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.
Amy says
I had a nightmare last night about Sophie’s universe that I just had to share! I found myself in a waiting room and in walked a bunch of ladies with their crochet projects. I was delighted and started admiring their work. Then I asked if they had already done Sophie and they had no idea what I was talking about! So I ran quickly to get my WIP Sophie and my laptop. When I showed it, it was all terrible colors like black and putrid green. They hated it! and even said things like those petals and such will start cutting and falling off in time! So then I took my laptop to show the true colors and beauty of Sophie and it wouldn’t cooperate! I was so flustered and upset. Thank God I woke up and gave my Sophie a little hug!
Dedri Uys says
Lol, that sounds horrible! I’m not sure I have ever had a crochet nightmare…well…maybe when I frogged the prototype Sophie all the way back to the garden!!
Carmelita says
Sorry, I do not speak English.
Thank you for sharing these jewels.
Midge says
Are the color packs a place to purchase the yarn?? It will not open for me? Wondering what I would charge someone to make this for them?? Appreciate any help. I LOVE this pattern and all the work you put into it. How long does it take YOU to make one??
Dedri Uys says
They are indeed, Midge. They are opening for me, so I don’t know why they aren’t opening for you. I wish I could help! As for price, it takes me over 100 hours to make a Sophie, so this is not really the kind of project that will give you a good per-hour rate. And if you start off with an expensive yarn, the price jumps again. Most people who have sold their Sophies made the Sophies for the enjoyment and then sold them on to buy more yarn. I don’t know of anyone who has made it with the sole intent to sell. I hope that helps,
Dedri
Gemma says
Hi Dedri,
Firstly, thank you for all the work you’ve put into this. I can’t wait to get started on my Sophie!
I had a quick question about the shades used in the small Cotton 8 Sophie. You list Dark Pink as shade #719, but on Deramores Dark Pink is 653 and just Pink is 719. Do you know which one you used? I love the colours in that Sophie and want mine to use that colour scheme too, so just checking before I use the wrong one!
Many thanks and best wishes,
Gemma
Jenny says
Hi Gemma. Go by the code numbers. Dedri used the three shades of pink indicated on the website by the codes as opposed to the names – Fuchsia 720 Pink 719 and Light Pink 718 :)
Jenny says
Hi Gemma. Go by the code numbers. Dedri used the three shades of pink indicated on the website by the codes as opposed to the names – Fuchsia 720 Pink 719 and Light Pink 718 :)
Jenny
Jenny says
Hi Gemma. Go by the code numbers. Dedri used the three shades of pink indicated on the website by the codes as opposed to the names – Fuchsia 720 Pink 719 and Light Pink 718 :) Jenny
Emily says
Hi dedri! I was wondering if I have permission to sell this blanket while giving you credit?
Dedri Uys says
You do :)
Fran says
I am so excited to have found this website even though a little late in the day as they say. I think Sophie is one of the most inspiring crochet projects I’ve ever seen and so proud to see it designed by a fellow South African. I live in Durban but am lucky enough to be on a container ship at the moment with my husband who is the Captain and joy of joys we’re getting off in my home country, England, where I can get some yarn. Sooooooo what have I been doing this last month, looking at all the beautiful Soohies and studying the instructions. I was originally thinking of doing it in South Africa’s own Vinnis Nikkim cotton, I have already made a blanket with this which is beautiful, but it works very expensive. Unfortunately the original yarn used is beautiful but too expensive with the current ridiculous Rand/£ exchange rates. BUT I’m so excited to have found that Stylecraft Special DK is.actually cheaper in England than SA., and I see from the various Sophie websites that there are many beautiful Sophies being made with it. For any fellow South Afrcans who want to make this gorgeous blanket there are a few on line shops who will post to SA and selling Stylecraft for£1.50 a 100g ball (approx R31) which is cheaper than the average price of R50 at home, or special “Sopie” packs for £28.
I’ve akready ordered mine so I can start row one at the hotel before I fly home. I am so excited. Thank you so much Dedri for this wonderful pattern and the hours and hours you must have spent making such explicit instructions and photographs.
Dedri Uys says
Hi Fran,
My mom made her blanket in Vinnis Nikkim. It is such a lovely yarn! I hope you enjoy your Sophie journey and do share a photo on instagram of facebook when you have made that first round in the hotel :)
Happy traveling!
Jenny says
Hi Fran! What an adventure to be travelling as Captain’s mate on a container ship!
Good luck with your Aophie. I am making one in Lime Special DK. The yarn is nice to use but it does pill with use, but for a budget tarn, the colours are lovely and it is pretty soft. The new Scheepjes acrylic yarn is softer though :)
Jemima says
Hi Fran
I am also South African and just saw this wonderful and colourful project on the internet.
I read your comment here and would love to be able to obtain the materials from the same place where you ordered your materials.
Please be so kind to advice the names of online store or websites from where I can order these materials.
I am looking forward to your response.
Kind regards
Jemima
Fran says
Hi Jemima.
Sorry I didn’t get back to you beforehand but have only just returned to this page since I started my Sophie. In the end I chose the original Scheepjeswol 8 cotton. As we were in Rotterdam we managed to get the ship agents to brims it to the sip. If I do another one I’d use the Stylecraft special DK or Vinis, Nikkum which would be my first choice, and could well be cheaper than the Stylecraft now with our ridiculous exchange rate.
Where in SA are you, I know Skaapis wol in Cape Town has the best price for Vinis Nikkum, and Sew Time in Umhlanga has ordered Stylecraft in the Sophie colors.
Hope this helps.
Linda Noyes says
Is there a written pattern available for this cal 2015 event
Linda noyes
Dedri Uys says
Hi Linda.
The CAL is only available as a 21-part photo tutorial at the moment. We are working on a book.
Milla says
My Sophie journey started yesterday, better late than never, huh? :) Loving it already!
Rachel O says
I can’t wait to start my Sophie’s Universe..spent 2 hours last night making a color template. AHH. I haven’t been this excited for a project in a while. Looking forward to donating it to a quilt auction to raise money for kids going to summer camp. I’ll let you know how much it goes for! Thanks for the lovely pattern. Cheers, Rachel
Dedri Uys says
Hi Rachel. I hope you make a lot of money for the summer camp :)
Lesley says
Hi lovely lady, today I have started my very last row of my Sophie (113). I cannot thank you enough for allowing me to share this beautiful journey. Before I started my adventure I had only made plain treble granny squares into a dolls cot cover and a ripple car seat blanket, so very, very much a learner. I huffed and puffed and stalled numerous times about attempting this project, but the more and more Sophies I saw on Facebook, Instagram and your website the more I was drawn in and at the end of April I started my first row and I was instantly bitten and I’ve loved every single second I’ve spent on it and today the end is nigh boo hoo! I’m gifting this to my beautiful 10 years old granddaughter Lucy, she was diagnosed with an inoperable Tectal Plate brain tumour four years ago and I cannot wait to see her face, she’s loved it from the start but gas no idea it’s for her. I can never thank you enough for all that I’ve learned and for all the pleasure it’s given me. Please could you email me address you want me to send my donation ball of wool too and once again thank you xx
kayley says
starting my Sophie journey today. im only a few rounds in…. heres my question, im using aran weight. im using a 5.0mm hook for the centre, plan to switch to a 5.5mm later on. the centre is buckiling a bit, should i switch to the 5.5mm now then use a 6.0mm later on, or stick with it as is. this should avoid bagging later on maybe?
Dedri Uys says
Kayley, there are a few places in the pattern where Sophie will either buckle or ruffle. For the most significant of these there are notes. You will see a note to that effect at the start of part 4 and a photo of my buckling flower at the end of part 4. In rounds 18 – 20 Sophie will ruffle. This is also normal.
Christoph says
Dear Dedri,
I’ve finished the Universe today and posted a pic on the FB-page. But I would like to thank you also in this way for the magnificent design and all the work and love you’ve put in creating this tutorials.
I loved doing this blanket every minute of the way and am a little sad (and proud off course) that the journey is over.
Much love from Flanders (ik denk dat je ook wel een woordje Nederlands begrijpt als je in Zuid-Afrika hebt gewoond ;-) )
Christoph (persumably one of the few men that made your Universe)
Bonnie Causer says
this site is so through(hope this is spelled right) I do know how to crochet but all these little notes will surely make me a better one. Do you have other projects?? Where do I find them.
Thanks so much and God bless
Margaret field says
Looking for the video tutorials. Can you please link me to them thanks
Margaret
Dedri Uys says
Margaret, hi. Under Resources you will find a link to the video tutorials.
Mae says
I absolutely love this pattern! I worked a bit up with scrap yarn before deciding it would look better with a color scheme, and i fell in love with the look of the stonewashed, i would really love to make that for my 7 year old for christmas! (She loves when i make her gifts, i lucked out with her.)
The only thing is, the yarn pack is much more than we can afford right now with my medical bills. Do you have any suggestions on colors using red heart or maybe vannas choice as alternatives?
Dedri Uys says
Hi Mae.
Unfortunately I don’t know of any substitutes for Stonewashed XL, but if you ask in the Official CCC Social Group on Facebook, I am sure that you will find a bunch of Americans that will better be able to assist you. I am in the UK and have had very little dealings with either of those yarns. I hope you manage to find something you like,
Dedri
Joanne says
Hi – I am in love with this pattern!!! How long will the pattern and video tutorials be available for this CAL? I have about 10 WIP’s I’m working on for Christmas gifts, so may not be able to start this blanket until December.
TIA,
Joanne
Dedri Uys says
Hi Joanne. This pattern will remain available indefinitely.
Nicool says
Un grand bravo,
votre modèle est très beau et les explications…je n’en ai jamais vu de si complètes, photos, laine , taille, etc…..
J’ai commencé le Sophie Universe, avec grand plaisir.
Avec des restes de laine juste pour essayer, je n’ai pas pu résister .
Mais je le ferais certainement avec de belles couleurs prochainement.
Merci beaucoup.
Nicole
Congratulations, your model is very beautiful and explanations … I have never seen so complete, photos, wool, size, etc …..
I started the Sophie Universe, with great pleasure.
With remains of wool just to try, I did not resist .
But I would certainly do it with beautiful colors soon .
Thank You.
Nicole
Dedri Uys says
Thank you, Nicool.
Ondine says
Hi Dedri!
In march, my mother, Sophie, will celebrate her 41st anniversary. Last year, she had a severe depression and was hospitalized for a month. She just didn’t want to live anymore. Since then, she is doing very well, and changed some of her ways of seeing life and, indeed, the universe.
When I saw your poject, I immediately thought of my strong mother before even seeing it was named Sophie’s Universe.
I plan on doing it for her, and my goal is for it to be finished by march.
Thank you very much for this pattern, it really is beautiful.
Ondine
Dedri Uys says
Odine, your message touched my heart. I hope and pray that your mother will find her way back to joy. It is so hard to constantly feel lost.
God bless!
Dedri
Debbie says
Hi Dedri, I am ordering the large Sophie Kit is there any colors I need to order extra of before I place order? :) Thank you ever so much for your beautiful Sophie. I have made the medium now want to make the large :)
Dedri Uys says
Hi Debbie, that depends on your tension. There is a link to a yardage chart in the information post about Sophie. You will be able to see how much I used, bearing in mind that I am a tight crocheter.
The border and squares have their own kit (also linked to from the information page).
I hope that helps.
Andrea Reyna says
Hi Dedri,
I’ve been inspired to make your Sophie’s Universe upon seeing how much work you’ve put into it. You make great tutorials especially for beginners like me. In making your Sophie’s Universe I decided to use crochet thread #10 and I plan on framing it. that way I can always see it and would probably just stare at it. Your design is wonderful, I’ve learned a lot from it. I’m now on my 60th round and Im really excited to finish it.
Thank you so much for sharing your talent to us.
Dedri Uys says
Thank you, Andrea :) Framing is an excellent idea.