Scarves and coasters are among the most straightforward projects for beginner crocheters. But if you’re ready to take on a larger crochet project, learn how to crochet a blanket! One of the wonders of crochet is that you can create big items like a crochet blanket with only a few easy stitches. Most beginner crochet blanket projects have a repetitive pattern without complicated terms and techniques.
GETTING STARTED ON HOW TO CROCHET A BLANKET
A crocheted blanket is also referred to as an afghan blanket or a throw. Something smaller than a king or queen-sized blanket, typically used on a couch or as a decorative item. Using a simple pattern, you can customize your first blanket with different colors and textures. You can also easily alter the blanket size to your liking by changing the number of starting chain stitches according to the amount of pattern repetition.
To start, all you need is a pattern, which can be found in crochet books or online; some come with a fee, and some are free. If you need help selecting a free crochet pattern, check out our list at the end of this guide. Next, gather all the necessary supplies, and off you go!
THE RIGHT YARN & CROCHET HOOK FOR A CROCHET AFGHAN
Understanding how to crochet a blanket is simple, but choosing the right yarn and crochet hook with so many options in the market might be confusing. Just remember, the type of yarn depends on what the blanket is used for and the kind of texture you’re going for. If you want a thin summer blanket, you will go for a DK weight yarn in cotton or linen. They’re great for creating a lacy crochet afghan blanket that is breathable and lightweight. On the other hand, if you’re making a blanket for the winter, you’d want a thick and durable material. Worsted weight yarn or chunky yarn in wool, acrylic, or chenille make some of the softest and warmest blankets.
As for the crochet hook, the two main aspects to look out for are the hook’s material and the hook size. You should pair bulky yarns with a large crochet hook and light yarns with a small hook. For a crochet afghan blanket, it is best to use an aluminum hook with a size of 5 mm/H or above. A tool that is smooth, sturdy, and not too big or small to grip. Apart from a crochet hook and skeins of yarn, having a yarn needle, measuring tape, stitch markers, and scissors are also helpful.
Keep in mind that some countries use a different labeling system for crochet hooks. Like yarns, it’s essential to check and convert the hook sizes accordingly so that your project doesn’t look different from what you anticipated.
USEFUL TECHNIQUES FOR AFGHAN BLANKETS
You must first learn the fundamentals if you’re new to crochet. Please read our detailed guide to crochet for beginners, where we talk about the nitty-gritty of mastering the art of crochet. Getting the basics down on how to make a crochet blanket isn’t that difficult once you understand the concept. Meanwhile, here are some tips you may find convenient before crocheting a cozy blanket.
– Changing yarn colors
Not all crochet afghan blanket patterns call for a color change, but it adds style to your piece. This technique may sound intimidating, but it’s a basic technique all beginners should learn. Click the link to learn how to change yarn colors in crochet. After mastering the skills, you will be able to create colorwork pieces for many crochet afghan patterns.
– Basic Crochet Stitches
Most afghan blankets can be accomplished using only one or two simple crochet stitches, but some might require more than two different crochet stitches. Here are the basic crochet stitches that are commonly found in crochet blanket patterns.
Knowing these stitches is essential for beginners as it can get you through any easy crochet blanket pattern.
– Common Blanket Stitch Patterns
Stitch patterns are made up of a combination of crochet stitches that will determine what your fabric will look like. You can produce bumpy, lacy, striped, or braided textures by repeating a series of stitches in rows. The most popular stitch patterns for a crochet blanket include:
- moss stitch,
- chevron stitch,
- shell stitch,
- granny stripe stitch,
- granny squares, and
- classic V-stitch.
They all comprise simple stitches that create intricate designs that are a joy to work up.
A crochet afghan blanket can be very flexible. You can either follow the written instructions down to T or change the design by downsizing, upsizing, or adding color. The countless color combinations and various stitch patterns allow you to crochet unique and beautiful blankets. It’ll make a perfect gift and also great for personal use.
FREE CROCHET AFGHAN BLANKET PATTERNS
Here is a collection of free crochet blanket patterns for beginner to advanced-level crocheters. For your convenience, we’ve listed the skill level, the yarn weight used, and some key stitches required for each design. You can find the crochet pattern with the written instructions and view the complete list of crochet stitches by clicking on the links.
We hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to crochet a blanket for a beginner. You can finally go shopping for some hooks and yarns for your first project. Happy Crocheting!
Free Crochet Blanket Patterns
Apart from granny squares or other motif patterns, most crochet afghans begin with a foundation row of chain stitches. Abbreviations (in US terms): Single crochet (sc), Half double crochet (hdc), Double crochet (dc), Treble crochet (tr), Double crochet two together (dc2tog).
Easy Crochet Afghan Pattern (8 Sizes)
This crochet blanket is worked with only two types of basic stitches. It comes in eight different sizes, so you don't need to do the calculations yourself; an excellent choice for those new to crochet.
Skills: Beginner
Yarn Weight: Worsted, #4
Stitches: SC, DC
Granny Stripe Crochet Blanket
Granny stripes are one of the most popular afghan patterns for beginners. The design may look complex, but it's an easy pattern and you'll get the hang of it after one or two rows. Go for bold colors to flaunt the classic pattern!
Skills: Beginner
Yarn Weight: Worsted, #4
Stitches: SC, DC
Easy Chevron Blanket Crochet Pattern
The chevron stitch presents a zig-zag pattern of "peaks and valleys." In this written pattern, you’ll work with the sc2tog, also known as a decrease, to turn two stitches into one. It's often seen in amigurumi projects, but you will use it here to create the "valleys."
Skills: Beginner
Yarn Weight: Worsted, #4
Stitches: SC, DC2TOG
Modern Double Crochet V-Stitch Blanket
Here’s a simple repeat pattern that works up super fast. Keep in mind that the V-shaped stitches are created rather loosely, resulting in a light, breathable blanket.
Skills: Beginner
Yarn Weight: Worsted, #4
Stitches: SC, DC
Moss Stitch Blanket
Create this beautiful knit-like or woven texture blanket! This specific pattern begins with 100 chain stitches, but you can alter the size by increasing or decreasing it to any even number of stitches.
Skills: Beginner
Yarn Weight: Bulky, #5
Stitches: SC
Caron Satisfying Shell Stitch Crochet Blanket
Shell stitches make an excellent decorative element to any crochet project. You can crochet it in a single or two colors like the picture above to showcase the elegant shell textures.
Skills: Beginner
Yarn Weight: Worsted, #4
Stitches: SC, DC
Victorian Crochet Lace Pattern
Make this graceful afghan a decorative display for your craft or reading room! It’s a timeless design that would fit perfectly with any antique type of furniture.
Skills: Beginner
Yarn Weight: Worsted, #4
Stitches: DC, TR
Crochet Teal Gingham Blanket
This free pattern works with two different crochet hook sizes and three similar shades of color to create a unique design. It may sound complicated, but the video tutorial makes it easy to follow.
Skills: Intermediate
Yarn weight: Worsted weight
Stitches: SC, DC, HDC
For the Love of Texture Afghan
This lovely color palette and texture create the warmest-looking crochet afghan blanket. The Pixie Creates’s free pattern includes video tutorials on working the special stitches.
Skills: Intermediate
Yarn Weight: Worsted, #4
Stitches: SC, HDC, Puff Stitch
Willow Chair Crochet Throw Blanket Pattern
This three-stitch blanket is designed for adventurous beginners who want to expand their skills. The chunky yarn makes it a quick project to work with. Plus, let’s appreciate the gorgeous bold colorwork in this crochet afghan!
Skills: Intermediate
Yarn Weight: DK, #3
Stitches: SC, DC, TR
Happy Lark Crochet Scrap Blanket
Here’s a dashing design formed by a special stitch pattern known as spike stitches. The best part is that it can be personalized into any color you like; just gather the leftover yarn from your stash, and you’re good to go!
Skills: Intermediate
Yarn Weight: Worsted, #4
Stitches: CH, SC, DC, DC Spike
Vintage Lola Crochet Ripple Throw Pattern
This warm and chunky crochet blanket is made with super bulky yarn. The little bobbles produce a fantastic sense of touch.
Skills: Intermediate
Yarn Weight: Super Bulky, #6
Stitches: DC, Bobble stitches
Cascade Baby Blanket
Think of this pattern as a chevron blanket with a twist. The long stitches stretching over the top from one row to another give the afghan an interesting texture.
Skill: Intermediate
Yarn Weight: Fine, #2 & Medium, #4
Stitches: SC, HDC, DC, DC2TOG, Double Treble Crochet
Bernat Pop! Pop! Popcorn Crochet Snuggle Sack
Made with a combination of three types of Bernat yarns, this afghan would be a playful addition to any home movie theater. The free tutorial includes two sizes and a diagram for the kernels to help you better visualize the pattern.
Skill: Intermediate
Yarn Weight: Super Bulky, #6
Stitches: DC, HDC
Neptune’s Stripes Blanket
You’ll be working with several special stitches in this pattern, so watch the video tutorial to help ease the process. If you wish to make the crochet afghan in other sizes, the tutorial also tells you how many chain stitches you need to begin with, the total number of rows, and the estimated yardage you need.
Skills: Intermediate
Yarn Weight: DK, #3
Stitches: SC, DC, DC2TOG
Sunburst Granny Square Blanket Crochet Pattern
Granny squares are like granny stripes; however, you will be crocheting in the round instead of making a foundation chain for your starting point. This free tutorial explains how to crochet non-repetitive granny colors and how to build a blanket of your desired size.
Skills: Advanced
Yarn Weight: DK, #3
Stitches: Refer to pattern
Red Heart Going in Circles Throw
If a round crochet blanket's hypnotizing colors and spirals make you dizzy, then you’ll love this calm pattern. It’s designed with an earth-tone shade with a large circle in the center surrounded by small circles.
Skill: Advanced
Yarn Weight: Worsted, #4
Stitches: Refer to pattern
CAL - Holiday Baubles Blanket
This CAL (crochet along) pattern is shared in nine parts with a step-by-step video tutorial for each ornament. You’ll make the festive squares individually, then join them together using the whip stitch.
Skill: Advanced
Yarn Weight: Worsted, #4
Stitches: Refer to pattern
Bo Peep Pure DK Hidden Treasures CAL
Keep yourselves busy if you’re planning to stay off-grid on a long holiday! This in-depth CAL afghan would make a unique gift for anyone.
Skill: Advanced
Yarn Weight: DK, #3
Stitches: Refer to pattern
Red Heart Rosebud Throw
This elegant piece is made in soft colors and a romantic design, making it a sweet gift for moms. The rosebud element requires the use of the cross-stitch technique.
Skill: Advanced
Yarn Weight: Worsted, #4
Stitches: Refer to pattern
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Savtie
Tuesday 18th of April 2023
would love to see the free pattern