by Kathy Bieze

Created on: March 12, 2009   Last Updated: January 25, 2010

Crocheting blankets can be done in many ways. Thick or thin yarn can be used. Blankets, also known as afghans, can be large enough for a king size bed, or small enough for a doll bed. Knowing the basics of how to crochet will enable a crafter to be able to make beautiful warm blankets.

Here is a pattern for an blanket that I made up. It works out to be a nice throw size, which is wonderful for gift giving. It uses the Double Crochet stitch, and the Cross Stitch. There are only four rows of the cross stitch in the pattern. It is a nice way to learn a new stitch, and adds a bit of texture to the blanket.

Materials Needed

Red Hart Super Saver yarn was used in my pattern

Any medium worsted weight (size 4) yarn can be used

Main color 21 oz

Contrasting color A 14 oz

Contrasting color B 14oz

Hooks

Size I/9 (5.5mm)

Notions

Yarn needle

With main color chain 204

Row 1: Double crochet in the fourth chain from the hook and each chain across. Chain three. Turn.

Row 2-27: Double crochet in each double crochet across. Chain three. Turn. Finish off main color at the end of row 27.

Row 28: Join contrasting color A in end of row 27. Chain three. Work cross stitch. (Skip double crochet, double crochet in next stitch. Yarn over go behind stitch just made, double crochet in skipped stitch.) Continue across to end of row. Finish off contrasting color A.

Row 29-30: Join Contrasting color B in end of row 28. Chain three. Double crochet in each stitch across.

Row 31: Double crochet across. Finish off Contrasting color B.

Row 32: Join contrasting color A in end of row 31. Chain three. Work cross stitch (skip double crochet, double crochet in next stitch. Yarn over go behind stitch just made, double crochet in skipped stitch.) Continue across to end of row. Finish off contrasting color A.

Row 33: Attach main color at end of row 32. Double crochet in each double crochet across. Chain three. Turn.

Row 34-59: Double crochet in each double crochet across. Chain three. Turn. Finish off main color at the end of row 59.

Row 60: Repeat Row 28

Row 61-63: Repeat Rows 29-31

Row 64-90: Repeat Rows 33-59

Finish off. Weave in all ends. Enjoy!

By adding a border, fringe, or tassels this blanket can have a different look every time you make it.

Crocheting had crafted blankets to give as gifts is an enjoyable way to share your skills with friends and family. Blankets can be given for baby gifts, birthday gifts, holiday gifts, or even just to show you care. Many people make afghans to give to charities.

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