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Do you want to learn how to crochet a blanket? It’s easier than you might think!
In this article, we teach you the basics of crocheting a blanket – from selecting the right yarn and pattern all the way to weaving in the ends.And at the end, we’ll share a free pattern for a chunky crochet blanket.
Table of Contents
Crocheting a Blanket
If you’re new to crochet, the idea of making a blanket might seem overwhelming. Blankets are a relatively large project, after all!
But, with the right pattern, crocheting a blanket can be easy and enjoyable. This tutorial will give you the tools and techniques you need to make a beautiful crochet blanket that will last for years to come. Grab your yarn, and let’s get started!
Prefer the PDF version?
Grab the ad-free, printable PDF pattern. Download and print at home, or view on your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Buy the Pattern
Can beginners crochet a blanket?
Crocheting a blanket is a great project, even for beginners. It might seem intimidating, but when you break it down, a blanket is just a big rectangle! So, once you’re comfortable with the basic crochet stitches, you’re ready to make a cozy blanket to keep you warm all winter.
New to crochet?You might want to start with our How to Crochet beginner’s guide and our 6 Basic Crochet Stitches tutorial.
How to Crochet a Blanket
Here are the basic steps for crocheting a blanket. We’ll go over them briefly here, and more in-depth later on.
- Choose your pattern. For beginners, we recommend starting with a simple rectangle blanket in an easy stitch pattern. Half double crochet, double crochet, or moss stitch are all good choices. (Bonus: You’ll find a free pattern for a chunky crochet blanket a little later in this post.)
- Gather your supplies. After you’ve chosen a pattern, you can select your yarn and an appropriately sized crochet hook. Make sure to check your gauge, and go up or down in hook size until your gauge matches the pattern gauge.
- Start crocheting!Follow your crochet pattern instructions to start crocheting your blanket. Keep track of the number of stitches you work in each row, and track your progress with stitch makers or a row counter.
- Finish your blanket. Once you’ve finished crocheting all the rows, consider adding a border to give your blanket a neat finish. Then, weave in your yarn ends.
- Enjoy your finished blanket!After completing your project, take a step back and admire all the hard work you’ve done. Then, enjoy snuggling up with your beautiful new blanket!
Let’s go through each of the steps in a bit more detail.
Step 1: Choosing a Crochet Blanket Pattern
When selecting a blanket pattern, there are a few things to consider.
Skill Level: It’s important to choose a pattern that’s appropriate for your skill level. Especially for your first blanket, you want something a little challenging so that it will keep your interest, but nothing so hard that you get frustrated or overwhelmed. If this is your first blanket, consider an easy pattern like hdc ribbing (like you’ll find in the pattern below!).
Blanket Size: The next thing to consider is the finished size of your blanket. Blankets can be made in a wide variety of sizes, from small baby blankets to large king-size bedspreads. Some blanket patterns are written for one size only, while others will give you a choice of sizes. A good choice for your first blanket is a throw size – large enough that you’ll enjoy using it, but not so large that it takes ages to finish.
Blanket Construction: Another thing to think about is how the blanket will be constructed. A blanket made in one piece is generally quicker and easier to make than a granny square blanket made of many small squares. We’d recommend a one-piece blanket for your first project, unless you really enjoy seaming.
Yarn Weight: The last thing to consider when choosing a pattern is the yarn weight it calls for. Blankets made in bulkier yarns will work up more quickly than patterns made in thinner yarns. They’ll also be much heavier. So, for example, bulky yarns would be a great choice for a cozy winter throw blanket, but they wouldn’t be a good choice for a summertime baby blanket.
Step 2: Choosing Your Yarn and Hook
Then, with your pattern in hand, you can purchase your yarn. Here are the basic supplies you’ll need to crochet a blanket.
- Yarn.You can use all sorts of yarn to crochet blankets, from lighter Sport and DK weight yarns, all the way to Super-Bulky weight yarns.
- Crochet Hook.When shopping for a crochet hook, choose one that’s the appropriate size for the yarn weight. Check the pattern or read the yarn label to see what size it recommends.
- Stitch Markers.Stitch markers can help you count your stitches, and keep track of where you are in a pattern.
- Tapestry Needle.Use a tapestry needle or other blunt-tipped yarn needle to weave in your yarn tails at the end of your project.
- Measuring Tape.Use a measuring tape to measure your crochet gauge, and keep track of your blanket’s size as you crochet.
Our Favorite Yarn for Blankets
For blankets, we recommend choosing a soft and durable yarn that’s easy to wash and dry. Here are some popular choices:
- Lion Brand Thick and Quick:This is a super-bulky weight yarn that works up quickly, and comes in a ton of colors. We’ll use this yarn in the pattern below.
- Red Heart Super Saver:This is an affordable acrylic yarn that many crocheters swear by. It’s worsted weight, so it will make a slightly thinner blanket.
- Lion Brand Mandala Ombre:This color-changing yarn is great for making striped blankets without a lot of ends to weave in at the end.
- Brava Worsted:This is a super soft and relatively affordable acrylic yarn in worsted weight.
- Lion Brand Baby Soft:Finally, this is a lighter-weight acrylic yarn that’s a classic choice for soft baby blankets.
Step 3: Crocheting the Pattern
Once you’ve gathered your supplies, it’s time to start crocheting!
As with any crochet project, we recommend reading through the entire pattern to make sure you understand all of the stitches and instructions.If you need clarification on a particular stitch or technique, we’ve got a lot of tutorials to help guide you through it!
- Single Crochet
- Half Double Crochet
- Double Crochet
- Moss Stitch
- Shell Stitch
- How to Change Yarn Colors
- How to Weave in the Ends
Then, we recommend making a gauge swatch to ensure your gauge matches the designer’s gauge. If your gauge matches, you’ll end up with a blanket that’s the right size. If your gauge is too loose, choose a smaller crochet hook. Or, if your gauge is too tight, choose a larger crochet hook.
After that, follow the pattern directions to crochet your blanket. If you need help reading crochet patterns, check out this post: How to Read Crochet Patterns for Beginners
Step 4: Finishing the Blanket
Once your blanket is your desired size, you can give it a professional finish with a few final touches. Weave in any remaining ends, add a border, edging, or fringe if desired, and give it a good blocking to help even out any inconsistencies.
Crochet Throw Blanket Pattern
Now that you know how to crochet a blanket, here is a free pattern for a chunky striped blanket that you can use to practice your skills. This particular pattern makes a thick, cozy, heavy-weight blanket that’s perfect for warming up on cold nights. You can customize the look of this blanket by choosing different yarn colors, or varying the stripe pattern.
Prefer the PDF version?
Grab the ad-free, printable PDF pattern. Download and print at home, or view on your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Buy the Pattern
Skill Level:Beginner – Easy
Finished Size:Throw Size, 48 in by 54 in
Materials:Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick Yarn, 11 skeins.
- 6 skeins Fisherman(Color A)
- 3 skeins Butternut (Color B)
- 2 skeins Terracotta (Color C)
Hook:Size O-16 (12 mm)
Other Supplies:tapestry needle, measuring tape, stitch markers (optional)
Gauge:7 hdc and 5 rows = 4 in (10cm)
Be sure to check your gauge.
When you match the gauge in a pattern, your project will be the same size specified in the pattern. If your gauge is too tight, try a larger hook. If your gauge is too loose, try a smaller hook.
Stitch Abbreviations
- ch: chain
- hdc: half double crochet
- hdc blo: half double crochet back loop only
- st/s: stitch/es
Notes
- The pattern is written using US terms.
- The blanket is worked in one piece, in rows.
- Turning chain 2 does not count as a stitch.
- Yarn colors are changed to create stripes.
Stripe Sequence
Follow this color sequence to make a blanket like the one in the pictures. Or, feel free to design your own stripe sequence.
- Work starting chain and 6 rows with Color A
- 6 rows with B
- 6 rows with A
- 6 rows with C
- 6 rows with A
- 6 rows with B
- 6 rows with A
- 6 rows with C
- 6 rows with A
- 6 rows with B
- 6 rows with A
To change color, work the last stitch in the old color, stopping just before the last yarn over. Yarn over with the new color, and draw through loops on the hook to complete the stitch. Continue with the new color.
Blanket Instructions
Starting Chain.With Color A, ch 86.
Row 1:Hdc in 3rd chain from hook, and in each chain across. Turn. (84 sts)
Row 2-6:Ch 2. Hdc in first st, hdc blo in each st across until last st, hdc in last st. Turn. Change to color B in the last st of Row 6. (84 sts)
Repeat row 2, changing colors according to the Stripe Sequence (see Notes) until all 11 stripes are complete.
Finishing
Fasten off, and weave in ends.
Crochet Blanket Tips
To sum up, here are some tips for crocheting blankets:
Plan your design:Before you start crocheting, plan out the design of your blanket. Decide on the size, the color scheme, and the pattern you’ll use.
Count your stitches:It’s a good idea to count your stitches at the end of a row, especially as a beginner. This will help you avoid mistakes, and ensure that your blanket is a consistent size throughout.
Take your time:Crocheting a blanket can be a labor of love, so it’s essential to be patient and take your time. Don’t try to rush through the project, as this can lead to skipped stitches and inconsistent tension.
Keep track of your progress:It’s also a good idea to keep track of your progress. You can use a row counter, stitch markers, or a measuring tape to ensure you get the size you want.
Looking for More Crochet Projects?
Check out these other free tutorials:
- Crochet Ripple Baby Blanket (Free Pattern!)
- 27+ Free Crochet Baby Blanket Patterns
- 25+ Free Crochet Blanket and Afghan Patterns
- How to Crochet a Scarf for Beginners – Free Pattern
- Easy Crochet Hat Pattern – Chunky Ribbed Beanie
- Classic Crochet Baby Booties with Folded Cuff – Free Pattern
What’s Next?
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How to Crochet a Chunky Blanket
Yield: 1
Active Time: 10 hours
Total Time: 10 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Learn how to crochet a chunky blanket from start to finish - from selecting a pattern and yarn, to weaving in the ends and finishing your blanket.
Materials
- 6 skeins Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick Yarn, Fisherman(Color A)
- 3 skeins Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick Yarn, Butternut (Color B)
- 2 skeins Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick Yarn, Terracotta (Color C)
Tools
- Size O-16 (12 mm) crochet hook
- tapestry needle
- measuring tape
- stitch markers
Instructions
- Starting Chain.With Color A, ch 86.
- Row 1:Hdc in 3rd chain from hook, and in each chain across. Turn. (84 sts)
- Row 2-6:Ch 2. Hdc in first st, hdc blo in each st across until last st, hdc in last st. Turn. Change to color B in the last st of Row 6. (84 sts)
- Repeat row 2, changing colors according to the Stripe Sequence (see Notes) until all 11 stripes are complete.
- Fasten off, and weave in ends.
Notes
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Sarah Stearns Founder and Editor
Sarah Stearns has helped millions of makers find their next craft project with free patterns and step-by-step tutorials on her blog, sarahmaker.com. Read more.
With over a decade of experience in knitting and crochet, she has been featured in prominent publications like The New York Times, Scientific American, Good Housekeeping, Vox, Apartment Therapy, and Lifehacker.
