I designed this blanket to be the most forgiving repeat on the site, one where a slightly uneven stitch here or there just blends into the texture instead of standing out. This is a general-purpose easy blanket rather than a newborn-specific one, so it suits any age from newborn through toddler with a simple resize. Most people finish it over a weekend or 2 evenings.
Materials
- 3 skeins worsted weight (#4) yarn, about 600 yards total
- 5mm (H-8) hook
- Yarn needle, stitch markers
- Finished size: 34 by 34 inches
Almost any worsted weight yarn substitutes well here, since the stitch pattern is simple enough to be forgiving of small gauge differences.
Abbreviations and stitches used
This pattern uses ch (chain) and hdc (half double crochet) only, by design. There is no special stitch to learn, which is exactly what makes this the default recommendation for any beginner regardless of the exact age of the baby it is for.
Pattern instructions
Foundation chain and row 1 setup
Chain 103. Row 1: hdc in the third chain from the hook and each chain across (101 hdc). This chain count can shift by any number of stitches to resize, since hdc has no multiple-of-X requirement.
Main body
Row 2 to 78: ch 2, turn, hdc in each stitch across. My gauge with a 5mm hook runs about 3 stitches per inch, which gives the 34 inch width above at 101 stitches. Because every row repeats the same instruction, this pattern is easy to pick back up after setting it down for a few days. I have set this exact blanket aside for a full month before and picked it right back up without losing my place.
To resize, add or remove chains from the foundation row one at a time, since there is no stitch multiple to track.
Border and edging
Join yarn in any corner. Single crochet evenly around all 4 sides, working 3 sc in each corner. Join with a slip stitch, fasten off, and weave in the last end. I add a second sc round here if I want a slightly heavier edge, though one round is plenty for most gifts I make.
Frequently asked questions
How many skeins of yarn for a baby blanket?
This pattern uses 3 skeins, about 600 yards, for the 34 by 34 inch finished size. Buy a 4th skein if you want to size up for an older baby or toddler.
What size should a crochet baby blanket be?
This pattern finishes at 34 by 34 inches, though it resizes easily since there is no stitch multiple to work around. See our blanket size chart for other common dimensions.
Can beginners crochet a baby blanket?
Yes, this pattern was built specifically to be forgiving for a first attempt. If a stitch runs slightly tight or loose, the plain hdc repeat hides it far better than a textured stitch pattern would.
Want a different look?
Try our Crochet Blanket for Newborn pattern, or check the blanket size chart to resize this one.
See the blanket size chart