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
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!
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.
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.
Index
- Resources
- Translations
- Difficulty
- Gauge
- Size and Materials (Includes Available Colour Packs)
- Important Tips
- Step-by-Step Tutorials (With links to all the relevant tutorials)
- Helpful Templates
- Blocking
- Examples of Sophie
- Sophie-related Patterns
- More Colourways
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!
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, 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.
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
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
Cotton 8 (Small)- Softfun (Medium)
- Rainbow Colour Crafter Pack (Medium) – Read more about the Rainbow Colour Crafter Sophie HERE.
- Stonewashed XL (Large)
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!
- Part 1: Rounds 1 – 8
- Part 2: Rounds 9 – 15
- Part 3: Rounds 16 – 25
- Part 4: Rounds 26 – 36
- Part 5: Rounds 37 – 45
- Part 6: Rounds 46 – 53
- Part 7: Rounds 54 – 61
- Part 8: Rounds 62 – 68
- Part 9: Rounds 69 – 74
- Part 10: Rounds 75 – 80
- Part 11: Rounds 81 – 84
- Part 12: Rounds 85 – 88
- Part 13: Rounds 89 – 92
- Part 14: Rounds 93 – 97
- Part 15: Rounds 98 – 101
- Part 16: Rounds 102 – 104
- Part 17: Rounds 105 – 109
- Part 18: Rounds 110 – 113
- Part 19: Optional Squares
- Part 20: Growing Options
- Part 21: The End of the Beginning
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 (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
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.
- Ravelry: Browse thousands of Sophie’s Universe projects, including details of the yarns and colours other crocheters have used.
- Instagram: Explore photos shared by the crochet community using #sophiesuniversecal2015.
- Sophie’s Universe in a Single Colour – See how the intricate stitches and textures shine when colour changes aren’t competing for attention.
- Sophie’s Universe in Scheepjes Whirl – A beautiful example of Sophie made with colour-changing yarn.
- Micro-Sophie – An extraordinary miniature Sophie crocheted with sewing thread by Geneva Kae Snyder.
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.
- Sophie’s Alternate Universe – An extension of Sophie’s Universe designed by Sonja Holland.
- Sophie’s Dream – A beautiful blanket combining smaller versions of Sophie with Scheepjes Whirl.
- Sophie Stool – A creative way to turn Sophie into a decorative stool cover.
- Sophie Cocoon Cardigan – A wearable interpretation of Sophie by Stephanie Best.
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.
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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.
dawn says
I am about to print off the pattern for Sophie I hope to make her this year I started to crochet again last year after about a 60 year absence. My grandmother taught me when I was very young but like riding a bike it did not take long before it all came back and I look forward to making a beautiful Sophie.
Dedri Uys says
It is indeed like riding a bike! I had an 18-year absence (slightly less than 60 years), and it came back the moment I picked up my hook again.
Von ireland says
I simply want to thank you for this project/CAL. I learnt to crochet in primary school when I was about 10, over the past 40 years I have crafted in different mediums but am back to crocheting in a big way all thanks to Sophie. She is the most fun I have ever had crocheting. Thank you.
Dedri Uys says
You are most welcome. Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment :)
Kathy says
I want to thank you for the obvious hard work you’ve put into this CAL. This is the first project of this magnitude I’ve ever tried, and it’s just been a breeze. Your instructions are absolutely perfect. I had very few times I had to undo to fix errors. VERY few. This is just coming out gorgeous, and I can’t wait to start another in brights. This one is in pastels with a few bright rounds mixed in for “pop”. Thank you again. You are outstanding at what you do. The very best!!!
Dedri Uys says
Hi Kathy.
Thank you so much!
Cyndy Bowman says
Love this project, working on it slowly but surely, Did not know it got this big!! Hope to Have it on my Bed one day! Thank you for sharing!
Linnea says
Hi, Dedri! This project is so beautiful and my husband is constantly telling me how my skill is improving as this blanket grows. Thank you for sharing this beautiful creation with us!! I will hate to finish because I am loving the flattery. Haha.
My question for you is if I bought the stonewash xl color pack, what round will that get me through? I could not find an expansion pack on Deramores’ website for this yarn like they have for the small and medium versions. I apologize if this question is right in front of me because the CAL pages are very organized. I must be passing over it.
Thank you again for this beautiful pattern. Every completed round is such a gift.
Linnea
Dedri Uys says
Hi Linnea. How great to hear that your husband is impressed with your skills. It is always nice when people notice things like that, isn’t it? The stonewashed XL pack is enough for the whole square blanket up to the end of Round 113, provided that your gauge is similar to mine (and I crochet quite tightly). Wool warehouse has an ‘expansion pack’ as you call it, and they ship internationally too.
Have a great day!
Melissa says
Hi! I am just starting this and I’m very excited. This may be a dumb question, but are you weaving in the ends with each round? And do you fasten off when you finish with a color?
Thanks!
Dedri Uys says
Hi Melissa.
I weaved my ends in at the end of each part. You do not have to change colour on each round, unless you want to use the invisible join for each round.
Instructions have been supplied for starting each round in the same colour OR a different colour. The only exceptions are places where I specifically tell you to fasten off at the end of a round, which happens if the new round starts in a different spot to where the old one ended.
Dedri
Carrie says
Hi Dedri. I love this pattern which I came across through Facebook. I am a beginner and thought I would have a go with the beautiful tutorials and YouTube video and voila! I have a gorgeous 6 part of the first week done. Shame in bad colours as I was practising typical!
My question is I want to do one in dk weight do I use cotton type of wool? And what size hook should I use for dk. I’m in the UK so using mm hooks.
Secondly am I to YouTube the American version if the stitches thank your for the pattern beautiful x
Dedri Uys says
Hi Carrie.
If you want to make a dk version, use the hook sizes specified for the Softfun (Medium) version, remembering to start with a slightly smaller hook and go up to the suggested hook where indicated. You can use any type of yarn you fancy. I used acrylic for my medium one and cotton for my small one.
As for the stitches, you can use youtube, but esther’s videos are incredibly clear, so you can see how many times she yarns over for the specific stitches.
The pattern is written using US terminology. Do you usually use UK terms?
UK to US conversion is easy and by the time you have made one or two parts you should be able to flip them in your head. The US stitch names are always one ‘smaller’ than the UK ones. A UK dc, for example, is a US sc. A UK tr is a US dc. It might help if you have a look at my comparison chart and maybe print it out?
I look forward to seeing your progress,
Dedri
Melody says
Hi Sophie,
I love your CAL. I made two of them . I’m so excited. Thanks so much for really good explanations ,and clear photoes . How could I send my photos to you?
Dedri Uys says
Hi Melody.
Thank you very much.
If you use the contact me link at the top of the website to contact me, I will email you back so that you can send me whichever photos you choose to show me. Alternatively you can share on my facebook page, in the Official CCC Social group on facebook, or on instagram using #sophiesuniversecal2015.
Dedri
melissa davis says
What colors of yarn was used in the photo above index on this page please.
Dedri Uys says
Hi Melissa. The photo right above the index shows all three blankets (the small, medium, and large) that I told you about in my first reply. Which one are you interested in? The top, middle, or bottom one in the stack?
Melissa says
I am sorry, not being notified that you replied. I think it’s the bottom one. It’s shown larger on part 5. I will keep checking back to see if you replied.
Dedri Uys says
Hi Melissa. The bottom one is the large one, which is made in Stonewashed XL. All the colours are listed in the Materials tabel on this page, which tells you how many skeins of each colour you would need to make the large stonewashed xl version. For yardages per round you can see the tables listed under helpful resources on this same page.
Melissa Davis says
I am just finding this and would really like to make it. i would like to do the colors in the picture posted above the index. Could you tell me if those colors are in one of the kits?
Thank you
Dedri Uys says
Hi Melissa, I am not sure which one of the 3 colourways you are referring to. All the photos on this page reflect one of the colourways. The very bright one is the small Cotton 8, the more subdued bright one is the medium Softfun. The predominantly cream one is the large Stonewashed XL.
melissa davis says
I think i have finally figured it out. I will order the stonewash for my next one. Do I just match the number that is used for the med. one?
Sorry if I am being dense!
Dedri Uys says
Hi Melissa. You use the colours and yardages supplied for the large one, which is the stonewashed one.
Lisa Stern says
Hi,
This is so beautiful. I am wondering if most people plan their colors, or just pull random colors out of the stash. Most of the finished projects look very planned but I just don’t know. I see that you give a “patterrn” to the colors you have used. I can’t wait to start this .. thanks !!!
Dedri Uys says
Hi Lisa. Quite a few people have made Sophie’s Universe with scrap yarn. If you have a look at the Ravelry projects, you will find over 3000 Sophies, each different and unique.
Joanne says
Hi, I am trying to decide my colours for a Sophie, in the first session there is a picture of a folded sophie, that seems to have a lot of white on the outer rounds. Could you please tell be the colours used in that Sophie. Thanks Jo
Dedri Uys says
Hi Joanne. That is the ‘large’ version of Sophie (made in Stonewashed XL) and the colours are listed at the start of each part. There is also a template with all the colours under ‘helpful templates’ in this post.
Joanne Tyree says
Hi Dedri. I am about to start the medium Sophie!! Do you suggest a 3.75 or 3.5 hook for the first parts to avoid the bulging center? Thanks so much,
Joanne
Dedri Uys says
Hi Joanne.
I would start with a 3.5 and go up to a 4. Good luck!
Simona Dedek says
a friend sent me link to some pins few days ago, and I have been completely obsessing over this, and have to join in the madness….
My question: I don’t want a worsted weight blanket, but I want it to be LARGE. What do you suggest as a way to adapt using the small blanket weight yarn, but still getting 6″ x 6″ blanket? Shall I just “wing it” with extra rows or something as I go along? (experienced crocheter here)
Dedri Uys says
Hi Simona.
The ‘Around the Bases‘ CAL is an excellent option for growing Sophie further. Alternatively you can use the Stitch Sampler pattern mentioned in Part 20 of Sophie’s Universe.
Judy D says
do you have a written pattern without the tutorials???
Dedri Uys says
There is no written-only version, but you can remove the images from each part (in Print-Friendly) before saving as a pdf.
Tamra Smith says
I would love a template of a picture of this to plan out my colours…templates are great, but don’t do the project justice. To explain what I mean, like in a colouring book….a picture, so one knows when flowers, leaves, etc are coming up to plan when pinks, yellows, etc are needed rather than blues & greens. Any plans for this?
Dedri Uys says
Hi Tamra. Someone is working on a drawing, but it is proving tricky due to all the surface work.
Shirley says
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
I started this a couple weeks back and I’m completely addicted…..
Just finished part 8. And part 9 page won’t load, part 10 says under construction……
It’s not fair what am I to do now.
Arggggggggg, it’s only been 5 minutes and I’m getting the shakes already lol, hope there sorted soon,
Dedri Uys says
Hi Shirley. We had a little bit of a hiccup last night, but it is sorted now. You should be able to access everything as normal. I hope you didn’t get the shakes too bad!
Shirley Hughes says
I “stumbled” across Sophie’s Garden on the internet. Don’t remember how now. I love kaleidoscopes so, naturally, this pattern intrigued me! I’m just amazed by the whole process. Not only do you offer the pattern for free but the instructions are so beautifully detailed, even with pictures for every step along the way and links to tutorials on various stitches. And THEN you make yourself available to help if people get stuck along the journey!! I think your pattern is wonderful and you must be a very sweet and giving person to share as you do. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! I started my Sophie this week and just finished part 3 and have started on part 4 (squaring up). I’m loving every second! Yes, even the crab stitch, which was a new stitch for me! Can’t wait to see what the weeks ahead have in store! Thanks again!!
Shelley says
Will this ever be made into one pattern?
Thank you!
Shelley
Dedri Uys says
Hi Shelley. Yes it will. We are working on that.
Mandy Swinbourne says
Hi Dedri
I am LOVING crocheting my Sophie my only problem is I’m left handed and trying to watch the YouTube and the corners do get complicated. Is there any chance of a left handed YouTube vision.
Mandy
Dedri Uys says
Mandy, the only thing I can suggest is that you watch the videos in a mirror?