293. Yellow Blanket Square

Knitting, project 293. Completed 14-Mar-2011

So fuzzy!

PATTERN
Adapted from standard instructions for a corner-to-corner dishcloth

MADE FOR
Shop sample

SIZE
Square (your choice). GAUGE: not important

MATERIALS
Yarn: Worsted weight OR chunky yarn
Knitting needles — US Size 9 (5.5 mm)

Yellow sample square (in photo):

• 1 ball chunky yarn — Plymouth Dreamland Fancy (97% Acrylic, 3% Nylon), 84 yds, 1.75 oz/50g ball.
• US Size 9 (5.5 mm) knitting needle.
• Finished size: 10” square.
• Used 1.25 oz / 60 yards.

Yarn estimates:
Blanket can be either made all in one yarn or as a “stash buster” project with yarns of a similar gauge.
Yarn estimates for a square baby blanket:

• 24 inches each side (stroller): 350 yards — 5 balls Dreamland Fancy
• 30 inches each side (baby): 540 yards — 7 balls Dreamland Fancy
• 33 inches each side (baby): 655 yards — 8 balls Dreamland Fancy
• 36 inches each side (baby): 780 yards — 10 balls Dreamland Fancy

NOTES
Test knitting (“proof of concept”) for a “Dishcloth” Blanket knit on the diagonal (corner-to-corner).

This classic pattern can be used to make either a dishcloth or a baby blanket, depending on your yarn choices. It works up quickly with worsted weight yarn on US 9 needles.

Dishcloth notes
Make a square in 100% cotton worsted weight yarn, and you’ve got a great dishcloth or face cloth. Work until 40 sts (basic size), 50 sts (for face cloth), or 60 sts (jumbo size cloth).

TIP: Cotton yarn is also good for baby bibs: attach I-cords or ribbons to two corners for ties

Optional edging: Work 1 round of single crochet evenly spaced around the edges, and work 3 single crochet in each corner. At the last corner, chain 12 stitches and attach back to the cloth, creating a loop. Work single crochet over the chain to reinforce: sew in ends. Now you can hang the cloth to dry when you are finished using it.

252. 3-Ball Blanket for Baby

Crochet, project 252. Completed 6/10/2010

Color scheme for a boy or a girl

On the blocking board

PATTERN
Adapted from instructions for the “Mini Carriage Blanket”, Copyright 2005, Amy O’Neill Houck (link)

MADE FOR A friend’s baby

SIZE: 18 inches wide x 32 inches long
(16″ x 26″ without border before blocking)

MATERIALS
Yarn: Plymouth Encore Worsted (75% Acrylic, 25% Wool), 100g / 3.5 oz, 200 yds per ball

• Main (MC): 2 balls Color 256: Ecru (used 5 oz / 286 yds)
• Contrast (CC): 1 ball Color 1231: Pale Sage (used all 200 yds)

Crochet Hook: US Size N-15 (10 mm) and P (11.5 mm)

GAUGE: 2 hdc sts and 2 rows = 1 inch

NOTES
Houck says, “This pattern may be printed for your own use, but it may not be distributed in any way without my permission. Feel free to link to the pattern or e-mail the URL.”

228. Denim Baby Blanket

Crochet, project 227. Completed 2/18/2010

FREE PATTERN

On the blocking board

PATTERN
Adapted from instructions by Lisa Lately (link) and Lazy T Crochet (link)

SIZE
20″ across by 26″ long. This is about stroller size: 18″ across

MATERIALS
Yarn:

• Main color (280 yds / 5.8 oz): 2 skeins — Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice Worsted (100% premium acrylic), 85 g / 3 oz, 145 yds. Color: 860-300, Denim Mist.
• Border (46 yds / 0.8 oz): 1 skein — Plymouth Encore Worsted (75% Acrylic, 25% Wool), 100g / 3.5 oz, 200 yds. Color: 194, Gray.

Crochet Hook: US Size I-9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook

GAUGE
Not important. Gauge doesn’t matter, and you can use any type of yarn and whichever hook you like.

NOTES
326 yds total for project.
I edited Row 2 so it works better.

INSTRUCTIONS
It starts with a foundationless double crochet (also called Triple Base Chain Stitch).
The pattern is basically groups of two DC’s, with a single DC at the beginning and end of the row. The single DC’s will be used in the border round.
Note: Ch 2 counts as first DC in the DC rows.

Start with main color yarn. Work in rows.
First Row: 1.    Foundationless double crochet (FDC) the width you want, ending with an even number of DC’s: Ch 1, turn.
Note: I used 54 DC.

Pattern Rows:
2.    Work 1 sc in 1st DC. *ch 2, skip 2 DC, sc in space before next DC; repeat from * across, sc in top of turning chain. Ch 2, turn.
3.    Work 2 DC in each ch-2 loop across. DC in last sc. Ch 1; turn.
Repeat rows 2 and 3 until you reach the desired length. End with row 3, but ch 2, turn.

Last Row: DC in each stitch across, DC in top of turning chain. Ch 2 (or 3), turn.

Border:
The border is worked in rounds.
1.    Round 1: Join new yarn (border color). Ch 2, turn, work DC in each stitch across top. Work 3 DC in top of turning chain for corner.

Side edge: Work 2 DC around each DC post and 1 DC in the end of each sc row, ending with 3 DC in last stitch for corner.

Repeat from * for bottom edge and side edge. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first turning chain. Ch 1. Do not turn.

2.    Round 2: Work sc around, working 3 sc in center DC of each corner. Join with a slip st to first sc. Fasten off. Weave in ends.

Border detail

Kathy’s Blanket

Crochet, project 166. Completed 10/15/2008

Yarn: 3 colors of worsted weight yarn by Red Heart (navy blue, green, and burgundy with a multi-colored yarn for borders and joining). Completed blanket weighs 2 lbs, 6 oz.

Hook: G-7 (4.5 mm) crochet hook

Gauge: Each block was about 8.4″ square

Pattern by Leisure Arts: 63 Easy-to-Crochet Pattern Stitches (Darla Sims)

Finished size: 41 inches x 60 inches

My friend Kathy passed away before she could finish this project for her husband and daughter. As her friend, it was my task to complete it on her behalf. Kathy’s original plan was to make a 7 x 9 block afghan. She left behind 25 blocks. I made 10 additional blocks to finish the design. After joining the blocks, I completed the blanket with 1 round sc.

Purple Striped Baby Blanket (Chunky Yarn)

Free Patterns Copyright Statement: Non-Commercial, Share-Alike

It is my pleasure to share these patterns with the craft community. If you make one of these items, I would love to see a picture of it. This free pattern is not in the public domain. You may not use this pattern for commercial purposes. You may not receive compensation or charge a fee for this pattern or sell items made from this pattern. You may donate items you make from this pattern to charity. You may use items you make from these patterns for charity fundraisers, only if 100% of the money raised from the sale is donated to the charity.

Crochet, project #154. Completed 5/4/2008. Shown below, rotated vertically.

One more Chunky Yarn Baby Blanket in the same stripe pattern as the Neopolitan Baby Blanket, but with cool colors: lime, turquoise, and dark purple. You basically make broad horizontal stripes in this proportion: 1/4 the height in color A (1 ball of chunky yarn), 1/4 the height in B, and 1/2 the height in C. After making this project three times in different colors, I would have to say this is my go-to baby shower present. Parents love that is handmade in their favorite colors and machine-washable. I like that the shells are interesting enough while you make, like a million of them, yet mindless enough to be soothing. There is a nice rhythm to the rows as you crochet the pattern.

Yarn – About 545 yds chunky yarn: 4 balls Plymouth Yarn, Encore Colorspun (75% acrylic, 25% wool), 143 yds, 3.5 oz (100 g).
A: Color 3335, Lime – 1 ball
B: Color 235, Turquoise – 1 ball
C: Color 1384, Dark Purple – 2 balls

Hook: Size J-10 (6 mm) hook
Gauge: 3.5 DC = 1″ on gauge swatch

Finished size: 27″ wide x 27″ long. Close to stroller size, 24″ x 24″

Pattern: Based on crochet prayer shawl information by Kathy Knox, but cast on 92 sts.

Instructions:

With A, chain 92 sts. You will be working across 88 sts (24 shell-like motifs) per row
Row 1: (DC, ch 2, sc) in 4th chain from hook.
Repeat across: *Skip 2 chains, (2DC, ch 2, sc) in next chain*
Row 2: Ch 2, turn. (DC, ch 2, sc) in first chain-2 space.
Repeat across: *(2DC, ch 2, sc) in each chain-2 space*
Repeat row 2 throughout the project.

Change colors as follows:
A (Lime): Work in pattern until you have 6 side shells (section is about 6.5″ tall); change to color B (Turquoise)
B (Turquoise): Work in pattern for 6 side shells (section is about 6.5″ tall); change to color C (Dark Purple)
C (Dark Purple): Work in pattern for 12 side shells (section is about 13″ tall). Work last row.

Last row: Ch 2, turn, *sc in first chain-2 space, chain 2*. End with sc. Finish off last st; trim yarn, leaving about a 6-inch tail. Weave in all ends.

Folded on a rocker, ready for Baby.

Seed Stitch Baby Blanket

Crochet, project #149. Completed 2/6/2008.

Yarn: About 590 yds chunky yarn: 5 balls Plymouth Yarn, Encore Colorspun (75% acrylic, 25% wool), 143 yds, 3.5 oz (100 g).
•    2 balls A: Color 1385, Fuchsia (Bright Pink)
•    1 ball B: Color 029, Baby Pink
•    1 ball C: Color 208, White
•    42 yds — 1 ball D: Color 9601, Red

Hook: Size J-10 (6 mm) hook
Gauge: 3.5 DC = 1″ on gauge swatch

Pattern: Inspired by several knitted Sarah Dallas blankets.

Finished size: 27″ wide x 26″ long. Close to stroller size, 24″ x 24″

Neapolitan Baby Blanket

Crochet, project #148. Completed 1/26/2008.

Several people mentioned that this striped blanket for a baby girl reminds them of Neapolitan ice cream.
You are basically making broad horizontal stripes in this proportion: 1/4 the height in color A, 1/4 the height in B, and 1/2 the height in C.

Yarn – About 500 yds chunky yarn: 4 balls Plymouth Yarn, Encore Colorspun (75% acrylic, 25% wool), 143 yds, 3.5 oz (100 g).
A: 131 yds, Color 208, White – 1 ball
B: 131 yds, Color 029, Baby Pink – 1 ball
C: 241 yds, Color 1385, Fuchsia (Bright Pink) – 2 balls

Hook: Size J-10 (6 mm) hook
Gauge: 3.5 DC = 1″ on gauge swatch

Pattern: See the Chunky Yarn Baby Blanket post.

Finished size: 27″ wide x 27″ long. Close to stroller size, 24″ x 24″

Change colors as follows:
A: Color 208, White: Work in pattern until you have 6 side shells (section is about 6.5″ tall); change to color B (Pink)
B: Color 029, Baby Pink: Work in pattern for 6 side shells (section is about 6.5″ tall); change to color C (Fuchsia)
C: Color 1385, Fuchsia (Bright Pink): Work in pattern for 12 side shells (section is about 13″ tall). Work last row.

Chunky Yarn Baby Blanket

Free Patterns Copyright Statement: Non-Commercial, Share-Alike

It is my pleasure to share these patterns with the craft community. If you make one of these items, I would love to see a picture of it. This free pattern is not in the public domain. You may not use this pattern for commercial purposes. You may not receive compensation or charge a fee for this pattern or sell items made from this pattern. You may donate items you make from this pattern to charity. You may use items you make from these patterns for charity fundraisers, only if 100% of the money raised from the sale is donated to the charity.

Crochet, Project #101

I made this blanket for dear friends expecting their first baby. The Encore Colorspun incorporated the favorite colors of each parent: green and purple. As a bonus for new parents, the yarn is machine washable. The easy, repetitive pattern was quick to stitch up, and the scalloped edges made the square-shape a little more interesting.

Date Finished: 7/31/06

Yarn: 560 yds chunky yarn (buy about 575 yds)
4 balls Encore Colorspun Chunky (75% acrylic, 25% wool); 3.5 oz/100 g, 143 yds. Color #7129: Ocean

Crochet Hook: J-10 (6 mm) hook

Gauge: 3.5 DC = 1″ on gauge swatch

Pattern: Based on information from www.waitingroomministry.com on crochet prayer shawls

Finished size: 25″ wide x 27″ long. Close to stroller size, 24″ x 24″

Approximate cost:
$26, not including tax: $6.45 per ball (Bought 5 skeins but didn’t need the last one)

Project Notes:

• Yarn weight is similar to double-stranded worsted or Lamb’s Pride Bulky (125 yds/4 oz, 3 sts/inch).
• Pattern is multiple of 3 + 1 and creates wavy edge. 24 motifs = 26″ wide; 7 rows = 6″ long
• 1 skein makes a panel about 26″ wide x 6″ long
• Each ball of yarn yielded about 7 rows in pattern.

According to the original site, for a piece 36″ across, use either

• Worsted yarn, J hook and ch 91 to start; or
• Homespun/Chunky yarn, N-15 (10 mm) hook and ch 61 to start

Instructions
Chain 91 sts. You will be working across 88 sts (24 shell-like motifs) per row

Row 1: (DC, ch 2, sc) in 4th chain from hook. Repeat across: *Skip 2 chains, (2DC, ch 2, sc) in next chain*

Row 2: Ch 2, turn. (DC, ch 2, sc) in first chain-2 space. Repeat across: *(2DC, ch 2, sc) in each chain-2 space*

Repeat Row 2 until blanket is mostly square (28 side-scallops).

Last row: Ch 2, turn, *sc in first chain-2 space, chain 2*. End with sc. Finish off last st; trim yarn, leaving about a 6-inch tail. Weave in all ends.

Windowpane Blanket

Knitting, Project #108
This massive blanket project (14 square feet, actually) was finally completed just in time for my baby niece (and her parents, our dear friends R and C) to visit. I started planning it last summer when we first heard our friends were trying to conceive. The prayer shawl stitch was symbolically important, as this baby was very much wanted and planned for and prayed over. Welcome, Hudson! As you can see, this “baby” blanket will still fit you when you are in college.

Date started 3/26/06
Date completed 10/29/06

Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes (100% Peruvian wool), 50 g (1.75 oz) /110 yds. Hand wash, dry flat.

• 5 skeins, Color 1: Red
• 5 skeins, Color 2: Green (Grass)
• 5 skeins, Color 3: Blue (Winter Night)
• 5 skeins, Color 4: Yellow (Daffodil)
• 6 skeins, Border: Black (Coal)

Needles: US Size #10 (6 mm) circular needle (knit back and forth)
US J-10 (6 mm) crochet hook for casting off.

Gauge: 3 sts per inch

Pattern: CD Cooper, using the Prayer Shawl Stitch
Border based on instructions in Mason-Dixon Knitting: The Curious Knitters’ Guide by Kay Gardiner and Ann Meador Shayne. Potter Craft (2006), 160 pages.

Finished size:
Finished borders: 2” between each panel and around the outside edge.
Total size: 42” x 48”. Blanket weighs 2 lbs, 1.8 oz

Leftover yarn (balls are double-stranded):

• Color 1: Red — 2 skeins plus ball of 16 g (~35 yds)
• Color 2: Green — 2 skeins plus ball of 14 g (~31 yds)
• Color 3: Blue — 2 skeins plus ball of 11 g (~24 yds)
• Color 4: Yellow — 1 skein plus ball of 66 g (~145 yds)
• Border: Black — 2 skeins plus ball of 37 g (~81 yds)

Approximate cost: $47
$1.79/skein. Used 26 skeins: 5 skeins each color and 6 skeins for border.

Notes: 2 skeins yarn, working across 57 sts, can make a panel 16” x 8”
Bought 36 skeins of yarn total: 7 skeins of each color and 8 skeins for border.