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Whenever you’re new to crocheting or have a great experience over many years, a crochet blanket is the finest way to practice and to create something cozy and beautiful for yourself or as a gift to anybody.
There are so many blanket patterns in the world, and each day, designers create something new to meet all your requirements and aesthetic needs. They are for beginners and advanced crocheters as well. Here, you’ll find the most popular crocheting techniques for blankets, learn how to crochet a blanket, and many other valuable tips. Keep scrolling!
General Tips on How to Crochet a Blanket
Let’s start with the basics and learn what you should pay attention to before you start.
Select the right crochet pattern for blankets
The choice of pattern sets the tone for your project. Beginners might start with simple patterns like basic stripes or single-color designs. More advanced crocheters can opt for intricate motifs or colorwork. Consider the final use of the blanket – is it decorative, for warmth, or a gift? This decision impacts the complexity and style of the pattern you choose.
Choose quality yarn
Your yarn choice is key for the texture, warmth, and durability of the blanket. Acrylic yarns are affordable and easy to care for, making them ideal for everyday blankets. Wool or wool blends offer warmth and a luxurious feel but might require more careful washing. Cotton yarns are great for lighter blankets, perfect for warmer climates, or as summer throws.
Maintain consistent tension
Consistent tension is vital to ensuring your blanket looks uniform and professional. If your tension is too tight, the blanket will be stiff; too loose, and it may look sloppy. Practice maintaining a steady grip on the yarn and hook to achieve even stitches.
Keep track of your progress
Especially in large projects like blankets, it’s easy to lose track of where you are in the pattern. Use stitch markers, row counters, or even a simple notepad to keep track. This is especially helpful when working with complex patterns or when you need to set your project aside for a while.
Take breaks
Crocheting for extended periods can strain your hands and wrists. Take regular breaks to stretch and rest your hands. This helps prevent discomfort and improve your crochet technique and the overall quality of your work.
The Best Yarn for Crochet Blanket
Here are some tips on choosing yarn for beginners.
Acrylic Yarn
This synthetic fiber is widely available and comes in various colors and weights. It’s machine washable, making it an excellent yarn choice for blankets you plan to use daily, and it needs frequent cleaning.
Wool or wool blends
Wool yarns are natural, warm, and luxurious. They can be more expensive and may require hand washing or special care, but they’re ideal for cozy, heirloom-quality blankets.
Cotton
Known for its softness and durability, cotton yarn is hypoallergenic. It doesn’t retain heat as much as wool, making it perfect for summer blankets or those living in warmer climates. It’s also machine washable and comes in various colors and textures.
Crochet Blanket Stitch
When choosing a blanket stitch to crochet your first make, consider the final texture and appearance you desire. Here are a few popular options:
- Single Crochet (SC) is simple yet versatile. This stitch creates a dense, sturdy fabric ideal for warmer blankets.
- Double Crochet (DC) stitch works quickly and is excellent for larger blankets. It makes an airy, lighter fabric compared to the single crochet.
- Shell Stitch is known for its decorative, scalloped edges and adds a touch of elegance to any blanket design.
- Bobble Stitch will give you texture. The bobble stitch creates pronounced, puffy bobbles on the fabric, adding a playful touch.
Check out 20+ Best Crochet Stitches to learn crochet stitches for blankets.
How to Crochet a Border on a Blanket
Adding a border can give your blanket a polished look. Here are steps to add a simple yet effective crochet blanket border:
Choose your border style
Simple single crochet borders work well for beginners, while more experienced crocheters might opt for scalloped or lace patterns. Bobble stitch borders also look cute.
Even out the edges
If your blanket has uneven edges, consider adding a row of single crochet around the entire blanket to create a uniform base for your border.
Work in rounds
Start the border in one corner and work your way around the blanket. Ensure that corners are treated carefully, usually by adding extra stitches, to maintain the blanket’s shape.
Color choice:
You can match the border color to your blanket or choose a contrasting color for a bold, defining edge.
How Long Does It Take to Crochet a Blanket
The time to crochet a blanket varies widely and depends on several factors:
Size of the crochet blanket
Obviously, larger blankets, like a queen-size, will take more time compared to a baby blanket.
Stitch complexity
Simple crochet stitches like single crochet are quicker to work up, whereas more intricate stitches or colorwork patterns take longer.
Crocheters speed
Everyone crochets at a different pace. Beginners might take longer, while experienced crocheters work faster.
Amount of time spent crocheting
If you can dedicate several hours a day to crocheting, you’ll complete the blanket much quicker than if you only crochet occasionally.
Start with the easy blanket crochet patterns for beginners and check your individual timing.
Scroll through Striped Crochet Blankets For Beginners to choose the best project for you.
Crochet Blanket Sizes
There are many questions about blanket sizes. Of course, they are different and depend on your needs. But here are some typical blanket dimensions examples:
Crochet baby blanket
A regular baby blanket is about 25 inches by 30 inches. This size is perfect for wrapping a newborn or using it in a crib. Of course, you can find more crochet baby blanket sizes as children grow, and from time to time, you need to adjust your favorite baby blanket crochet pattern to meet new requirements.
Crochet throw blanket
A throw blanket, perfect for draping over a sofa or for cozying up in, measures about 50 inches by 60 inches. There are so many easy crochet blanket patterns for this size!
Twin, Queen, and King Size crochet blankets
For these, you’d follow standard bed sizes. A twin blanket is usually about 66 inches by 90 inches, a queen about 90 inches by 90 inches, and a king about 108 inches by 90 inches. Remember to allow for some extra drape and coverage.
How to Start a Crochet Blanket
Here are some first steps for creating your first easy crochet blanket.
Choose a simple crochet blanket pattern
For beginners, simple patterns are the best to start with. Look for patterns that use basic stitches and minimal color changes. Luckily, many modern crochet blanket patterns are free, so you can try them now.
Make the foundation chain
This is the first row of stitches and determines the width of your blanket. Ensure your chain is not too tight, which can make working into it difficult.
First rows
Start with a simple stitch, like the single crochet, and work in rows. Make sure to count your stitches in each row to keep the sides even.
How to End a Crochet Blanket
Here are a few tips on how to finish a crochet blanket. The final steps ensure its durability and appearance:
Secure the final stitch
Cut the yarn after completing the last stitch, leaving a tail of about 6 inches.
Weave in the ends
Use a yarn needle to weave the tail through the stitches of the blanket. This helps to secure the end and prevents unraveling.
Block the blanket
Consider blocking wool or cotton blankets. This process involves wetting the blanket and laying it flat to dry in the desired shape, ensuring it looks neat and professional.
Crochet Blanket Ideas
Pattern Center has many ideas and free crochet blanket patterns to advise you. First, choose the type of blanket and your favorite crocheting technique, then click on the buttons to find the best thematic patterns for blankets. Learn how to crochet a blanket with the tons of free crochet patterns we selected for you worldwide!
Crochet Baby Blanket
There is no problem finding a lovely and simple design of a crochet baby blanket for beginners. Frankly speaking, it’s the perfect way to practice basic stitches and get relatively quick results, as they are small and do not require much time.
Is it easy to crochet a baby blanket? It could be yes, and it could be no. It depends on the baby blanket crochet pattern you choose. Pay attention to the recommendations and skill level a designer mentions. Start with simple SC or DC stitches and some lovely crochet blanket borders with popcorn stitches; you’ll afford it.
If you want to know how to crochet a baby blanket, check out the wide variety of free crochet baby blanket patterns on Pattern Center!
Crochet Granny Square Blanket
You’ve heard about granny squares, even if you’re new to crocheting. A crochet granny blanket is the basics and the perfect start for beginners. Once you learn how to crochet blanket squares, look through the post How to Join Crochet Granny Squares in 12 Free Ways and get a unique granny square crochet blanket. Easy peasy!
If you want to learn how to crochet a square blanket for beginners and find some easy crochet granny square blanket patterns for free, check out these Granny Square Crochet Afghan Ideas. And when you get some experience, look at a beautiful crochet sunflower blanket.
Granny Stitch Crochet Blanket
A granny stripe crochet blanket is another simple way to learn how to crochet. The crochet granny stitch is a combination of double crochet and chain stitches. It’s a traditional technique you will learn in no time with the post How To Crochet The Granny Stripe Stitch.
Granny strips are very easy and fast to make, and you can use them not only for crochet granny stripe blankets but also for home accessories, bags, and clothes. As far as we are talking about blankets here, check out the Easy Granny Stripe Blankets patterns and start a wonderful beginner project.
Crochet Ripple Blanket
A ripple crochet blanket is a classic. It’s also the next step in improving your skills when you’ve already practiced crocheting straight lines and want to try something new. The crochet ripple blanket pattern is still beginner-friendly, and everyone can afford it. Such a throw has a wavy design and looks great in all color decisions.
The most popular ripple blanket crochet pattern is free and issued by Lucy by Attic24. If you have already searched for this design, you’ve definitely seen tons of projects made with it. Other designers also have many crochet ripple blanket free patterns. See them here in the post with Ripple Stitch Crochet Blankets.
Crochet Temperature Blanket
What is a temperature crochet blanket? Temperature blanket is a crochet philosophy. It’s usually a long-term project as the main idea is to choose the color according to the weather outside.
Every day, you look at a thermometer or measure your feelings and make a row, square, or any other block in an appropriate color. There is no best crochet stitch for a temperature blanket, as so many designs exist. Thanks to this approach, you’ll get a colorful piece that has a history. It’s like a photo of a year and your reminiscences.
Some people use this idea to memorize their feelings over a year. They chose a crochet temperature blanket chart that symbolized their emotions and finally created not just a cozy piece but a picture of their inner life.
You can meet it as a crochet weather blanket, but whatever the name is, choose your favorite temperature blanket crochet pattern for free and start this journey the nearest weekend or even today.
Chunky Crochet Blanket
Chunky crochet blankets are incredibly cozy and mostly easy-to-make pieces for your home interior and relaxing evenings. They have a great texture and are perfectly warm. You’ll love your thick blanket for sure!
It’s easy to crochet a chunky blanket because of the thick yarn you will use for this project. It usually works fast and efficiently. You’ll finish your crochet bulky blanket quickly, especially if you choose a pattern with basic techniques.
Learn how to crochet a chunky blanket for beginners with free crochet blanket patterns for bulky yarn we gathered in the following posts: Textured Modern Crochet Blanket Patterns and Chunky Winter Blanket Free Crochet Patterns.
Corner To Corner Crochet Blanket
A crochet corner to corner blanket could be a masterpiece. The c2c technique allows you to create beautifully detailed pictures; you just need to make or take a color chart for it.
Looking at a corner-to-corner crochet blanket pattern, you might think that it’s hard to crochet a c2c blanket, but it’s really not. You need to practice a little, and you’ll learn the stitch combination easily. Colorwork alone could be confusing for beginners, but many monochrome projects exist, especially among free corner-to-corner crochet baby blanket patterns. You need to try them!
Check out the 60+ Colorful C2C Blankets for Your Home and look at Fun C2C Crochet Blankets. There are so many great ideas for every skill level!
Tunisian Crochet Blanket
A Tunisian crochet technique is a distinctive way of crocheting with a special long Tunisian crochet hook. It combines the best aspects of knitting and crocheting when you get a soft and dense fabric that looks extraordinary.
Following the Tunisian crochet blanket pattern is the best way to learn this technique. You’ll have enough practice to get used to a new hook type and understand the features. We have a nice selection of Tunisian crochet blanket patterns for free here in the post with Beautiful Tunisian Crochet Blankets.
Crochet Waffle Stitch Blanket
The waffle stitch blanket has a beautiful texture! It has a chunky look, and you can choose any colorway you like. A waffle crochet blanket will spruce up your bed or couch. This design is perfect for minimalistic modern interiors.
A waffle stitch crochet blanket pattern utilizes the basic stitches combined in a particular way. It’s a repetitive pattern, so you just need to finish a row to remember the technique. Ready? Check out the Waffle Stitch Crochet Ideas and Free Patterns.
Hexagon Crochet Blanket
A crochet hexagon blanket is another way to improve crocheting skills. It requires an upper beginner level and, in general, is an exciting variation of a granny square blanket. You need to learn how to crochet hexagons and join them together. Such a throw always looks fresh and more modern.
If you want a beautiful hexagon blanket crochet pattern, check out amazing Hexagon Crochet Blankets. If you want inspiration for your design, scroll through Gorgeous Crochet Hexagons Free Patterns.
Chevron Crochet Blanket
A crochet chevron blanket has a dynamic wavy composition and looks great in any room and color palette. An easy chevron crochet blanket pattern has a beginner-friendly repetitive design, so a person with any skill level can add it to their to-do list.
Creators issue many crochet chevron blanket patterns for free. This design is famous for nurseries, so we suggest you check out the Crochet Chevron Baby Blankets patterns. When you learn how to crochet a chevron blanket, you can easily adjust the baby blanket size to throws or even bigger ones by adding more rows.
Crochet Star Blanket
When you get some experience, find the star blanket crochet pattern to learn the technique. It is mainly about the work with shape, not new stitches.
The star crochet blanket looks lovely and can be used as a textile decor piece for your living room, and they are also popular for babies, especially as a handmade baby shower gift. Find the crochet star blanket patterns for free in the post with Star Shaped Crochet Blankets Ideas. Closer to the bottom, you’ll see the famous 12 point star crochet blanket free pattern. Another well-known design — the 6 Day Kid Blanket — is among Adorable Star-Shaped Baby Blankets.
You might also hear about star stitch crochet blankets, but they look entirely different. It’s a stitch in the shape of a star, not the shape of a finished blanket. Compare them by examining these Crochet Star Stitch Ideas.
How to Wash Crochet Blanket
When you finish your blanket and use it, you’ll consider it a treasure, especially if it’s your first one. It’s essential to care for it properly to prolong its life circle. Here are some tips on how to wash a blanket.
Read the yarn label
Always check the washing instructions specific to the yarn you used. Save labels or links to the yarn producer’s website with this information.
Use gentle detergent
Opt for a mild detergent and avoid bleach to protect the yarn’s color and texture.
Choose the proper washing cycle
If machine washing, use a gentle cycle with cold water to prevent shrinking or damaging the yarn.
Drying
Air-drying by laying the blanket flat is ideal to maintain its shape. Avoid hanging, as it can stretch the yarn.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, avoiding direct sunlight, which can fade colors over time.
Summary
How many crochet blanket patterns can you find for free on Pattern Center? Hundreds! We linked a lot but have much more ideas for you to try. You can choose a crochet blanket for beginners and experienced crocheters. It won’t be easy because eyes run wild, but it’s also a kind of meditation, don’t you think? Go to the Blankets and Throws category and get the best free crochet pattern you really like. Share the photos of your makes in the comments!
FAQ
What is the article about?
This post provides an easy guide on how to crochet a blanket by giving useful tips about the first steps in crocheting, the best techniques, and links to free patterns for blankets.
What crochet techniques are discussed in the post?
The article discusses several beginner-friendly crochet techniques and introduces various ideas for crochet blankets, including granny square, granny stitch, waffle stitch, corner-to-corner, and Tunisian crochet, among others.
Can I follow this guide as a beginner in crocheting?
Absolutely. The article has been designed keeping all levels in mind. The precise tips and instructions along with links to the posts with free crochet patterns, make it easy for beginners to understand and follow.
Do I need to purchase any patterns for blanket crocheting?
No, you don’t have to. The article provides a variety of free patterns that you can follow to crochet your own blanket.
How long does it take to crochet a blanket?
The time it takes to crochet a blanket depends on your skill level, the size of the blanket, the pattern you’re using, and how much time you can devote to it a day. A simple pattern might take a beginner several weeks, while an experienced crocheter can finish a complex pattern at the same time.
What materials will I need to start crocheting a blanket?
You will typically need a crochet hook, yarn in your preferred color(s), and a pair of scissors. The exact materials often depend on the pattern you choose. A crochet hook size should correspond to the yarn thickness — the thicker yarn requires a bigger hook size.
How do I take care of a crocheted blanket?
Handmade crocheted blankets can be delicate. They should be gently hand-washed or machine-washed on a delicate cycle. Always follow the care instructions that come with the yarn you’re using. For more details, check the “How to Wash Crochet Blanket” section above.
What should I do if I make a mistake while crocheting?
Don’t worry, mistakes happen to everyone. If you make a mistake, just carefully undo your stitches until you reach the problem spot, and then continue from there.
Can I sell blankets made by following the free patterns in the article?
It depends on the conditions set by the pattern creator. Some allow for finished products to be sold, while others restrict their patterns for personal use only. Always check and respect the copyright laws concerning specific patterns.
I am stuck on one of the steps in the article. How can I get help?
Follow the Pattern Center’s Facebook group, where you can find an open-minded crochet community where fellow enthusiasts can share their knowledge and help solve each other’s problems. You can also comment on the article specifying your issue or reach out to our team.
