Crochet Mind

How to crochet a baby blanket for Beginners [Step-by-Step Guide]


By Francine K. Medina

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Gently covering a baby with something soft and cosy is something that brings joy to all. The kindest method of doing so is by use of a crocheted baby blanket. It is soft, warm, and loving. It is used in a crib, stroller, or serves as a play mat. Think you would learn how to crochet a baby blanket with your own hands? This is a step-by-step guide for a beginner in crocheting.

A crocheted baby blanket is warm, has a caring touch, and is very special. There would be some easy and fast ones, and there would be nicely designed ones, such as ripples, granny squares, or shells. You may create them using soft cotton, chunky yarn cotton, or even plush Bernat cotton so that they can snuggle. 

It is not only fun and an easy activity to do when making a baby outfit, either as a gift at a friend’s baby shower, or even every time you want to have fun crocheting, anyone is bound to enjoy it once they learn to crochet.

Key Takeaways

  • A Baby blanket can be a crochet work of art made in yarn and love.
  • You’ll also require a few essential tools like yarn, a crochet hook, and a pair of scissors.
  • Very suitable as a newborn, infant, and as a baby shower gift.
  • Learn beginner crochet stitches that are quick and simple to pick up.
  • Find out the advice on cleaning and caring for your completed blanket.

What Is A Crocheted Baby Blanket?

A baby crochet blanket is a small and soft blanket that is handmade by employing yarn and a crochet hook. It is ideal among newborns. You don’t need to follow complicated designs—basic stitches are enough to craft a lovely piece. These blankets are a favourite choice for gifting, especially at baby showers. 

While some are made with a simple look, others feature classic patterns, such as granny squares or gentle ripples. Making baby blankets with crochet is, in many ways, possible. To make a thin summer wrap, you can go with light yarn, but you can use heavy yarn to make it feel warmer. 

Blankets may be tiny when limited to the infants or larger when allowed to play on the floor.

Baby blankets are made of crocheted material; therefore, they cannot hurt any baby, and they are gentle. Thus, being spent at home, during the trip, or in a crib, these blankets are helpful and caring.

Items Required to Start Crocheting a Baby Blanket

You will need these consumables for your baby’s blanket to have the most essential supplies for now.

ItemPurpose
YarnTake acrylic or cotton yarn, as they are soft.
Crochet HookTake a point according to the yarn you are using (normally 5mm – 6.5mm on a fundamental level)
ScissorsTo cut the ends of the yarn
Yarn NeedleAssists in weaving up the loose ends of yarn on completion
Stitch MarkersMarks the counts and the ends of stitches
Measuring TapeTo measure the size.

This can be purchased at the local craft stores or online at places such as Walmart, Amazon or hobby websites. So, select materials that are easily washable without harming the baby’s skin, safe, and uncomplicated.

Deciding on Dimensions for Crocheting a Baby Blanket

Size is an important detail when learning to crochet a baby blanket. Baby blankets vary according to age and purpose, and this is why they are designed in different sizes. Concentrating on the smaller size may speed up the project and simplify its completion. The average sizes of babies’ blankets are as follows:

  • Preemie Blanket: An 18×20-inch blanket would suit the smallest newborns or serve as a blanket in the NICU, making it a fast and easy-sewing project that would be a good first project.
  • Newborn Blanket: A newborn blanket is a square measuring 30 x 30 inches, allowing a baby to wrap up close, tight, and soft, making it both portable and cosy.
  • Infant Blanket: The size of 34 by 36 inches is good as it fits better in a crib or a stroller, and the baby can have more space to stretch and move around the bed.
  • Toddler Blanket: A 36-inch by 48-inch blanket, this is a larger blanket that is perfect for use with toddlers to take a nap, at bedtime, or even at daycare.

Start with a preemie or newborn blanket if you’re a beginner. It not only teaches you the main steps, but it also prevents you from feeling overwhelmed. In short, when you are assured, you may use bigger sizes with older infants or toddlers.

How to Crochet a Baby Blanket Easily

The crochet design of the baby blanket is simple. Place a slip knot and a chain. One or two crochets are simple stitches that can be used, row after row. Retain your edges straight. Therefore, one day and another, you shall have a childish white and warm blanket. So we will learn how to crochet a baby blanket Step by Step:

  • Step 1: Slip Knot: Put the yarn around your finger, then with one of them grab and run it through the loop and grab it on the other side, so now you have a slip knot.
  • Step 2: Forming the foundation chain: Sew a chain of chain stitches with the aid of your hook. Hence, this will determine the width of your baby blanket as a whole.
  • Step 3: Choose a simple stitch, either the simple crochet or the double crochet. Because these are perfect to study.
  • Step 4: Add More Rows: You are supposed to revise the project in between the rows. Keep sewing until you achieve the desired size of your blanket.
  • Step 5: Tie Off and Weave In: Tie off the yarn and, using a yarn needle, tuck the ends into the final loop.

How to Crochet a Baby Blanket: Step by Step With Pictures Illustration

Pictures help you learn each Step with ease. They show what the stitches should look like. From starting your chain to finishing the edges, visuals make it simple to follow. Short steps with images help avoid mistakes. Continue to see each part explained in a straightforward and easy-to-understand way.

Step 1: Make a Slip Knot

Pick up your yarn. Wrap it around your finger gently. Pull a small loop through to make your first knot. Finally, this is where you will begin. 

Step 2: Make the Base Chain

Hold your hook and yarn. Draw the yarn through the starting loop to begin forming your chain stitches. Keep adding loops. This chain determines the width of your blanket. Don’t make it too tight. Take your time and keep the loops even.

Step 3: Commence the First Row

Take a hook, and insert it into the second chain at the end, and start the first easy stitch, such as single or double crochet. On the row, work a loop at a time. Keep hands relaxed. Particularly, this row makes the foundation of your blanket.

Step 4: Increase the Number of Rows

Turn your project after you complete a row to start a new row of needles. Continue the back-and-forth crochet. Inspect your stitches to ensure they remain even. Continue that way until your blanket is as long as you desire. So, the blanket will expand with every new row.

Step 5: Complete and Cover Ends

Trim the yarn on a final stitch. Put it through the last loop and close. Weave any loose yarn in with a yarn needle. Finally, tuck the ends of stitches to make them tidy. 

Haven’t you understood yet? Watch this Youtube Video for your easy understanding:

How to Create a Crochet Baby Blanket Border

Adding a beautiful border to your blanket is possible. You may also do single crochet or shell stitches to get a wavy edge. In short, the simple stitches will help your blanket to appear full and unique.

Pattern Choices for Easy Crochet Baby Blankets

As a beginning learner on how to crochet a baby blanket, learning will be interesting and easy when you begin with the simple designs. You are afforded a wide range of choices with various textures and styles based on the look and feel you desire. These are some fine patterns to essay:

1. Easy Single Stitch Blanket

It is ideal for beginners, as it helps them gain confidence and produces a clean, tight fabric that is both soft and strong.

2. Granny Square Blanket

An age-old design starting in the middle and going out in rounds. Its construction is simple, it is created by repeating blocks of stitches, hence your blanket can be squared out Step by Step. This is wonderful when you want to use a different colour and other pieces of yarn.

3. Chevron Blanket or Ripple Blanket

This wave flow pattern makes your blanket look zigzag in nature. It incorporates some basic rises and falls to form the mountains and valleys, using double crochet stitches. The ripple appearance is calming and has a hint of spice to it.

4. Thick Yarn Blanket

Bulky yarn or thick yarn helps you finish your project fast. This blanket will come out thicker and warmer, making it suitable for colder times or as part of a warm nursery.

They are easy to perform, enjoyable to knit, and very good when you are searching to learn how to crochet a baby blanket without complex methods.

A Guide to Crochet Blanket Baby using Various Types of Yarn

Whatever yarn you use can alter everything, including the texture of the project and the speed at which you complete it. Thick, warm blankets are made of some yarns, whereas some of them are light and warm to be used in the warmer seasons. Three of the most common ones that you can attempt are:

1. How to Crochet a Baby Blanket with Thick Yarn

Baby blankets are best when they are made of thick yarn that can warm your kids and keep them cosy. It uses a slow setting speed and yields a tender, fulfilling feel. It is a favourable choice when you do not have enough time or want to attain immediate success. Then use a big hook large enough, say size N, to keep up free-flowing stitches. It prevents the blanket from becoming rigid. 

2. How to Crochet a Baby Blanket with Thin Yarn

The yarn used should be as fine as it is, accompanied by a smaller hook, e.g., size G. Your seams will be clean; it may just be time-consuming. It is perfect for those who prefer a light and airy blanket.

3. How to Crochet a Baby Blanket with Bern Yarn

The yarn of Bernat Baby Blanket is very thick, soft, and therefore easy to work with. It is baby-specific, that is, gentle to the skin and can be applied to baby products. It is a yarn that is not too advanced and is suitable only for simple and slow patterns. Best results can be achieved with a larger hook. The blanket that was done feels soft and fluffy. The Bernat yarns are also washable and therefore suitable for day-to-day usage.

Video Tutorial of how to crochet a baby blanket

The best and easiest method of learning how to crochet a baby blanket would be to watch the video, in case you are not an expert yet. The use of video tutorials will be simple to describe, showing you how to manipulate your yarn, hold your hook, and work each of your stitches Step by Step. The following are some of the kinds of videos that may be useful to watch:

  • Step-by-Step Tutorials
    They take you through each section Step by Step and clearly, with simple stitching and designs.
  • Bernat baby blanket yarn
    Bernat Baby Blanket yarn, in particular, has videos specifically designed to demonstrate how to work with it, as the yarn is a chunky and airy weight.
  • Begin from the Middle
    Find out how to knit round or square blankets, which are started in the middle and increase around or in a block design.
  • Fast and Simple Baby Blankets
    It is ideal when your requirements involve quick projects – these tutorials include simple stitches and thick yarn, which produce a fast result.

Select something that can suit your speed, watch it, and have fun creating beauty out of yarn into a handcrafted work. By clicking this link, you can also get the video tutorial:

Final Thoughts

Making a baby blanket is a very simple and very pleasant craft. It’s a lovely activity that allows you to relax while creating something special for a toddler. It’s something you can personalise for a newborn, a baby shower, or just because; you can use brighter colours, kiddie prints, or light pastels. The greatest thing? You created it yourself. Grab your hook, grab your yarn, and make a special cosy of your own- a special keepsake for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How large is a baby blanket?

It is age-dependent. Blankets given to newborn babies are usually 30×30, whereas the ones given to toddlers can be as much as 36×48.

Can I work with thin yarn in the making of a baby blanket?

One can, yes, and crochet with light, airy blankets with thin yarn. The hook should be small and have a regular tension.

How do I get a YouTube video on crocheting a baby blanket?

The search term, which you should look up on YouTube, is, of course, how to crochet a baby blanket. It will reveal time-slowed, free videos that are perfect for beginners.

How to crochet a baby blanket from the middle?

Use a pattern that starts in the middle, such as a granny square or circular pattern that rounds outward, until you achieve the desired size.

Is it possible to wash a crochet baby blanket?

A majority of yarns can be cleaned in cold water on a gentle wash, and always refer to the yarn label for specific instructions.

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