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.
Sandra says
Some comments I read on the FB page indicated there were videos to go along with each Part? Are those available? If so, where do I find those? Thanks and I am loving this project. Doing mine in a solid dusty rose color (at this time).
Jenny says
Sandra, each section that has a video tutorial has it link listed at the very start of the pattern explanation.
Carol D says
Probably a dumb question, but I don’t want to mess this up. IF I am starting from a finished Sophies Garden, do the Row numbers match? In other words, Garden ends at Row 36. So to pick up to complete the ‘Universe’ would I start with Row 37?
It seems like that to me – but I don’t want to spend hours and discover I’m way off…
A friend saw a picture of this today on my phone – and asked me how much I would charge her to do a rug exactly like it…I would assume I’d have to use a heavier weight yarn…phew! I told her I would try to price out the yarn, etc. and get back to her…While I’m flattered, I also am very much afraid! I have never sold any crochet work – and I know how many hours are involved (sort of)….just don’t know if I am up to it…Do you know anyone who’s sold one of these? Do you have any idea? I think I’d probably stop at end of Part 6…because that’s what she saw and that’s what she wants…even the same COLORS!
I’m caught up – done with Part 6 of my ongoing Sophies Universe and want to bring her little sister, the ‘Garden’ up to the same size…I want to make absolutely sure I start at the right place.
Jenny says
The rows continue in in order from the Sophie’s garden pattern. I don’t know anyone who has sold one yet as the Universe has not been completed yet. The CCC facebook group is he beat place to ask about sales prices, but the best response will probably be once completed work is done :)
Ina Marais says
I live in South Africa, and we don’t have a big choice of yarns where I live. Can you or Some South Africans who write in, give an idea of which yarns to use. Importing from uk with the exchange rate is not very viable
Dedri Uys says
Ina, my mom is using Vinnis Nikim and it is gorgeous. Elle Pure Gold is also brilliant and there are pretty close colour matches available.
Sonja van Wyk says
Where in South Africa do yo stay, Ina?
Charlene Boardman says
Ina you can use Lollipop, Charity, Pullskein, any of those work well, and they’re not so expensive either. BTW I’m near Potch.
Kim says
Hi! My daughter is so excited for me to get started on this for her. She wants it to take to college. I do have a question. I want to use the Scheepjeswol Cotton 8 but make it into a Large. How many blanket kits do I need to purchase?
Jenny says
Depends on how large you want it to be finally, Kim. Have a look here for the dimensions of the finished Cotton 8 version
https://lookatwhatimade.net/crafts/yarn/crochet/sophies-universe-cal-2015/sophies-universe-cal-2015-information/
Barbara says
I am using hayfield dk as my local yarn shop sells it for £1.25 a ball. I use it for all my squares. They also sell a lovely double crepe I’ve used to make a jumper and chunky yarn too. I’ve also used the women’s institute yarn from hobbycraft when it’s on 3 for 2 and you get 3 balls for £4.40. I have ordered yarn on the web but I do like to go to the shops and choose, we are so lucky to have a few yarn shops in Yorkshire
Gale Bolles says
I want to try the Sophie but have limited income. Can I use I love this yarn to make it cheaper? Will the square still come out looking great like all your squares. How would I figure out how many of each color I would need?
Jenny says
Is the yarn you want to use DK? If it is comparable to Stylecraft special DK, Gale, I have bought 15 100g balls for one of my Sophies.
Maybe asking on the CCC Facebook group would also help, as there are people using all sorts if yarns on there.
As for colours, that is all down to your personal choices. Have a look at the colours Dedri has listed for her stonewash one to get an idea of shades and quantities :)
Pamela Lawson says
I use Stylecraft special dk because I do not like to work with cotton and it works very well with Stylecraft. I use a 3.5mm hook
Jennifer says
I’m using I Love this Yarn and it is working up great! Go for it!
Debbie Denkins says
hi is there a coupon code for the yarn? I want to make the large one but its 197 plus change
Jenny says
Not to my knowledge Debbie.
Nana GoGo says
If you sign up for Deramores newsletter, they are offering a 15% discount coupon.
Jenny says
Yes! 15% off all yarn for me at the moment :)
Lorraine Cooper says
I decided to make Sophie’s Garden because my granddaughter wanted a rainbow blanket. So I started a couple of weeks ago. Made the mandala and blocked and now I make a square a day. So by end of Feb hope to have it finished. Then I’m going to go right back and make Sophie’s universe. I just love the patterns and thanks for your excellent pictorials. I’m a visual crocheter, not so much patterns.
Helena says
Got so many other projects to finish, and could not decide whether to start this project now or not. Came across your website towards the middle of last year and is also trying to do last years blanket. Guess which option eventually won! Now busy with week four, had some catching up to do, and so totally love it! Thank you so much for this wonderful project! This whole blanket is going to be a work of art! Love it!
Jenny says
It is a fabulous project indeed Helena :)
Janet says
I have been trying to get to the US side of Deramores but when I click and select US from the list nothing happens. I did get to the US side a while back but don’t remember how or if it was a direct link. Has anyone else had problems? I’m already way behind! :)
Jenny says
I have never tried the U.S. site Janet. Hopefully it will start to work again and is just a glitch on their website :)
Cally says
The color packs from deramores.com are a brilliant collaboration! Do you know if the Scheepjeswol Stonewashed XL pack will become available for the US?
Dedri Uys says
Cally, they were, and then they weren’t, and then they were again…and now they aren’t. Kimberly is chasing it up for us.
Cally says
Interesting! I wonder why that is. I went ahead and ordered anyway. (Tee hee!) Although it wasn’t set up as a “pack,” I ordered everything individually and with the sale Deramores has going on right now, I was very happy with my savings. I have no idea how long it will take to receive the yarn though. It’s all backordered. I’m guessing due to the people are finding your amazing CAL and jumping on the bandwagon. :D I’m so excited to work this up. Thank you so much!!!
Diana says
Just had to stop in to say “Thank You!” for designing this awesome pattern, and for deciding to share it with me! Hugs from this crochet lover in New Mexico! :)
Mom to 4 says
Another New Mexican here. I just found this a few days ago and am on round 26 :) (for 2 and want to start another 2 Im crazy huh!)
Jenny says
She’s addictive our Sophie!
Joeye Esterhuizen says
thanks for wonderful project saw it on internet. Went monday to humansdorp. Your mom MInette got me so inspired srarting today part 4 . Thanks for this wonderful project. Joeye from Padradise Beach . Jeffreys bay
Dedri Uys says
Joeye, I am so happy that you got to chat with my mom about Sophie. I miss her very much and little encounters like this make the distance seem smaller.
Marlene says
Hi, I just found out about this CAL and would like to join. I live in the US, what brand of yarn do you recommend for me to buy.
Dedri Uys says
Marlene, you can find all the information here.
Charlene Boardman says
Variegated yarn looks wonderful on the tulips and roses!
Ali says
Hi! I just learned this CAL. I’m getting ready to buy my yarn but was wondering what you would recommend as the MINIMUM amount of colors to incorporate? Thank you for all that you do and for putting this gorgeous project together!
Dedri Uys says
Ali, Jenny is doing it in one colour and it is looking magnificent, so there is no minimum colour. All I do know is that a short-change variegated yarn might not be the best option as a single colour, because the stitch definition gets lost if you use a yarn with very choppy colour changes.
Ali says
Thank you! I had come to the same conclusion about variegated yarn.
Alix says
Question: I need to finish this project by April 15 since I am giving it as a wedding present in the colors of the bride’s choice. How far along will we be at that point? Will I be able to complete it or will I have to ‘fake” the final rounds? Thanks.
Dedri Uys says
Alix, by the 12th of April the blanket will again be square and you should be able to “make up” the remaining rounds to meet your deadline.
Lynn Limone says
I’m very excited about starting this project, but obviously am behind to start with. I just ordered the stone washed yarns, and many of the colors are on back order. Hopefully I will be able to catch up. I would love to do one in the brighter colors too. Is that too ambitious? Not sure how much time is expected each week. Thanks so much!
Jenny says
I am doing two Sophies as well, Lynn. I am doing them in single colours because I couldn’t make my mind up what colours to choose ;)
At the moment the rounds are manageable to do two at the same time. In later rounds, as the Universe grows, there will obviously be a lot more work to do. I will probably them concentrate on just one and complete the second one as and when I can :)
If you feel you want to do two, then why not go for it and see how you get on?
Lynn Limone says
Thanks Jenny – I might do that!
DIANA says
Thanks Jenny for the info………… will order a ball to see if I like to work with it. Could you tell me where about are you located? I’ve been to all countries in the UK, I love it there and miss being able to travel anymore. TaTa
Vicky says
I’d love to try this pattern! It’s so lovely already, and I haven’t even seen all of it yet! Quick question: You said above that the large size is made with Stonewashed XL, and you listed it as worsted weight, but the Deramores website lists it as a bulky weight. Should I be looking for bulky weight yarns or worsted?
Dedri Uys says
Hi Vicky. I have spoken to Scheepjeswol to confirm, but the yarn is def worsted weight. It is listed as a bulky purely because it is “fluffy” and can be used quite comfortably as a bulky, in other words, it won’t appear “holey” if you use a bigger hook. It has the same wpi, length per gram, and gauge as DROPS Paris Cotton and Deborah Norville Everyday Worsted weight, both of which are worsted weight yarns.
Gale Goldberg says
I am so excited about this !!! So Beautiful you have done an amazing job.. thanks for sharing your talents with us all.