If you’re ready to learn how to crochet a baby blanket, the first thing you need is a good guide. I was happy to find so many great resources online with easy-to-follow instructions and pictures. Here are some of my favorites:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Crocheting a baby blanket is a fun and rewarding project that you can customize to your liking. |
| When crocheting a baby blanket, it’s important to choose the right yarn and stitch to ensure that the blanket is soft, durable, and safe for the baby. |
| There are many baby blanket patterns available for both beginners and advanced crocheters, so find one that complements your skills and style. |
| Crocheting a baby blanket can be time-consuming, but the end result is a beautiful and personalized gift that will be cherished for years to come. |
| Good care of a crochet baby blanket is important to maintain its softness and durability, so be sure to follow appropriate washing and care instructions. |
Pick Your Crochet Hook
Now it’s time to pick your crochet hook. The size of the hook you choose depends on a few things: the thickness of your yarn, the pattern you’re using, how tight or loose you crochet, and how long you want your blanket to be.
As a general rule of thumb, use a smaller size for thicker yarns and vice versa. You’ll also need to take into account whether or not there are multiple strands being worked together (i.e., if both colors are used in conjunction).
If they are, consider using a slightly larger hook than usual so that one strand isn’t too stiff against another that’s looser-stranded.
Crocheting a baby item requires both time and effort, and it’s essential to choose the perfect pattern that complements your skills best. Head over to our selection of top crochet patterns for baby items to find your inspiration
Pick Your Yarn
If you’re new to the whole crochet thing, it can be a bit overwhelming. But don’t worry! We’re here to help you choose the best yarn for your project.
There are different weights of yarns that correspond to how thick or thin they are. The weight is measured in grams per 100 meters, which means that each skein will weigh approximately 100 meters of yarn when it’s finished winding onto a ball or cone.
If you’d like your blanket to have an intricate pattern (like what we did with our Tiny Hearts Afghan), then choose a thinner weight yarn so that individual stitches stand out more clearly in the finished product.
On the other hand, if you want something more solid-colored and cozy (like our Striped Blanket), use thicker yarns that create more texture as well as warmth when worn close against skin on cold nights at home or out camping under stars without electricity during camping trips with family members who love nature just like yours does too!
| Yarn Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Cotton | Soft, breathable, durable, and hypoallergenic. Ideal for warm climates or for babies with sensitive skin. Comes in a range of colors and is relatively easy to care for. |
| Acrylic | Soft, lightweight, and easy to care for. Available in many colors and often less expensive than other yarns. Not the most breathable, but a suitable option for most baby blankets. |
| Bamboo | Luxuriously soft, with a silky texture and excellent drape. Naturally antimicrobial and hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for a baby blanket. More expensive than some other yarns and may require special care. |
| Wool | Soft, warm, and cozy, wool yarn is great for colder climates or for babies who live in drafty homes. Requires more care than other yarn types, and some babies may be allergic to wool. |
| Bernat Baby Blanket Yarn | A popular choice for baby blankets, this yarn is extremely soft and fluffy, perfect for keeping little ones cozy. Comes in a range of colors and is easy to care for. |
Note: This is not an exhaustive list of yarn types and brands, and it is always a good idea to choose a yarn that is appropriate for the intended recipient and use of the baby blanket.
Check Gauge
Gauge is the number of stitches and rows per inch (or centimeter), which you should always check before starting a project. If you don’t match your gauge, then your blanket will not be the right size.
To test your gauge, make a swatch:
- Cast on 20 stitches and knit in stockinette stitch until you have 6 inches (15cm).
- Measure how many stitches are on each row by counting every 10th stitch with a ruler or measuring tape. The number should be between 5–6 stitches per inch (2–2 1/2 cm).
A baby blanket is an ideal gift for newborns, and finding the perfect knitting pattern can be overwhelming. Our article on 10 Adorable Knitting Patterns for Baby Blankets will help you find the perfect pattern to show your affection and care
Getting Started
First, you’ll need yarn. There are tons of different kinds out there, but I’d recommend something soft and washable like cotton or acrylic. If you’re crocheting for a baby, choose something that’s machine washable!
If you’re new to crochet, check the label on your yarn for recommended hook size. You may find that larger or smaller hooks work better for certain types of yarns (especially if it’s made from animal fibers).
Make sure to check gauge as well this will tell you how many stitches per inch (or centimeter) your crocheted fabric should be in order to fit correctly into the finished product.
Once everything is ready to go, we can start making our blanket! For this pattern we’ll be using chain stitches and double crochet stitches so let’s take a look at those first:
Make A Slipknot
The slipknot is a fast and easy way to start your project. You’ll need to make a loop with the yarn, then hold the loop with your thumb and index finger while using the remaining fingers to hold the yarn tail. Pull the yarn tail through the loop, then pull tight to make a knot.
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Start by placing the yarn in your left hand, with the loose end hanging down over your palm and the working end wrapped over your index finger and under your other fingers. |
| Step 2 | Next, take the working end of the yarn and wrap it behind the index finger loop and over the tail end of the yarn, creating a twist. |
| Step 3 | Insert your hook through the loop from front to back, catching the working end of the yarn. |
| Step 4 | Pull the working end through the loop, tightening the slipknot around the hook. |
Note: There are many different methods for making a slipknot in crochet, so feel free to experiment and find the method that works best for you.
Chain Stitch
To make a chain stitch, you need to hold the yarn in your left hand and wrap it around your fingers to create a circle. Then take your crochet hook and place it through the loop at one end of the chain.
Pull up on the yarn so that you have created an elongated loop that goes all the way around your crochet hook.
You will have 2 loops now: one on top of another (pictured below). The top loop is called an ‘active’ or ‘working’ stitch because this is where you will be working with it for this step of crocheting.
Newborns require a lot of attention and care, and a knitted baby blanket can provide warmth and comfort for both the baby and the mother. Click here to learn how to make the perfect gift for newborns with The Perfect Knitted Gift for a Newborn: A Baby Blanket.
Double Crochet Stitch
Before we get started, here’s a quick overview of the stitches you’ll be using in this project:
Single crochet (sc): Refer to our beginner guide for instructions on how to do this stitch.
Double crochet (dc): This is a basic stitch that involves working two loops at once. Refer to our beginner guide for instructions on how to do this stitch.
Half double crochet (hdc): This is similar to a double crochet but with one less loop being worked at once, so it will appear smaller than the dc stitch does when finished. Refer to our beginner guide for instructions on how to do this stitch.
Fasten Off And Weave In Ends
Fasten off the end of your last row and weave in the final tail.
Sew through each stitch on your blanket to prevent any gaps from forming between stitches, then cut any remaining tails close to the last stitch you sewed through.
You’re done! Hang it up, wrap it around you, or put it on a baby—your crochet project is complete!
Crocheting baby booties is an ideal project for beginners, and it’s an excellent way to gift a personal and heartfelt present. Our Crochet 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Making Baby Booties guide will teach you how to make these adorable items step-by-step.”
Practice Makes Perfect
Learning to crochet is a lot like learning to ride a bike. You can learn by watching videos, practicing with different stitches and yarns until you get the hang of it, and then go out onto the streets (or in my case, my living room carpet) and show off your skills.
There are many free online tutorials that will walk you through all the basics from learning how to hold your hook to making basic stitches. The best part? Crocheting is fun!
If you’re ready for something more challenging than baby blankets but not quite ready for an ambitious sweater project, try making this adorable little monkey hat.
It’s perfect for beginners because it requires only a handful of stitches (all explained in step-by-step photos), but still looks sophisticated enough for someone who has been crocheting for years.
Handmade gifts carry a special touch, and a handmade gift for a newborn can become a cherished family heirloom. Our Handmade Love: Crochet Patterns for Baby Gifts guide will provide you with inspiration and patterns to create the perfect gift for your loved one’s little ones.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a step-by-step guide on how to crochet a baby blanket. The most important thing is to practice and keep trying!
If you get stuck or need some advice and tips then feel free to leave us a comment below this post, I would be happy to help 🙂
Further Reading
If you’re looking for more resources and inspiration, here are some additional articles you might find helpful:
Crochet Baby Blanket Patterns: A collection of unique and beautiful baby blanket patterns to crochet, including blankets for beginners and advanced crocheters alike.
Easy Crochet Blanket Pattern: A beginner-friendly crochet blanket pattern that uses simple crochet stitches and is perfect for creating cozy blankets for both babies and adults.
Crochet Baby Blanket Patterns: An article featuring 20 crochet baby blanket patterns that are easy to follow and perfect for creating personalized and meaningful gifts for newborns.
FAQs
What is the best crochet stitch for a baby blanket?
One of the best crochet stitches for a baby blanket is the single crochet stitch. It creates a dense and sturdy fabric that can withstand frequent use and washing.
What size should a crochet baby blanket be?
The size of a crochet baby blanket can vary depending on the intended use. A standard size for a baby blanket is around 30 x 30 inches, but you can adjust the size to suit your needs.
What type of yarn is best for a crochet baby blanket?
The best yarn for a crochet baby blanket is one that is soft, lightweight, and easy to care for. Some good options include cotton, acrylic, and bamboo yarns.
How long does it take to crochet a baby blanket?
The time it takes to crochet a baby blanket can vary depending on the size, complexity, and your own crocheting speed. On average, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to complete a baby blanket.
How do you care for a crochet baby blanket?
To care for a crochet baby blanket, it’s recommended to wash it in cold water on a gentle cycle and lay it flat to dry. Avoid using harsh detergents or fabric softeners, as they can damage the fibers and affect the softness of the blanket.
My name is Hellen James, and I’m a crochet and knitting expert. I’ve been crocheting since I was just a kid, but I started taking it seriously when I realized that it was a great way to de-stress and relax. Now that I have kids of my own, I love teaching them how to do it too!