Pattern Overview
This pattern was inspired by the upcoming arrival of my baby daughter. I wanted to make a blanket that was soft and cozy, with plenty of texture for little fingers to explore. I had some 100% cotton yarn in my stash that was the perfect variegated yarn to make this simple stitch pattern a bit more visually interesting, but the texture can also stand alone with any yarn type. I think this would be really nice with a solid color yarn with a bit of a fuzzy texture.
The blanket is a bit smaller than standard “baby blanket” size, but at 30 inches by 27 inches (not stretched) it is plenty generous for baby snuggles and play.
Supplies Needed
- Approximately 600 yards of worsted (weight 4) weight yarn. I used Peaches and Creme Stripey in “Energetic Pink” but any weight 4 yarn will work.
- Size 5.5 mm hook
Stitches
- Chain stitch (Ch)
- Single crochet (SC)
- Half double crochet (HDC)
- Foundation half double crochet (FHDC) (optional)
Instructions
Foundation: FHDC 100 or chain 102, turn
Row 1: If you used the foundation HDC, place 1 HDC in each stitch, ch 2, turn; if you chained 102, place 1 HDC in the 3rd chain from the hook, and 1 HDC in each remaining stitch, ch 2, turn. (100 stitches)
Row 2: 1 HDC in the 3rd loop of each stitch, ch 2, turn
Row 3: 1 HDC in the back loop only of each stitch, ch 2, turn
Row 4 – 64: Repeat rows 2 and 3, alternating between 3rd loop and back loop only rows to produce a ribbed effect on one side of the fabric and a flat back.
You can repeat this until your desired length, but it will change the amount of yarn needed
Row 65: Place 1 SC in the back loop only of each stitch.
Do not break yarn or turn work. Move immediately to border rounds. Be careful not to stretch or squish the rows too much as your work or the blanket will pucker and not lay flat.
Border:
Round 1: Ch 1, evenly work 100 SC stitches down the row ends. At the corner, chain 1, 1 SC in each stitch along the foundation row/chain, at the next corner, chain 1, then evenly work 100 SC stitches down the row ends, at the corner, chain 1, and work 1 SC in each stitch of the final row of the blanket.
Round 2: DO NOT TURN. Ch 1, work 1 SC in the row end of the first border round, then work 1 SC in each stitch of the previous border round to the corner, then chain 1, work 1 SC in the row end of the first border round. Repeat for the remaining sides and corners.
Repeat for another round (or as many as you want).
If you have additional yarn, you can also do a different style border, whatever you prefer.
