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.
Tammy Clubb says
Hi Dedri,
This may be a really stupid question, but at some point I want to attempt the Sophies’ Universee. I love the color palate of the top picture on this page, the mostly turquoise one, which I believe is the “small” Scheepjeswol Cotton 8 one that you made. Now if I wanted to make the large one with these same yarns, would I just double the amount of each color to be ordered?
Dedri Uys says
Hi Tammy. To get the large version using the ‘small colourway’, you will need about 4 times the amount of yarn (and that is a very loose estimate). You would need to use 3 strands of Cotton 8 at the same time. Your best bet is to find a suitable alternative in a worsted weight yarn.
Tammy Clubb says
Thank you!! I started to think about it and yes it was a stupid question!! LOL, they are so beautiful and I am a beginner, so this may be a future project hopefully :)
Dedri Uys says
Hi again. I hope I did not make you feel stupid with my response. I was just trying to be helpful x
Tammy Clubb says
Oh my goodness not at all darlin! I’m just a beginner and if I would have thought about it, I would have known to order more yarn or different yarn. BUT, I did just order the small blanket pack, so excited to try this. Thanks for sharing your patterns :)
Dedri Uys says
Phew. You are very welcome, Tammy. Keep me updated on your progress please :)
Marsha Smith says
Hi Dedri,
I’m ready to take this beautiful blanket on…can I still purchase the yarn packages?
Dedri Uys says
Hi Marsha. Colour packs are available from Wool Warehouse and Deramores :)
Jennifer Rose says
My questions is this…..do we HAVE to watch the video in order to get the pattern? I haven’t had a chance to look at this entire pattern yet through all the posts yet, because I just have very limited time and I’m prepping for a craft show, so I figured I would get that question out of the way first instead of going through each post. I ask because videos take FOOOOOOREVER and I’ve been crocheting for 27 years and it’s just quicker for me to read a pattern and go that way.
Dedri Uys says
Hi Jennifer. You don’t have to watch the videos. If you scroll to the bottom of this page, you will find a list of links for each part of the pattern. It is presented as photo tutorials, but you can use the print-friendly button to save each part as a pdf and print-friendly will give you an option to remove the photos if you wish. The Sophie book will also be out some time this year.
I hope that helps,
Dedri
Jacqui says
Hi Dedri, You may remember me as I met you at Daisy’s wonderful Devon Sun Yarns retreat in Lyme Regis last November. I have just finished my version of your gorgeous Sophie’s Universe and I’m absolutely delighted with it. I didn’t add the Lydia and Jack squares because it perfectly fits my King sized bed from just below the pillows to the foot of the bed. Thank you so much for sharing your pattern with us. You can see it here in my Ravelry projects http://www.ravelry.com/projects/JacquiM/sophies-universe-cal
Dedri Uys says
Hi Jacqui. I do remember you! Your Sophie is Gorgeous!! How have you been and what are you working on at the moment?
Crochet_Carol says
Dedri,
You are phenomenal! Many thanks for your generosity in sharing this glorious crochet project (Sophie’s Universe!)! It has brought me many hours of excitement and contentment! I just love it when I can get your stitch count right (or almost right)!
I’m having a blast and wish you luck in your future CAL’s (I’ll be looking for them)!
Carol
Dedri Uys says
Hi Carol. Thank you for your lovely comment :) Have you shared any photos of your Sophie, and if so, can you tag me so that I can see them?
Silvia Ricciuti says
Hi Dedri,
I find your pattern amazing, have started it with a bunch of beautifully coloured yarns that were left by my grandmother (together with a huge quantity of crocheted stuff). I don’t know if I’m gonna make it through all of the blanket, the first idea was to make a pillow, but I’m getting addicted and think will stop when the yarn is over ;-).
Really thanks a lot for the gift of this pattern and happy life (crocheting and not) to you.
Dedri Uys says
Hi Silvia. How special that you get to use your granny’s yarn for this project. I hope that your yarn turns out like the loaves of bread and the fishes in that it multiplies so that you have enough to finish.
Dedri
Sharon Traylor says
I would love to have this beautiful pattern. I’m a retired nurse and spend a lot of time with my grand and great grand children. I make quilts and knit and crochet blankets for my family. I love the different style in this blanket. I have made several scrap blankets. Could I possible get this pattern from you? I can promise it will not be copied or sold.
Dedri Uys says
Hi Sharon. If you scroll down to the list of parts, you will find links to each part of the (free) pattern. You can use the print-friendly button to save each part to pdf. I hope that helps,
Dedri
Gurley says
would like this pattern in Adobe PDF format and not have to download additional invasive software. Is that possible? Thanks for your time.
Dedri Uys says
Hi Gurley. This site displays ads that I do not always have control over. One of those ads is for pdf-readers. By using the Print-Friendly button at the bottom of the post, you will be able to save each part to pdf without having to download anything. To clarify, any call to action that regards downloading a program is not part of my website, but an advertisement.
Sue says
I heard some time ago that there was a print Sophie pattern book in the works. Is this true? If so, when and where can we buy it?
Dedri Uys says
We are working on the book and as soon as it is available, I will let you know.
Beth Jacob says
I love this pattern and the variations that can make it unique. Beautiful work & you are very talented! I couldn’t even start to come up with that on my own. This will be one of my next projects. Thank you so much! I will watch for your book.
Dedri Uys says
Thank you, Beth :) I can’t wait for the book to be available.
Rebecca says
Hi Dedri, I am writing to say thank you so much for your work on Sophie’s Universe and the continued attention and advice you give to everyone as they work on it! I’m going through a bit of a rough patch right now and it has helped me immensely to work on a big project like Sophie. It is challenging, but it gives me a sense of purpose and productivity, not to mention, I’m really happy seeing how it is turning out! I just started part 7 and hope to finish it within the next few months. Again, thank you, Dedri!!
Dedri Uys says
Hi Rebecca. I hope that your ‘rough patch’ is short-lived and I am so pleased to know that this pattern is bringing you some measure of comfort while you go through it. When things get too much, just look at your hands creating magic stitch by stitch and remind yourself to be kind to yourself!!!
Furrzanah Bassa says
Hi again Dedri
This stunning work of art has pushed me to leap out of my comfort zone as a beginner to crocheting. I really have to go & buy more yarn. The colours are absolutely beautiful.
Thank you so much. It is really inspiring. I have been looking for the easiest patterns but after seeing your tutorials I decided to take the plunge.
Bless you. I cant wait to do more than one.
Dedri Uys says
I hope you enjoy it!!
Lois says
Is there some way of buying a hard copy of this pattern? I do not have a printer and can follow the pattern better if it is in a hard copy form.
Dedri Uys says
There will be a Sophie book soon. It is currently with the editor and as soon as I have an idea of release-date I will let everyone know.
sara says
i love ur work ^_^ and im try to make it like ur sophie ^_^
jackie lloyd-jones says
just fund your site I was looking through your patterns I noticed the comment about blocking
I have several crock boards for small to med work larger projects I make a frame the size of the finished item with an extra 2″ all round to this I fix a flat bed sheet I make so tight when I tap it makes a sound
then I can pin the project to it if needed can use a steamer to ease in or out areas
Dedri Uys says
That’s a great idea, Jackie. Thank you!
clara says
Hello! I am using the deramore’s cotton 8 pack. Should I start with a 3mm hook and upsize to a 3.25 after part 4? Please help!
Dedri Uys says
I would suggest starting with a 3 mm hook, Clara :)
Shirl says
Thank you! This is beautiful! This is going to be a true family work of art when done.
Beth says
Hi, this is just awesome and thanks so much for sharing with us all.
Is there a pdf available anywhere yet?
Dedri Uys says
Hi Beth. thank you. The proof for the book has just gone to the publishers, so no pdf yet, but as soon as I know I will promote it.
Amanda in Texas says
Is this pattern written in UK crochet directions or US? I haven’t seen the distinction anywhere and don’t want to start only to discover I’ve been doing it wrong.
Dedri Uys says
Hi Amanda from Texas.
The pattern is written in US terminology and there is a reminder at the start of each part, right below the heading ‘Abbreviations’.
Amanda in Texas says
Thank you. I just picked up my yarn last night and as soon as I finish my current project I will begin my Sophie. I am so excited!
melissa says
I am on row 26 and just realized I was using a g hook instead of a D! Should I just continue on with g?
Dedri Uys says
Hi Melissa, you can’t go down a hook size once you have started this pattern (ever), as it will lead to a very bulging center. What yarn are you using with your g hook and we will take it from there.