If you can chain and make a half double crochet, you can make this blanket. It is worked back and forth in rows of one stitch, with wide stripes to keep it interesting and a simple border to finish.
Every step has photos, including how to count your stitches so the edges stay straight, which is the most common beginner problem.
Beginner Crochet Blanket Free Crochet Pattern
What You’ll Need
- Sport / fine (size 2) cotton yarn: worsted (size 4) soft acrylic or cotton blend in 3 colours: cream, sage and rose, about 300 g of each
- 5.5 mm crochet hook
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry needle and scissors
- Tapestry needle, sewing pins and a stitch marker
The finished size depends on your yarn and hook: thicker yarn and a bigger hook make a bigger piece.
Abbreviations (US terms)
- MR magic ring
- sc single crochet
- inc increase: 2 sc in the same stitch
- dec decrease (an invisible decrease gives the smoothest finish)
- ch chain
- sl st slip stitch
- hdc half double crochet
- R round; Row row worked flat; the number in brackets is the stitch count at the end
Start: Chain and First Stripe
Count your stitches at the end of every row; it is the easiest way to keep the sides straight.
Blanket body (cream, sage, rose, make 1)
- With cream, ch 101.
- Row 1: hdc in the 3rd ch from the hook and in each ch across (99 hdc). Place a marker in the first and last stitch.
- Row 2: ch 2 (does not count as a stitch), turn, hdc in each st across (99). Move the markers up every row and count: always 99.
- Rows 3-12: repeat Row 2. Change to sage at the end of Row 12 by finishing the last stitch with the new colour.
- Keep repeating Row 2, changing colour every 12 rows: cream, sage, rose. Stop at the end of a full stripe when the blanket is as long as you like.
Stripes and Border
Border (cream, make 1)
- Round 1: with cream, ch 1, sc evenly around all four sides, 3 sc in each corner. Slip stitch to the first sc.
- Round 2: ch 1, sc in each sc around, 3 sc in each corner centre stitch. Slip stitch to join and fasten off.
- Weave in every yarn end along the stripe edges, through several stitches, so they stay hidden.
- Wash and dry the blanket as the yarn label says; it softens and the stitches even out.
FAQ
How do I keep the edges straight?
Mark the first and last stitch of every row and count to 99. Most wavy edges come from missing the last stitch or adding one at the start.
Can I change the size?
Yes. Chain any number you like plus 2; the stitch count of Row 1 is your chain minus 2. Make more or fewer stripes for the length.
Is acrylic yarn okay?
Yes. A soft acrylic is warm, easy to wash and cheaper for a first blanket. Cotton blends are cooler and drape more.
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