Pretend Play – Playdough Pizza Parlour

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:

1. Hold both yarns together (the original + your new color) for 5 rows.
2. 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:

1. Crochet a rectangle 10 stitches wide x 8 rows long in the same yarn.
2. When you’re 5 rows from finishing your blanket, sew this pocket onto the backside (leave the top open).
3. 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:

1. Cut 30 pieces of yarn (double your desired fringe length).
2. 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:

1. Buy a $3 pompom maker (or use cardboard).
2. 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.