I chose Tunisian simple stitch for this blanket because it creates a dense, woven-look fabric with more drape than standard crochet, which suits a baby blanket well. This technique works up more slowly than standard crochet, since every row has 2 passes instead of 1, so plan on a multi-session project rather than a weekend. You will need a Tunisian hook for this one, not a standard crochet hook, since the stitches need to sit on the shaft between passes.
Materials
- 3 skeins worsted weight (#4) yarn, about 650 yards total
- 6mm (J-10) Tunisian afghan hook, with a stopper on the end
- Yarn needle, stitch markers
- Finished size: 30 by 34 inches
Abbreviations and stitches used
This pattern uses Tss (Tunisian simple stitch), a forward pass (picking up loops left to right without completing them) and a return pass (working those loops off right to left in pairs). Every row in Tunisian crochet is made of both passes together, not one or the other.
Pattern instructions
Foundation chain and row 1 setup
Chain 91. Forward pass: pick up a loop in the second chain from the hook and each chain across, leaving all loops on the hook (91 loops). Return pass: yarn over and pull through 1 loop, then yarn over and pull through 2 loops repeatedly until 1 loop remains on the hook.
Main body
Row 2 to 68: forward pass, insert the hook under the vertical bar of each stitch across, picking up a loop each time, then return pass as before. This vertical-bar insertion is what creates the distinct woven look this stitch is known for. My gauge with a 6mm hook runs about 3 stitches per inch.
To resize, add or remove chains one at a time from the foundation row, since Tss has no multiple-of-X requirement.
Border and edging
Tunisian fabric curls at the edges more than standard crochet does, so a border here is not optional the way it is on some other blankets. Switch to a standard hook and single crochet 2 rounds around all 4 sides, working 3 sc in each corner, to flatten the curl and finish the edge cleanly. I learned this the hard way on my first Tunisian project, when I skipped the border and ended up with a blanket that would not lie flat.
Frequently asked questions
How many skeins of yarn for a baby blanket?
This pattern uses 3 skeins, about 650 yards, for the 30 by 34 inch finished size. Tunisian simple stitch uses slightly more yarn per square inch than standard hdc because of its dense, woven structure.
What size should a crochet baby blanket be?
This pattern finishes at 30 by 34 inches. See our blanket size chart for other sizing options.
Can beginners crochet a baby blanket?
Tunisian crochet has a real learning curve if you have never worked a forward and return pass before. I would practice on a small swatch first, or start with our Single Crochet Baby Blanket if this is your first blanket ever.
Want a different look?
Try our Crochet Shell Stitch Baby Blanket, or check the blanket size chart to resize this one.
See the shell stitch pattern