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.
Cathy says
Hi Dedri
Last night I was ready to start round 31 in part 4. I mentioned to my hubby that the first line in the instructions say “This round is very involved!”. He laughed out loud and then told me that every round, pretty much so far, has been involved. He’s watched me crochet and rip out quite often on my Sophie That said, I’m having a blast working through this. How long does it take you to dream up and develop something like this…I would like to try designing something myself. Have a great day! Cathy
Dedri Uys says
Hehe…It should say MORE involved, I suppose. Sophie took me months of planning and making and frogging and crying. But usually a design takes me about 2 weeks (because work gets in the way).
Daushalynn says
Dedri, I am trying to crochet the sole part on the Chunky Crochet Slippers for about the 10th time. I chain the initial 15 and go along, but do not end up with 34 stitches as indicated. But when I go to the second row I am having difficulty. Was there a correction to this pattern, please advise. I do like your slippers and hope to get a pair made for myself. If you or anyone can help me out please. Also is there another version using worsted weight yarn for a size 7.5 Canadian foot. Daushalynn
Dedri Uys says
Daushalynn, there is indeed an error in the pattern. The last stitch of each round falls in the first stitch of the same round, in other words, every round creeps one stitch into the next. I am sorry about this. I have spent the better part of the afternoon re-writing it and I have sent it to a friend of mine to proof and test before re-releasing it. The instructions still work, but the rounds just don’t end where you would expect them to, if that makes any kind of sense. If you can wait a few days, I will publish the re-written pattern.
Thank you for flagging that up,
Dedri
Megan says
I joined your very encouraging Facebook page and all I can say is wow! You yourself encouraged me to start my Sophie with the tutorials. So after my three (four really) WIP’s are complete, two of which need to be done by the middle of July then the other in August are complete I will start my Sophie! My husband and I have decided that we are going to make it for framed art on the wall. With cats I would never be comfortable using it but I want to see it everyday.
My question is will this always be a free pattern (I would still pay for it, totally worth it)? Which blows my mind by the way. You have mad skills! I just want to prepare just in case i don’t get this started until September or October.
Thank you, I can’t wait to put your brilliant mind to fruition.
Dedri Uys says
Hi Megan. Thank you for your comment. “Mad skills” made me giggle. It sounds like something my 7-year old would say ;) That, and “sick”. Everything is “sick” at the moment. The pattern will remain available on my website for free, so there is no hurry.
Magdalena says
I have to say that I really love this pattern. I am far from done but I have a question. I would like to translate this to Swedish. I know it was like a month since the last part was released, but people are still joining and some have been sad that it is in english. Is there any chance for me to do it? It would be great fun! :)
Dedri Uys says
Hi Magdalena. Someone is already translating the pattern into Swedish, but thank you very much for your offer. The website will be updated as soon as she has finished with the translation.
Dedri
Sue Eshelman says
I am nearing the end of part 6 (finally), and I have to say I love this pattern, Dedri. I can’t believe you made it available for free! Many would have paid for this masterpiece! My only complaint is what do I do when it is done? I am making a plain white one now and have ever intention of making a colorful Sophie but what then? I am afraid there is nothing to top, or even just equal, this amazing gift you have given us. May you have reason to feel as blessed as this beautiful gift makes me feel,
Dedri Uys says
Thank you, Sue. What to do when it is done? Anything and everything. Hopefully something that you didn’t feel quite up to before. Challenge yourself with a tricky pattern :)
Dedri
Karla Twomey says
Thank you for posting the free pattern! It is fabulous:) I have included it on my blog Karla’s Making It (linking to your pattern, of course)! You can view it here http://www.karlasmakingit.com/free-crochet-patterns/free-crochet-granny-square-patterns/
Dedri Uys says
Thank you, Karla.
Pat says
I want to thank and compliment Dedri for her outstanding choice of the CAL 2015 project. Dedri’s directions, illustrations, and expertise are superior and are easy to follow. I have been drooling over everyone’s Sophie Universe on Facebook and their color choices. Unable to crochet due to a shoulder injury this winter, I had the surgery two weeks ago. I have been begging my doctor to allow me to crochet. Finally got the ok this week to start crocheting–5 to 10 minutes a day! Its a start. Thank you, again!
Pat says
I want to compliment and thank Dedri for her choice of an amazing CAL 2015 project. Her expertise, directions and illustrations are so clear and concise. I have been following everyone’s Sophie on Facebook and drooling over their color choices. (Finally, I am going to be able to start my Sophie’s Universe.) Unable to crochet due to a shoulder injury over the winter, I finally had the repair surgery two weeks ago. Because I have been begging my doctor to let me crochet, I finally got the ok this week–no more than 5-10 minutes a day for now!
Vanessa says
Sorry, I missed the CAL from the beginning, but I’d love to make this.
Dedri Uys says
Vanessa, it is never too late to start. The instructions will remain available.
Lesley says
Hi I am from Hobart Australia. Just about to start Part 7. I am soooo enjoying Sophia’s Universe. Thank you
Dedri Uys says
Hi Lesley. I’m pleased you’re having fun!
debbie says
I have to say that this is the most well written, amazing, beautiful and fun pattern I have ever had the pleasure of doing. I have enjoyed every single minute of this blanket and am already thinking of the colors for my next one. I want to Thank You for sharing this with all of us and also for all of the work you have put in to writing out the pattern, taking all the pics and making all of those wonderful video tutorials. I love the videos :) I go back and forth between them to figure out what color I want to do next. I would have never thought I could do this but you have made it possible and for that I am so greatful. This is the most beautiful piece of work I have ever done and I am so proud of myself! :) <3
Jenny says
You are right to feel proud, Debbie! Sophie is a wonderful pattern, I agree :)
jeane hansen says
Do i have to use the suggested yarns and hook size?
Dedri Uys says
Jeane, you can use any yarn and hook size you fancy. Estimated yardages have only been supplied for the suggested yarn/hook sizes, though, so you will have to do the maths yourself if you use anything else.
Bernadette Flaherty says
I have to thank you Dedri I thought you couldn’t teach this ‘ole dog new tricks and/or I had seen it all but this is just the best pattern in all my 50+ years I have done… you have made crocheting so exciting again!!! I had to use the videos and a big thank you for doing those they are awesome! One thing to note that I can offer is being a lefty most of the pattern is no problem but when you get into part 5 and squaring off where the stitches become a bit asymmetric for a time… for lefties to save themselves a bit of frogging just reverse the instructions makes everything come out right as rain.
Jenny says
Thank you for the left handed tip Bernadette!
We are so pleased you are enjoying Sophie with all your crochet experience under your belt :)
Amanda says
Dedri, you mentioned the origin of the name Sophie, but I cannot lay my hands on it… help please
Dedri Uys says
Amanda, hi. It was named after Kimberly Slifer’s grand-daughter Sophie Rose.
Mieche Walker says
This is the most through pattern I’ve ever had. You gave us your time and talent. Most crochet pattern writers need to take a page from you. When you give, give your best. If the pattern is filled with errors, one has wasted their time and ours. May God Bless you and your testers!
Jenny says
Thank you Mieche. I have to agree that Dedri’s patterns are the best! :)
Bonnie Wear says
how do I post phoo of my project completed at 17?
Jenny says
Bonnie, send us a photo via our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Lookatwhatimade?ref=bookmarks
and/or the CCC Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/groups/officialcccsocialgroup/:):)
Brandee Mitras says
my crochet group is atarting this next week, and I am so excited! You have done beautiful work, and I look forward to seeing how we all come along. Thank you.
Dedri Uys says
You are welcome. I hope you guys enjoy it!
Tineke says
such a joy to make this blanket. Thank you very much. Tineke, dutch living in austria
Dedri Uys says
Thank you, Tineke
Dedri Uys says
I am so pleased to hear that, Tineke.
Bridget Swahlen says
This has been the most fun ever. Thank you so much for all you have done.
Dedri Uys says
Thank you, Bridget.
Sue Carruthers says
I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate you sharing this pattern and providing such thorough directions. my daughter challenged me to try this….and I must say it has changed my skill level tremendously. I hope you will have other similar challenges in the future. On another note, I have a friend who lost her sister in January. She passed unexpectedly following an operation. My friend brought me a bag with a skein of yarn and some squares that her sister was making before she passed away. My friend asked me to make an afghan using the doodles and squares her sister made. Your CAL has been an inspiration in meeting her need. I am making her a memory afghan using many of the stitches I learned making Sophie’s Universe. When I finish the project, I will share with you. Thanks again.
Dedri Uys says
Sue, how amazing that you feel inspired to design something yourself. That is exactly what I want!!! Confidence, knowledge, and joy. Thank you for reminding me of that xxx
I am so sorry to hear about your friend’s sister passing. I am sure that your doodle blanket will help her always remember her sister’s busy hands and creative mind.