blanket but that’s about $275. Just making sure I’m reading correctly. Thanks

    Reply

    • The pattern calls for 53 balls of the stone washed XL, Marcie. I made a single colour one and ordered that many. If I recall, I used most of them. So worth it!

  4. Hi I have finished all 4 parts and really enjoyed following the otter a fan am so happy with the results. I would like to continue making it bigger just wondering if the patterns are available for continue into an Afghan?

    Reply

    • Kathleen, check out Sophie’s Universe on the CAL section of the blog. Sophie’s Universe is the blanket version of this garden square that was created in 2015 :)

  5. I just wanted to let you know what an amazing pattern this is. I entered my first Sophie into the State Fair, and WON First Place!! I’m currently finishing up a second Sophie and I just love them both, so thank you!!

    Reply

  6. Hi Dedri.
    Thank you for a lovely pattern. I have a quick question, sorry if it’s been answered before, but on round 26 are the back post double crochet done behind the post of the Crab stitch which I chose to do do in round 25, or or are they done behind the posts at the stitches in round 24?
    Thank you
    Saba

    Reply

    • Hi Maria.
      This blog post that you have asked this question on contains every single link to every single part of Sophie’s Universe. This is where everyone can find all they need to know as well as part links.

      BW Jenny

  8. Hi ladies,

    I’ve finally made a start and am part way through Part 4 of this beautiful pattern.

    I’m an experienced crocheter (i.e. have consistent tension) but am still learning to live with just how tight I crochet.

    Which brings me to my question-I am using 4 ply sock yarn and used a 3.5mm hook to get the suggested dimensions at the end of Part 1. At the beginning of Part 4, I’ve gone up to a 4mm hook, but the stitches feel too loose now. If I go back to a 3.5, how soon will I know if that was the right (or wrong) decision? The information mentions the middle 3 parts potentially ‘buckling’, but how quickly would that show

    Any help, suggestions, calming words welcomed

    Thanks xxx

    Reply

    • Hi, You would be able to tell at the start of Part7/8 if it is a problem, at which point you can still correct for it by going up a hook size. I’m quite a tight crocheter too, and don’t like super loose stitches. I think use what looks prettiest to you and then we will figure it out if there’s an issue.

      Enjoy!

      Dedri

  9. Hi, Jenny– Thanks for getting back to me. I’m afraid going to the end of Part 3 may be too big given my table, and the yarn/hook I’m using, but I’m on my way! We’ll see what happens.
    ~ Question: I understand how to make the picot. But I’m not clear about how it’s joined in Rounds 13 and 16. R13 instruction say to”catch the picot … by inserting your hook into 2nd chain of picot …” Do I locate and catch the front or back loop of the 2nd chain? Or both? Or do I go into the center of the picot, completely under the 2nd chain and between the 1st and 3rd? I’ve watched the video from Esther, but I find it difficult to figure this out since the yarns are dark. I know I can do it any way that works (and I have), but I’d like to know what was intended.
    ~ Question: Looking ahead, I’ve seen a video suggesting that the crab stitch (Round 25) can be done in every other stitch. I’ll try it when I get there, but do you think that would eliminate the “wobble”?
    ~ And one more: How does a “color-challenged” crocheter think through the choice of colors? I’m using 7, but I’m stymied as to how to decide where to use which one. Any suggestions?

    BTW, I’m having a GREAT time doing this. My sincere thanks to you, Esther, and Dedri for the amazingly detailed and oh! so helpful!! instructions– in writing, photos, and videos.

    Best,
    Peg

    Reply

    • Hi Peg.
      I would go into the centre of the picot, under the 2nd chain. That is a nice neat way to catch the picot stitch.
      As for colour selection, I play by eye mostly. I do lay out my balls of yarn and decide on a colour order before starting a project, but sometimes things look better when you just dive in blindly.

  10. Hi, Dedri–

    I’m working on placemats, and I’m thinking Parts 1 and 2 of Sophie’s Universe might be just right. I’ve found diameter guidelines for Part 1 (large, medium, small); do you have similar estimates for Part 2? I’m just trying to guess what hook size to use and how many rounds I’m going to need, which will help determine the placement of (7) colors.

    Many thanks!
    Peg

    Reply

    • Hi Peg.
      I would say end of part 3 would be ideal for placemats! Perfectly round and can include the final crab stitch round or not, as you see fit. The measurements for that are in prt 3 instructions. We don’t have a part 2 measurement available as it is halfway to the full circle taken from the original Sophie mandala pattern :)

  11. Hi Dedri! First I need to say I am making the Sophie’s Universe with Scheepjes whirls. I love it! I am not an advanced crocheter, so needless to say, the pictures in the book, and the videos have helped tremendously! I have learned so much! I want to make my blanket bigger, so I am switching to the Sophie’s Alternate Universe. I’m only a few rows in, and I have a problem. I don’t know where I went wrong. At the end of row 89, my stitch count matches, 159 per side. When I start row 38, I am still 80 stitches more than the original, but it doesn’t fit right. Did I miss something? Do I need to frog row 37 to add an extra stitch? Or did I goof? I know you didn’t design this part, but I am hoping you can help me. Thanks so much.

    Reply

    • Hi Julia. I would suggest you contact Sonja Hollands about your query, as it is her extension that you are working on. She is on Facebook and her profile pic is a lovely one of her sitting in the middle of an enormous granny square blanket.

  12. Thank you very much for crocheting these beautiful afghans. I really like the stone washed version and have started with the pattern. I just finished row 31. The author of the instruction states that is a very involved row, but so far I found that the pattern is rather simple and repetitive to crochet.
    I find that the instructions are often long whining and overly complicated when in reality describing simple stitches that often repeat itself. Since one can get lost in the same I now read over the individual row pattern and just write a much simpler and user-friendly version down and eliminate to have to keep going back to the pattern.
    But other than the instructions, it’s a very beautiful afghan and I want to thank you for publishing them.

    Reply

    • We are pleased that you enjoy Dedri’s blankets, but would just like to point out that most of them are written with beginners and less experienced crocheters in mind. Dedri provides step by step, clear and concise instructions, often accompanied with photos, to guide the novice crafter through each stage. While we appreciate some crafters with more experience find the ‘wordiness’ a little tiresome, the Print Friendly option does allow for the creation and editing of a pattern to suit individual tastes :)

      BW
      Jenny

  13. I don’t have a question, I wanted to acknowledge that I just finished row 25 and 26 and I survived to talk about it. Although slightly traumatized. I know row 25 was optional but I liked the way the crab stitch looked. Its like everything about crochet I knew to be true was thrown out the window but I got it and it was worth the whole night I spent doing the one row. Where it gets traumatizing is the knowledge going into row 26 was going to be a challenge because of row 25. It was so difficult to work a whole row in the back post behind those crab stitches. I can’t emphasize that enough. It took a night and a half to get through row 26. Thank goodness you left the hint of where your stitches should should end up in each section. I wouldn’t have made it through without those markers. I’m reintroducing myself to crocheting and took on this project. I got through the Mandala fairly easily. I’m proud of myself. The crab stitch makes the mandala stand out and is worth the trouble. I just recommend to be well rested before you try it. I’m trying to be funny here and probably am not as traumatized as I think I am. I’m having a blast making this blanket. Your instructions are awesome. I see some dimensional flowers coming up that might be my next challenge.

    Reply

    • Oh Kathy! Your post has made us smile!
      I call crab stitch the ‘Marmite’ stitch. You either love it or hate it.
      Well done you on not only surviving the crabby round, but also the following tricky round that works into it!
      We are proud of you too!

      BW
      Jenny & Dedri

  14. Hello- I am interested in making the gorgeous Sophies Universe in Hobbii Twister greys- do you think it will look ok if I just let the colour changes naturally flow or is it necessary to cut and match?

    Reply

    • Hi Helen. I made Sophie in Whirls for Dedri, and I just followed the pattern and the colour flow. I used 3 whirls that were the same, and simply continued each new cake with the end colour of the previous one.

  15. This a a beautiful piece first! id liek to add that I purchased the book on Amazon and it too is just beautiful. I really appreciate all the time and thought put into this “production” I call it that because you have given everything necessary for even a beginner to be able to successfully recreate this. The resources are just great! I hope you continue to put out more I will be wating in line!! thank you so very much. I am at home on medical leave and decided that this would be my recovery project. So glad I did. with all the resources and tool provided it is stress free and exciting!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!

    Reply

  17. I have the pattern book. I am on part 6 of the rainbow colorway version. I would like to do the stonewashed xl version next. But the color chart by row available above only goes to round 68. Where can I get the chart?

    Reply

  18. I’m happy I found this CAL, even though I was late to the party. I just finished my Sophie today. I’d love to share a picture of my finished project, but I don’t know how.

    Reply

    • Hi Cathy. You can post on the Community section of our Facebook page or message Lookatwhatimade via messenger (search for Lookatwhatimade on FB). We also have a Facebook group for Charlottes Universe CAL that you are free to join (please do answer all the security questions when you request to join), and post a pic there too.

  19. I wish this pattern came in print for left handed people l have tried to make this but l am having are time with the stitches lining up.Thanks!

    Reply

    • Not helpful in this , particularly, but Charlotte’s Universe has left jaded video tutorials. I don’t think Esther made left handed videos, but her website is It’s All In A Nutshell for all her YouTube videos.

  20. I am almost finished with my Sophie and she is gorgeous! But the centre is bulging. I can’t redo my whole Sophie . Is there anything that I can do? I’ve blocked her a few times as I went along but it is still building.

    Reply

    • Did you follow the hook size changes, Ancin?
      There’s not much you can do now if you are nearly finished, but Dedri has commented on bulging in the Important Tips section.

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