As part of a group of on-line crafters from across the country (a small segment of a much larger, amazing group of close friends), I get the fun of participating in various crafting gift exchanges. For our current "Spring Free for All" exchange, I'm crafting for a mommy-to-be. I'm sewing up a couple of things just for her, but I wanted to make a little something for the baby-to-be, too. I was feeling the urge to tackle another blanket, so I took to my couch to crochet this bold-stripe blankie, great for a boy or girl. I made it up as I went, but it's quick and simple and something I would crochet again, so I wrote it down. Then I realized I could share it here, too.
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I love the proportions and the border of this unisex crochet blanket, but I'm not in-love with the colorway. I really wanted a bright, citrus-y orange, and this ...well, it just isn't. I still think it works or I wouldn't give it as a gift, but it's not what I saw in my mind's eye. I think this pattern will be fabulous in many color variations so I don't specify exact colors below. Have fun mixing it up with whatever colorway calls to you.
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If you’re like me and prefer to print out the tutorials you use, download the single-page PDF version here for just $.99! Otherwise, read on for the full crochet pattern including exact colors and edging.
Broad Stripe Baby Blanket
Size J (6mm) Crochet Hook
Caron Simply Soft Yarn [affiliate link], 3 colors*
Guage: 4" x 4" = 15 dc x 4 rows
Finsihed Size 31" x 33"
Note: Ch (chain) 3 at beginning of dc (double crochet) rows DOES count as one stitch.
*In the example picture here: Color A = Rainbow Bright (from the Paints collection [affiliate link]), Color B = Pumpkin, Color C = Blue Mint.
MAIN BODY
With Color A, ch 110
Continue with Color A:
Row 1: Skip first 3 ch, dc in next 107 ch; ch 3, turn (108 stitches)
Row 2: dc in back loop of each dc across; ch 3, turn
Row 1: Skip first 3 ch, dc in next 107 ch; ch 3, turn (108 stitches)
Row 2: dc in back loop of each dc across; ch 3, turn
Rows 3–53: Repeat Row 2 as follows:
- Color A: 11 rows; rows 1–11
- Color B: 10 rows; rows 12–21
- Color A: 11 rows; rows 22–32
- Color B: 10 rows; rows 33–42
- Color A: 11 rows; rows 43–53; do not fasten off.
BORDER
Round 1: Continue with Color A from row 53, sc (single crochet) around; 2sc (2 single crochet in one stitch) in each corner
Rounds 2 & 3: With Color C, sc around; 2sc in each corner
Round 4: *hdc (half double crochet) in next 2 st (stitches), skip 1 st*; repeat within * around with 4hdc in each corner
Round 5: *3sc in space created by skip in Round 4*; repeat within* around; at each corner sc in first 2 dc, ch 1, sc in next 2 dc; finish off at end of round.
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YOU'RE DONE!
How very special is a soft, handmade baby blanket? I love the drape and the lined texture created by this stitch. There are so many bright (and soft) color options out there these days, you could make this one again and again without ever looking repetitious. Make it to match the nursery, or mom & dad's wedding colors, or your school colors, or Gryffndor's colors...the options are endless.
If you use this pattern, I’d love to see and hear about your results. Come share your projects in The Inspired Wren Flickr Group: http://www.flickr.com/groups/theinspiredwren/
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This is my very first time writing out a crochet pattern (for myself, let alone to share) and no one else has tested it as of this writing. PLEASE, feel free to let me know in the comments or by email, if you have any questions or see any errors. I'll appreciate it and so will anyone else who may want to give this one a go.
PS -- If you love making blankets be sure to check out my Crochet Along Afghan Sampler! We're hooking up two squares of one stitch each month for a complete blanket by the end of the year. Join us!
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You should really see all that goes into each project!
From my model preferring to wear washi tape on her belly button instead of the clothes I've sewn for her, to the ingenious way that I’ve re-purposed my favorite sewing tool, a chopstick, into a spool pin for double needle sewing on my machine. Daily updates on Instagram (and Flickr) of works-in-progress will give you that behind the scenes view you’re looking for, and sneak peeks of First Tuesday Tutorials, too.
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