How To Crochet a Blanket, Easiest Free Pattern

Now you have mastered the basic stitches of crochet, it is time to create a charming blanket! Learning how to crochet a blanket is easier than garments, as you simply need to work in squares or rectangles, with no shaping required! The easiest crochet blankets are often made using only one stitch, so absolute beginners can give them a go!

How to Crochet a Blanket Tutorial

All you need to crochet a blanket is to know at least one stitch! If you can do a half double crochet, then you can make this easy crochet blanket for beginners. You will just crochet a large square or rectangle. This can be plain or you can add stripes to make it more interesting.

Materials

• Yarn: Chunky/Bulky (12ply) #5
• Crochet hook: 6.5 mm (K)
• Crochet basics: Yarn needle or tapestry needle, scissors, measuring tape.

What I Used: For my small sample blanket (32×32 inches), I used Heirloom Merino Magic Chunky Yarn. It took 6.5 balls of yarn which was around 715 yards (780m)

Other popular chunky yarns include:

• Lionbrand Hue and Me
• Premier Basix Chunky Yarn
• Red Heart Super Saver Chunky
• Red Heart with Love Chunky Yarn
• Knit Picks Swish Bulky

Best Yarns for Crochet Blankets

It is a good idea to start with a nice thick chunky yarn and a large crochet hook, which means fewer stitches and works up quickly.

If you want to make a color-coordinated blanket, be sure to buy enough yarn of the same color and dye lot, or you may run out and not be able to get exactly the same shade.

The type of yarn you choose for your blanket may depend on your budget. Wool and wool blends are more expensive than acrylic yarns. Considering you will need many balls, this is important to factor in. Wool will be warmer than acrylic, so if you live in a cold climate, this is a better option.

Abbreviations

We will be working with US terms for these samples.

• st = stitch
• ch = chain stitch
• hdc = half double crochet stitch
• sl st = slip stitch
• sc = single crochet

Standard Sizes For Crochet Blankets

Here is a guideline for the standard sizes for crochet blankets.

Blanket Type	Dimensions (inches)	Dimensions (cm)
Baby	36×36″	91×91 cm
Throw	50×65″	127×165 cm
Twin	66×90″	168×229 cm
Double/Full	80×90″	203×229 cm
Queen	90×90″	229×229 cm
King	108×90″	274×229 cm

How to Crochet a Blanket,Step by Step Instructions

Here is a video on how to crochet a blanket for beginners that you can follow along with:

The instructions for making a side-to-side style blanket are as follows:

Step 1 – Foundation Chain

1. Make a slip knot and crochet 98 chain stitches. This will make a small blanket around 32×32 inches.
2. The foundation chain needs to be loose to maintain its stretch. If you find it hard to chain loosely, just go up a crochet hook size and then switch back to the correct one for the body of the blanket.

CUSTOM BLANKETS: If you would like to make a larger blanket, use the chain calculator below to determine how many chains to crochet. Refer to the label on your ball of yarn for the number of stitches per swatch of 4×4 inches (10cm). Add an extra 2 chains at the end for turning.

Step 2 – First Row (Cream)

1. Chain 2
2. Hdc into the 3rd chain
3. Hdc across the row.

Step 3 – Second Row (Continue Cream)

1. Chain 2 (Doesn’t count as first stitch)
2. Hdc into the base of the chain
3. Hdc across the row.

Step 4 – Third Row (Red)

1. Change the color of the yarn. See changing yarn instructions below.
2. Repeat row 3.

You can do any colored stripes or even make this blanket all in one color. This is the order of colors I used: Cream, Red, Cream, Grey.

Step 5 – Repeat

1. Keep crocheting until your blanket is as big as you would like. Mine is 32 inches long.
2. For the last row, do an extra hdc row in cream.
3. End off your yarn to finish.
4. Weave in any ends you may have left if working in multiple colors.

Step 7 – Crochet a Border

Work a crochet border around the edges of your blanket.

A crochet border hides any mistakes or imperfections at the sides of your blanket. It adds a lovely, clean finished look to your blanket. It can also add a contrasting color to the blanket. The linked article will show you 5 easy borders you can add to your blankets.

The easiest border you can do is simply rows of single crochet.

1. Join your first border color (cream) into any stitch
2. Sc around the blanket with 3sc into each corner.
3. For the edges where you will crochet into the sides of the hdc stitches – place 1sc in the first stitch, then 2 sc into the next side. This will average out at 1.5 stitches per side of hdc.
4. Sc around the blanket with 3sc into each corner for 3 more rows – grey, cream, red.
5. Fasten off and weave ends.

How to Change Colors for Stripes

1. Change color on the last stitch of the row below. Start your hdc as normal with yarn over, pull through (3 loops on hook)
2. Take the new color (red) and hook on the end.
3. Pull the red through all 3 cream loops, and you have 1 loop of red.
4. Hide the ends by crocheting over them. This will mean less weaving in at the end.

Adding Tassels

Read my article on how to make yarn tassels. I used a small 6 inch notebook to wrap the yarn around and wrapped 30 times for a thick tassel.

Tips For Crocheting Blankets

1. COUNTING: Keep counting your stitches. It is remarkably easy to skip or add stitches by mistake! This will result in the blanket being a wobbly, uneven shape instead of a neat square or rectangle. Because blankets usually have so many stitches, it is a good idea to use a stitch marker every 20 stitches or so, so that you can keep track of your stitch count easily.
2. HOOK SIZE: Use a larger hook for your starting chain. It is very easy to make that foundation ch too tight, in which case the bottom of your blanket will have a curved, bow shape. To avoid this, use a hook 1 or 2 sizes bigger for the starting ch, then change to your normal hook once you start crocheting the rows.

How to Crochet a Blanket FAQS

Is Crocheting a Blanket Easy?

This is a commonly asked question by beginner crocheters. The answer is yes! Crocheting a blanket is extremely easy. In fact, it is one of the easiest crochet projects you can do. A blanket is just a square or rectangle, so once you know how to do one stitch, you can crochet a blanket.

How Much Yarn Do I Need for a Crochet Blanket?

Here is a very rough guide to the amount of yarn you will need for an average-sized Afghan, depending on the thickness of your yarn.

	Super Fine(1)	Fine (2)	Light (3)	Medium (4)	Bulky (5)	Super Bulky(6)	Jumbo (7)
Yards	3750-   4125	3500-3750	3000-3500	2250-3125	2000-2250	1625-2000	1375-1625
Meters	3430-3772	3200-3430	2473-3200	2058- 2858	1830-2058	1486-1830	1258-1486

The yardage or meterage can be found on the ball band of your skein of yarn. Rather buy a little extra, and be sure you have enough! Of course, if you are making a scrap blanket out of leftover bits of yarn, this will not ap

How Many Chains Do I Need for Crochet Blankets?

It is difficult to give a precise table of exactly how many stitches you will need for each type of blanket. The finished size depends upon several things, such as yarn weight, hook size, type of fiber, stitch pattern you have chosen, and, of course, your personal gauge. Some people crochet more loosely than others!

You can crochet a gauge swatch to see how many stitches per inch (or cm) your chosen yarn and pattern will yield, then multiply that by the number of inches (or cm) you require.

For example: If you want to make a lap blanket that measures 40” wide. Make a tension swatch of about 5-6“ (12.5 – 15.25 cm) in your chosen stitch. If that works out to say, 4 stitches per inch, to make your lap blanket you will need to start with 4×40”=160 sts.

You need to multiply your tension measurement per inch (or cm ) by the size you require.

With a blanket, however, it is not essential to stick to an exact size. You can just measure your starting chain to the width you require and then keep crocheting in your chosen stitch to the length you require. Super easy!

How to Crochet a Blanket in 3 Hours

You may have read about these blankets, which are super quick to make. The secret to these is to use a super bulky yarn or jumbo chenille type yarn (category 6 or 7) and a P (10 mm)(English size3/0) hook.

Also, don’t expect to make a king-size blanket in this amount of time! To make an Afghan or baby blanket, measuring about 36×37“ (91×93.5 cm) you could start with a foundation chain of 57 stitches. Then proceed with a simple granny stripe pattern until your work measures 37”(93.5 cm.) You should be able to do this in one afternoon or evening!

What Hook Should I Use to Crochet a Blanket?

Once you have chosen your yarn, match a crochet hook size to its thickness. Your yarn will have a label with a recommended hook size and here is a chart of basic sizes. Depending on how tightly or loosely you crochet, you may choose a larger or smaller needle.

How Long Does it Take to Crochet a Blanket?

There is no easy answer to this, as it depends on your yarn thickness and skill level. If you want to complete a crochet blanket quickly, choose the thickest or bulky weight yarn you can and an appropriate-sized stitch. The other factor that will affect your speed is the stitch type you choose. More open stitches will crochet faster. Double or treble crochet stitches are simple and faster than single crochet. Keep in mind that the treble will have larger holes.

Best Stitch to Crochet a Blanket

You can choose to follow one of the many patterns available on the internet, or you can simply create a rectangle in any stitch or combination of stitches you desire! Single crochet or double crochet is the easiest stitch for a beginner. Use treble crochet if you want a more open-weave style of blanket.

More stitches you can use for easy blankets:

• Basic Crochet Stitches -This article will give you a rundown on all the basic stitches. Every one is suitable for making a blanket, depending on your skill level and the time you have to crochet it.

How to Crochet a Blanket In Other Styles

1. Blanket with Granny Squares

Everything I have explained so far refers to working a side-to-side type blanket. A lot of crocheters prefer to work with small motifs and then stitch these all together. Get my free granny square blanket pattern

The trick to getting a cohesive look for your blanket is to have the last row in each of the squares the same color. You can see that in the photo below all the squares were finished in cream.

2. Solid Granny Square Blankets

You can also make more solid granny squares in a single color to join together. These could have textural elements such as bobble stitch to give them more interest. They can be joined together in the same way.

3. Blankets Made from Other Shapes

Your motifs do not have to be squares! If you want to create something different and unusual, make crochet hexagons, crochet triangles, or even interlocking lantern shapes.

4. Crochet Sampler Blankets

There are also ‘sampler blankets’. These are made from a series of different motifs. You will crochet squares of a similar size, but a different pattern for each one.

These are usually made in just one or two colors, as the interest is in the texture and design of each square, rather than in multiple colors. These are actually a lot of fun to make, as your interest is kept piqued by all the different squares and stitches, and you can’t possibly get bored with doing the same square over and over!

5. Large Granny Square Blanket

6. Blanket from Granny Rectangles

Or make a granny crochet rectangle if you want a more rectangular-shaped blanket. This is made in the same way as a granny square, only working around a strip of foundation chains instead of around a ring.

How to Crochet a Blanket – In Conclusion

You can now be inspired to make a lovely crochet blanket whatever your expertise level of crochet may be! Choose a side-to-side pattern or a motif that you like, and which is suitable for your skill level. Stock up on yarn supplies and a suitable hook, and get busy. A crochet blanket is a comforting treat to make for yourself, or to make as a delightful gift for someone special!