Easy Stitch Crochet Baby Blanket Pattern

This easy crochet baby blanket uses alternating rows of single crochet and double crochet. The single crochet rows give the fabric structure, while the double crochet rows add a soft, simple texture.

The blanket is worked flat in one piece, then finished with a single crochet border. There are no seams or complicated stitch repeats. Choose one color for a plain blanket, or change colors after any two-row repeat.

The instructions below are written for this blanket. Finished measurements and yarn use may vary with your tension.

Skill level: Beginner
Terminology: US crochet terms

Finished Sizes

Measurements include a border approximately 1 inch wide on each side.

Instructions are written as Small (Medium, Large). When only one number appears, it applies to all sizes.

Gauge

14 sts = 4 inches, measured across the main stitch pattern after washing and drying the swatch.

Row height can vary, so work the blanket to the stated length rather than a fixed row count.

To check your gauge:

1. Ch 23.
2. Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each remaining ch. You will have 22 sts.
3. Alternate the dc and sc rows given in the blanket instructions until the swatch is approximately 6 inches tall.
4. Wash and dry it according to the yarn label.
5. Measure the stitches across the center, away from the edges.

If you have more than 14 sts across 4 inches, try a larger hook. If you have fewer, try a smaller hook.

Materials

• Yarn: Smooth, washable DK-weight yarn, also labeled light or category 3.
• Estimated yarn amount:
  • Small: 750–950 yards.
  • Medium: 1,050–1,350 yards.
  • Large: 1,450–1,800 yards.
• Crochet hook: 4.5 mm, or the size needed to meet gauge.
• Tapestry needle: For weaving in yarn ends.
• Scissors.
• Measuring tape.
• Stitch markers: For marking row ends and border corners.

Yarn amounts are estimates. Fiber type, tension, and border width will affect how much you need.

Stitches

• Chain: Yarn over and pull through the loop on the hook.
• Single Crochet: Insert the hook into the indicated stitch. Yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through both loops on the hook.
• Double Crochet: Yarn over and insert the hook into the indicated stitch. Yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through two loops. Yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops.
• Slip Stitch: Insert the hook into the indicated stitch. Yarn over and pull through the stitch and the loop on the hook.

Notes

• Work through both loops of each stitch unless instructed otherwise.
• Turning chains do not count as stitches.
• Work the first stitch of each row into the first stitch directly below it.
• Do not work into the turning chain at the end of a row.
• Keep the same stitch count throughout the main blanket.
• Mark the first and last stitch of each row if the edges are hard to identify.
• Measure the blanket on a flat surface without stretching it.
• Finish the main blanket after a single crochet row.
• To adjust the width, use any starting chain length. Your stitch count will be one fewer than your starting chain.
• Avoid loose fringe, buttons, or other detachable decorations on a baby blanket. Use the finished blanket for supervised use; keep loose blankets out of an infant’s sleep space.

Abbreviations

• ch: Chain.
• sc: Single crochet.
• dc: Double crochet.
• sl st: Slip stitch.
• st / sts: Stitch / stitches.
• rep: Repeat.
• rnd: Round.
• RS: Right side.
• approx.: Approximately.

Pattern Instructions

Step 1: Make the Foundation Chain

Ch 85 (106, 127) loosely.

If the chain feels tight, use a hook one size larger for the foundation chain only. Return to your main hook before working Row 1.

Step 2: Work Row 1

Row 1: Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across. Turn.

Stitch count: 84 (105, 126) sc.

Count your stitches before continuing. This count stays the same throughout the main blanket.

Step 3: Work the First Double Crochet Row

Row 2: Ch 2, dc in each st across. Turn.

Stitch count: 84 (105, 126) dc.

The ch-2 does not count as a st. Work the final dc into the last sc of the previous row.

Step 4: Work the Next Single Crochet Row

Row 3: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn.

Stitch count: 84 (105, 126) sc.

Do not work into the ch-2 at the edge.

Step 5: Repeat the Stitch Pattern

Rep Rows 2–3 until the main blanket measures approx.:

• Small: 30 inches long.
• Medium: 36 inches long.
• Large: 42 inches long.

End after a Row 3 repeat.

Before adding the border, the main blanket should measure approx. 24 × 30 (30 × 36, 36 × 42) inches.

Do not fasten off.

Step 6: Work the First Border Round

This round creates an even edge for the remaining border rounds.

Choose either face as the RS and keep it facing you while working the border. Continue around the blanket without turning between rnds.

Rnd 1:

1. Ch 1.
2. Work 3 sc into the first corner st. Place a marker in the middle sc.
3. Sc across the top edge, stopping before the last st.
4. Work 3 sc into the last st. Mark the middle sc.
5. Work down the first side edge. As a starting guide, work 1 sc into the end of each sc row and 2 sc into the end of each dc row.
6. At the lower corner, work 3 sc into the first unused foundation ch. Mark the middle sc.
7. Sc across the foundation edge, stopping before the final ch.
8. Work 3 sc into the final foundation ch. Mark the middle sc.
9. Work up the remaining side edge, using the same spacing as the first side.
10. Join with a sl st to the first sc.

Do not add extra sts into the corners after completing each side.

Lay the blanket flat. If a side ripples, remove a few evenly spaced sts along that side. If it pulls inward, add a few evenly spaced sts. The row-end spacing is a guide; your tension determines the best fit.

Step 7: Build the Border

Sl st into the next marked corner st.

Rnd 2:

1. Ch 1.
2. Work 3 sc into the marked corner st.
3. Move the marker to the middle sc of the new corner group.
4. Sc in each st to the next marked corner.
5. Work 3 sc into that corner st and move the marker to the middle sc.
6. Continue around, working 1 sc in each regular st and 3 sc in each marked corner st.
7. Join with a sl st to the first sc.

Rep Rnd 2 until the border measures approx. 1 inch from the edge of the main blanket. Sl st into the next marked corner before starting each new rnd.

Keep checking that the blanket lies flat.

Step 8: Fasten Off

After joining the final rnd:

1. Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail.
2. Pull the tail through the loop on the hook.
3. Weave the tail through the backs of several sts, then reverse direction to secure it.
4. Weave in all remaining ends.
5. Remove the stitch markers.

Step 9: Wash and Shape

Wash according to the yarn label. Gently shape the blanket into a rectangle and dry as directed.

Smooth the edges without pulling them tightly. Once dry, check that all yarn ends are secure.