Expert: Marla - 2/13/2011

Question
How do I double the size of an Afghan pattern?  If it ask you to chain 155, then double crochet in the 4 chain from the end.  I just finished one that has the pineapple design with a "V" shape and double crochet's in between 6 pineapple designs.   It measures 35" across.

Also how to a price an afghan to sell it?

Answer
Hi Cathy!
Thanks for asking! First what you would need to do is to figure out how many stitches are in each repeat of the pattern. This generally would be when it says to repeat from * to *. Sometimes patterns will tell you right at first how many stitches are in each repeat, so that you can change the width. As an example, in a pattern like this: IOOIOOIOOI, the “IOO” occurs 3 times, plus the extra “I” at the end which would be the ending stitch for this row, which wouldn’t be counted in the repeat for this particular pattern. So if “IOO” uses 3 stitches, to double this width you would add nine more stitches to the foundation chain (remember the last “I” isn’t counted in the repeat). But this is just an example, and other patterns may actually repeat from the first stitch to the last stitch.   If you could tell me where you got this pattern, I may have it in one of my books. Or if it was through the Internet, I could look and get a better idea of how many stitches to make in the starting chain. If it is from a pattern I can't get a hold of I will probably need you to send me maybe the first row or two.
I hope I haven’t confused you, but please let me know if you need more clarification with this, or what the pattern is so I can help further.  

Now as far as the price, I'm sorry, but I am not very knowledgeable on this subject, so I can’t help you out on this.  I haven’t sold any afghans.  I usually make afghans for gifts or I make lap robes for hospitalized veterans. You would be better off on this question to ask someone who has sold some. One factor, though, is the pattern that is used. An afghan with a pineapple pattern would definitely sell for more than an afghan that is made using just double or single crochet stitches, and has a straight across pattern. Of course, you also need to factor in the cost of yarn. I’m sorry, but that is about all I can tell you about this.

Let me know about the pattern! Good luck!

Marla