The DND fundamentals are extremely simple yet highly impactful.
DND means DONE ‘N DONE. When you put the last stitch in place, you have absolutely no additional finishing! Well… except to weave in the yarn end!
This makes DND Afghans a dream to make! And when you need your hook to go at lightening speed to finish a last-minute gift, these are the go-to afghan patterns of choice!
Beginning and Ending
First, the DND foundation rows and finishing rows create a simple edging. It maintains its shape without additional border rows at the beginning or end. Plus it keeps the stitch pattern from collapsing on itself.
The Selvedge Edges
Second, the pattern incorporates built-in borders along the sides that are crocheted as you go! These also keep the afghan from loosing shape.
To get even straighter edges you might want to try the reinforcement stitch techniques introduced in a recent video “How to Crochet Super Straight Side Edges!”
Stitches and Color
Third, the stitch pattern usually grabs attention and can stand on its own. For these, choose a single color but make it light. A neutral color like soft white, pale gray or beige will go with any décor.
Yet, pastel colors like periwinkle, maize or lavender would make great options if you choose to pick up an accent color. Avoid dark colors as the stitch pattern will just be swallowed up!
I did both the first two DND afghans, Sticks and Stones and the Cockleshell afghan, in a soft white as these were intended for wedding gifts. However, I fell in love with Red Hearts Aruba Sea while swatching. It’s a gorgeous blue that takes the seaside theme to the next level!
The exception to this rule is the third DND Afghan, the Magic Mushroom Afghan. In this case, the more colors the better.
When I first worked out the stitch pattern, it was lost in one color. It was the strategically placed color changes that make this stitch pattern POP!
I still stayed with neutral colors but the contrast of light and dark rows of mushrooms was the game changer.
The best advice when working with lots of color is always weave in your ends as you go! That way when your DONE, you’re really DONE!
