Let’s be real—crochet kits like the Lowink Blanket are lifesavers for beginners. They give you everything you need to actually finish a project (a miracle in the crafting world). But here’s the secret no one tells you: the second you finish that last stitch, you’ve got a blank canvas—not just a blanket.
I’ve taught hundreds of crocheters at my yarn shop, and the moment someone masters the basic pattern, their eyes light up with the same question: “Okay… now how do I make this feel like mine ?”
Turns out, you don’t need to be some crochet wizard to transform this simple blanket into something extraordinary. Here are seven stupid-easy tweaks I’ve seen work magic—no unraveling required.
1. The “Oops, I Made It Look Expensive” Ombré Hack
Perfect for: Using up leftover yarn scraps
The Problem:
The kit gives you one gorgeous color. But let’s be honest—we all have that random skein of a slightly different blue lurking in our stash.
The Fix:
When you’re about halfway through your blanket:
- Hold both yarns together (the original + your new color) for 5 rows.
- Drop the original yarn, continuing with just the new one.
Voilà—a gradual fade that looks intentional (even if you totally winged it).
Pro Tip: For a “I meant to do that” effect, choose a new color 2 shades lighter/darker than the original.
2. The “Texture Rebel” Move
Perfect for: When you’re bored but don’t want to learn a new stitch
The Problem:
Single crochet is reliable… but after 40 rows, your hands start moving on autopilot while your brain checks out.
The Fix:
Every 10th row, switch to alpine stitch (it’s just single crochet with extra drama):
- Insert hook under the back loop only instead of both loops.
- That’s it. You’ve now created subtle ridges that feel luxe under your fingers.
Why It Works:
The pattern stays the same size, but suddenly your blanket has ~architecture~.
3. The “Secret Stash Pocket” (For Your Remote… or Chocolate)
Perfect for: Blankets destined for couch duty
The Problem:
Blankets are cozy. Blankets with hidden compartments are life-changing.
The Fix:
- Crochet a rectangle 10 stitches wide x 8 rows long in the same yarn.
- When you’re 5 rows from finishing your blanket, sew this pocket onto the backside (leave the top open).
- Continue crocheting over it like nothing happened.
Now you’ve got a spot to stash:
? TV remotes
? Emergency crochet hooks
? That last piece of Halloween candy you’re hiding from your kids
4. The “Two-Hour Fringe Glow-Up”
Perfect for: When you need instant boho vibes
The Truth About Fringe:
Most tutorials make it sound like you need a PhD in macramé. Reality? It’s just:
- Cut 30 pieces of yarn (double your desired fringe length).
- Fold each in half, poke the loop through a stitch, and pull the ends through.
Next-Level Trick:
Use a contrasting color for the fringe. That navy blanket with mustard fringe? Chef’s kiss.
5. The “Pompom Escape Route”
Perfect for: Hiding slightly uneven edges (we’ve all been there)
The Situation:
You followed the pattern perfectly… but one side of your blanket curls like it’s trying to escape.
The Save:
- Buy a $3 pompom maker (or use cardboard).
- Attach pompoms every 6 inches along the wonky edge.
Suddenly, what was a “mistake” looks like a design choice.
6. The “Label of Legitimacy”
Perfect for: Gifts that say “I’m basically a professional”
Why It Matters:
A handwritten tag sewn into the corner with:
- Your name
- The date
- Care instructions (“Wash cold, hide from cats”)
…makes your blanket look store-bought fancy.
Bonus Points:
Use a candle lighter to gently melt the tag’s edges so they don’t fray.
7. The “Ultimate Cheat: Just Change the Yarn”
Perfect for: When you want a whole new vibe
The Revelation:
The Lowink pattern works with any chunky yarn. Try:
- Cotton for summer (lighter, breathable)
- Wool for winter (felts slightly over time = built-in vintage charm)
- Variegated yarn (hides tension inconsistencies like a dream)
Your Turn: Which Hack Speaks to You?
I’ve seen students combine #3 (pocket) + #5 (pompoms) for the ultimate “movie night” blanket, or #1 (ombré) + #6 (label) for heirloom-quality baby gifts.
The real magic? None of these require learning new stitches—just a willingness to play.