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.
Marci Bean says
I have just finished part 1 and I’m loving this!! The instructions are easy to follow and the pictures are a tremendous help….my neighbors are already oooing and aaahhing. Thanks!!!
Jenny says
Enjoy your voyage into Sophie’s Universe, Marci! :)
jackie says
congrats and enjoy the journey
Susan Nieuwoudt says
Thanks for sharing your design .I am left handed and although l had a bit of trouble, l have now completed part 1. Thanks again!
Nicole Wombolt says
Thank you. Thank you for bringing the beauty of your pattern to the internet and graciously giving it to us free of charge. You’ve enabled the world to become a more beautiful place through every crochet artist that chooses to make your design. Watching folks post pictures on the facebook page from around the world boggles my mind and gives me joy in the glorious creations. Thank you. You’re wonderful!
Jenny says
We all love Dedri and her beautiful patterns :)
Hannelie Rompel says
Dear Dedri
Thank you!! Thank you for all your hard work with Sophie’s Universe. I’ve only been hooking for about 3 years so I was so scared to start such a complicated piece. But your pattern is so easy to follow and the pictures helps so much. You must be working through every night and never getting any sleep. I’m now only at the end of week 5 and the only times I made mistakes is when I’m not counting or going of on my own and not following your instructions.
We all tend to complain so easily but we are very slow to thank. So today I would like to thank you for all the work and say that your Sophie’s Universe is the highlight of many conversations, even non-hookers at work ask me daily to see my progress. :-)
And lastly (definitely not least) you make us proud here in SA.
Hannelie
Jenny says
I am sure Dedri appreciates all the thanks coming her way. We are glad you are all enjoying Sophie so much! :)
Dedri Uys says
Thank you so much, Hannelie :)
Brandi says
This is beautiful! I just started mine a few days ago, so I’m playing catch up! I finished week 1 and 2 so far!
Robin Wahls says
I came across this cal by accident – how lucky was that. I don’t have the extra money to buy yarn atthis time, but my stash is taking over the house. The colors aren’t the same as pictured but its just as pretty. I’m on round 32 as of this morning (3/15) so have a long way to go to catch up and have 6 other afghans started for 2 other cal to keep up with as well. By the time all are done I may have to start building up my stash again!
Erica R says
Just bought the bundle from Deramores of the Cotton 8 and I am beyond excited to start (and/or catch up!). I am compltely enthralled by the pattern. It is one of the most beautiful pieces of art I’ve ever seen. I can’t wait to create me own to keep forever.
Thanks for all of your hard work putting this together!
Dedri Uys says
Lol. Thank you, Erica :)
wayne says
Am I correct in assuming it actually takes 53 skeins of yarn to do this project ?
I would love to do it and want to purchase the yarn at one time…..as to not run short on any color
carmen says
Is it really 23 moonstone in the worsted weight? Really kinda hoping that’s a typo :-). Love this pattern, forcing myself to wait to start since I keep hearing it’s super addictive…and I have stuff I need to finish first
Dedri Uys says
Hi Caremen.
It is not a typo (as stated in the post). I am doing the large blanket predominantly in Moonstone. Feel free to choose any colours you wish to use.
Dedri
christina brand says
I just found out about this CAL and I have a couple questions; i’m doing other CAL’s for other groups I’m in and i was wondering if this is also a contest where we could win something at the end or if it’s just for fun to learn new stitches and something i could start now and won’t have to rush to finish in a certain amount of time. I only have red heart yarn and i don’t have money to buy any more so i was wondering if this yarn would be good to use and about how many of each skein i would need to complete the project. thank you.
JuJu says
I am working on red heart yarn calculations. I will try to post the number for you soon.
JuJu says
For the large blanket using the same color scheme as the stonewashed XL.
If you have 234 meters per ball. 23=8, 6=2(or 3), and 3=1(or 2)
If you have 288 meters per ball. 23=6(or 7), 6=2, and 3=1
If you have 333 meters per ball. 23=6, 6=2, and 3=1
I use #(or #) because my calculation is close to using all of the first ball of yarn. Also remember my calculations are assuming that Dedri’s numbers are correct and that you are using all of the yarn that she suggests without leftovers.
Dedri Uys says
Thank you, Julie!
Betty tsinnie says
I’m a beginner.. What do these mean… 23=6
6=2 3=1
Dedri Uys says
Betty, I am not sure what you are referring to…
Amanda says
Hi Dedri,
I’ve just discovered you and this CAL. I am only a beginner at crochet, having started to teach myself in December. I am really loving it, and am happy with my progress, but I wonder if this project is really a step too far at this stage. What do you think?
Thanks,
Amanda
Jenny says
Hi Amanda.
I would say just take your time and have a go. You will amaze yourself with what can be achieved with the help of Dedri’s fabulous tutorials!
I learnt to read patterns through her tutorials myself and am still delighted to learn new things with the help of Sophie’s Universe.
If you get stuck, there are people to help you progress, but you won’t know unless you try :)
Evelyn says
I just came upon a link to this CAL on FB, and I am AWESTRUCK!!! This is so BEAUTIFUL!! I have never seen such beautiful crochet before. Is it OK to just sort of jump in on this?
Jenny says
Yes, Evelyn! It is never too late to start. The patterns aren’t going anywhere :)
Fran says
Hello Dedri, Thank you so much for this wonderful CAL! I’m getting going and it is really fun, but I have a question…I am using acrylic yarn for cheapness and am wondering what I can do about blocking. I am new to crochet but I have heard that you can’t block these yarns. I’d love to have a neat flat Sophie. What can I do, if anything, when you say to block it? Thank you from Hampshire.
Jenny says
You can block acrylic yarn. I do all the time and I use the same flat blocking method for all my projects (spray damp, pin out and allow to dry) :)
Ann says
What an inspiration you are, Dedri! It is a joy to participate in such a beautiful project. Some months ago, I created Sophie’s Garden, and I would like to complete it with Sophie’s Universe. Would you give me a hint about the corresponding colors to use, relating to the 12 shades of Stylecraft Special DK?
Thanks, and don’t ever stop creating!
Jenny says
I find it best to follow your thinking/colourway from the garden part. However you chose to do that, it will work well for the rest.
Failing that, have a look at all the other Sophies out there for your own inspirations :)
Dedri Uys says
Hi Ann.
If you made your garden with Stylecraft you should be able to clearly see the similarities between the colours as I chose my Cotton8 colours based on the colours I used for the original garden. If you need a side-by-side comparison, please use the contact form at the top of the site to send me an email,
Dedri
fatima enam says
it is gorgeous.can it be made with crochet cotton thread or cotton yarn ? i think it will turn out to a bedspread instead of blanket.:)
Jenny says
You can make it with whatever yarn you wish :)
MelJoy says
I’m curious…who is “Sophie”? She must be a amazing woman to inspire such glorious work. Dedri…you are truly an inspiration!
Dedri Uys says
Thank you :)
Sophie is Kimberly Slifer’s granddaughter.
Dawn says
This is soooo darn beautiful… Picking yarn today!
fabiana says
hello! someone could tell me how much wool, rough , take this CAL? Thank you
Jenny says
All the information is here Fabiana
https://lookatwhatimade.net/crafts/yarn/crochet/sophies-universe-cal-2015/sophies-universe-cal-2015-information/
Lorraine Vorster says
Hi Dedri.
This is a beautiful project. What is the estimate finish size after all 20 parts hare finish? I think if you use a thicker yarn and hook, it would be a beautiful and unique rug.
Enjoy these type of projects you make.
Jenny says
Lorraine it tells you in the description the finished sizes –
Finished Size:
1.8 meters x 1.8 meters (6′ x 6′)Large
1.4 meters x 1.4 meters (4’7 x 4’7)medium
1.0 meters x 1.0 meters (3’3 x 3’3)small
Using Scheepjeswol Stonewashed XL large Scheepjeswol Softfun medium Scheepjeswol Cotton 8 small
Sharon says
I ordered my yarn February 13 and received it from across the pond yesterday. I completed Part 1 using the G hook. Part 1 measured 7.5 inches. I frogged it and redid it with an E hook and it measured 6.5 inches. Should I frog again and go down to a C hook?
Jenny says
The measurements Dedri has given are purely a guideline. Some people want to know the overall size before they start. If yours is a different size, it doesn’t matter to be honest, just find a hook that works well with your yarn and enjoy the journey :)
Dedri Uys says
Sharon, the gauge is just a guideline and the specific gauge you seem to be aiming at is for double knit yarn and a G hook. Are you using double knit (light worsted weight) or worsted weight? It would help if I knew which yarn you were using. Also, your tension might be quite loose, so going down a hook size or two would help.
Dedri