Help This Craftsy Member Find a Lost Pattern!

Posted by on Mar 9, 2012 in Crochet, Knitting | 78 comments


Ever since we opened up our letters to the editor (editor@craftsy.com, but please email help@craftsy.com if you need any assistance with the site, classes, patterns, etc.), the correspondence has been flooding in. It’s always so interesting to see what’s on your mind. Occasionally, we’ll get a letter that’s reads like a mini mystery. As a mere wordsmith, I’m not the best to answer these. But YOU are! Collectively, our Craftsy members can solve pretty much any crafting conundrum. So with that, I present you with a note from Carole who needs your help locating a long lost pattern:

Dear Editor,

I’m looking for an afghan pattern that my sister had years ago, but that she lost. It consists of small blocks of all different colors this creates a tumbling block effect.  She is now passed. So, I was wondering if anybody knows were I can find the pattern.  The yarn is carried over in the back on small spools, an another color is added. Otherwise, that is all that I remember.  Thank you so much!

Carole

Any clues? Leave a comment!

78 Comments

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  1. Janice Stockwell
    March 10, 2012 at 3:02 pm

    Lion Brand Yarn has 2 free patterns entitled Tumbling Blocks. I hope these are what you’re looking for. Just go to their website and search for Tumbling Blocks.

    Reply
  2. Martine
    March 11, 2012 at 4:19 am

    Have a look at the early Kaffe Fassett book. I think it’s called Glorious Knitting or Knits. It also has the tumbling blocks pattern in it. It is also done in separate trends of yarn… Hope your search is fruitful. Martine

    Reply
  3. mary koon
    March 11, 2012 at 4:29 am

    hi Carole,i saw a pattern on a t.v. show on knitting and it is a free download. i am doing it now. it is called “Illusion Cube Blanket” the website is http://www.knittingdaily.com... under free patterns . if you put the name of the pattern in their search box you will see the link, click on it and download the pdf. file. i hope this is it. by your description it seems to be very close. good luck. mary

    Reply
  4. Paula
    March 11, 2012 at 4:37 am

    I found several different styles of tumbling blocks while searching. I came across a pattern for Tumbling Blocks pot holder…..Is this the style that you are searching for? If so I will continue to look for an afghan in this style.

    http://www.freevintagecrochet.com/potholders/tumbling-block.html

    Reply
  5. Josee Jakobs
    March 11, 2012 at 4:48 am

    This pattern was published in the first knitting book by Kaffe Fassett, called Glorius Knitting. It was (first) published in 1985 by Century Publishing.
    I have myself made a swaeter for my husband, using only wool from my own sheep I had spun.
    Josee

    Reply
  6. Kele Baker
    March 11, 2012 at 4:52 am

    Kaffe Fassett’s Tumbling Blocks pattern is a Rowan classic. The book “Glorious Knits” as well as some of the very early Rowan soft-covered books (nos. 1-10) have the Tumbling Blocks pattern as a jumper. Certainly it can be adapted to an afghan, but I’m sure the pattern for an afghan exists (I have a feeling I’ve seen it before).

    Right, found it. Here’s a recent version of the pattern – it’s in Rowan’s Knitting & Crochet Magazine 47: http://www.knitrowan.com/designs-and-patterns/patterns/3d-blocks-throw

    Good luck!
    - Kele

    Reply
  7. Kele Baker
    March 11, 2012 at 4:54 am

    And here’s a version of the classic Tumbling Blocks pattern as a man’s sleeveless jumper:
    http://www.knitrowan.com/designs-and-patterns/patterns/tumbling-blocks

    - Kele

    Reply
  8. Tina
    March 11, 2012 at 5:44 am

    I agree with Janice and know that Lion Brand was the first thought that came to mind. You didn’t specify knitting or crochet, but there is also a crochet version on Herrschners website. Type in Tumbling Blocks Afghan for your search underneath crochet. Hope this helps too!

    Reply
  9. Anne Fairchild
    March 11, 2012 at 6:29 am

    The tumbling blocks pattern from lion brand seems to be what you need. You can pick your own color palette if you want. I would also suggest using the graph, but working it in the crochet Tunisian Simple Stitch (AKA Afghan Stitch).

    http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/80263AD.html?noImages=

    Reply
  10. sandy
    March 11, 2012 at 6:52 am

    the lion brand ones are knit… here’s a crochet one that looks easy:
    http://www.ioffer.com/i/tumbling-blocks-quilt-afghan-blanket-crochet-pattern-147310109

    you have to scroll down to find it

    Reply
  11. Terri
    March 11, 2012 at 7:05 am

    I was wondering if it is knitted or crocheted?

    Reply
  12. Beth
    March 11, 2012 at 7:15 am

    I have worked the tumbling blocks from the Lion Brand kit they market for afghans; it is an intarsia pattern I believe, far better than carrying all that yarn. In other words, each color is on a bobbin and you twist the old and new when you change color. Good luck!

    Reply
  14. wendy
    March 11, 2012 at 7:27 am

    I have this pattern for crochet. The ones on lion brand are for knitting, I just completed my afghan. If this is the one you are looking for let me know. Just to let you know most of the yarn it calls for is not available any more . There are about 10 to 15 colors on my pattern.

    Reply
  15. Patti Taylor
    March 11, 2012 at 7:27 am

    :-) i also have some very old books that were given to me. let me know if the lion brand web site works out,then if not I will dig through my stuff for you. hugs!

    Reply
  16. Lee
    March 11, 2012 at 7:37 am

    Lion Brand has a Tumbling Block Afghan 80263AD for knitters.

    Reply
  17. Tracey Scott
    March 11, 2012 at 7:56 am

    What a coincidence!!! I am working on this Tumbling Blocks Afghan right now. Lion Brand does have two free patterns on their website. I had to redo the pattern with my own colors because I found the given colors to be quite mute. I hope you enjoy the process!!!!!

    Reply
  18. Melani Kline
    March 11, 2012 at 8:04 am

    There are a number of Tumbling Block crochet patterns on eBay. There are also a few vintage afghans in this pattern on eBay from time to time. Just put “tumbling block afghan” in the search box. You didn’t say if your sisters pattern was knit or crochet? I wish you luck in your hunt!

    Reply
  19. Nancy J
    March 11, 2012 at 8:12 am

    It sounds like a Kaffe Fasset pattern (Rowan).

    Reply
  20. Nancy Weilet
    March 11, 2012 at 8:50 am

    You didn’t say if the item was knit or crochet but both Horst Schultz (look for books in English as he originally published in German) and Kaffe Fasset have tumbling block patterns in their books.

    Nancy

    Reply
  22. Geraldine
    March 11, 2012 at 9:01 am

    Try the Ravelery website they have an amazing amount of patterns and if you have a photo they normally can find it for you.

    Reply
  24. Susan
    March 11, 2012 at 9:01 am

    Coats and Clark’s website also has a tumbling block crochet pattern that is free. Like Janice did, just put in tumbling blocks and it will come up on a list.

    Reply
  25. Karen
    March 11, 2012 at 9:02 am

    Was it crocheted or knitted?

    Reply
  26. Kerri
    March 11, 2012 at 9:03 am

    I’ve seem some patterns on red heart’s website and bernat’s …Perhaps if you look there you might find what you are searching for. I will ask at my knitting group on Thursday and see if anyone knows… Happy hunting :)

    Reply
  27. Martie Hawkins
    March 11, 2012 at 9:03 am

    http://www.coatsandclark.com/NR/rdonlyres/199EF4A5-04D8-4CFA-A5A9-934B44DE7C5B/73732/9280550.pdf
    A link to a pattern by Coats and Clark that is ready for printing. I hope that is what you were looking for. I found several but they all looked very much like this one.

    Reply
  32. carole
    March 11, 2012 at 9:14 am

    Thank you but, it is not it. .

    Reply
  33. Kay
    March 11, 2012 at 9:16 am

    It’s called entrelac knitting go to you tube shows you tutorial on doing it good luck my darling and big hugs sent xxxx

    Reply
  34. Melanie Cazeaux
    March 11, 2012 at 9:16 am

    You can google “Tumbling Blocks Afghan Free Pattern” and all kinds of patterns pop up. Don’t know if you’re looking for knitted or crocheted. Good Luck!

    Reply
  35. Aline Carley
    March 11, 2012 at 9:18 am

    I just found the same pattern in Lion Brand, it is free. Just go to Lion Brand and type in Tumbling Blocks afghan.

    Reply
  36. Marti
    March 11, 2012 at 9:19 am

    try http://www.freevintageknitting.com or http://www.freevintagecrochet.com they have old classic patterns on it by categories. the individual patterns are free, or an e-book reproduction for a low price. hope you find what you’re looking for

    Reply
  37. Deborah
    March 11, 2012 at 9:19 am

    Carole, go to http://www.lionbrand.com. I have a pattern that reminds me of that. If not try ravelry, its a free site and they have thousands of patterns. Hope this helps.

    Reply
  39. beth
    March 11, 2012 at 9:20 am

    try some of the knitting sites like knitparadise.com the women there are very helpful. hope this helps.

    Reply
  41. B. Porter
    March 11, 2012 at 9:27 am

    here is a crochet version also of the tumbling blocks afghan…hope either the knitted version from Janice or this one help you out
    http://woolneedlework.com/Free_Pattern/928%20550_crochet_afghan_free_pattern.htm

    Reply
  42. Carol
    March 11, 2012 at 9:27 am

    I did a quick Google search for tumbling blocks afghan pattern and came up with several, try that and see what you like. You can click on Images to find more photos as well. good luck! Carol

    Reply
  43. Kathleen Barger-Harbert
    March 11, 2012 at 9:28 am

    How about a Mary Maxim afghan pattern with spinning wheels on it? I have the page from an old catalog. How about a pattern?

    Reply
  44. KQ
    March 11, 2012 at 9:30 am

    Sounds like it might be Kaffe Fasset’s Tumbling Blocks pattern….looks like Amazon.still has the .Kaffe Fassett Pattern Book…the pattern picture is on the cover if you want to check..

    Reply
  46. Judy Curren
    March 11, 2012 at 9:38 am

    I also found 2 patterns for the tumbling blocks afghan but they are knit not crocheted.

    Reply
  47. Perri Jackson
    March 11, 2012 at 9:40 am

    Hi Carole,

    I remember back in the 80′s when Kaffe Fassett took the knitting world by storm with his book ‘Glorious Knitting’. His version of the Tumbling Blocks pattern was my first try at his style. It is indeed glorious!!!

    He has since written many more books, full of absolutely stunning knitted color.. The Tumbling Blocks pattern graces the cover of ‘Kaffe Fassett’s Pattern Library ‘

    Try Googling either of those book names – if you love textiles and color, your day will automatically be brighter – I promise!

    Reply
  48. Heidi
    March 11, 2012 at 9:41 am

    There is also a pattern on the red heart site with the same name one is a baby and one is a bigger afghan. I hope this helps and I will look and see if there are others and let you know.
    Heidi

    Reply
  50. Sue Sayne
    March 11, 2012 at 9:50 am

    I was going to say the same thing as Janice. I have admired those afghan patterns on the Lion Brand site many times and they have been on there for years, they also have a vest of the same type pattern blocks. It’s definately worth a look.

    Reply
  51. Katie
    March 11, 2012 at 9:50 am

    Do you have a picture of an afGhana she made? That might help.

    Katie

    Reply
  53. Cory
    March 11, 2012 at 10:05 am

    http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tumbling-blocks-afghan-80263ad

    Does this look like it? I found a few on ravelry by typing in “tumbling blocks afghan”. You might be able to find it there. Hope this helps!

    Reply
  54. Pam
    March 11, 2012 at 10:05 am

    Will be interested to see if you find it. Hope if you do you will post a picture for us:) Those lion brand patterns are very cool.

    Reply
  55. Rebecca
    March 11, 2012 at 10:08 am

    It’d be much easier to find the pattern, or even just deconstruct, if she had a photograph of a blanket completed. Otherwise, Lion Brand’s Tumbling Blocks pattern sounds as close as we’re gonna get. :/

    Reply
  56. Adora Marchi
    March 11, 2012 at 10:09 am

    Check on Ravelry by looking at the afghans &/or do the keywords for “Tumbling Blocks”… They have tons of patterns! Good luck.

    Reply
  57. joyy
    March 11, 2012 at 10:17 am

    Maybe this is it?–http://www.bonanza.com/listings/Tumbling-Blocks-Afghan-Crochet-Pattern-Annies-Attic-Blanket/43732412

    Reply
  58. Kalurah
    March 11, 2012 at 10:33 am

    Carole, Have you tried searching Ravelry’s extensive pattern database? Here’s search results for “Tumbling Blocks” under both knitting and crochet patterns:

    http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/search#craft=knitting%7Ccrochet&query=Tumbling%20Blocks&sort=best&view=captioned_thumbs

    I hope you find it! :)

    Reply
  59. Miriam Felton
    March 11, 2012 at 10:36 am

    You mentioned spools carrying the yarn behind the work, and that sounds lik e a knitting technique called Intarsia. I have no idea what pattern it might be, but intarsia might help you find it.

    Reply
  60. Ellen Knowles
    March 11, 2012 at 10:45 am

    Annie’s Attic has one, but I have one which was free with TLC Yarn. Please email me at elliemayormaynot@yahoo.com and I will be happy to send you a copy.

    Reply
  61. Sue
    March 11, 2012 at 10:48 am

    I just saw this, and you already have a great lead! I hope that’s what you’re looking for, because if it is… Vanna just started a series on that technique for both crochet and knitting! It’s called intarsia. Here’s the link:

    http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/80263AD.html?iP=1

    I’m so sorry your sister has passed…. this should be a lovely way to honor her.

    Reply
  62. Lily Repasch
    March 11, 2012 at 11:07 am

    I have the pattern for the Lion Brand tumbling blocks afghan. Great pattern, made 5 of them for gifts. Will send pattern, if wanted.

    Reply
  64. Susan Vaughn
    March 11, 2012 at 11:14 am

    You can find the Tumbling Block pattern for free HERE on Lion Brand Yarns website. Hope this helps!

    Reply
  66. Cheryl Catalino
    March 11, 2012 at 11:45 am

    I saw one that sounds like it at Vintage Crochet. I believe it’s listed under bedspreads. Hope this helps.

    Reply
  68. Nanette
    March 11, 2012 at 12:31 pm

    How odd, I too am looking for a tumbling blocks pattern from about 10 – 15 years ago. I don’t remember which company, but it was made up of a hexagon in 3 colors and when you sewed them together, you got the tumbling blocks effect. I am trying to reconstruct the hexagon with the 3 color sections.

    Reply
  70. Susan
    March 11, 2012 at 1:23 pm

    There are two in the Lion brand yarn site….
    Hope this is a help…both are beautiful.

    Reply
  71. Teresa
    March 11, 2012 at 2:44 pm

    I have this pattern at home but here is the link. It makes a beautiful pattern and I love the effect! Very 3D :)
    http://www.coatsandclark.com/NR/rdonlyres/199EF4A5-04D8-4CFA-A5A9-934B44DE7C5B/73732/9280550.pdf

    Reply
  72. June
    March 11, 2012 at 3:12 pm

    Gotta be Kaffe Fassets Tumbling Blocks pattern. I have several of his older books. I would Google Kaffe’s website – when you locate what book it is in (I think Kaffe Fassets Favorites) you can search eBay for the book. Or check the knitting pattern library for free patterns.

    Happy Knitting
    junieann

    Reply
  73. Apat
    March 11, 2012 at 8:54 pm

    Lion Brand yarn has a pattern for an afghan called Tumbling Blocks. Although I am uncertain if this is the same pattern you are looking for, I am sure it is still on their website.

    Reply
  74. Patti
    March 12, 2012 at 1:42 am

    Go to Lion Brand Yarn and go to pattern finder and the pattern is free! Good luck and sorry about your sister. Take care!

    Reply
  75. Kim
    March 12, 2012 at 7:16 am

    I am looking for a pattern that is blocks, you start in the middle they look like you made a bunch of blocks and sewed together but they aren’t they are all crocheted together and u just go around in circles, the squres aren’t that big. I seen this maybe 25 years ago maybe longer it was beautifuli made several of these for baby blankets or you can make big depends on how many you start with in middle. have no idea of the name, i can’t find my pattern thanks for the help

    Reply
  76. juanita nyari
    March 12, 2012 at 8:26 am

    I have a booklet from House of White Birches titled “Scrap Yarn Afghans that has a pattern titled ” Tumbling Blocks. I f the others aren’t what you are looking for let me know and I will get this to you. Hope this helps.

    Reply
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