With this blanket, your child can decide what team he or she will play for. The football, basketball, and baseball are precisely made for tiny fingers to grab and throw. I suppose that the handy mesh pocket to store this ball collection will also be fun to play with, as all small kids love to hide items and take them in and out of storage containers. Grab the free pattern and start making it today!
What’s Inside the Pattern?
The Young Athlete Blanket and Rattles pattern by Nancy Anderson is a fun crochet baby playmat project with some extra elements.
What you get are instructions on how to crochet the blanket body, attach sport-themed appliques and 3D rattles, and let’s not forget about the built-in mesh pocket for storing toys. It’s really hard to believe it’s all in one design!
What Crochet Level Is Needed for This Blanket?
As this blanket involves working and assembling together numerous elements, the pattern will suit intermediate crocheters best. You will work the body of the blanket with half double crochets and use single crochet stitches for the border.
The row-by-row instructions are clear and will help you walk through each stage without problems.
Yarn Choice and Required Amount
Ready to crochet this fun crochet blanket for your baby? Then make sure that you have the right yarn to complete it.
The original design features Red Heart Super Saver, but you can use any other medium-weight yarn. The designer used 5 skeins in blue color to crochet the blanket’s body, border, and mesh pocket. You will also need smaller amounts in other colors to create the ball rattles and appliques.
What Hook Sizes Should I Use?
The Young Athlete Blanket and Rattles Pattern calls for several hook sizes to work various design elements. Check them out below:
- 5.5 mm for blanket
- 5 mm for appliques
- 4 mm for rattles
- 3.75 mm for rattle seam lines
Use the correct hook sizes to ensure the proper shape and texture of every element.
Additional Supplies
Besides basic crochet tools, there are a few extras you’ll want to grab. You’ll need a yarn needle, a large embroidery needle, and a regular sewing needle to piece everything together.
Also, prepare a bit of stuffing to give the rattles some squish. For that perfect jingle, you can pick a rattle insert or a cat toy. The pattern also suggests using a knee high to hold the insert securely inside.
