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If you enjoy colorful crochet projects that look complex but are easy to make, you’ll love this pattern pack! Enter now to win a free copy of Easy Crochet Optical Illusion Afghans & Pillows #308. These designs use simple stitches like single crochet and dropped double crochet to create bold effects—no advanced skills required!
Be sure to get the coupon code in my post while you’re here to save 15% on any of Shady Lane Original Crochet Designs patterns.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this pattern to review from Shady Lane Original Crochet Designs. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
ePattern:Optical Illusion Afghans & Pillows Designer: Carol Hegar for Shadylane Original Crochet Designs Available from: Shady Lane Original Crochet Designs Current Price (*subject to change): *$7.95 USD
Easy Optical Illusion Crochet Afghan Patterns
This month, Shady Lane Original Crochet Designs has given me a copy of her Optical Illusion Afghans and Pillows ePattern to review and a second copy to giveaway to one of my readers!
Read my review for more details about this pattern, and don’t forget to enter here for a chance to win your own copy of the Optical Illusion Crochet Afghan Patterns ePattern.
U.S. Crochet Terms
The patterns are written out in full, in U.S. crochet terminology.
Crochet Chart is Included
Handy charts are included for some of these designs, for those who prefer working from diagrams.
Only simple stitches are used to make these Afghans and Pillows, so I feel a determined beginner would be able to make these projects. You will need to understand where to find the front loops and back loops of your stitches, single crochet, double crochet and slip stitches.
No Ends to Weave in!
Some of these projects are worked on one side of the fabric only, which means you do not turn your work. But, don’t panic! There are no ends to sew in! The side edges are tied to create small tassels and then trimmed to the same length. The bottom and top edges of the Afghan do not have fringe or tassels.
Create Eye-Catching Afghans with Easy Stitches
Rainbow of Tier Drops
This bold striped afghan uses single crochet and a dropped double crochet (dc into stitch 2 rows below) to create a tiered color effect. It’s ideal for using yarn scraps — each row only takes about 15 yards. Includes two color suggestions: a bright rainbow and a muted earthtone palette.
Size: Adult afghan
Materials: Worsted weight yarn, Size G hook
Pillow: 14″ square with matching color sequence
💡 Perfect stash buster and beginner-friendly with easy repeats.
Kaleidoscope
This eye-catching afghan uses single crochet and long double crochet (dc around stitch 3 rows below) to create a layered optical illusion effect. The adult version is stitched in 14 Red Heart colors; a baby version is worked in a single shade. Matching pillow included with color sequence to match the throw.
Sizes: Adult (47″ x 62″), Baby (34″ x 42″)
Materials: Red Heart Classic or Super Saver yarn, Size G hook (adult), Size E hook (baby)
Pillow: 14″ square with colorwork
💡 Visually complex, but made with easy stitches and clear color changes.
Falling Leaves
This cozy afghan uses single crochet and dropped double crochet stitches to mimic the gentle fall of leaves. It’s made in a variety of warm-toned or soft pastel colors, depending on size. Great for autumn décor or baby gifts. Includes matching 16″ pillow pattern.
Sizes: Adult (42″ x 62″), Baby (32″ x 36″)
Materials: Worsted weight yarn (adult), baby yarn (baby size); Size H or G hook
Pillow: 16″ square with 12 leaf tones + border
💡 Simple to make and perfect for seasonal displays or soft baby blankets.
The stitches used for these projects:
beg – beginning
bl – back loop
ch – chain
dc – double crochet
fl – front loop
ldc – long double crochet
lp(s) – loop(s)
sc – single crochet
sl st – slip stitch
st(s) – stitches
tog – together
yo – yarn over
Easy Crochet Optical Illusion Afghans & Pillows #308. Includes 3 afghans, the first two are made using sc and a dropped dc in stitch 2 rows below, very easy: The last one is made with sc and a ldc around next st three rows below–also very easy.
If you win the giveaway and you have already purchased the booklet, Carol will be happy to substitute another Shady Lane ePattern of your choice from her designs!
Don’t miss your chance to win this versatile and colorful afghan pattern set! These easy designs are perfect for using up scraps and creating handmade gifts that look amazing without complicated techniques. Enter today and get ready to crochet something beautiful!
Please note: refunds will not be given for incorrectly applied, or the failure to remember to apply the coupon code before purchase. Please double check and message us if you have questions about using the coupon code. We are happy to help resolve issues that arise before you complete a purchase! Thank you for your understanding, Rhondda
All images are used with permission from Shady Lane Original Crochet Designs. For more information about Shady Lane Original Crochet Designs visit their website, Facebook page and Etsy Shop.
🎉 Giveaway Time! Win the Easy Crochet Optical Illusion Afghans & Pillows pattern pack with 3 stunning afghan designs + matching pillows. Ends Aug 31! 💫
Happy crocheting!
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Rhondda Mol is the crochet designer and blogger behind Oombawka Design Crochet. Since 2012, she has been sharing free crochet patterns, tutorials, and expert tips to help crocheters of all levels succeed. With more than 600 published patterns, Rhondda focuses on creating clear instructions and resources to inspire creativity and confidence in the crochet community.
Shady Lane’s Owl Baby Cocoon is absolutely adorable!!!! Thank you for this opportunity!
One of my favorites is her Gingham Teddy Bear Afghan, but I also love her Nite Nite Teddy Bear Afghan.