I discovered crochet almost two years ago. I was pregnant with my youngest and looking for a new baby blanket. We had been gifted with crocheted blankets for the first two. They were perfect because of the big holes, which made me less nervous about them covering up their faces and suffocating. I checked out Etsy, but they seemed rather expensive and we’re working so hard to pay off debt. In watching a couple tutorials on YouTube, I decided to make a baby blanket my DIY Nesting Project. This pattern for my very first crochet project is super simple and I’ve now used it several times.
The blanket is basically a giant granny square. I watched this YouTube tutorial and just continued for rounds and rounds until the blanket was big enough. I ended up adding a darker color border, but still just using the basic pattern. You make small squares with three double crochet, chain one, and repeat. You do three double crochet, chain three, three double crochet in the corner spaces. That’s really about it!
For my most-recent blanket, I tried alternating two different colors. I did two rounds of baby blue, followed by two rounds of light green, and so on.
The only difference between the rounds is how to start a new one. The way you do that alternates with each round. You either start by chaining three (as your first double crochet).
Or, you chain four, which becomes the last double crochet and the chain one, once you get to the end.
This is the finished product right now. I may go back and add a border to it. Any suggestions are very welcome.
I also used this pattern to make a baby blanket for a dear friend who is expecting a little girl any day now. For her blanket, I used a light pink yarn, with white stripe and border.
The border for her blanket was just a simple double crochet all the way around.
Crochet is such a great hobby. I find it relaxing and, at the same time, feel productive because of the creations made while watching television or riding in the car. I’ve been spending time making a variety of items for a craft sale coming up in November. My hope is that I can put the profits toward Christmas expenses, although I certainly plan to do a number of DIY presents again this year and even crochet a few gifts too.
If you’re new to crochet, this blanket is a great first project. Please share the finished project or feel free to contact me if you need any help.
Awesome blankets! My wife took a group class for cheap to teach her how to crochet and she’s been doing it ever since. It’s great for gifts and blankets etc for us. Right now she’s branching out and trying to make a sweater for a gift to our niece.
The Green Swan recently posted…The Swan Life: September 2016
Thanks! Good for her. I haven’t tried any sweaters just yet. Make sure that she shares a picture of the finished project in her next update post!
Thanks Harmony. Those look professionally made! I’ve gotta get back to YouTube videos to try again. Green Swan, did your wife take the class you mentioned in Charlotte?
Mrs Groovy recently posted…If No One from the Fab Five Steps Up, the Groovy Two are Screwed
You’re so sweet! I was happy that they turned out so well. The pink one was for a very special friend. My little guy is really attached to his blanket – it feels awesome that he loves something that I worked so hard on for him <3
Wow those blankets are beautiful!!! When are you opening your etsy store 🙂
Mustard Seed Money recently posted…The Dream: House with a Pool
Thank you! I’m going to try the craft show for now, but am willing to take orders via email and PayPal 🙂
Beautiful! My attempt to learn crochet from some friends was unsuccessful. I guess it wasn’t surprisingly since I’m pretty thoroughly not crafty. But I treasure the blankets our kids have received as gifts. They really are the best!
Kalie @ Pretend to Be Poor recently posted…Not Your Mom’s Meal Planning
Thank you <3 Maybe crochet just isn't the craft for you - to each their own, right? I do hope that my creations bring joy to others!
My grandmothers both loved to crochet and I have blankets that both of them made. This brings back good memories 🙂
Money Beagle recently posted…Who Are Your Joneses?
That’s so sweet. What precious gifts for you to hold on to!