20+ Inspiring Sophie’s Universe CAL Ideas
Whether we are beginners or seasoned crocheters, we all find an immense amount of joy in looking at stunning, intricate patterns. One such is an incredible, timeless design, loved by many – Sophie’s Universe blanket, designed by Dedri Uys.
Crocheters all around the world loved this project so much that you can find countless versions of it, a full set of step-by-step video tutorials, and even a book! Yes, the whole book was published to show exactly how to make this blanket, and you can purchase it here. What started as a crochet-along in 2015 is now a classic design that everyone knows about.
Intrigued? Let’s find out more about this fantastic project. Below you can see a small snippet of what’s to come – beautiful versions of Sophie’s Universe blanket by talented designers.
click for photo sources: top, top left, bottom left, right. All of these photos are properly credited further in the post.
Intricate and beautiful
It’s an advanced pattern, but step-by-step instructions make it quite easy to follow through even for ambitious beginners. The original pattern includes three sizes – small, medium, and large – and each of them requires different kinds of yarn and hook. You can learn more about them in Dedri’s post here.
How do I start?
As I mentioned, first you need to decide which size you are going to make, because each of them requires you to prepare differently. For example, the small one uses Scheepjes Cotton yarn with a 2.5-3mm hook, but the large one was made using Scheepjes Stonewashed XL and a 5mm-5.5mm crochet hook. For the details, click the link in the previous paragraph.
PSST! Learn more about Yarn Ball Types or Yarn Weights and Ply!
When you choose your yarn, hooks, and colorway, it’s time to proceed with the pattern. Below you can see a simplified process of the first stages of Sophie’s Universe CAL.
Stills from the first 5 consecutive parts of the tutorial / YouTube video by Esther Dijkstra from It’s All in a Nutshell – source
In this pattern you will find various techniques, starting with basic stitches, front post stitches, and ending with popcorn.
Learn more here…
…see the full playlist of step-by-step video tutorials by Esther Dijkstra from It’s All In a Nutshell Crochet on YouTube here, or check out Dedri Uys’ post here. More info and useful links about this project can be found on Ravelry here.
Talking about stitches…
Our growing website and library of free crochet patterns have some projects that might interest you, too. If you want to know more about crochet, read my articles on different topics, for example: What are Yarn Weights and Ply?
→ Yes! Take me to this article! ←
or…
Learn all about Spectacular Larksfoot Stitch Ideas!
→ Yes! Take me to this article! ←
Crochet roundup
Sophie’s Universe CAL has almost 7000 realizations in its Ravelry library, so it wasn’t easy to pick some for today’s post! Many of them are just breathtaking because of fantastic color schemes and the fineness of the stitches. I managed to choose some of my favorites, but it’s obvious how many amazing versions I must have left behind. Well… Let’s dive in!
Read carefully for free crochet patterns and tutorials.
Vibrant and bold
Sophie’s Universe Blanket Version by Crochet by Helen
There’s no crochet roundup without a pastel rainbow blanket, so here we go – crocheted by talented Helen! In the photos, you can see the details of her masterful color palette, as well as actual skeins of Stylecraft Special yarn she used for this project. Isn’t it just adorable?
photos by @happyhmw from Instagram: top, bottom
This is a version of the original free crochet pattern called Sophie’s Universe CAL by Dedri Uys, available on lookatwhatimade.net.
Sophie’s Universe CAL Version by Tomo Hatarakimasu
Striking dance of blues and reds becomes the focus of Tomo’s Sophie, as the colors interact with each other in playful sequences. As you can see below, Scheepjes Softfun seems a perfect choice of yarn for this project, because it combines the everyday look of cotton with the durability of acrylic.
photos by Tomohatarakimasu from ravelry.com
This is a version of the original free crochet pattern called Sophie’s Universe CAL by Dedri Uys, available on lookatwhatimade.net.
Sophie’s Pond by Diana (Dianaj8)
This colorway is definitely one of my favorites, because I’m a sucker for bold contrasts and deep nature-inspired hues. Floral motifs of Sophie work perfectly with blues, and overall the whole project reminds me of lilies in the pond. Take a look below to see how fantastically Diana did it.
photos by Dianaj8 from ravelry.com
This is a version of the original free crochet pattern called Sophie’s Universe CAL by Dedri Uys.
If you are looking for more crochet-alongs to follow through, try Nature’s Walk CAL!
Sophie by XantheJS
This rich colorway is vibrant, but it’s also very sophisticated and inspiring. This version by XantheJS reminds me of colorful Mexican throws, because it employs a playful array of colors, each in just the right amount. See it below and feel the power!
photos by XantheJS from ravelry.com
The original pattern is available for free here.
Sophie’s Universe Medium Blanket by Yarntoknitmari
Some may say that it’s a very girly palette, but I will dare to disagree. This color scheme is rich and sophisticated, with strategically placed green stems and yellow petals. This kind of planning requires a lot of thought, and I think that this blanket by Yarntoknitmari is a true masterpiece. See for yourself in the photos below.
photos by Yarntoknitmari from ravelry.com
Based on this pattern by Dedri Uys, available for free.
Do you like front post stitches? If so, take a look at Dreamy Alpine Stitch ideas!
Soft and Delicate
Sophie’s Universe Blanket Version by Little Paws Crochet
I absolutely love this colorway by Little Paws Crochet because it combines warm and cold tones in the most magical way. Shades of green dance with shades of pink, tied by panels of cream and neutrals. Take a look at the photos and see how every detail has its own distinct character – something to emulate in future projects for sure!
photos by LittlePawsCrochet from ravelry.com
This is a version of the original free crochet pattern called Sophie’s Universe CAL by Dedri Uys, available on lookatwhatimade.net.
Sophie’s Universe Blanket Version by knike27
The crocheter behind the name knike27 decided to use soft earthy tones to create their version of this iconic design. Lots of white combined with delicate shades of yellow and pink in the central part make the whole blanket look light and airy. As you can see in the photos, cleverly placed pops of blue create striking contrast.
photos by @knike27 from Instagram: top, bottom
This is a version of the original free crochet pattern called Sophie’s Universe CAL by Dedri Uys, available on lookatwhatimade.net.
Sophie’s Alternate Universe by Valerie (happy scraps)
Although I’m not very much into girly palettes, I must say that this one won my heart instantly. Maybe it’s a clever combination of pinks, whites, and yellows, or strategically placed stems and petals. Anyway, Valerie did a fantastic job, so take a look at it below.
photos by happyscraps from ravelry.com
The original free pattern is available here.
I recently wrote about Dragonfly Stitch Ideas, which you can see in this project!
Sophie’s Universe by Yukiko (yukiko12)
Colorways that are based on white need special planning, because each color will look very distinct on this background. Yukiko did a great job combining all these hues together, so take a look at her project shown below.
photos by yukiko12 from ravelry.com
To make your own blanket, use a free crochet pattern by Dedri available here.
My Aran Sophie’s Universe by Margaret (margaretev)
Why not go all white? Well, if you are not a fan of weaving in ends, or just need something extremely delicate and sophisticated, making your Sophie in one color is a great choice. As you can see, the pattern sings even in pure white, because the stitches are so beautifully designed. Take a look below at Margaret’s work.
photos by margaretev from ravelry.com
You can find this project as a free crochet pattern – Sophie’s Universe CAL by Dedri Uys.
I love popcorn stitch so much that I wrote an article about it – Creative Popcorn Stitch Ideas!
Interesting greens
Turkish Poppies by Courtney (Saturated Life Cro)
This project by Courtney is a great example of fantastic contrasts. Emerald, red, and black create together a very oriental combination, which is reflected in the title of this project. As you can see in the photos below, red flowers are the main focus of this project.
photos by SaturatedLifeCro from ravelry.com
Free crochet pattern for the original CAL is here.
Grandma’s Sophie’s Universe by Carlie Jean Fullam
Another side of green is the one with a yellow tint in it, and it instantly reminds me of spring. This delicate palette uses red only for very small details, leaving the rest of the project for greens and whites. See more below in this lovely project by Carlie Jean Fullam.
photos by CarlieJeanFullam from ravelry.com
Free pattern for Sophie’s Universe created a base for this project.
Pink power!
Baby Pinky by Tina
Pinks and cream work perfectly together, just like cherries and vanilla ice cream. A blanket like this will be a great addition to a feminine bedroom, or an unforgettable baby accessory, cherished for generations. Take a look below at the lovely version by Tina.
photos by roseslace from ravelry.com
This beauty was based on Sophie’s Universe free pattern.
Sophie’s Universe CAL Baby Blanket by Marianne (Happy Sunshine 13)
Looking for more sophisticated pinks? There you go, just choose rosy hues and pair them with dusty greens and greys. This small version by Marianne has lovely lacy edging, as you can see in the photos.
photos by HappySunshine13 from ravelry.com
Check out the free crochet pattern for the original Sophie here.
Magical ombre
Sophie’s Universe Version by hachan414
I love seeing how vastly different versions of one project can be, and these blankets are fantastic examples. Hachan decided to use Scheepjes Whirl ombre yarn in Mid Morning Mocha’roo colorway for their dark Sophie, which you can see in the top photo. Isn’t it stunning?
photos by hachan414 from ravelry.com
This is a version of the original free crochet pattern called Sophie’s Universe CAL by Dedri Uys, available on lookatwhatimade.net.
Sophie’s Universe by Vanessa (vhan1317)
Have you ever tried ombre yarn? If so, I’m sure you fell in love with it, because it creates fantastic color flow without the fuss of weaving ends. Multicolored yarn is a great choice for this project if you want to lessen the impact of structural stitches and instead showcase color flow. See for yourself in the photos below.
photos by vhan1317 from ravelry.com
The original free pattern is available here.
Sophie’s Universe CAL by piccoloninja
This project looks like it’s made with ombre yarn, but in fact it’s not! Piccoloninja decided to plan her colors in a clever way, which suggests that they go from the vibrant yellow to the deepest navy blue. See below how eight different colors were employed to create this optical illusion.
photos by piccoloninja from ravelry.com
Sophie’s Universe was the base for this project.
Sophie’s Universe CAL by Katri Adolfsson
A playful colorway can be an opportunity to create something unusual, because it’s out of this world! This rainbow Sophie by Katri looks fantastic, so check it out in the photos below. Pay attention to the beautiful border with yellow detail, because it may be something you use in future projects.
photos by MadebyKatri from ravelry.com
CAL by Dedri Uys is available for free.
Peculiar Sophie
Sophie’s Universe Cushion Version by Haffyland
The main motif of Sophie’s Universe is the perfect size and shape to become a cushion, so try it if you don’t need or want a blanket. Simply crochet the squared circle part and another one for the back of your pillow, or make it simple, without any ornaments. Take a look at Haffyland’s lovely colorway in the photos below and get inspired!
photos by @haffyland from Instagram: top, bottom
This is a version of the original free crochet pattern called Sophie’s Universe CAL by Dedri Uys, available on lookatwhatimade.net.
Micro Sophie CAL by Geneva-Kae
This blanket is very unusual because it’s teeny-tiny! Have you ever tried crocheting with thread? If not, be sure that you can create little masterpieces like this one by Geneva-Kae. You can see below how intricate it is, but I almost can’t imagine how much work was put into it!
photos by Genevareclaimed from ravelry.com
Sophie’s Universe CAL is a free crochet pattern.
Sophie’s Universe CAL by Shamim (poopakbaft)
Big, multi-step patterns like today’s hero have one significant advantage – you can stop whenever you want! Make it a decorative mandala, afghan square, or baby blanket. Many crocheters are intimidated by big CALs, but remember that you don’t need to go all the way through – see lovely square by Shamim below!
photos by poopakbaft from ravelry.com
You can find this project as a free crochet pattern – Sophie’s Universe CAL by Dedri Uys, so try it today!
That’s all for today, but I’ll be back with many more inspiring projects and free patterns. Like, share, and subscribe if you like what you see. Stay tuned!
You may also like: Arcade Stitch Ideas
