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Crocheting a blanket doesn’t have to be hard, complicated, or reserved for experienced makers. In this article, we’ll prove that making a crochet blanket is not only possible but also a lot of fun! You will learn how to crochet a blanket and how to crochet a baby blanket.
We shaw you what to pay attention to, as well as how to choose the best tools and materials. You will also have a chance to check out the list of easy crochet blanket patterns to start with!
Making a crochet blanket
You don’t need any advanced skills to make a beautiful crochet blanket, so don’t worry! You can use basic stitches, such as single or double crochet, or try interesting easy techniques, such as moss stitch. It may sound a bit boring but remember that you can always play with the colors to make it more fun.
The most intimidating part of each project is choosing the right tools and materials. To make it easy, you need either experience or guidance. Don’t worry, though – with our help you’ll master it in no time.
Types of crochet blankets
Afghans
Crochet blankets, afghans, throws – there’s no big difference between them all, so crocheters use these terms interchangeably. You can work them in rows, rounds, or combine small parts into a larger piece, like granny squares.
Afghans have standard sizes (not too small, not too big), and can (but don’t have to) include decorative stitches. Each designer comes up with their own combination of patterns and colors. Still, you can always modify the original to your liking.
Baby Blankets
These blankets work up much faster because they are smaller! As the name suggests, baby blankets should fit a crib or kid-sized bed. Of course, there are no rules about how they should look, so there are as many projects as there are crocheters! Our collection of crochet baby blanket patterns is still growing.
Throws and Bedspreads
If you want to get cozy on the sofa, make yourself a crochet throw because this blanket is all about comfort.
Bedspreads, on the other hand, have another purpose – adding beauty to the bedroom. These crochet pieces often feature elegant motifs, decorative crochet stitches, or lace. The size is tightly connected to the size of your bed, so measure up before starting!
Chunky Blankets
Let’s meet beginners’ favorite – chunky crochet blankets. Their beauty lies in the qualities of the yarn, which is squishy, thick, and very pleasant to touch. Chunky blankets work up very fast, so it’s a perfect choice if you are impatient! Check out our ranking of The Best Yarn for Chunky Blankets, where you will find chunky yarn and super bulky yarns.
Tunisian Crochet Blankets
This technique is a combination of knitting and crochet, and it’s a very interesting one. Although it requires special crochet hooks and patience to learn, it’s worth trying. Learn more about the Basics of Tunisian Crochet in our article.
How to crochet a blanket (and how to crochet a baby blanket):
Making a blanket requires taking a few steps, but don’t worry – we’ve got your back!
1. Choose the design
Take some time to consider what you want your blanket to look like.
Should it be thick and warm, or light and airy? What size should it be? How do you want it to be constructed? It’s important to choose the right crochet project.
When you answer these questions, choose the stitch you like, or look for a free crochet pattern. There are TONS of them online (and TONS of them on our website!), so you’ve got plenty to choose from. For those who want to learn how to make a baby blanket, check Easy-Peasy Baby Blankets..
Remember to check the skill level required to follow each pattern. Being ambitious is great, but setting the bar too high will only lead to frustration.
2. Gather the tools and materials
This is the tricky part. The tools and the yarn you choose will have the biggest impact on the final effect.
Most crochet patterns recommend specific yarns and hook sizes, so it’s as easy as following the suggestions. However, if you want to choose your own combination, you need to know a little about the best yarns for crochet blankets and crochet hook sizes.
Hooks
Whether you design a blanket yourself or use someone else’s pattern, you need to make a gauge swatch. It will help you determine the size of your blanket and roughly calculate the amount of yarn needed for your project. Learn more about What is Gauge and Why is it Important in Crochet in our article.
The recommended size of the hook is almost always presented on the yarn label, along with the yarn weight and type.
Yarn
It’s very important to choose the right yarn for your project because they have various qualities. Some may be too thick, or too heavy. Others may have too little volume or scratchy texture.
If you plan to use multiple colors for your project, make sure you learn How to change colors in crochet.
3. Crochet it
When you’ve got your tools and yarn ready, and your gauge swatch turned out the perfect size, it’s time to get to it!
Instructions can be presented in three ways:
As a written pattern
This is the most popular type of crochet instructions, so it’s crucial for you to know How to Read Crochet Patterns. Crochet abbreviations and crochet terms may look strange at first, but it’s quite easy to learn what they mean.
In the form of a diagram (chart)
Some stitches or projects can be presented in the visual form, otherwise known as diagrams. Although they most often come with a key, it’s good to know How to Read Crochet Diagrams.
In video tutorial
If you are a visual learner, video tutorials may be the best choice. Simply looking at the exact method the teacher uses can help you grasp the techniques much easier. It will be especially helpful for beginners.
Following the instructions
No matter the type of instructions, the yarn, or the stitch – pay close attention to what you’re doing, otherwise, you’ll have to frog! What is frogging? Unraveling, undoing what you’ve already crocheted. Try keeping the same tension throughout the entire piece, and change the colors if needed.
4. Finish it off
When you’ve got your blanket ready, but it’s full of loose ends and looks kind of wonky, it’s time to finish it off. Weave in the ends, and secure all loose threads.
If your blanket was made with blocks, be sure to join them together in a nice way!
It’s also a great idea to add crochet borders because not only can you hide all yarn ends inside, but also give your blanket a truly polished look.
5. Block it
I’m a firm believer in blocking absolutely every project, but I know many of you disagree. When it comes to blankets blocking may be difficult in some cases, but I’m sure you won’t regret it.
What is blocking, anyway? Well, it’s a method of gently washing and drying crochet items in such a way that allows them to get the required shape.
Loosen up those tight yarns and watch your blanket become even and soft!
Tips
To ensure that making a crochet blanket will be a great experience, try out 5 Best Crochet Hacks. Also, don’t forget about these:
- Make a gauge swatch to be sure about the size of your blanket.
- Plan your design – take time choosing the right colors and yarn.
- Don’t be afraid to undo if you make any mistakes – leaving the mistake in the blanket will bother you until the end of time!
- Take time to finish the blanket nicely – it may be tedious, but it’s worth it! Tie all the loose ends, add the border, block it, etc.
Great crochet blanket patterns to start with
That’s it for today – you are now ready to crochet your own beautiful blanket. At the same time, you have learnt how to crochet a baby blanket.
There are tons of stunning free blanket patterns on our website, but here are a couple of places to start with:
- Spring Blanket Ideas and Free Crochet Patterns
- 5+ Chunky Blanket Idea Free Crochet Patterns
- Bobble Stitch Blanket Ideas and Free Crochet Patterns
- Feather and Fun Blanket Ideas and Free Pattern
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