Indy Victory Lap Blanket Strip – Section 11 – Road Trip Blanket CAL

Every May, the city of Indianapolis comes alive with the roar of engines, the scent of race-day food, and a wave of excitement that builds toward one of the most iconic events in the world – the Indy 500. Growing up here, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway isn’t just a landmark; it’s a symbol of pride, tradition, and heart-pounding energy. Whether you attend the race in person, watch with friends and family, or just feel the buzz of the city that time of year, the Indy 500 leaves an impression. So when I was invited to design a section for the Road Trip Blanket CAL, I knew exactly where my stop would be.

The Indy Victory Lap is a tribute to my hometown and the legacy of the IMS. From the legendary “Yard of Bricks” to the celebratory wave of the checkered flag, this blanket section captures the spirit of race day in textured stitches and bold colorwork. It’s a stitched memory of cheering crowds, thunderous engines, and the thrill of watching someone cross the finish line first.

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Introducing the Indy Victory Lap Crochet Blanket Section

The Indy Victory Lap section is worked in rows and features two distinct parts, each using different techniques to represent pieces of the Speedway’s legacy. The first part is the “yard of bricks”, a nod to the original brick-paved track that now remains as a symbolic strip at the finish line. I used the brick stitch for this section to bring that textured, structured feel to life. It’s a satisfying repeat that gives the illusion of tiny bricks stacked row by row, and it adds great dimension to the blanket section overall.

The second half of the section shifts gears to celebrate the checkered flag, a visual we all associate with crossing the finish line and claiming victory. To create the iconic black-and-white squares, I used color changes and simple stitches to work up a striking checkered pattern. While the technique is easy to pick up, the effect is bold and high-impact, exactly what you’d expect from a race-day moment.

For yarn, I chose Lion Brand Heartland, a soft, easy-to-work-with yarn that comes in beautifully rich tones. I used colors to realistically represent both the bricks and the checkered flag, but you can customize your color choices to match your personal style or your favorite racing team. Whether you’re a lifelong racing fan or just love adding texture and meaning to your crochet projects, this section invites you to slow down and enjoy the ride.

I hope stitching this section brings a little of Indy’s race-day magic to your blanket, and maybe even inspires you to make a real-life stop at the Speedway someday. There’s nothing quite like it.

You can buy the ad-free, PDF of this pattern in my Etsy shop, Ravelry store, and LoveCrafts.

About the Stitches

Before you can get started with this crochet blanket section, here are some details you need to know.

Skill Level: Intermediate

Materials:

• Size 4 Worsted Weight yarn in 3 colors, such as Lion Brand Heartland (100% acrylic fiber)
  • Color A – Redwood – 113 yards
  • Color B – Dry Tortugas – 57 yards
  • Color C – Black Canyon – 57 yards
• H-8 (5mm) Hook
• Scissors
• Yarn Needle

Gauge: hdc 13 stitches x 11 rows = 4″ square

Finished Dimensions: Approximately 5″ x 50″ (12.7 cm x 127 cm)

Stitch Abbreviations:

• ch – chain
• st – stitch
• sc – single crochet
• hdc – half double crochet
• dc – double crochet
• FLO – front loop only
• BLO – back loop only
• rep – repeat
• RS – right side
• WS – wrong side
• * * – repeat instructions between asterisks as directed

Pattern Notes:

• US Terms (US to UK terminology conversion)
• Size can be altered by using multiples of 12
• Ch 1 does not count as a stitch
• Ch 2 counts as a stitch
• FLO dc is worked in the front loop of the dc stitch two rows below
• Carry the yarn for color changes in the checkered rows

How to Make This Crochet Blanket Strip

Row 1 (RS): In Color A, ch 2, dc in next st, dc to end of the row. Turn. (180 dc)

Row 2 (WS): ch 1, FLO sc in first st, FLO sc to end of the row. Turn. (180 FLO sc)

Row 3 (RS): ch 2, * FLO dc into the dc in Row 1, dc 3, * rep from * to * until 3 st remain, FLO dc, dc 2. Turn. (45 FLO dc, 135 dc)

Row 4 (WS): Rep Row 2

Row 5 (RS): ch 2, dc 2, * FLO dc into the dc in Row 3, dc 3, * rep from * to * until 1 st remains, FLO dc. Turn. (45 FLO dc, 135 dc)

Row 6 (WS): Rep Row 2, change to Color B at the end of the row. Turn.

Row 7 (RS): ch 1, * BLO sc 3, change to Color C, BLO sc 3, change to Color B * rep from * to * to end of the row. Do not change to Color B on the last st. Turn. (90 BLO sc in Color B, 90 BLO sc in Color C)

Row 8 (WS): ch 1, * BLO sc 3, change to Color B, BLO sc 3, change to Color C * rep from * to * to end of the row. Change to Color C on the last st. Turn. (90 BLO sc in Color B, 90 BLO sc in Color C)

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Row 9 (RS): Rep Row 8

Row 10 (WS): Rep Row 7

Row 11 (RS): Rep Row 7

Row 12 (WS): Rep Row 8

Row 13 (RS): Rep Row 8

Row 14 (WS): Rep Row 7

Fasten off and weave in ends.

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Purchase the Indy Victory Lap Blanket Strip Crochet Pattern

You can buy the ad-free, PDF of this pattern in my Etsy shop, Ravelry store, and LoveCrafts.

More Racecar Crochet Patterns To Make

• Crochet Race Flag Garland
• Crochet Patterns for Racecar Fans

I love seeing your finished projects! If you enjoyed making the Road Trip Blanket and the Indy Victory Lap section, I’d love to see yours on Instagram. To be sure I don’t miss it, please tag me @remingtonlanecrochet when you share your photos!