Crocheting A Blanket: The Simple Steps To Follow

If you have begun crocheting as a hobby, you may have reached the point where you want to try a project that allows you to see the outcome of your own personal creative style and artistry. If you are at this juncture in your crocheting journey, you may want to consider creating a blanket. Perhaps even the the thought of such a seemingly large project provokes anxiety in you, but no need to stress. With basic crocheting skills and a simple step-by-step format to follow, you can create your first blanket like a pro.

So to get started, here is simple, step-by-step process to teach you how to crochet a blanket.

Getting started: Make sure that you have enough yarn. A good rule of thumb is to buy more than enough. Any unused skeins can be returned to the store when you have completed your project, or you can save what is leftover for your next project. The items you will need for your project include two colors of 4-ply medium-weight yarn. You will want about 20 ounces of a light color or choice, and 10 ounces of another, dark color of choice. You will also need a 5mm crochet hook, a yarn needle, a pattern, and measuring tape. Once you have these items in hand, you are ready to go. Here are the basic steps:

Step 1: Decide what size blanket you want, and the colors you want to use. In selecting a blanket size, consider the purpose for which you are making it. is it for a baby, or do you want it to fit on a double bed? For example, most toddler blankets are 36 inches wide and 48 inches long. As far as color, it is best to select two colors with which you want to work. The body of the blanket will be crocheted using the lighter yarn you have selected, and the darker yarn will be used around the edge of the blanket.

Step 2: Look at your yarn label to figure out the number of chains that will be used for the base of your blanket. The measurements given on yarn label are generally given in 4-by-4 inch swatches. So if you are using medium weight yarn, a single 4-by-4 inch swatch that is made using a 5mm hook would be 17 stitches wide. For a blanket that is 36 inches wide, you would have nine 4-by-4 inch swatches, which would be 153 stitches. You would want to add 2 stitches to that number since you will be using double stitches. That would give you a total of 155 chains for the base. (Adjust the number of base chains depending on the size of the blanket you want to crochet).

Step 3: Using the 155 chain example, after you have them complete, you will go to the third chain from your hook and double stitch it. You will then double stitch in each chain going across. You will then count your stitches, and there should be 153 double crochets.

Step 4: You will then chain two stitches from the last stitch on the hook. You will then turn your work, which means you will rotate the piece you are crocheting halfway around in the clockwise direction. When you check it, you will see that the last stitch you worked will now be the first stitch in the row below. You will repeat this step as many times as needed until the piece you are crocheting measures about 48 inches in length.

Step 5: Once you get to the last stitch on your last row, stop before doing the final yarn over that would finish the stitch, and lay a strand of your darker yarn (which will compose the edge of your blanket) across your hook and pull it through the two loops of the lighter yarn that is on your hook. This will change your colors, and also will complete the stitch.

Step 6: Now you are working with the darker color. You will single stitch around the edges of the entire blanket. Upon completion of four single crochets, you will break the lighter colored yarn off, which will leave a tail several inches long. You will then continue to single stitch around the edge of the blanket until you have returned all the way around to the point where you started. You will then use a slip stitch to join your first single stitch and the yarn.

Step 7: For the final stage of your project, you will break off the yarn, and leave a tail several inches long. Bring the tail of yarn through the last loop that remains on your hook. This will secure your work. Finally, use a yarn needle to weave the darker yarn tail into the edging you created with your single crochets, and finish up by also threading the yarn needle with the lighter colored yarn tail and weaving it into the edging.

Once you have crocheted you first blanket, chances are, it will become an activity that you will want to do again and again. The combination of colors are virtually limitless, and your newly crocheted blankets make great gift items for friends and family. Most importantly, have fun as you work on it! Take your time and enjoy the process. This will allow you to enjoy crocheting as a fun, relaxing activity for many years to come.