A handmade blanket is a special gift for a child, but it will be even more so if you crochet it. You can make a blanket for a maternity party or for your baby by following one of these methods.
Steps
Method 1 of 6: Designing the Blanket
Step 1. Decide on the size
Baby blankets have various sizes. Before you start, decide which one you will do. Here are some for babies and children. A smaller size is perfect for a newborn; if you want it to be used longer, choose to make it bigger.
- Baby blanket - 73 x 73 cm
- Cot blanket - 73 x 110 cm
- Baby blanket - 81 x 121 cm
Step 2. Choose the yarn
There are yarns of different types. If you are a beginner it will be easier to use a soft one. In addition, each strand is divided by weight and thickness. Its weight determines how large the stitches will be and, therefore, the overall appearance and texture of the finished work, not forgetting that it also indicates the size of the crochet to use. It also affects how long it will take you to complete the job. You will find the weight written on the package; usually ranges from 0 (for lace) to 6 (extra strong). Here are some ideal choices for a cover.
- 1 - Very fine or fingering: great for light or lace covers.
- 2 - Fine or sporty: ideal for light but still enveloping blankets.
- 3 - Slightly carded or DK (Double Knit): perfect for light but very warm covers.
- 4 - Worsted Weight or coarse wool: heavier but very easy to work.
Step 3. Choose the crochet hook
Crochet hooks come in various sizes. In Italy they are indicated by numbers. The higher the number, the thicker the crochet (for example, a 2 will be thinner than a 4). In general, the heavier the yarn, the thicker the crochet will be. Here are some tips for choosing the right combination.
- Very fine: crochet 1 - 1, 5
- Sportsman: 3
- Lightly carded / DK: 6-7
- Worsted Weight: 7-8
Method 2 of 6: The Fundamentals: Chain and Stitches
Step 1. Learn the points
There are dozens of different stitches and techniques to crochet, but all of them mostly come from two basic stitches: the low stitch (or stitch), denoted by pb, and the high crochet, denoted by pa.
Step 2. Make a chain
A chain stitch, also called a base stitch, is literally the abc of crochet. Each self-respecting pattern will give you a number of starting chains. A chain, indicated with c or cat, is made up of several stitches. To get it, follow the instructions.
- Make a loop and mount it on the crochet hook. Leave at least 12 cm of thread at the end of the knot.
- Keep the hook on the right and the working thread on the left.
- Pull the yarn around the loop in a back-to-front motion (this is called a throw).
- Crochet the wrapped yarn through the first loop you made earlier.
- You now have a sweater and you should end up with a loop on the crochet hook.
- Continue until you have fitted the desired number of chain stitches or specified by the instructions.
Step 3. Learn to do the low point (pb)
The low point is the easiest and creates a tight texture. To make it happen:
- Start with a chain stitch. To practice, make one of 17 links.
- Make sure the straight part of the chain is facing up. You will recognize it because it looks like a long line of small "V's". The back, on the other hand, resembles many humps.
- Point the front hook and thread it into the second stitch from the beginning.
- Wrap the yarn on the hook.
- Pull the hook and the wrapped yarn through the stitch. You should end up with two loops on the crochet hook.
- Wrap the thread again.
- Pull the hook and thread through both loops.
- There should now be only one ring left and you should have created a low point.
- Going from right to left, continue making single crochet until the chain ends. Here is a full round at low point.
Step 4. Learn the high point (pa)
The high point is one of the most used and versatile points. It makes the texture solid but more flexible and softer than the low point. To make a high point:
- Start with a chain. To practice, make one with 19 links.
- Make sure the straight part of the chain is facing up. You recognize it because it looks like a long line of small "V's". The back, on the other hand, resembles many humps.
- Wrap the yarn on the hook.
- Point the hook to the front of the piece in the fourth stitch from the beginning.
- Pull the hook and the wrapped yarn through the stitch. You should end up with three loops on the crochet hook.
- Pull the hook and the wrapped yarn through the first two loops. You should end up with two stitches on the hook.
- Wrap the yarn again and pull it through both remaining stitches.
- Now there's only one left and you've got a high point.
- Going from right to left, keep double crocheting until you reach the end of the chain stitch. Here is a full high point loop.
Method 3 of 6: Low Point Blanket
Step 1. Start with a chain stitch
Use Worsted Weight yarn and a crochet hook 7. As you work, stop each pair of stitches and check that the chain does not roll up. If necessary, stretch it so that the sequence of "V" always looks upwards.
- For a 73 x 73 cover fit 150 chain stitches
- For a 73 x 110 cover fit 150 chains
- For an 81 x 121 blanket fit 175 chains
Step 2. Work the first row
Starting from the second stitch from the hook, work one round with single crochet. Try to get points as regular as possible.
Step 3. Make a chain to turn
To go from the first row to the second, you will need a chain to turn. A chain of this type is like a vertical bridge or a link between rows. The length of your chain varies depending on the type of stitches you use in your work.
When you get to the end of the first round, chain one stitch (1c). You will use it to turn. It will also be the first point of the following lap
Step 4. Work the second round
- Turn the piece bringing the back to the front and keep the hook to the right. The last point of the first lap has thus become the first of the second.
- Point the hook in the first stitch of the second round and make a single crochet.
- Continue until the end of the round.
Step 5. Continue like this until you have worked the number of turns you want
The exact number of turns depends on how tight your way of working is but here are some pointers:
- For a 73 x 73 cover you need about 70 spins
- For a 73 x 110 cover you need 105 rounds
- For a blanket 81 x 121 you need 110 gri
Step 6. Check how the work develops
It's a good idea to stop and check from time to time. To make sure you always have the same number of stitches on each round, count them. Check for errors. Measure with a measuring tape to see how much you miss. If you find a mistake, here's what you can do:
- Remove the hook from the loop and gently pull the thread. The work should begin to unravel.
- Keep unpacking until you get to the mistake. He also undoes the first shirt after the mistake.
- Resume work from that point.
Step 7. Finish the blanket
When it is long enough, finish the round. You can then add a border, stopping the yarn with the last stitch.
- For a simple border, turn the work around 90 °. Chain and point the hook in the corner. Do 3 pb in the corner. Continue around the edge to the next corner, make 3 pb and continue like this until you return to the starting point. If you wish, you can also take a second round.
- To finish, make a chain and a wide loop with the thread. Remove the hook from the ring and cut the yarn leaving some in the margin. Pull it through the ring and tie a knot.
- To hide the remaining thread, work on the wrong side. Sew the thread with a wool needle. Insert the needle into the lower part of several stitches for about 4-5 cm. Skip the last half of the last stitch but pass the needle through the same stitches for about 2 cm. Pull the thread and cut it close to the fabric.
Method 4 of 6: High Point Blanket
Step 1. Start with the chain stitch
Use Worsted Weight yarn and crochet 7. As you work, pause every so often and check that the chain stitch is straight. If not, turn it to always have the row of small "V" upwards.
- For a 73 x 73 cover fit 150 chain stitches
- For a 73 x 110 cover fit 150 chains
- For an 81 x 121 blanket fit 175 chains
Step 2. First round
Starting with the fourth chain stitch, work in double crochet along the entire chain. Try to score all points the same.
Step 3. Make a chain to turn
To go from the first row to the second, you will need a chain to turn. A chain of this type is like a vertical bridge or a link between rows. The length of your chain varies depending on the type of stitches you use in your work.
When you get to the end of the first round, do 3 c. You will use them to turn. The first will also be the first point of the following lap
Step 4. Work the second round
- Turn the piece bringing the back to the front and so that the hook is on the right. The last point of the first lap has thus become the first of the second.
- Skip the first stitch of the chain to turn. Point the hook in the second stitch of the first round and double crochet.
- Continue finishing the tour.
Step 5. Continue working until you have completed the desired number of laps
The exact number depends on how tight your job is, here are some pointers:
- For a 73 x 73 cover, do 48 rounds
- For a 73 x 110 cover, you need 72 rounds
- For a blanket 81 x 121, 80 turns
Step 6. Check how the work develops
It's a good idea to stop and check from time to time. To make sure you always have the same number of stitches on each round, count them. Check for errors. Measure with a measuring tape to see how much you miss. If you find a mistake, here's what you can do:
- Remove the hook from the loop and gently pull the thread. The work should begin to unravel.
- Keep unpacking until you get to the mistake. He also undoes the first shirt after the mistake.
- Resume work from that point.
Step 7. Finish the blanket
When it is long enough, finish the round. You can then add a border, stopping the yarn with the last stitch.
- For a simple border, turn the work around 90 °. Chain and point the hook in the corner. Do 3 pb in the corner. Continue around the edge to the next corner, make 3 pb and continue like this until you return to the starting point. If you wish, you can also take a second round.
- To finish, make a chain and a wide loop with the thread. Remove the hook from the ring and cut the yarn leaving some in the margin. Pull it through the ring and tie a knot.
- To hide the remaining thread, work on the wrong side. Sew the thread with a wool needle. Insert the needle into the lower part of several stitches for about 4-5 cm. Skip the last half of the last stitch, but pass the needle through the same stitches for about 2 cm. Pull the thread and cut it close to the fabric.
Method 5 of 6: Granny's Blanket
Step 1. Study the pattern and technique
A grandmother's blanket is made up of many parts with a high stitch and chain stitch. It is worked in the round instead of in rows and squares are formed. By joining these squares, not only blankets can be created, but many other things as well. However, it is easy to make such a blanket, as it is essentially a single large square.
Step 2. Start with a ring
A square originates from a circle of chains joined by a slip stitch.
- Use Worsted Weight yarn, a 7 crochet hook and make 6 c.
- To make a slip stitch, point the hook in the first stitch, make the yarn over and pull the yarn through the stitch. There are now two stitches on the hook.
- Pass the shirt you just made through the one that precedes it. Here is the headband.
Step 3. Make a basic circle
To work the circle at the base of the square, the stitches will be worked in the center of the ring instead of on the chain stitch.
- 3 c. This three-stitch chain is like the turning chain and counts as the first stitch of the new round. Make a yarn over, then point the crochet hook to the center of the ring. 2 pa. 2 c. Make 3 pa in the ring and 2 c. Repeat two more times.
- Insert the hook in the third stitch of the chain to turn and with a slip stitch close the circle.
- Look at your circle and you will see that the groups of three high points form the sides of the square while the two chains are the corners.
Step 4. Work the second round
This turn enlarges the circle.
- Skip the first three steps until you get to the corner.
- Working the stitches in the corner make three chain stitches (3c). Then two double crochet, two chain stitches and three double crochet (2 pa, 3 c, 3 pa).
- You now have one of the sides of the square. Two chains to "pass over" those points. In the following corner 3 pa, 2 c, 3 pa.
- 2 more c, then continue until you return to the starting point.
- Join with a slip stitch.
Step 5. Third round
It serves to further expand the square.
- Skip the first three points to the corner.
- In the corner, 3 c. Then 2 pa, 2 c and 3 pa.
- Skip the next 3 pa. You are now working on the two chain stitches from the previous round. In that space, 3 pa.
- In the following corner, 3 pa, 2 c and 3 pa. In the following two chains, 3 pa.
- Continue until you return to the beginning.
- Join with a slip stitch.
Step 6. Keep working
Repeat the third round until the blanket is the size you want.
Step 7. Finish the blanket
You can then add a border, stopping the yarn with the last stitch.
- For a simple edging, 1 c then point the hook in the corner. 3 low points in the corner. Continue single crochet all along the edge to the next corner, make 3 pb in the corner and continue like this until you return to the starting point. If you wish you can add a second round.
- To finish, a chain and a wide ring. Remove the hook from the ring and cut the yarn leaving some in the margin. Pull it through the ring and tie a knot.
- To hide the remaining thread, stand on the back of the work. Sew the thread with a wool needle. Insert the needle into the lower part of several stitches for about 4-5 cm. Skip the last half of the last stitch but pass the needle through the same stitches for about 2 cm. Pull the thread and cut it right next to the work.
Method 6 of 6: Decorations (Optional)
Step 1. Beautify your blanket further
The instructions for doing this are explained above, this part refers to more interesting ways to give your blanket a little more flair.
Step 2. Add some fringes
Fringes are the simplest decoration for a blanket. Here are the instructions for making fringes.
- Decide how long you want them then get a card or something of the same size (a CD case, a book, etc.). Example: if you want to make fringes that are 6 cm long, find something that is 6 cm wide.
- Wrap the yarn around the card several times.
- With a pair of scissors, cut the yarn in half. You will get strands that are twice as long as you want.
- Take a crochet hook and insert it into the stitch that the blanket ends with.
- Now join two strands and fold them in half creating a loop.
- Insert the hook into the loop and pull it through the blanket.
- Remove the hook and tie a knot in the threads you have just inserted into the blanket. Gently squeeze.
- Skip a couple of stitches and add another fringe. Continue until the blanket is finished, adding the last fringe to the opposite side.
Step 3. Make a two-tone border
A simple low stitch border becomes interesting if it's two-tone. Here's how to proceed. Follow the instructions for making the low stitch border around the blanket. The color must be replaced on the last round.
- To change the colors, work the last single crochet with color A until two stitches remain on the hook.
- Leave color A and go to B.
- Wrap the yarn in color B on the hook and pass it through the two stitches to finish the stitch.
- Leaving a tail, cut strand A.
- Continue with yarn B until you reach the end of the round. Slip stitch to close and stop the threads.
Step 4. Add a clamshell border
A clamshell border is a classic for decorating a baby blanket. To make it, follow these instructions.
- Low point around the profile of the blanket, 3 pb on the corners.
- Slip stitch in the first stitch.
- Skip one stitch, 5 pa in the next one then skip one stitch again. Follow this pattern to the end of the side.
- When you get to the corner, 1 c, slip stitch in the first stitch on the next side and continue the pattern.
- Continue circling the blanket until you return to the starting point. A slip stitch in the first stitch, cut and fasten the yarn.
