A Graphgan is simply an Afghan that uses a grid style type graph as a pattern. When followed correctly you can replicate the image from the graph onto your crochet work.
Graphgan patterns can be as simple as a small heart to as detailed as a photograph. There are so many possibilities.
Then when you consider all of the different ways there are to work a graph pattern there are so many more. You can complete the same graph using 4 different techniques and have 4 projects that look completely different with the same concept.
I have been designing Graphgan patterns for 10 years now. The one thing I hear constantly is. “That looks so hard, I could never do that.” I am here to tell you YES YOU CAN! Graphgan patterns are deceptively easy. If you can chain, single crochet, slip stitch, half double crochet, double crochet, and change colors. Then you have all the tools you need to successfully complete a Graphgan project.
There are a few things to keep in mind before you decide to tackle a Graphgan.
1. What stitch to use.
Depending on the graph and how many colors it is calling for. There are 10 different techniques, and that is not counting you can use multiple stitches for each.
· Intarsia crochet
· Tapestry crochet
· Cut & Tie
· Fair Isle
· C2C
· Mini C2C
· Block Stitch
· Lean Stitch
· Mini Block Stitch
· Filet crochet
· Interlock/Interwoven filet crochet
2. What size
Obviously if you are wanting a small lapgan you don’t want to end up with a king-sized blanket. So, look what the dimensions of the graph. If it is on the smaller side you could probably get away with using a larger stitch like c2c. But if not, you probably need to go with a technique that uses single crochet. If you had your heart set on a c2c. Try mini c2c instead, use smaller hook and yarn weight to decrease the size.
3. All those tails
With all of the color changes you do have tails and a lot of them when the project is finished. The options here. You can leave them until the end, sew them in as you go, or take all the tails to one side square knot them and sew on a backing
Personally, I leave them until the end. Because it never fails if I start sewing them in as I go that is when I make a mistake. But I but can’t frog because I have already locked in the tails.
No mater what stitch, size, or how you decide to handle the tails. You will be sure to have an end product to be proud of. When showing off your new project take in all those oohs and ahhs, and be sure to keep how amazingly simple it was to pull off to yourself.
And remember my lovelies
One stitch at a time
Love that will last a lifetime
And until next time
Have a wonderful day
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