‘Boats’ textured motif pattern and tutorial

While creating the blanket based on “The Wind in the Willows” tale, I found an interesting crochet chart that was a perfect fit for the blanket body. I wanted it to represent the river, and the texture of the pattern reminded me of the tiny boats.

Let’s make a swatch. 

To complete this motif you need to chain multiples of 12 +4
(Alternatively, make a foundation tr row of multiples of 12 +2 stitches)

For the swatch I chained 24 +4, and worked Row 3 only once, however it is possible to work it any odd number of times. For example, it repeats 3 times in the picture above. 

Abbreviations, UK 🇬🇧 terms
Ch - chain
tr - treble crochet 
Fptr - front post treble crochet

Ch3 counts as tr throughout the pattern

Chain 24 +4
Row 1: In the 4th chain from hook work a tr, tr across until the last chain. (26sts)
Ch 3 and turn.

Row 2: Skip 2 stitches (for now, you will pick them up soon), work a Fptr around the next stitch of the previous row (that is the third stitch from the last worked)

Then work 1tr into each of the two skipped stitches behind the Fptr (you need to work them in the usual order, from right to left)

Skip next stitch, work 1tr into each of the next two stitches, then work a Fptr around the skipped stitch (so this Fptr will be in front of the two stitches just made)

Your first ‘boat’ is completed. 

The repetition of this motif is 12 stitches, because you will also need to alternate between the rows you start with a ‘boat’ or finish with it. 

Let’s continue with our motif

After you’ve completed the first boat, work 1tr into each of the next six stitches. Now you’re ready to make another ‘boat’. 

This row will end with 6 more trs, and a tr into the top of the beginning ch3. Ch3 and turn.

Row 3: tr into each tr of the previous row. Make sure not to skip the stitches at the end of the row where the very first Fptr of the row 2 and the beginning ch3 are very close to each other (marked with the arrow below). Ch3 and turn. 

Row 4: work 1tr into each of the next 6 stitches, make a ‘boat’, then 1tr into each of the next 6 stitches, and a ‘boat’, you will now need to work one last tr into the top of ch3 of the previous row. 

And your pattern swatch is complete!